Confidence and the public speaker

There is a mutual connection between confidence and public speaking. 

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. - Martin Luther King Jr.

What are the advantage of speaking confidently?

Confidence comes with clarity. How to understand clarity. Value of a diamond is measured in clarity by placing it in water. A clear diamond is almost invisible in water. Clarity in thoughts brings confidence.

Speaking confidently is mission accomplished. It helps you to convey a point across. A confident speaker can take on questions and answers from the audience. Any speaker can give a lecture. But only a confident speaker will be able to explain the topic. 

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. - Mahatma Gandhi

Confidence helps you to gain attention of your listeners. They do not feel a waste of time sitting and listening to you. When audience shows interest in your speech, you feel happy and satisfied. So it helps both ways.

Confidence = Mastery. Anybody can talk. But when a master speaks, everybody listens. Having detailed knowledge about a subject is not enough. People admire those who are able to explain the subject well. Once you are able to talk about it confidently, people will recognize you as expert on the subject. 

Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement. - Golda Meir

Would you like to be a good speaker? Why?

Being a good speaker helps convey thoughts to others. Who doesn't love a good orator. You get to meet new people and exchange ideas. This adds on to your knowledge on the subject. As a expert speaker, you will get invited to conferences and seminars. A chance to travel around the world. Other speakers will take suggestions from you while preparing. You will make more contacts. Whatever business or profession you are, this will work to your advantage. It gives you a chance to motivate people. 

What are the qualities of a good speaker?

Listening & Understanding - A good speaker believes in two way communication. Without understanding your audience your speech in incomplete. If you are interacting with a group of people, you need to listen to the points and suggestions of others.

Vocabulary - You should have a good command over the written and spoken word. It does not matter which language you are using. You should be grammatically correct. Reading improves your word power. Yoga and meditation keeps you fit and helps focus. 

Stick to the point - Treat your audience as mature adults. Reinforce a point with an example but do not rephrase or repeat it.

Pay equal attention to whole group - You might stand in front of a few people or a few hundred. Divide your time between all of them.

Maintain eye contact - Eye contact is a way to level up. It will also get an instant connection with the audience.

Prepare your speech well in advance - Try to find out in advance whom are you speaking to and decide on a topic and script. Use simple words and sentences to convey your point. Find out how much time is allotted to you and stick to your time slot. Do leave time for question and answer session.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. - Gautama Buddha