Become the Default “EXPERT”: Speak Better- and get invited back!
Mayor Kathy Taylor and Michael Butler in Tulsa, Ok
One of the greatest fears is the FEAR of Public Speaking.
Those who master this skill will excel in career and in life. Being a better presenter will increase your sales; get you invited back and make YOU the service provider of choice when people need your specialty.
Let’s be honest. People judge us, pay us, and relate to us based on our ability to effectively communicate. At home, at the office and in the trenches, we need to clearly state what we want and need in order to eliminate frustration. Good communication skills will enrich your life.
In grade school, I became shy, depressed and withdrawn. I recoiled from other children. I had felt their rejection and disdain. Why? I stuttered. I tried to communicate but I stammered and couldn’t speak. There was no greater frustration for me.
Sometimes, I felt like a raging volcano about to explode when I couldn’t get a word out, no matter how hard I tried.
However, I noticed that when I was truly passionate about something, I stuttered less. I also realized that I relaxed and had an easier time speaking when I just spoke from my heart and didn’t try to be something or someone I wasn’t.
Over the years, speaking became easier and my fears started to subside. In fact, I found that the more I spoke in front of people the less I stumbled over words. I would listen to anyone that would tell me a story. Then I’d turn around and retell it. I discovered that when I told stories, I barely took a breath between words.
By 7th grade I was able to give a demonstrative speech about weather forecasting and the use of barometers, weather vanes and other meteorological instruments without a hitch. I even received an “A”!
The fear disappears when you learn to step-up and speak-up about what you’re passionate about.
There were many things that happened in my life from “Point A” to “Point B” that gave me confidence as a person to overcome life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. But, let me simplify it by saying that thankfully, I was able to tap into my potential and confidence by discovering my true passion in life, which today is speaking.
4 PRACTICAL TIPS that will help you become a better speaker TODAY:
1. Speak from the Heart. Discover your TRUE passion and speak from the heart.
2. Start Talking. Practice makes perfect. It really DOES get easier if you keep doing it. Volunteer to speak at: Scouts, PTA, Church, School functions, Civic groups, anywhere and everywhere. Join Toastmasters or take a public speaking course at your local community college.
3. Become a better listener. It’s true that the best communicators really are the best listeners.
4. Become a great story-teller. People will remember the stories you tell long after your presentation has been forgotten.
Discover your true passion, live life deeply, communicate more often, communicate more fully and reap the rewards. Hopefully, this short article has motivated you. By instilling confidence you can set yourself apart as the EXPERT, get the respect you deserve and realize your full income potential as a respected professional in your field. For more information on communicating in business go to http://www.referralsuccessmagazine.com and be watching for my new book: “Confidence in Public Speaking” coming out later this year. http://www.MichaelDButler.com
Gettin Back In The Game 