Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)

Yes, things are really beginning to turn around for our professional community.  I don’t mean we are all ready to take a few days off to relax.  No, now is the time to continue to keep your eye on the prize and start looking at more inventive ways to get your message out to current and prospective clients.  This time of year also brings to town a lot of the Home and Garden type shows that feature, among other thing, items for the home.  Is there a chance for you to be part of the event?  What about offering your services as a speaker.  And what would you talk about but interior design.  Many of the organizers of these types of events are always looking for speakers and what a great way for you to market yourself without spending a ton of money.  I’m the featured speaker at an event in Monterey next Saturday.  As the noon speaker the position is almost like a keynote.  Anyway, it’s another great chance to strut my stuff.  Do you have the chops to get before an audience and do the same thing?  Maybe or maybe not but now is the time to hone a few of those skills.

I know many interior designers that find speaking before a large group intimidating.  There are, of course, a number of ways to overcome what is in essence stage fright.  Although you might feel as if you are dying when you step in front of a crowd the chances are very slim you will actually succumb.  Most accomplished speakers were once frightened novices and learned techniques to help them get beyond their discomfort.  With the right kind of speaking techniques your audience won’t notice your sweaty armpits or shaky knees.    
     Toastmasters International is a well known name in the public speaking arena and, to quote their web site, “is a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience”.  Often you will meet other business leaders from around your area who want to improve their skills for presentation and public speaking.  All critiquing is done by your peers with a focus, primarily, on what was done correctly. 

     Most universities and colleges offer courses in public speaking or speech classes.  More formal in approach and usually without a lot of peer review these classes can also help you improve as a public speaker.  These courses are not geared for business people and you might find the average age of the students a little intimidating.  Still, the skills taught and the amount of actual speaking will help you overcome many of your perceived shortcomings. 

     While you’re on campus you might consider taking an acting class or two.  Yes, acting.  These courses encourage expression in ways not found in any of the other venues I’ve discussed and you just might find in this setting an ability to let your outgoing personality soar.  Beginning classes teach about posture, speech projection, movement and concentration.  As you progress you may be asked to roll around on the floor, mime a particular movement or create a character far different from your own.  As you begin to relax in front of the class and perform these outrages tasks you will also find you are more comfortable with yourself and that will translate into an ability to be at ease in front of any audience. 

     Whatever path you choose to improve your comfort zone in front of any size audience will also help with client management and employee relations.  You will have a more commanding presence in public and that, in turn, will translate into a more relaxed and comfortable presentation whether speaking to a large audience or a single client at a presentation.