“Don’t be mousy!” my mother used to tell me when I hid in her shadow. Okay – not exactly an affirmative statement, but I get the point. As a young child, I was timid in many social situations.
From time to time, the importance of good public speaking skills comes up in many areas of our lives. Chances are, you’ll have to speak in public at some point – to educate, to raise awareness of an issue, to give an oral presentation at school or on the job.
Now, I’m not talking about speaking just for the sake of being heard. Most of the time, we should be listening to others. But when the opportunity arises, and your heart begins to pound, and you start to tremble, that’s probably the precise time you should be speaking. Because that feeling, I believe, is God’s call to courage.
When we hear something that doesn’t sit right, that makes us angry, the Spirit of God in you may be getting riled up. Other times, you may feel a spark of inspiration, creativity and excitement. The Spirit may be prompting you to start a movement. Don’t quench that enthusiasm! We’re tempted to diminish it. Speak it into the airwaves; it might be contagious. Heaven knows what can be achieved once you light the spark. Friends, we cannot be forces for good if we allow the force of fear to defeat us.
Of course, it’s tough to be the first to say something. Remember, if you are thinking something, others are likely thinking it too. So, open your mouth! “The mouth will say what is in the heart” (Luke 6:45b WE).
The good news is, public speaking is a learnable skill. Here are several tips that will help you improve.
Start Small
If everyday face-to-face conversation is difficult for you, start small. Remember those very good words: Please. Thank you. I’m sorry. I love you… Make eye contact and say them.
Breath Deep and Gather Your Thoughts
There are right ways and wrong ways to get your point across. When a topic arises that you really care about, check your demeanor. Others can benefit from your knowledge, but keep in mind you bring an emotional component to the subject. Save your streams of consciousness for safe spaces. In other words, mind your p’s and q’s.
Capture Attention
People want to hear your opinion on the matter. You may think yourself a solitary man or woman, yet when you drum up the boldness to speak, others come out of the woodwork. Your courage emboldens others.
Challenge Your Negative Inner Dialogue
We envision rejection. This can be debilitating. Don’t self-sabotage. Change your mindset and visualize success.
Cultivate Trust
Be authentic and vulnerable. Convey the emotions you feel, e.g. disappointment, frustration. Others will relate to you, and you will make allies.
Develop Your Confidence
Push yourself. Believe in yourself. You have the ability to make change, so convert your nerves into positive energy.
Bear in Mind, It’s Not About You
Have you ever been at a loved one’s memorial, and you shy away from sharing a beautiful memory with the guests because you don’t want to leave a poor impression of yourself? You feel inadequate. You’re afraid you will deliver it badly and trip over your words. Guess what. It doesn’t matter. There are times you just need to get over yourself. Your message is more important.
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent”
― Madeleine K. Albright
To make a positive difference for others, good communication is essential. Crowds are intimidating, but with practice, you can become more comfortable. You will improve. When watching myself give a student commencement speech, I recognize I need to smile more. I simply noted this and will be sure to do so next time I give a public address. Here’s a short clip:
Leave a comment with your best, worst, most recent, most memorable or most meaningful public speaking experience. Really. Do it. Don’t be mousy!