OK people. We’ve hit 2020 and I know, in my heart of hearts, deep down in my bones, from the top of my head to the tip of my toes that you, my friend, have already written – in great big bold letters, smack bang on the top of your goals list – ‘Become great at public speaking’.

I know this because I know that you know that if you do nothing else in 2020, working towards this one simple goal will catapult your confidence, your career and your charisma.

So here are some tips to kick start your public speaking game so that this time next year, when you’re reflecting on that list, you’re putting a big ol’ red tick next to your top item and scrawling ‘nailed it’ in the column next to it.

1. Say yes

‘The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.’ – Confucius

You don’t need to launch straight into delivering a keynote speech to a stadium of thousands. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. However, when you remember that all speaking is public speaking, you’ll realise that there are so many opportunities out there to start honing your presentation skills, and most of them have a safe, familiar audience to do it with. Staff meetings, birthday lunches, weddings, parties – start by saying ýes’ when these opportunities present themselves. Better yet, stick your hand up and volunteer to ‘say a few words’.  Each small win will help you face your fear, build your confidence and test your speaking style – and those ‘small stones’ of opportunity? They’ll have you moving mountains – and speaking in front of thousands – in no time.

2. Get inspired

‘If you want to be like the greats, you learn from the greats.’ – Raphael Saadiq

There is a plethora of motivational/inspirational/educational public speaking material out there. Here are some of the best…
Read:

• Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences. By Nancy Duarte
• Public Speaking for Dummies. By Malcolm Kushner
• How to Present: the ultimate guide to presenting your ideas and influencing people using techniques that actually work. By Michelle Bowden

Watch:
Any TED or TEDx talk. Most talks are 18 minutes or less, highly awe-inspiring and always enlightening. To see what can be done if you just get up and give public speaking a chance, check out  11 must-see TED Talks. Watch for the content and the delivery. This could be you one day!

Listen to:

• NO SWEAT Public Speaking! – Tips on How to Develop, Practice and Deliver ‘Knock Your Socks Off!” Presentations with – NO SWEAT!

• The Speaking Club: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking – Have a laugh whilst learning how to increase your confidence and public speaking skills, for personal or business growth. Discover tips, tricks, and strategies on how to speak and pitch using humour and performance

• Eat the Lens Podcast – Bite-sized tips to improve your on-camera performance (think: media interviews, presentations, corporate videos and speeches)

• Fearless Presentations – Learn how to eliminate public speaking fear and become a more poised and confident presenter and speaker.

3. Find your tribe (and practice, practice, practice!)

‘Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.’ – Anton Chekhov

You may think you’re alone on your public speaking journey, but I assure you, you’re not. In fact, there is a huge international not for profit training organisation out there dedicated purely to communication and leadership development (yours!). It’s called Toastmasters. Have you heard of it?

Toastmasters Clubs provide a friendly and supportive environment to hone your public speaking skills, and their self-paced program allows you to build confidence. There are thousands of clubs out there, all with their own flavour, so you can find one that has the right vibe for you.

Joining a group such as Toastmasters allows you to work towards your goals with a whole tribe of supporters cheering you on. You can practice in a safe environment, work on your content and delivery, learn from others and have a whole heap of fun.

Everyone is at a different stage in their journey, so whether you just want to get brave enough simply to announce your name to a group or you’re ready to become an international keynote speaker, there’s a place for you.

4. Think about…

Í’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done’. – Lucille Ball

Finally, think about how great you’re going to feel once you achieve your public speaking goals.
Confident. Dynamic. Charismatic. Accomplished.
Think about how excited you’ll feel when you have the opportunity to present.
Imagine how clear and empowered you’ll be when communicating your message.

Empowered public speaking is a skill for life, and it’s one that no one has ever regretted achieving, so go get it in 2020, by immersing yourself in the action and see how the confidence and clarity it gives you catapults the rest of your goals on your New Year’s resolution list.

Claire Quarrell is an experienced and exciting message and presentations coach, trainer, developer and speaker.

Fascinated with communication in all forms, she works with groups and individuals to craft and deliver presentations confidently, authentically and consistently so that the right message is delivered the right way, at the right time, every time.

She is renowned for her high energy, engaging non-intimidating style and interactive approach – ensuring every person she coaches, trains or writes for walks away empowered to stand up, speak up and be heard.

Claire has worked with individuals and organisations in government, mining, construction, disability services, customer service, beauty, finance, events management and not-for-profit sectors and believes that regardless of industry, cause or motivation, Bernard Baruch hit the nail on the head when he said ‘The ability to express an idea is well nigh as important as the idea itself’.

In short, if you’ve got something to say, Claire can help you say it – clearly, authentically and consistently.