Public Speaking Skills; How to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking skills are valuable both in your personal life and career. Even if you don't regularly engage in public speaking, developing skills in this area will increase your confidence and reduce anxiety about situations in which you may be called upon to speak in public. Below are some key skills held by good public speakers. 

Public speaking skill #1: Stage Presence

 

Good public speakers appear confident, friendly, enthusiastic and energetic. Confidence comes from choosing a topic you like and researching it well. Friendliness can be conveyed simply by smiling at your audience. Enthusiasm and energy will naturally follow when you enjoy your topic and are well prepared.

10 things not to say in a job interview

With the jobs market more competitive than ever it can be hard work just to get an interview, so once you're actually in front of potential employers you don't want to ruin your prospects with an ill-chosen comment.

Sadly, some job hunters still do speak before they think. Corinne Mills, managing director of Personal Career Management, says she can recall many instances of interviewees saying the wrong thing. "I remember when one man was asked why he wanted the job, he replied, 'Because my mum thought it was a good idea'," she says.

 She adds that some job hunters have also been known to say they've applied for a job "because it will pay the rent while I look for a job I really want to do", and a common response to a question about what candidates like to do in their spare time is "go to the pub".

Richard Nott, website director at CWJobs.co.uk, says candidates should avoid discussing religion and politics. "Employers like people who can talk passionately about their own interests as it helps them to get to know you as a person. But we would always advise against sharing your views on these two topics without knowing if the interviewer shares that point of view.

How to succeed in an interview presentation

Many people are understandably nervous when asked to deliver a presentation. After all, interviews alone are stressful enough without having to stand up and address a room of people as well. But delivering a presentation is actually a great way for you to get across different skills and attributes your potential employer may not otherwise get to see. Treat the presentation as an opportunity to lead the discussion, follow our advice below and you’ll feel confident and prepared.

Before the presentation
The employer will usually set the topic for your presentation so make sure you read carefully through any information they send to you. If unsure, ask the company to clarify what facilities will be available on the day i.e. laptop, OHP etc, exactly who you will be presenting to and how long your presentation should last. It’s especially important to research the roles of those you’ll be presenting to as this will help you to structure your presentation effectively.
Try to structure your presentation so it has a clear introduction the topic & issues and a concise conclusion. The main part of your presentation should display and analyse all the relevant facts and information on the topic.