At an after-dinner speech in 1887, General Sherman introduced Mark Twain by noting that "he could not make an impromptu speech unless he had four days for preparation."
You may never speak at TED, but performing in front of crowds is a skill every marketer needs.
Most acquire it by hiring a coach or joining a local Toastmasters Club.
Whichever path you take, you'll soon discover these are the keys to public speaking:
Preparation. As Sherman observed, a good speaker prepares, not just for hours, but for days.
Clarity. Listeners expect you to deliver a clear business case and a definite call to action.
Study. Good public speakers study the performances of great public speakers, such as Bill Clinton.
PS: Attire. Dress does matter. A tee-shirt and jeans may be some industries' uniform, but wearing that uniform while speaking in public harms your credibility. The rule-of-thumb? Look better than your audience.
PS: Attire. Dress does matter. A tee-shirt and jeans may be some industries' uniform, but wearing that uniform while speaking in public harms your credibility. The rule-of-thumb? Look better than your audience.
