How To Learn Public Speaking?

How to learn public speaking?


Hmm…I see that you have decided to learn public speaking in spite of my warnings in my last blog. Way to go! I’m sure the next question that cross your mind is, “How do I begin? How to learn public speaking? Where do I start?”


Fear not. You can start anywhere. There are no right or wrong answers. You can learn any skill by choosing methods which suit you well. Here are some suggestions on ways to learn public speaking. 

Some of the suggestions may work for you but may not work for others and vice versa. Please go through the list of suggestions and decide for yourself.

   Read books on public speaking.

Do you remember what I told you in my last blog? I warned you that in the process of learning this skill, you will make many mistakes. Therefore, the best way to minimise mistakes is by gaining as much information as possible. 

One effective way to get information is by reading books. Even in this new high tech world of ours, there are still many good books in the market. The books were written by professional public speakers and experienced trainers. You can read anything you want about public speaking. The choices are endless!

  Online blogs and YouTube

If you have no time to get a good book or perhaps you do not like to read a book, you can always surf the internet. You can still gain information regarding public speaking by reading blogs (like mine), read articles online and watch YouTube.

Again, there are many good blogs, articles and videos online which teach people how to speak in public. Some good blogs are written by experienced public speakers like Andrew Dlugan, Nick Morgan, John Zimmer and many others. You can also watch people giving a speech or tutorial on YouTube. Watch, listen and learn!

   Grab any chances to speak

Public speaking is a skill. It is the act of giving a speech in public. Thus, the way to learn public speaking is of course by speaking! Once you have obtained enough information on public speaking (by reading books or by surfing the internet), it is time to be in action. Challenge yourself. Take any opportunity to speak in front of people. 

For example, speak up during meetings or volunteer yourself to give presentations at work or during class. You can also give a speech during your best friend’s wedding or a farewell party. The idea here is for you to practice the skill over and over again. The more you deliver a speech, the better you will become. Simple!

    Join public speaking clubs.

If you have the time and able to commit yourself to a club, then join a public speaking club like toastmasters. Toastmasters International is a non-profit organisation that operates clubs around the world and helping their members to improve their leadership and communication skills. 

Speaking from my own experience, joining a Toastmasters Club helped me to learn pubic speaking skills effectively. It is also a great way to meet people and make new friends. 

If you are interested, go to any Toastmasters club meeting near your place and find out what it is all about. You have to pay membership fee if you wish to join the club. I suggest that you visit the club (see if you like it) and attend meeting first before you decide to join.

     Attend public speaking classes or workshop.

If you want to learn the skills faster, you can search for a public speaking class or workshop near your place. Bear in mind that usually you need to pay for the classes. Some of these classes may be a bit expensive for you. 

You can also consider attending a class or workshop organised by professional speakers or public speaking trainers. Please get the right information about the class or workshop before you decide to join any.

   Learn the skills from a friend

Life should not be so rigid. Like I said before, you can choose any method you like. You can also choose anyone to teach you. If you have a friend or someone you know who is a good speaker, do not hesitate to ask for their help and guidance. 

A good teacher or a good coach is someone who truly understands you. If you are willing to learn, anyone will be willing to teach. Remember what I wrote in my last blog? It requires a lot of work and perseverance.

So, what do you think? Have you found the right method for you? Don’t worry too much. Don’t plan too much. Just start. You will know what to do as you go along. One thing is certain; I will be here to give you some tips and pointers. 

You will never walk alone.



Written by : Intan Salwana Anis
@2017 Public Speaking Is Cool. All Rights Reserved.
 

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