“I just love to talk.”
 
“Everyone tells me that I should be a speaker”
 
Do any of those statements sound familiar?
 
The mere fact that you are reading this post tells me there is something within you that yearns to fulfill what you have been told over and over again and that you know is true about you: you want to be a professional speaker.
 
Those statements were true of me as well. I found that communicating my thoughts in ways that inspired people and in some cases persuaded them, came easy for me. It felt natural.
 
I know that this was something I was born to do. 
 
However, just because others have seen what it is I know within and it is something I feel strongly about, doesn’t necessarily qualifies me to be a great public speaker.
 
At one time I thought it did until I’ve watched or listened to great speakers on YouTube or in person. When I listen to the likes of Les Brown or Tony Robbins or you name them, I realize that I had work to do. Granted, many of those speakers have been at it for years and they ought to be darn good at it or give it up. So, I’m not comparing because it wouldn’t be fair.
 
Many times this is what so many people do: they compare their beginning with someone’s middle or two-thirds. It’s crazy to do that and it puts a burden on them that they can’t and should not have to bear.
 
So, how can a person become a great public speaker in 2017. Here are 5 Indisputable Ways I have identified.
 

1. Be passionate about speaking

Obviously it will take more than passion. You, like me, may already have this. I’ going to assume you do. If you don’t have the passion, stop reading. This post is not for you.

What is passion? 

The dictionary definition of the word passion is: a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything

I like this particular definition because it captures in a strong manner the requirements necessary to pursue what it is you’re most passionate about.

Do you have a strong fondness or enthusiasm for seeking to impact people and even influence them through speaking?

If so, you have one of the most important ingredients for becoming a great public speaker.

 
 
As stated above, becoming a great public speaker takes more than passion. You can have a strong desire for a career in public speaking but you need to refine your craft.
 
Refining the craft of speaking takes time. I’ve found that it requires a structured and systematic approach as well.
 
One of the most helpful and cost effective ways I’ve found is to join a local Toastmasters International group. 
 
I’ve been a member of my local group for about six years and I can attest to the fact that this is one of the best investments I’ve made.
 
Not only is it a structured environment that takes you from the most basic speaking skills to the most advanced, but it provides in-house feedback from other members. 
 
My speaking has been made a whole lot better as a result.
 
And may I add, you are able to create long term relationship with other members
 
3. Watch other speakers live and online
 
As I alluded to previously, watching and learning from other professional speakers will help you develop some of the skills needed for speaking. The only problem with this method by itself is that you might not know what to look for.
 
With some knowledge of what makes for effective speaking – eye contact, body language / movements, tonality, pauses, vocal variety, etc. (btw: some of these are Toastmasters terms), you can learn a ton from watching great speakers.
 
I would suggest you make time to watch and listen to the best of TED (Technology, Education, and Design) found on YouTube. You will see some of the best speakers presenting at these events.
 
Armed with your notepad, you can look for what they do to connect with the audience for the applause, laughter, or any other emotions or behavior. Listen to how they tell stories.
 
These are just a few of the suggestions as you watch and listen to other speakers.
 
4. Speak often
 
I cannot over emphasize this point. You can watch as many videos as possible, attend countless Toastmasters meeting and every thing else suggested here, but if you aren’t speaking, you’ll never develop your speaking muscles.
 
That is one of the beauty of being a part of Toastmasters. They will give you many opportunities to speak. 
 
Once you feel comfortable speaking and feel like you have a message, look for opportunities to speak at local events such as your place of worship, library, Rotary clubs, etc. 
 
Whatever you do, speak, speak, speak.
 
5. Record your speeches and watch them
 
Many people do not like to see themselves on cameras or hear themselves on a recording. Too bad. Get over it if you are one of those people.
 
Get used to your voice. Your voice is what it is, use it. It is unique and can be your differentiator as a speaker.
 
I’m an immigrant living in the United States. I have an accent that is more pronounced at times. Many people tell me they hardly notice but they do hear the difference.
 
I used to get hung up on that but once I owned it as my own, which it is, I use it to my advantage.
 
By recording your speech and seeing and hearing yourself, you’ll be able to see and hear what improvements to make. It’s even better when you can have someone who understands the art of speaking, give you helpful feedback.
 
This is one of the things I do as a speech coach. I help people make necessary changes based upon watching and listening to their recording. If you need me to help you with this and other areas of your speaking career, connect with me HERE. This leads me to my last point below.
 
6. Hire a Speaking Coach
 
There are coaches for almost every area of personal development. Not surprising there are coaches who specializes in speaking. 
 
I do not advertise myself as a speech coach because that is not the only career that I focus on. It does fall under the umbrella of what I do overall – Career Change or Transition Coaching.
 
Having competed and won over twenty trophies for speaking and evaluation – giving feedback to speakers, I know what is to look for in great speeches.
 
At some point I could see myself hiring a speech coach to help me with certain aspects of my speaking so I could go to the next level. I believe in coaching. I’ve seen the power of coaches.
 
If you are interested in working with me as your coach, reach out to me HERE and let’s see how I can help you become a great public speaker.
 
 
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