Public Speaking for the Entrepreneur
One of the most valuable assets of an entrepreneur is the ability to effectively communicate through their words. If you can master the art of conveying your ideas, pitching your visions, and influencing people to do something, then you will become a powerful communicator in the business world.
How do I become a powerful speaker?
Practice. Practice. Practice. And…. Practice some more!
- Join up with a local Toastmasters group and begin talking about your passions
- Register for public speaking classes at your school
- Start pitching your business ideas to your friends and ask for honest feedback
- Sign up for impromptu speeches to practice you ability to speak on the fly with no preparation
- Read public speaking books? Maybe…. But it’s best to just do it!
Why become a powerful speaker?
- If you haven’t noticed, please tend to judge you based upon the words that come out of your mouth and how effectively they were used
- You can gain the ability to persuade people to believe in your vision (hint…hint… partnerships)
- People are always interested in listening to someone that has something intelligent to say – people that usually end up asking for your business card after your speech (hint…hint… networking)
Always remember the principle of likeability:
SAY – 7%
SOUND – 38%
LOOK – 55%
(source: the power of the pitch)
Bottom line: It isn’t so important of what actually comes out of your mouth, but how it comes out. If you can speak well and have something important or interesting to say, then you are one deadly entrepreneur.
Go KILL ‘em!
You’re absolutely right, Dave — I’m going to be joining Toastmasters this fall. Hopefully it will be as good as all the reviews say.