Public Speaking is a critical skill in the workplace regardless of the industry. Banking, Information Technology, Hospitality, etc. require communication with colleagues and clients. The driving success factor for business owners is how well they interact with the customer.
This is a situation where we can answer why public speaking matters in the workplace by the following questions:
Do you work with a team? Do you lead a team? Do you lead an organization?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the questions above, then developing skills in the area of public speaking should be at the top of your priority list. Here is why:
1. Why Public Speaking Matters in the Workplace for Leaders
To lead effectively, you will need to communicate thoughts and ideas effectively. Part of a leader’s job is to inspire, motivate, to assist their team to achieve a common goal.
“What you say” MUST be “what they hear” about your employees, clients, or customers. In the past month, have you done any of the following:
Negotiated a deal?
Conducted a meeting?
Provided a detailed assignment to your direct report?
Interviewed a prospective employee?
Provided feedback to an employee about their job performance?
Of course, you have! That is part of the package as a leader. However, without proper public speaking skills, it will negatively impact your business or organization’s bottom line.
How?
- Poor Public Speaking skills will most likely result in overpaying for a product or service when sitting at the negotiation table.
- Poor Public Speaking skills when detailing an assignment to your direct report causes miscommunication and could lead to poor deliverables and/or rework.
- Poor Public Speaking skills when interviewing prospective candidates looking to join your organization may be inclined to accept another offer elsewhere as this could be an indication of a lack of professionalism.
One thing that wasn’t even mentioned in the above list is this simple fact:
If a leader cannot communicate with impact clearly and concisely, employees will be frustrated-> Angry-> Quit!
According to an article written by the Society of Human Resource Management in August 2020, the top skills of people managers could improve, ranked by American workers were as follows:
- Communication (41 percent)
- Developing and training the team (38 percent)
- Managing time and delegating (37 percent)
- Cultivating a positive and inclusive team culture (35 percent)
- Managing team performance (35 percent)
Again, “what you say” MUST be “what they hear”!
Leaders who are constantly refining their craft by taking on new challenges will naturally become great at working with others. They will also gain poise under pressure while learning how to communicate more effectively. As they hone these skills over time, they not only become confident speakers but strong team members too!
2. Why Public Speaking Matters in the Workplace for an Employee
The same skills that make a leader great also apply to an employee. For example, presenting and delivering content in front of others is part of the job description for many positions today. This not only helps individuals do their jobs better but gives them more opportunities within their companies or industries too!
If you are an employee, where do you see yourself in 5 years? This is a very common interview question. But what is your answer?
Is it be a senior in your position group?
Is it to become a manager?
Director?
Senior Leader?
If your answer is ‘Yes’ to any of one of these questions, then public speaking should be near the top of your priority list.
Some experts suggest that those with a fear of public speaking impairs their salaries by 10% in addition to impairment on management promotions of 15%
Although sheer ability and talent based on your role itself will play a vital factor in your career progression, not many skills enable you to persuade, inspire, and influence others in the way public speaking does.
A good step before becoming an actual leader is becoming a thought leader. This is someone who can be recognized as an authority in a specific field and whose expertise is sought and often rewarded.
A valuable skill for someone who is to gain additional responsibility in an organization can communicate with clarity, correctness, and conciseness.
So for clarity purposes, you will earn a higher income in the workplace if you can enhance your skill in public speaking.
3. Why Public Speaking Matters in the Workplace for Job Seekers
According to a study by LinkedIn in 2016, the top ten most in-demand soft skills were:
- Communication
- Organization
- Teamwork Skills
- Punctuality
- Critical Thinking
- Social Skills
- Creativity
- Interpersonal Communication
- Adaptability
- Friendly Personality
Communication came in at number 1 highlighting its value in the workplace!
What if you are looking to enter the workforce or are interviewing for a new job?
How public speaking can help in your job search: Public speaking is one of the key ingredients to a successful job interview . In fact, many recruiters say that being able to speak well in front of others is more important than having experience or technical skills!
Even if you do not have all the technical proficiencies to do the job you’re interviewing for, if you can communicate well, many hiring managers will be persuaded to take a risk on you. When you are able to articulate your thoughts and experiences confidently, it shows employers that you are capable of taking on new challenges.
Simply Put-> Good Public Speaking Skills = New Job. This is highlighted below:
Improve your Public Speaking & Communication Skills in the Workplace Today!
There is good news! Whether you lack public speaking skills due to poor technique or suffer from anxiety and have a fear of public speaking, you can learn to speak like a PRO! This applies to leaders, employees, or those looking to be employed.
For help to either develop into a World Class public speaker or just improve your public speaking skills overall, please check the article ‘Online Resources for Public Speaking‘ for a detailed review of some of the online resources for public speaking.
