Are your presentation skills poor, it costs you money?

Imagine two people seeking a promotion. Both are equally qualified. But, the first person is a great public speaker. Have taken courses in public speaking. They have given presentations at staff meetings. They have learned to think quickly on his feet. The second person is a presenter average at best.

Which person will get the promotion?

More importantly, would you rather be the great orator who gets the promotion and more money? Or, what is lacking because of their poor language skills?

So, how do you improve your public speaking skills?

The first step is to attend a presentation skills workshop. But, going to a presentation skills course is like going to the gym ONCE. In other words, once training will not make a long-term change. To make a permanent difference, you need to practice your new skills after the workshop.

Here's how to practice your language skills:

1) Find opportunities to use your presentation skills:

Join Toastmasters if you need an environment to practice. I was a member of Toastmasters for several years. It helped me develop my skills. I also enjoyed interacting with other business people in a fun environment.

You can also practice by volunteering for community groups or to speak in public schools. I'm always looking for people to talk about issues of career and life. You can contact your local school board for more information.

2) Request for feedback:

Get a friend or colleague to watch his speech. Ask them: "What did you like my speech?" And "What do you suggest I do differently during my presentation NEXT?"

Notice wonder presentation suggestions NEXT. If you ask: "What's wrong with this presentation?" you may get feedback demoralizing. Wondering what to do differently in the next, you will get constructive feedback on how to improve.

3) Videotape yourself giving a speech:

So watch yourself on tape is not the easiest thing in the world. (After all, I swear I look taller and younger in real life!) But, watching yourself on video is the best way to keep your own voice, gestures, and interaction with the public.

4) Get a professional coach:

Everyone needs a mentor. They can find details that would otherwise be lost. For example, a manager hired me as their coach talk. During his speech, I noticed that it was just a visual contact with the right side of the room. People sitting on the left side of the room felt ignored. So, I taught him to make eye contact with all parts of the room.

5) rewards you for good behavior:

There's an old adage: "What is rewarded is repeated." We're too hard on ourselves - especially in public speaking. Public speaking is the number one fear for many people. So, you deserve a pat on the back only groped for a presentation! Treat your favorite sweet or go for a walk as a reward for practicing your new language skills.

It takes weeks to entrench a new habit. During that period, slip-ups and growing pains may occur. Be patient. Silence that plagues the inner voice that expects to be perfect. Motivational Speaker Les Brown has a way of saying a lot, "Anything worth doing well is worth doing badly at first."

Then try your hand at the presentation of new. Practice your skills So the next time, YOU are the great orator who gets the promotion and renewal!

Reflective Keynotes Inc., Toronto, Canada ......