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
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.
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