Small Businesses

How to Improve your Public Speaking Skills

  • 3 min Read
  • September 24, 2020

Author

Escalon

Table of Contents

As many great entrepreneurs have proven time and time again, “oration is an art form.” This is particularly true if you’re speaking in public for the purpose of business. Your ability to address a group can impact your ventures, from pitching an idea to investors to interacting with industry stalwarts, visionaries, peers and future leaders.

For business owners, veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs, the ability to communicate, speak confidently and build a connection with your audience is an essential skill that needs to be mastered.

The art of public speaking doesn’t always come naturally, but can be developed and honed. To take your business further and reach your goals, you need to be an excellent orator or a speaker who can clearly communicate and engage with the group that you’re addressing.

A good speech by anyone, anywhere, can benefit from a few key pointers, which you can find below.

#Knowledge

Subject matter knowledge is something that has no alternative. A speaker gains confidence, authority, command of an audience and respect only when it’s obvious that they know what they are talking about. Always know your subject, research it, study it, and keep asking yourself questions that will or might be asked. Be aware and prepared. There are no shortcuts for this — knowledge is the key.

#Confidence

Confidence is imperative when speaking publicly. An insecure demeanor might lead to a distracted audience, so make it clear from your body language and speaking style that you know what you’re talking about. A confident attitude will not only get you the attention you deserve, but also the respect that your hard work and persona entails. Think about speakers you admire, from Richard Branson to Mark Cuban, and study their style to get a feel for why they get your attention.

#Engaging Your Audience

Public speaking isn’t the only area where this is true: People crave attention. If in a room of a few hundred, you make each person feel that you are talking to them personally, you can make a bigger impact and a lasting impression. Share personal stories that might resonate with them, walk into the audience if you can and pursue other strategies that are comfortable to you so you make deeper connections.

#Passion

It’s important to convey the passion that you have about a particular subject, and if it shows through enough, you can convey it to the audience so they feel it as well. If you have passion for your subject in your voice, actions and thoughts, your battle is already half won. The late Steve Jobs was one such personality who made sure that his passion for his products was felt by everyone in his organization, consumers and aficionados alike.

#Cadence

Your body posture will help determine your speech tempo and effectiveness. A slouching body can lead to an unimpressive and boring talk. But if your body language and your words show that you’re excited and enthusiastic about the subject matter, that will also come through in your words.

In addition, to keep your audience engaged, you should avoid being preachy, patronizing and using unwarranted humor and inappropriate language.

Ralph C. Smedley, the founder of Toastmaster International, once said, “A speech without a specific purpose is like a journey without a destination.” Make sure your destination is clear when you’re speaking to an audience and you’ll be more likely to shine.

Talk to our team today to learn how Escalon can help take your company to the next level.

  • Expertise you can trust

    Our team is made up of seasoned professionals who bring years of industry experience to the table. You gain a trusted advisor who understands your business inside out.

  • Quality and consistency

    Say goodbye to the hassles of hiring, training and managing in-house finance teams. You will never have to worry about unexpected leave of absence or retraining new employees.

  • Scalability and Flexibility

    Whether you’re a small business or a global powerhouse, our solutions scale with your needs. We eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and help you focus on growing your business.

Contact Us Today!

Tap into the latest insights from experts in your industry

Accounting & Finance

October 15 Tax Deadline: What to Double Check Before You File

If your business or personal tax return was extended back in April, October 15 is the final deadline to submit....

Accounting & Finance

Key Financial Deadlines Every SMB Should Know for Q3 and Q4 

For small and mid-sized businesses, the second half of the year often comes with increased operational demands, from budgeting and...

Small Businesses

From Bookkeeping to Strategic Finance: Preparing Your Family Business for Growth

Is Your Family Business Ready for Its Next Chapter? As a family business leader, you've built something remarkable. Through years...

Accounting & Finance

Subscription Revenue in 2025: Fatigue, Churn, and the Imperative to Diversify 

For much of the last decade subscription models symbolized modern growth, predictable revenue, sticky customer relationships, and rising valuations. But...

Accounting & Finance

Closing the Books in Q4: Common Mistakes That Delay Reporting 

Closing the books at year-end is one of the most important financial events for any growing business. It sets the...

Leadership & Growth

Building a Scalable Tech Stack: How to Choose the Right Tools for Growth 

In today’s business landscape, technology is more than a convenience—it’s a strategic asset that can supercharge growth. But as you...

People Management & HR

The Role of HR Analytics in Strategic Decision-Making 

In the era of big data, human resources (HR) analytics has emerged as a powerful tool that can transform how...

Accounting & Finance

Understanding Customer Lifetime Value and Its Impact on Strategy 

In the world of business, not all customers are created equal. Some make one small purchase and disappear, while others...

Accounting & Finance

Tax Strategies for Succession Planning in Family-Owned Businesses 

Succession planning in a family-owned business is a delicate dance that involves not only leadership and emotional considerations, but also...