Yesterday, after getting back from a 4-day trip to Kochi, Joseph, my firstborn delighted me. He mentioned that he made a speech in his new school. As part of the class leader selection process, public speaking was required.
He guessed that he stood little chance of winning the selection process as 90% of the students in his class were old students. Nonetheless, as he had something meaningful to say, he decided to stand up and speak.
I commended him & gave him a hug. Told him that he had gladdened my heart. Told him three important points, viz.
- Use the first opportunity to speak. Never be hesitant, especially if you meet the 2nd requirement.
- Have something meaningful and useful to speak about. A creative mind can always find a useful observation to make.
- The first few occasions, you may hesitate under the cover of not having anything useful to say. Ignore this self-talk, unless you persevere you will never have anything to say. Being intentional is necessary.
Popular stand-up comedian, Jerry Seinfeld made a great thought-provoking joke. “I read a thing that says that speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear of the average person. I found that amazing – number two was death! That means to the average person if you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
Why is public speaking important?
- Multiplier effect
In a conversation, you generally speak to one person or maybe two or three. But in public speaking at one time, you generally speak to 50 or more people. Thus you have at least 50 times more exposure and self-confidence.
- Get Respect
Often people are hesitant to make a public speech. But when people take the plunge, they are perceived to be bold & have leadership skills. - Get ahead of the competition
When you tread to step into territory others are hesitant to step into, you make a visible impact. You get ahead of the pack when you make a public speech. - Gain trust
When you deliver a genuine message effectively, you get to leverage the trust of the audience.
As a sign of further endorsement, I called up my Dad & shared this news. He is a seasoned public speaker. He has systematically baptized many into practicing the art of public speaking. Later, when my Dad congratulated Joseph, he would have been further encouraged.
