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Interview with public speakers: Part one
There are many reasons to learn how to speak confidently in public
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There are many reasons to learn how to speak confidently in public.
Perhaps, the strongest benefits are those that fall into all areas of your life -- boosted all-around confidence and self image. The possibly more tangible benefits are business, social, and family related.
The ability to speak well in public is a quick and assured way to make you stand out in the business world.
One reason for this is that all great ideas need to be disseminated before they can be implemented, while the second reason is that many people simply fear public speaking and, therefore, those who possess the skill are valued in any organization.
It has been said that networking is everything when it comes to job hunting and promotion.
Public speaking skills are hugely important in this area too since they are one of the most effective ways to increase the spread of your circle of friends and acquaintances.
Once you have the confidence to speak in front of others you will become a welcome addition to many more social gatherings than you currently are.
Birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries and graduations are all events which call on us to speak up in front of others. Being able to do so with poise will help make these familial events even more memorable.
The best way to become better at anything is by doing it. Public speaking is no exception.
Toastmasters is probably the most widely-spread organization that presents public speakers with the opportunities and venues to do so.
Toastmasters' success lies in the collective strength of its membership. The more experienced speakers provide guidance for the newer members, while everyone encourages and learns from one another.
I recently had the chance to interview a group of Toastmasters made up of professional speaker and certified life shift coach Monika Sugiarto, foreign bank officer Yudiar Adipati, retired tax officer and writer Nono Sarwono, a Philippine national who has lived in Indonesia since 1993 and manages a training company providing leadership and communication skills development Loy Nadal, and business consultant Hendry Singgalang.
OnWords: "When did you first realize you wanted to become a better public speaker?"
MS: "After my children grew up and became more independent, I wanted to get back to working. "I started marketing a product. I thought that I was a good speaker and that this would not be too difficult.
"I heard many sales presentations and struggled with my own too, I did not know exactly what made a good presentation good, and what was wrong with seemingly not successful speeches. "I visited a Toastmasters Club and knew immediately that they had the answers I was looking for."
NS: "Being a trainer at a government agency, the mere thought of speaking to a large audience or even to one or two people made me uncomfortable or, at worst, terrified.
"I was afraid of embarrassing myself, boring my audience, or appearing unknowledgeable about the subject matter.
"Actually, I was comfortable with public speaking, but lacked the skills to do it effectively.
"I had difficulty organizing my thoughts or conveying my message clearly and concisely, until I found Toastmasters.
"I realize that this organization can help people build their self-confidence and develop speaking skills in a friendly, positive environment, no matter what their current comfort or ability level is. This, in turn, I believe, enhances quality of life."
OW: "Have your stronger skills helped you at work? In your personal life?"
YA: "I can now speak easily in front of the public, especially when I deliver training classes."
MS: "It has definitely helped me in my everyday life. The way I communicate with my children is different now, much more open and positive.
"Last Sunday I coached my daughter who was facing a job interview.
"We practiced impromptu speaking, answering questions that could be thrown.
"We practiced selling her strengths.
"When my daughter came home from her interview, she was very happy with the way she answered the questions."
NS: "By actively attending the club gatherings and involving myself in any roles available, I have gotten a well rounded experience in Toastmasters.
"I strongly believe that my good speaking skills are important.
"In business, community, and home lives they help us work together better, effectively develop and present ideas, give better presentations, and enhance self-confidence."
LN: "I am now able to better think on my feet while speaking at work.
"Also this has helped me speak up with my wife with confidence, and provide a model to my two grown daughters to be enthusiastic when speaking to others."
HS: "As a result of Toastmaster training I have gained confidence in speaking in front of an audience.
"This increased confidence helps me deal with people at work and in the community."
OnWords' next column will complete the interview.
For information on improving your public speaking skills please contact Monika Sugiarto at queen@sugiarto.famili.com, 0818155119 or www.mobyelite.com/nfs.
Andrew Greene's personal blog can be found at http://writerinjakarta.blogspot.com.
