Verbal communication. We all do it each and every day from the time we are old enough to speak. But is public speaking a skill worth practising?Will social media become so powerful that the need for face to face interaction will become a distant means of communication?
I have two school aged children. Both are on Facebook and they both Tweet. My youngest son writes a blog. They both text. They both play on gaming systems. They have computers and are network savvy. But can they speak to our next door neighbours, carry on enlightening conversations with their friends' parents and tell a great story when given the chance? YES THEY CAN!
Why? Because I believe that while keeping current with today’s communication technology and trends is vital, being able to verbally communicate on a human personal level supersedes all! Unless you are destined for a one man job in which you will have little or no communication with other human beings, the skill of being able to verbally communicate your message to others will continue to be relevant so long as human interaction is alive and well.
Do you think you will never need to speak in public? Here is a list of times when you’ll be glad you have practised this skill:
Your first (or 20th) dateYour first (or 20th) job interview
Speaking at your brother's wedding
Presenting your grade 11 verbal marketing assignment
Talking at your best friend's funeral
Accepting an award
Participating in business meetings
In the next month I will be a judge at the local community and district student public speaking competitions sponsored by the Lions Club. I can’t wait to listen to students from Grade 3 through 12 stand up in the front of the room and speak on topics that are of interest to them. They are all winners for simply gathering the courage to stand up and speak; something that many adults would not even consider doing as a last resort. I will praise them all, listen with intent and tell them to keep speaking, keep practising and continue to find and speak about their passions in life!
Here are 3 easy tips to improve your speaking skills:
1. Speak Loud, Clear and Slow so listeners can hear and understand you.
2. Speak with Passion, using expression to emphasize parts that mean the most to you.
3. Engage your audience. Stay Enthusiastic and Know Your Topic! Make them want to hear more from you.
Start speaking, it’s contagious!
Barb Bruce – MyRadius Consulting Services
Looking for tips on how to improve your verbal communication and public speaking skills? Contact your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of groups in your area that focus on public speaking.
