The Life Benefits of Public Speaking Part 2: Putting it into Practice
In a previous post I wrote on the life benefits of public speaking and hopefully inspired you to take action in learning how to gain these skills yourself. In this post I will be walking you through the 3 keys to becoming a skilled public speaker. These are less steps as they are keys. They will open the doors, but your journey once you pass through will be far more long and adventurous than 3 easy steps to success. This is not a sprint you are embarking upon. It is a marathon.
This post is divided into three parts, each of equal significance. These should all be tasks you put into action immediately instead of 1, then 2, then 3. They all work together to create the perfect atmosphere and condition for you to become that influential speaker that you aspire to be. You will need training, study, and involvement. These three pillars will be the foundation on which your public speaking future is formed.
Training - Finding a Mentor
Motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “My mentor said, ‘Let’s go do it,’ not ‘You go do it.”
The benefits of having a mentor or coach are countless. For one, they are a support system that will back you up and encourage you. Additionally, they will give you the hard truth and constructive criticism you need to become better. Mostly though, they will be a doorway for you to reach success, for they have already been where you are and have succeeded. Mentors are shortcuts to where you wish to go in life. They allow you to learn from their mistakes without having to make them yourself.
When it comes to choosing a mentor or coach there are many places to find them. Organizations such as DFW, JP University, and so many more, offer coaches and training virtually online for you to learn from some of the best speakers in the world from any location and at any time.
In addition to these recognized experts, I strongly recommend finding a local mentor. You may be asking yourself, where in the world could I find a local speech mentor? Most likely you don’t live next door to Nick Vujicic, Simon Sinek, or Oprah Winfrey. Or perhaps you do and in that case, can we become besties?
Chances are you probably don’t have the ability to take the 10 Ted Talk speakers out for coffee. As disheartening as that is, I guarantee you that there are far more mentor worthy prospects in your life than you probably know. Think of a local teacher, pastor, county politician, business owner, or manager. These are just a few examples of people who have to use their public speaking skills quite often, if not daily, in their work field. You are most likely related to someone like this or close family friends. If not, there is nothing wrong with taking the step to create that connection on your own. Whether you already know this potential mentor or you find a way to reach out to them I promise you that nine times out of ten they will be honored to help you reach success in this skill.
One of the greatest things about mentors is that you can have more than one. In fact, I would encourage you to reach out to and have multiple mentors. There is never such a thing as too many views and perspectives on life. The more perspectives you have the better view you yourself can have on life and the more grounded your choices will become.
Study
“The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work” - Michael Jackson
Remember how bummed you just were when I told you that you couldn’t take the top 10 Ted Talk speakers out for coffee? Well, you actually can. It’s called modern day technology and the internet. You have access to countless hours on content (often free) that you can learn from. Wish you could have known Steve Jobs? (Me too). Wish you could go to a class by David P.J. Phillips on storytelling? Wish you could attend a Ted talk conference? You can!
Resources such as Dr. Matt McGarrity’s free course, Introduction to public speaking, the free audio podcast of The Art of Public Speaking by the Author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, and so much more. Just google “free public speaking resources” and you will be blown away by the knowledge you possess at your fingertips.
During my speech and debate experience I moved to a different state each year in high school which means I never had an actual coach. And yet I marathoned at Nationals my first year. I don’t say that to toot my own horn but to show you that there is no excuse when it comes to learning. You have all the tools you need at your fingertips. My main sources of building my skill base in public speaking was by watching endless hours of Ted Talks, Youtube, and finding every person I could who had any experience in this field. If I can do it, so can you.
Involvement
The world is a university and everyone is a teacher.” - T.D. Jakes
This world we live in is made up of some amazing people, and when I say some I mean all of us. This journey you are on to gain public speaking skills and overcome the fear of stepping outside of your comfort zone is not one you have to walk alone. There are many like minded, amazing people out there, just like you, who you can link arms with and march beside. The benefits of finding a group go far beyond simply learning tips and tricks. They create an atmosphere that allows you to feel safe while facing your fears. Having a team will make your journey far easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you choose to join a group or a club will depend on your age. As a student you would more likely join a club for your grade level as an extracurricular activity. Thankfully for those of us who are past this age group there are still many groups we can join where like minded adults come together to further their education.
You can find groups or clubs online such as Toastmasters (for adults), NCFCA (for students), and many more. I would also highly recommend finding a local in-person club or group where you can join and interact with others. Many of these online clubs have physical groups you can join. All it takes is a google search in your local area.
Action - Building on the three pillars
“Information is power only if you can take action with it.” Daniel Burrus
If you put the effort into finding a mentor, studying the experts, and finding a club but never actually step out in public and speak, it will all be for not. This information you have gained can only become a power if you take action with it. Knowing how to speak doesn't make you a speaker. Actually speaking makes you a speaker. Mentors, studying, and clubs will only prepare you for speaking but they will never make you a speaker.
Now don’t run off and sign up for a Ted Talk just yet. There are many smaller steps you can take to get your feet wet. Some of them you might not even think of as public speaking. You could ask your local church if you could teach the children’s Sunday school, ask to present an idea in your local club or at work, or even ask a group of friends over to hear your ideas on a topic you’re all interested in. Beyond this, there are multiple speech and debate leagues that will offer you the opportunity to share before actual judges and allow you to compete against other learning presenters. If you join a club you will be given these opportunities, however I would strongly encourage you to go beyond these group activities and branch out to use your skills in all areas of your life
However you choose to speak, the key is to actually do so.
Conclusion
Now that you know the keys to success the next step is to put these pillars in place and watch as your public speaking skills build upon your firm foundation. From here on out your journey will involve constantly studying to gain greater understanding, going to mentors to find new techniques, practicing and being encouraged in your clubs and small groups, and actually putting these skills to action in your own captivating and influencing presentations.
Who knows, maybe one day you will become someone else’s mentor, group leader, or even the expert Ted Talk speaker who they wish they could take out for coffee.