PUBLIC SPEAKING AND LEADERSHIP

Communication plays a vital role in all spheres of life. If there is no communication, it would be difficult to influence, advice or motivate people.

Apart from one to one communication, some of us may have to speak before small or large group of audience. This gives nervousness and goose bumps to most of the people even after a lot of experience.

When we say the word ‘leader’, what comes to our mind? A politician who is trying to win people to vote for him. We always consider a leader as someone helping others move towards the right path. Leaders give direction to their team and create visualization for opportunity.

It is very important for a leader to have a command over public speaking skills. Why? Here are the reasons:

1. Best leaders are those with whom people can connect. Win their confidence by being honest with them. And this would not be possible without fine public speaking skills. You must be able to communicate well with them so they are able to connect well.
2. As a leader, you need to speak in such a powerful way so that you can change their point of view the way you want to. You must know how to persuade them, how to make them follow you, how to change their mind by speaking with them skilfully. This again can be done through public speaking skills. The more people you speak with, the more effectively you would be able to bring in the change. One to one conversation may be a really time consuming process.
3. Margaret Thatcher said, ‘Don’t follow the crowd, let the crowd follow you. ” A leader without followers is like cricket without wicket. So to be a leader, it is very important to make people follow you with your pleasing and charming personality and your powerful communication and public speaking skills.
4. Sway their hearts as a leader. Public speaking gives you an opportunity to have all eyes on you. You can win the hearts and minds of people by delivering effective speeches, by bringing in such changes which were considered impossible earlier. According o Bill Gates, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”

Leadership skills would positively improve with your public speaking skills and you are more likely to thrive in the field you choose. So to become a leader, work upon your public speaking skills so you are able to convince and persuade people.