Preparing to Become a Public Speaker

Public speaking is one of the truly great skills that an individual can develop. When refined and directed in an appropriate way, skill in public speaking can thrust anyone into the limelight. Positions of leadership often gravitate to those who can express themselves succinctly and well. By being able to communicate their ideas effectively, they create an aura of expertise around them, effectively making them appear better than they really are.

For anyone who wishes to reach the pinnacle of success, facility in public speaking is a must. All the truly great leaders of history, from Moses to Mohammed, from Alexander to Caesar, from Roosevelt to Reagan, have been exceptional speakers. Despite their formidable talents, one can argue they would not have been able to reach their exalted status without their ability to speak well. Even if you do not wish to become as Alexander or Reagan, the ability to speak will take you farther along the road which you have chosen for yourself.

Becoming a Speaker: Setting the Stage

Becoming an excellent public speaker is a long and arduous task, and to get safely to the other side you must observe two basic principles.

First, keep your goal ever before you. You must know why you are expending time and effort in this area. You must always hold in your mind the benefits that will come to you when you have become a facile speaker. Imagine the satisfaction of being able to present your ideas so clearly, so vividly, that people cannot help but agree with you. Imagine the pleasure of being the object of applause, of gaining the admiration of your contemporaries, and of being influential in your community. Imagine what it can for your self-confidence. Imagine what it can do for your career. Imagine how beautiful your life will become.

Second, be encouraged by the example of others. Remember that there is no such thing as a born speaker. Every good speaker has gotten that way through practice and preparation. The great Greek orator Demosthenes, overcame a speech impediment by practicing for hours each day with pebbles in his mouth. He would project his voice over the ocean waves in order to make it stronger. He would lock himself in a room and practice pronunciation until his voice was hoarse. While you don't have to go to such extremes yourself, it is useful to know that you will have to work to become a good public speaker. However, once you attain a level of skill, everything will begin to get easier, and the rewards you envisioned will begin to pour into your life.