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But one thing you may not know is that mastering the art of public speaking can open numerous doors for you as a career or business professional. being a confident public speaker can set you apart from the crowd. Imagine this – you are at an event as a professional. A colleague of yours is also at the event, but not as a participant but as a speaker. After the event, everyone gathers in a room to network. For every individual you meet, you have to first try to warm up to them and pitch yourself to them. But, for your colleague, the situation is different. He need not warm up to anyone. The other attendees excitedly wish to connect with him. Now, what impact do you think that will have on his career trajectory when compared to yours? That’s why you need to take a public speaking series. This blog post shares the top 10 benefits of public speaking to you as a professional
1. Public Speaking Boosts Your Confidence
Public speaking is one of the most effective ways to build your confidence. Each time you speak in front of an audience, you conquer a little bit of fear. Over time, you’ll notice a significant boost in your self-esteem. This newfound confidence doesn’t just stay on the stage; it spreads out to every aspect of your life, from meetings to social gatherings.2. Improves Your Communication Skills
The role of clear and effective communication cannot be overemphasized as a professional. Public speaking can significantly help you in this regard as it forces you to organize your thoughts and coherently convey them. When you speak regularly, you refine your language, tone, and body language, making you a more effective communicator both on and off the stage.3. Expand your Professional Network
Public speaking events, such as conferences, seminars, and workshops, provide excellent networking opportunities. Speaking at these events often puts you in front of influential people in your industry, presenting you with golden opportunities to make connections that can help advance your career.Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
4. Helps Build Your Brand and Establish You as an Authority In Your Field
As a professional, the market can be highly competitive and it takes establishing a strong personal brand to stand out. Public speaking allows you to showcase your expertise, share your unique perspectives, and build a reputation as a thought leader. When you speak on a topic, you are perceived as an expert in that field. This perception can enhance your professional reputation significantly. And when you consistently deliver valuable content through speeches, your credibility is enhanced, positioning you as a go-to expert in your industry.5. Increases Your Ability To Inspire and Influence
Public speaking gives you a platform to inspire and influence others. Your stories, experiences, and lessons can motivate your audience to take action, whether it’s adopting a new strategy, pursuing their dreams, or making positive changes in their lives. This ability to inspire others can be incredibly fulfilling and can establish you as a key influencer in your field.6. Improves Critical Thinking
If you are going to give a speech, you will need to prepare for it. And this preparation requires thorough research and critical thinking. You need to analyse information, structure your arguments, and anticipate counterarguments. This process sharpens your analytical skills, which you can carry into your day-to-day decision-making process as a professional.7. Strengthens Your Persuasive Skills
At the core of public speaking is persuading people to your ideas. No matter where you speak, the goal is the same – to sell an idea to the people listening to you. Public speaking helps you learn how to craft compelling arguments and deliver them convincingly, thereby, impacting your business and career success.8. Promotes Personal Growth
Engaging in public speaking pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages continuous learning and self-improvement. It challenges you to develop new skills which is highly important for personal and professional development.9. Generates Business Opportunities
As you become known for your public speaking abilities, you may receive invitations to speak at conferences, seminars, and other events. These opportunities can lead to new business ventures, partnerships, and even clients. Your visibility and influence expand with every speaking engagement, creating a positive cycle of growth for your career or business.Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
10. Fosters Leadership Qualities
Public speaking helps you develop needed leadership qualities such as confidence, clarity, and empathy. Leaders must communicate their vision and motivate their teams effectively. When you develop your public speaking skills, you cultivate the traits needed to lead and inspire others, making you a more effective leader.Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com