What if you could improve your value by 50% in 2023 just by learning one skill?
Billionaire Warren Buffet, in an address to business students at Columbia University, stated this necessary skill is public speaking. “If you can’t communicate and talk to other people … you’re giving up your potential” , Buffet stated.
Public speaking anxiety is a form of social phobia. It’s a common and debilitating issue for many professionals. Research reveals that anxiety over public speaking affects approximately 70% of the population to varying degrees. There are numerous studies that highlight the importance of public speaking in leadership.
- A study published in the International Journal of Business Communication found that public speaking is a critical skill for effective leadership, and that leaders who communicate well are more likely to be successful. The study also found that effective communication is a key driver of employee engagement and motivation.
- Another study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that public speaking is a key component of transformational leadership, which is a leadership style that emphasizes inspiration, motivation, and vision. The study found that transformational leaders who are skilled communicators are more effective in inspiring and motivating their teams.
- A study published in the Journal of Leadership Education found that public speaking is a critical skill for leaders in the nonprofit sector. The study found that nonprofit leaders who are skilled communicators are better able to build relationships with donors and stakeholders, and are more effective in communicating their organization’s mission and goals.
- A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that public speaking anxiety can be a major barrier to effective leadership. The study found that leaders who experience high levels of public speaking anxiety are more likely to avoid public speaking opportunities, which can limit their potential.
Imagine being confident, powerful, persuasive, compelling, on-message, and a resounding success. What could that mean to you, your career, your company? To be a leader with influence, it’s vital to develop your communication skills. And while gifted speakers are born, effective speakers are made.
“The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you.” – William Jennings Bryan
Beverly Lewis is an Executive Trainer and Speaker. Her live workshop on “Speak with Confidence” is also available online as a course on “Presentation Skills for Leaders”.