Dread Group Business Presentations? Improve Your Speaking Skills!

A financial advisor asked me how to improve his speaking skills.

He says he does well one-on-one with clients, but his group presentations fall short. He knows that better presentation skills will boost his business.

My advice has three parts:

1. Speak as often as possible. Public speaking is a skill: the more you do it, the better you get. It’s a bit like playing tennis or golf. If you only play a sport once a year, you won’t get the experience you need to improve. Look for opportunities to speak. Even leading a small meeting can provide you with a valuable learning experience.

2. Enlist the help of both colleagues and friends. Ask them for specific feedback. What are you doing well? Where can you improve?

3. Take advantage of the solid instruction at Toastmasters International. There’s a Toastmasters club near you and fees are minimal. Make good use of this resource for public speaking and leadership.