What is Public Speaking? (+ Why It’s Important for Business Success)

For as long as we have been able to communicate, public speaking has been an integral part of our socialisation and our ability to work together.  From town criers to the modern-day newsreader, from the classroom teacher to the CEO giving a keynote speech, public speaking is one of the most common forms of communication.

What Is Public Speaking?

In its simplest form, public speaking is the art of communicating with a group of people. It involves presenting information to an audience, whether that audience is one person or a thousand. However, it’s not just about delivering information. A good public speaker also engages their audience and makes sure that they are getting the most out of the presentation.

Throughout history, public speaking has served as a means of sharing information to educate, persuade, and entertain. Today, modern public speaking is built on the foundations of the great Greek and Roman orators. It has evolved to include a wide range of communication techniques and is used in various settings, from the boardroom to the lecture hall.

What are the Benefits of Public Speaking?

There are four key benefits that come from building your skills in public speaking. These benefits will aid you in your business and professional life, but they also play a role in your personal life as well.

Boosts your confidence in communicating

Public speaking teaches you to communicate with confidence. It allows you to speak in front of an audience, which is a great way to build self-confidence. Speaking in front of a large audience may feel daunting at first. However, the more you practise, the more comfortable you will feel when speaking in public.

Allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise

When you deliver a presentation, you have the opportunity to educate your audience on a topic that you are passionate about. Not only will this help you to build credibility as an expert in your field, but it also allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Public speaking is an excellent platform for driving innovative ideas in your field so that you can make a positive impact on your industry.

Learn to articulate your point of view more effectively

Public speaking gives you the opportunity to articulate your point of view more effectively. To be a successful public speaker, you need to be able to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely. These skills can be applied in all aspects of your life, from work presentations to conversations with your loved ones. When your audience understands what you are saying, you can be sure that they will be more likely to take action on your recommendations.

Helps you relate to your listeners and build trust with them

A successful public speaker has a strong sense of empathy. They can connect with their audience and understand what they are feeling. Speaking with empathy helps build trust with the listeners, which is essential for persuading them to take action. As a public speaker, you want your audience to feel that you are on their side, that you share the same goals, and that you are willing to work together to achieve them.

The Importance of Public Speaking in Business

Public speaking is a powerful tool that can help you achieve success in your business and professional life. It allows you to share your knowledge and expertise with others, educate and entertain audiences, and build trust with your listeners. When you can communicate confidently and effectively, you will find that public speaking becomes an invaluable asset in your success.

Provides opportunities for career advancement

Public speaking is a skill that can open up opportunities for career advancement. When you can deliver presentations that are well-received by your audience, they will see you as a leader in your field. This can lead to promotions, new job opportunities, and even raises.

Promotes more effective presentation skills

To be successful in business, you need to be able to deliver presentations that are clear and concise. Public speaking is a great way to practise your presentation skills and learn what works (and what doesn’t work) when addressing a group of people. The more you speak in public, the better you will become at delivering presentations that are informative, engaging, and achieve your desired outcome.

Helps you improve your overall communication skills

Public speaking is a great way to improve your overall communication skills. As a public speaker, you need to connect with your audience, understand what they are thinking, and persuade them to take action. These skills can be applied in all aspects of your life, from work presentations to personal conversations with friends and family.

Allows you to present proposals and offers to potential clients more effectively

Public speaking is a powerful tool that can be used to present proposals and offers to potential clients more effectively. When you are able to deliver a presentation that is well-researched and persuasive, you will have a better chance of securing the business deal you are after. All human beings are attracted to confidence.  If you can come across as someone who’s knowledgeable and passionate about what you do, potential clients will be more likely to do business with you.

Fosters a positive impression of your company or brand

When you are an excellent public speaker, it reflects positively on your company or brand. When people see you deliver presentations or speeches with poise and confidence, they will start to associate those qualities with your business. This can lead to more sales, more customers, and a better reputation for your company.

Facilitates more effective networking

Highly developed public speaking skills can also help facilitate more effective networking. When you are able to connect with people in a meaningful way, you will be able to build relationships that can lead to business opportunities down the road. Networking is all about making connections and forming relationships. By being a good public speaker, you will make it easier for people to want to network with you.

Can help you train, inspire, and motivate your team

Public speaking is a powerful way to train, inspire, and motivate your team. When you are able to deliver presentations that are inspiring, your team will be more productive and more motivated to achieve their goals. Public speaking can also help build team spirit and camaraderie. As a result, your team will perform better, leading to higher productivity and customer satisfaction.

Enhances your credibility as a professional and/or thought leader

When you are a strong public speaker, it enhances your credibility as a professional and/or thought leader. People will start to see you as an authority in your field, and they will be more likely to seek out your opinion on important matters. This can lead to new job opportunities, promotions, and greater recognition for your achievements.

Boost Your Presentation Skills With Public Speaking Training

Public speaking is a great way to improve your overall communication skills. As a public speaker, you need to be able to connect with your audience, understand what they are thinking, and persuade them to take action. These skills can be applied in all aspects of your life, from work presentations to everyday conversations. When you are able to communicate effectively, you will find that you are able to achieve your professional goals more quickly.

If you want to discuss your organisation’s (corporate, NGOs, Associations and Universities) Public speaking or Presentation skills needs, I offer free 30-minute consultations through my site. I’d love to meet you.