Public speaking can be a difficult task for many people. However, it is also one of the most rewarding and intellectually stimulating things you can do.

How? Can Public Speaking Make You Smarter?

Well, public speaking taps into your intellect in a way that few other activities can because it requires both quick thinking and eloquent communication skills to discuss complex topics with varying levels of understanding.

This blog post will explore 6 ways that public speaking can make you smarter!

Public Speaking Makes You Smarter and Can Tap Into Your Intellect

1. Acquiring Knowledge

Public speaking can help you learn new information. When you’re giving a presentation, you are forced to do extensive research on the topic at hand in order to become an expert.

This not only makes you smarter about the topic, but it also allows you to share that knowledge with others in a way that is easy to understand. 

2. Public Speaking Can Help Improve Your Memory

Giving presentations forces you to memorize large chunks of information and then recite them back in a clear and concise manner.

It also helps improve recall because when you’re asked questions after your presentation, you have to remember the answers quickly!

The very act of learning facts and memorizing them requires the brain to find new pathways so that they are easier accessed when needed during a presentation or conversation about the topic being studied or discussed.

3. Public Speaking Can  Make You Better At Problem Solving

When preparing for a presentation, chances are good that you will encounter problems along the way. How do you solve them? Well, by thinking on your feet and coming up with creative solutions that will help you stay on track.

4. Public Speaking Can Boost Your Confidence

This one may seem a little counterintuitive, but it’s true! When you give presentations often, you start to develop a strong sense of self-confidence in your abilities. This carries over into other areas of your life, making you more successful overall.

5. Public Speaking Can Improve Your Writing Skills

One of the best ways to improve your writing skills is to write…a lot! And what better way to get lots of practice than by giving presentations?

The process of preparing for a presentation forces you to organize your thoughts and articulate them in a clear and concise manner.

6. Improved Social Skills

Public speaking can help you get better at social skills and networking. How?

Well, when you frequently give presentations in front of different audiences, it forces you to become more comfortable with your audience and learn how to communicate effectively on a one-on-one basis as well. This helps improve both verbal AND nonverbal communication which is essential for all types of relationships.

While public speaking may seem intimidating, there's no reason why we shouldn't embrace it with open arms since it makes us smarter!

How Can You Gain More Public Speaking Experience?

1. Attend a Toastmasters club. This is probably the best way to get started because it provides a safe and supportive environment where you can practice your public speaking skills.

2. Take a course on public speaking. There are many different courses available, both online and in-person like LinkedIn Learning, SkillShare, MasterClass, that will help you develop the necessary skills to become a successful public speaker.

3. Join a discussion group or forum related to your field of interest. This is a great way to learn more about the topic you’re speaking about and also network with other professionals in your industry.

4. Speak at local events, such as charity events or meetups. This is a great way to get started because you can practice on smaller audiences and get some feedback before you decide to take the leap into larger venues.

5. Record your presentations, then listen back with a critical ear. It’s important to hear yourself speak when giving a presentation because it allows you to pick up on things that may not be working well in real time.

Continue To Grow Smarter!

Public speaking definitely makes us smarter, and with a little bit of practice, we can all become more successful speakers! 

For resources to develop your presentation skills while you are in the comforts of your own home, take advantage of the many online resources. Please check out the article ‘Online Resources for Public Speaking‘ for a detailed review of some online resources for public speaking.

How have you benefited from public speaking? Leave a comment below and let us know.