Here's how you can foster confident public speaking through teamwork.

Encourage open and honest communication among team members allow them to express their thoughts, concerns and ideas, foster psychological safe environment, cultivate culture of mutual respect and empathy Encouraging team members to provide constructive feedback to each other focus on specific behavior and area of improvements, acknowledge and celebrate progress and success, boost motivation Stress the importance of continuous learning and improvement Set up shared goals and objectives that align with team mission and vision, encourage collaboration on project and tasks allow team member to leverage each other strength and expertise Offer training and development opportunities, pair team members with mentor and coaches for guidance support

Teamwork is a great asset to strengthening public speaking skills within the team. In one of my leadership roles, I assigned a public speaking topic to a team member every month. The team member prepares the presentation with the support from one or two team members. This is fosters trust and a positive working dynamics within the team.

It is important for team members to plan their individual goals and work towards their personal public speaking objectives. Training should be provided to effectively manage anxiety and stress related to public speaking. Team members should have opportunities to practice speaking to diverse groups, building adaptability and confidence. Cultivate a fearless mindset, ensuring each member believes in their progress and direction with respect to public speaking.

During the presentation, the wider team provides constructive feedback that supports the growth of their team mates. There is a common understanding that it will be their own turn soon and the monthly initiative is steered towards their personal growth. Feedback is also given on how to provide constructive feedback. Overall, the mock presentation is a growth experience for the presenter as well as those giving feedback.

There is NO MAGIC FORMULA when it comes to TEAMWORK. Going back to basics on WHO DOES WHAT WHEN AND HOW. Remember: CLARITY OF roles & responsibilities cannot be taken for granted & each member understands WHY the others have those roles. As an effective leader, you must inculcate the good practice of role play to demonstrate HOW & WHY the team needs to work COHESIVELY & SING THE SAME SONG FROM THE SAME SONG SHEET! Putting role play to PRACTISE each day ENHANCES camaraderie & empathy within your team. This gives each member equal chances to practise his/her speeches & messages. They should also practise ROLE SWITCHING to allow each member a chance to EMPATHISE the other person's roles. Through time, TEAMWORK SPIRIT will be in their DNAs.

I recommend finding 3-4 other public speakers who are in the same stage of their career as you and form a Speaker Mastermind where you meet regularly (monthly, weekly) and learn together. You can share wins, speaking opportunities, articles, books and podcasts that can benefit the whole group. You can also attend conferences together where you all can learn together. There does not have to be any geographical limits for group members based on the technology we have available.

Assigning a mock public speaking activity round robin among team members is a great way to foster teamwork particularly in building trust within the team while achieving personal growth. The presenter and audience learn to support one another as all are aware that the activity is a mutual learning opportunity.