Why Public Speaking is an Essential Online Skill Nowadays

As more and more people take to online platforms for meetings, vlogs, coaching sessions, webinars or to create memes of their COVID-19 experiences, here’s an old essay of mine that may be useful when you decide to create audio-visual content…

I was a shy, quiet girl in my childhood. My family and relatives urged me to speak more, they would often say, ‘Ritika, we haven’t heard your voice yet.’

And I’d move away, unsure, reluctant, hiding behind my mother’s sari… not really knowing what to say and why.

In my later years too, I was always more of a listener than a speaker. Someone had to keep the balance right! I also felt I gained more value that way… There was so much to learn from the voices around me.

I was in absorption mode, you could say, a sponge for what other people had to say.

Once I became a journalist and interviewer my approach got reinforced — I was on the receiving end… I asked questions and waited patiently for the answers.

I paid attention, took notes, probed deeper… All with an aim to allow the other person to talk some more.

My job was to tell the other person’s story. I was merely a sutradhar, a narrator. Moreover, my chosen medium was the written one… I was sure my penmanship would take care of the rest.

So, I kept my voice to myself. Of course, I used it functionally — networked, promoted my work, represented my company, and spoke my mind at meetings and otherwise.

But, all along, not once did I pay attention to the real power of the spoken word. I always felt my intelligence, kindness, clarity of intent, and hard work would do the trick…

Little did I realise, that to be an effective creative, it also helps to be a good speaker. What I knew in my head or wrote was not enough, I had to talk about what I knew.

I had to put power in my words, give wings to my views.

I had to convey my thoughts in a meaningful way, make an impact in my conversations, and when I addressed larger gatherings…

But, more importantly, I had to speak slowly and clearly. Because clarity of thought shows clarity of purpose. And, yes, it can be as simple as that.

Because, the one who talks clearly is the one who knows her mind. She is not afraid to put money where her mouth is.

The philosopher Descartes once said, ‘I think, therefore I am’. I take this a step further — I speak, therefore I believe.

What you say is thus a reflection of what you believe in. People talk because they have a point of view, and feel strongly about sharing it... They aren’t afraid to be quoted and held to their words.

You take a man for his words right? You hold him to them. He becomes accountable. He stands by what he says, and eventually becomes ‘a man of his words’.

Speaking and speaking clearly is by far one of the most powerful skills one can have when creating online content.

Like most other skills, it needs to be worked upon for more effectiveness and impact. For this one needs clarity, conviction and knowledge of the subject you speak on.

One should also be mindful while talking, and ensure the message has meaning and substance, as well as energy and the power to engage.

All these attributes require work, but will come once you decide to take on the onerous task of public speaking, and practice it every opportunity you get.

To stand out among all the online content available nowadays, one needs to fine-tune many public speaking skills, important among them are - command over the language, clear diction, and the ability to spice up messages with story-telling and sound research.

Also, one has to train the voice to sound both clear and forceful, without shouting, nor too soft and demure that it’s inaudible.

You have to retain your personality, still animate your content…pay attention to an audience’s attention span, still know when your message is not complete.

Thus, the art of making good online content like anything else needs a lot of focus, time and attention, but once your content gains traction, it’s a great way to grow your business, hone your skills, and enhance your personality.

I’ve just begun my journey of creating YouTube videos, and learning by trial and error. I’d love to have your views and suggestions on them.

Here’s one I kinda like…

The article was first published on Common Sense Living, a digital publication with new-age lifestyle and wealth-building ideas.

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