Speaking to Influence

It’s that time of year when we think about our personal development for the year ahead.

What skill can you work on that will improve your performance and success in multiple areas? I believe that improving your spoken word communication, will help you develop and excel in many ways including: Boosting your confidence, raising your presence and visibility, enhancing your personal brand, developing your charisma, and building your credibility and leadership influence.

As a leader you want to be visible, self-assured and a great communicator. You've a got a message to share, and an opportunity to share it by giving public speeches. Whether your message is about business, a cause you care about, or some other type of communication—your message won't be well received if you don't present it well. If you're not already an excellent public speaker, or you consider yourself to be ordinary, why not master the art of public speaking to become outstanding?

All the world's a stage - William Shakespeare

Three ways to get better at public speaking

Speak More

Say yes to every opportunity to speak, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Be proactive and strategically seek out opportunities to speak. Don't wait to be asked or until you feel you are more experienced. Do it now! Speaking is serving, and there are people who will benefit from hearing your message.

Get a coach and be coachable

If you want to fast track your spoken word communication, then work with a coach. I recommend you choose a coach who is a not only a skilled teacher of the craft, but also is in the public speaking arena themselves at a professional level. When you are coachable you are ready to do what it takes to excel including, putting in the work to self-review, prepare and practice. You are open to listening to feedback and willing to take a look at your own performance in order to improve it. When you commit to the work and you have the right coach you will get results and experience a transformation.

Practice often

There are no shortcuts to practice. It takes time to become masterful at public speaking and it requires dedicated and targeted practice. The 10,000 hours rule coined by Malcom Gladwell was taken out of context and is widely misquoted. It's quality practice rather than the time spent doing something. When I wanted to learn to play golf, I couldn't find a left-handed coach. I practiced and practiced, but still didn't improve. When I eventually found the right coach, my technique improved. I had been putting in the hours but I had been practicing the wrong thing.

Not sure if a public speaking coach is right for you? I am happy to have a chat with you to find out what your current level of speaking is and what your goals are. Book a time to chat here or drop me an email [email protected]

Upcoming Public Speaking and Business Storytelling workshops in Perth. If you'd prefer to host an on-site session for your team, call me to chat about customised training.

Feb 5 - Cedric Street Stirling 9:30 - 4:30 Public Speaking & Business Storytelling for Leaders includes lunch and 1:1 follow up 60 minute coaching session find out more

Feb 13 - Joondalup 9:30 - 12:30 Introduction to Public Speaking for Business find out more

February 16 - 1 - 4:30 pm Perth Storytelling Workshop find out more here

March 19 - 9:30 - 4:30 Public Speaking & Business Storytelling for Leaders includes lunch and 1:1 follow up 60 minute coaching session find out more here

March 24 Stories From The Heart? is a regular live storytelling event with all profits going to charity. Tickets are on sale for the next event here

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How can I help you?

Lisa Evans is a professional speaker, spoken word consultant and business storytelling expert.

If you are looking for a keynote speaker for your next event I speak on communication and business storytelling.

If you would like to work with an experienced certified speaker coach to help prepare for your pitch, award acceptance speech or conference presentation then let's chat about working together. 

If you’d like a complimentary analysis of your speaking style and content then send me a message. 

As a Certified World Class Speaking and Storytelling Coach, I’ll help you mine, refine and deliver captivating stories for your business or brand. Whether it is the boardroom, platform, podium or stage, I will help you craft a powerful presentation with compelling business stories that are hard to forget.

Would you like a complimentary copy of my book Speaking Savvy: The Art of Speaking and Storytelling? Send me a message.

Are you interested in being featured in a multi-author book in 2019? Stories From The Heart? reached #1 in several Amazon categories when launched last month. I am seeking heart-centrered business owners who are interested in getting published for the next in the series. 

If you are an aspiring female speaker who would like to get visible, get booked and get paid what you are worth, then you may be interested in my exclusive mentoring program She Speaks. The program is for women who are serious about speaking professionally. You can find out more about the program here

Read more of my articles on LinkedIn