If you’ve been trying to improve your communication skills and it’s not working, there’s two reasons why this is probably happening. And at the end of this article, I’m going to give you two tactics to get over these hurdles. So, why is it that your public speaking skills might not be making the progress you desire? Well, here’s the scoop:
The first reason why you haven’t improved your communication skills is because you’re practicing safety. The second reason you might not be making the progress you desire is because you’re only practicing in one way.
Would you like to know more? Keep reading this article…
1. Practicing in Safety
The first obstacle to enhancing your speaking skills is sticking to your comfort zone during practice. You know what I’m talking about, right? That cozy spot where you’re rehearsing your speech alone in your room, feeling like a rock star in your mind. But here’s the thing – that’s not the real deal. In the world of public speaking, it’s all about performance. So how do you escape this safety trap? It’s easier than you might think.
One surefire way to break free from the safety trap is to practice in an environment where other people can see you. That’s right – it’s time to step out of your comfort zone! It’s as simple as going for a walk around the block or heading to the lunchroom at work, anywhere with people around. Even if you’re just mumbling to yourself and gazing at your computer screen, the stress of being watched and judged is going to mimic the pressure you feel when you have to present for real.
Remember, the best way to grow as a public speaker is to embrace the discomfort. So, here’s your first action step: practice speaking wherever others can witness your performance. This small shift in your approach will make a world of difference in your public speaking journey.
2. Practicing In One Way
Now, another factor hindering the progress you aim for is the tendency to practice using a single approach. You see, it’s all about cross-training for success in the public speaking world. Instead of sticking to the conventional methods, venture into uncharted territories to expand your skills and style.
Imagine, instead of just enrolling in a public speaking class, you also try an improv class. Yes, you read that right! Improv can work wonders for your spontaneity and adaptability on stage. Or how about a stand-up comedy class? This will sharpen your sense of humor and timing, making your speeches more engaging.
Feeling adventurous? Join a pitching contest where you have to sell an idea in 30 seconds. The pressure will teach you to convey your message concisely and compellingly. And hey, why not volunteer at networking events and be the one who grabs everyone’s attention? These diverse experiences will supercharge your public speaking skills like nothing else.
The Quickest Path to Improvement
So there you have it: the secret to turbocharging your public speaking journey is to break free from your safety zone and diversify your training. The more diversity you have in speaking in front of others, the quicker you will improve. You see, it’s all about gaining varied experiences and learning from different sources to become a well-rounded public speaker.
So, if you’re still wondering why your public speaking skills are not up to par, remember these two secrets: get out of your safety trap by practicing in front of others, even if it’s just your coworkers or fellow park-goers. And when it comes to training, embrace cross-training by learning from various disciplines.
Incorporate these strategies into your public speaking journey, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can progress and captivate your audience. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to go on and #EndBoring.The world is waiting to hear your incredible stories, ideas, and messages!
