Public speaking and presenting skills are often seen as soft skills. They are not necessary to be successful and many people can still do pretty well without them. And yet, if you take a look at the leaders in your organisation, chances are they are pretty good at this softer skill. And in turn, are handed more opportunities to present or host events - compounding their ability further.
Data shows that "soft skills" are actually in high demand. A 2019 LinkedIn analysis showed that "persuasion" was one of the top skills "most worth learning". "Strengthening a soft skill is one of the best investments you can make in your career, as they never go out of style," according to the study.
So why might public speaking skills be so necessary? Here are 3 top reasons.
1) They give you a competitive edge
One of the benefits of being good at presenting and public speaking is that you will stand out. As soon as people know that you excel in this soft skill, you'll be more likely to be relied upon to deliver that important presentation. From a personal brand perspective, being an excellent presenter will allow you to communicate your thoughts and ideas more than those around you. This will give you a competitive edge.
2) They help your message land more effectively
Content is only one side of the equation when it comes to public speaking. We all know death by PowerPoint is a thing. Even if your presentation has the best facts, figures, anecdotes, rhetoric and structure, poor delivery will prevent it reaching its full potential and leave your audience half asleep. In fact, it's thought that 38% of communication is done through tone of voice, and 55% through body language. So being a good public speaker is pretty critical in getting your message and content to land most effectively.
3) They inspire confidence in those around you
Leadership is made up of a range of soft skills. Being an effective public speaker and presenter when leading teams will display both strength and conviction. This will in turn instil a sense of confidence in those around you. A very obvious example is how politicians use their clear public speaking skills (often built up through intensive training) to help create a sense of conviction and confidence in their followers. It will also help persuade those who are feeling torn. The power of this skill has the potential to influence election outcomes.
It's clear this is a soft skill worth learning. Get in touch for a free call today to discuss how our sessions might help you.
HelpMePresent is the tutoring of presenting. We offer 1-1, flexible, accessible sessions that can be easily booked, including packages specifically for women and international speakers. Click to book now.
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