Improving Your Presentation Skills

One of the most important tools you can possess in being an effective manager is your presentation skills.

Far too often the skill of speaking in public is overlooked. It is a critical component that you are able to communicate clearly and smoothly when you present in a meeting or teleconference. People are watching and listening to you. They are judging and forming opinions about you every time you open your mouth and speak in public.

There is no room for the “ums”, “ahs”, “you knows” and other word garbage that most people use in speaking. These verbal miscues will only label you as a poor communicator in the business world. It is true that a person’s level of intelligence is usually judged based on how well they can communicate in a one on one situation or in front of a group.

Make a Commitment to Speak in Public
Here are two things you can do to improve your public speaking skills. First, make a commitment to learn how to do it well. One way to get better at speaking in front of others is to simply start doing it.
Look for opportunities to lead a group, assist in running a meeting, or to teach others how to do a particular skill. Any of these activities can give you valuable practice in learning and refining your skills.

This is illustrated by the story about the concert violinist who stopped a mounted police officer in the city of New York and asked how to get to Carnegie Hall. The police officer replied, “practice, practice and more practice”. On a more serious note, regular practice can help you improve your speaking skills dramatically.

Take a Public Speaking Class
The second way to learn how to improve your speaking skills is to take a course. There are several good programs like the Dale Carnegie Course or a speech class at a local community college, that can help you learn skills of public speaking. Don’t be afraid to invest in the tools to help you develop your ability to speak in front of groups. They will more than pay for themselves over your life time.

So, in summary, make a commitment learn how to speak in front of groups and look for every opportunity to do it. Finally, take a class on public speaking and develop the skill that will open doors for you in your career.


By Tom Borg

Tom Borg is president of Tom Borg Consulting, LLC. He is a business consultant, speaker, trainer, coach and author. He works with small and mid-size businesses and organizations in the area of management and employee development