Speak Confidently as a Professional: 3 Ways to Learn It
You are called to speak in front of your team or a large audience. Your heart races, your hands are sweaty, and suddenly the words escape you. This experience is common for many professionals. These feelings of nervousness and self-doubt can cripple even the most prepared individuals. You must learn to speak confidently as a professional to be someone who commands respect. The good news is that it can be learned.
Why speaking confidently Is essential for professional success
In the professional world, communication is king. According to a study by LinkedIn, 92% of hiring managers say soft skills are as important or more important than hard skills. This implies many companies value good communication skills since it is a soft skill. Your work relationship and team success thrive on effective communication. You need to speak confidently to succeed in the following areas.
Job Searching: The interview process heavily relies on your ability to communicate your experiences and skills effectively. It Is not just what you say but how you say it that leaves a lasting impression.
Conflict Resolution: In the workplace, conflicts are inevitable. Resolving disputes requires careful, clear, and confident communication. People who handle conflicts well tend to rise quickly in leadership roles.
Presentations: You share ideas, explain concepts, and persuade others. Strong presentation skills can make the difference between closing a deal and losing one.
Networking: Professional networks are built on good conversations. Whether you are at a conference, seminar, or networking event, your ability to speak confidently and engage others is crucial for building relationships that advance your career.
3 ways to learn how to speak confidently as a professional
Learning how to speak confidently as a professional requires practice but you need to observe and learn before you practice. I took advantage of TV shows, books, and teaching to observe and learn.
TV shows
Personally, TV shows are a masterclass. Observe how others speak with confidence on platforms like talk shows, TED Talks, or even interviews. They are an eye-opener. You witness how professionals communicate their ideas and dissect issues. The more you watch, the more you understand body language, tone modulation and delivery.
Pay attention to the hosts of popular talk shows as well. I often watch and listen to Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama and some top Ghanaian media personalities. They have mastered the art of engaging an audience. They show confidence, authenticity, and warmth. You can develop a strong understanding of how to command attention and communicate with impact.
Books
Books offer deep insights into communication. They complement the TV shows. TV shows display more of how it is done while books provide knowledge to stay informed and open-minded. You may find it challenging to communicate when you do not know. Knowledge is power. Immerse yourself in favourite subjects.
Familiarise yourself with the topics in your niche and you will always talk with passion and confidence when you are called to speak.
Teaching others
Another effective way to solidify your public speaking skills is by teaching others what you know. The protégé effect suggests that individuals retain information better when they are in a teaching role. When you teach others, you reinforce your knowledge, improve your confidence, and sharpen your ability to communicate complex ideas.
Find opportunities to share your knowledge. It could be informal mentoring, team presentations, or public workshops. I have hosted a lot of online events and informal meetings to teach and guide other people. I keep learning every day with these initiatives. Teaching is a platform for practising communication skills. It improves your ability to break down concepts into digestible pieces for your audience. It forces you to think critically about the subject and how best to explain it.
The ability to speak confidently as a professional is a non-negotiable skill. Strong communication can significantly impact your career progression and put you in high and prestigious rooms. Be a professional who inspires action.
So, start today. Watch a TED Talk, pick up a book, or share what you know with a colleague. The more you practice, the sooner you will speak confidently.
