Liverpool City Toastmaster's Meeting (NOW EVERY Thursday)

Do you want to feel more confident about public speaking, and learn how to quickly and easily tailor your speeches to specific audiences?

Speaking in public is not something we are born with, but something that is learnt. Public speaking is not only for a select group of people, it can be learnt by anyone.

Whether we're talking in a team meeting or presenting in front of an audience, we all have to speak in public from time to time.

We can do this well or we can do this badly, and the outcome strongly affects the way that people think about us. This is why public speaking causes so much anxiety and concern.

The good news is that, with thorough preparation and practice, you can overcome your nervousness and perform exceptionally well.

## The Importance of Public Speaking

Even if you don't need to make regular presentations in front of a group, there are plenty of situations where good public speaking skills can help you advance your career and create opportunities.

For example, you might have to talk about your organisation at a conference, make a speech after accepting an award, or teach a class to new recruits.

Speaking to an audience also includes online presentations or talks; for instance, when training a virtual team, or when speaking to a group of customers in an online meeting.

Good public speaking skills are important in other areas of your life, as well. You might be asked to make a speech at a friend's wedding, give a eulogy for a loved one, or inspire a group of volunteers at a charity event.

In short, being a good public speaker can enhance your reputation, boost your self confidence, and open up countless opportunities.
However, while good skills can open doors, poor ones can close them. For example, your boss might decide against promoting you after sitting through a badly-delivered presentation.

You might lose a valuable new contract by failing to connect with a prospect during a sales pitch.

Or you could make a poor impression on your new team because you trip over your words and don't look people in the eye.

Make sure that you learn how to speak well!