What do you do if your emotional intelligence is lacking as a public speaker?

2 Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It can help you improve your EI by enhancing your self-awareness, reducing stress, and increasing your emotional balance. You can practice mindfulness by doing meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga. You can also practice mindfulness during your speech preparation and delivery. For example, you can observe your thoughts and feelings before, during, and after your speech, and notice how they affect your performance. You can also pay attention to your body language, voice, and gestures, and how they convey your emotions to your audience.

4 Learn from others

Another way to improve your EI and your public speaking skills is to learn from others who have more experience or expertise. You can watch or listen to other speakers who inspire you, and analyze how they use their EI to engage their audience, convey their message, and handle challenges. You can also join a public speaking club or group, where you can interact with other speakers, share your experiences, and get support and advice. Learning from others can help you expand your knowledge, develop new skills, and gain confidence and motivation.

5 Apply your EI skills

The final and most important step to improve your EI and your public speaking skills is to apply what you have learned and practiced in real situations. You can look for opportunities to speak in public, such as at work, school, or community events. You can also volunteer to speak on topics that you are passionate about, or that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. Applying your EI skills can help you overcome your fears, improve your performance, and achieve your goals as a public speaker.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?