5 Tips that Can Help You Become a Better Speaker

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Getting over the fear of speaking in public.


Speaking in public is one of the most common fears that people have. Just the thought of it can bring even the most pulled together of us to break out in a cold sweat. It doesn't even have to be on a stage or to a large group to make the anxiety kick in. In fact, for many people who are looking for a job, this fear hinders there ability to do things like write a great cover letter, interview without nervous mistakes or even just making a follow up phone call.


If you have this fear, it's nothing to be ashamed of. It happens to the majority of us. The thing is, speaking in public doesn't have to be a painful process. The key is to find ways to get others interested in what you are saying. Once you have an audience listening to what you have to say, the nerves disappear.


Here are 5 tips that can help you be a better speaker and get rid of anxiety:


Tell a story - Think about it. We all love a good story. Stories ignite our imagination and make us interested in finding out what happens next. Make your resume, cover letter and even interview responses tell a story about who you are and what you have to offer. Think about your story and arrange your presentation around that. This way, when an employer reads your cover letter and resume, they will see the story of you.


Respect your audience - One mistake that many people who are nervous about speaking in public make is trying to impress their audience. In an interview, coming in with the goal of impressing a hiring manger often backfires. It can come off as being arrogant. Instead of having the goal of impressing them; try to respect them and make a real connection.


Make eye contact - They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul, so use them to show that you mean what you are saying. I don't know about you, but I instinctively don't trust people who won't look me in the eye. Even if you are speaking to a group, take a moment to make eye contact with each person. When you look at them, they feel more involved and connected. Without good eye contact, anything you say feels like you are just reciting information rather than just talking.


Repeat the important points - When writing a speech or just outlining the things you want to say in an interview, keep in mind that the most effective speakers tell you what they are going to say, then they say it, then they tell you what they said. For example, you can start by saying that you are an excellent fit for the job because you have the skills, training and motivation to be the best. Then, tell them about it. After, mention that with all of the assets you bring to the table, you believe that you would make a great member of their team. It might seem a bit repetitive at first, but research has shown that people believe the things they hear more than once - even when the same person is telling them it.


Keep it simple - Our brains have limits and when it comes to remembering things, this is especially true. Try to keep your presentation down to less than 7 key points. Anything more than that and you audience will become confused and lose interest. Personally, I think that filtering it down to three or four key points works best. For example, if you say that you have the skills, training and proven track record of success for a job, touch on those three things, then summarize.


If you think that your anxiety about speaking in public is holding you back, or you want to become a better speaker, look for local classes at your public library, toastmasters group or community college.


Are you afraid of speaking in public? What things help you overcome it? Please share your thoughts in the comments.




By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog and Beyond.com, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.

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How To Overcome Anxiety in Your New Job - 4 Tips That Can Help

So you got a job! Good for you! So, why are you still struggling? Overcome anxiety in your new job with these tips.

All of that hard work you put into your job search has finally paid off. You don't have to sift through job openings looking for your dream job, and instead you're trying to get into the swing of your new job. So, why are you still having trouble sleeping and spending a lot of time worrying about your job?

Sometimes, just getting the job isn't enough to keep the anxiety at bay. Now that you have a job, there is more risk and more to lose. Going through a period of unemployment is really, really tough and it's not unusual to come out of the experience a little shell-shocked and worse for wear. It's normal to worry that your skills are rusty, that you might not fit in at the new company or even have worries about money.

If you're dealing with anxiety and fear in your new job, here are some tips that can help:

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  If you're worried about money – Starting a new job is hard, but it's even harder when you are broke. Accept that the first month or two are going to be really hard. The first few weeks are a struggle because you might have trouble affording things like gas to get you back and forth, childcare, work clothes and even lunch until you get a few paychecks under your belt. Even then, you'll be spending a large portion of each paycheck just getting caught up on bills. It's really tough, but it does get better.
  
  


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  If you had to take a pay cut – When you are out of work and desperate, sometimes you have to take a transitional job just to pay the bills. There is no shame in that, and when you are feeling stressed out, try to keep your focus on the positive side of things. While you are working, you are able to earn a little money and brush up on your skills. When the job of your dreams comes along, you'll be in a position to make a smooth transition.
  
  


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  If you are feeling overwhelmed – Transitioning back to the workplace is really hard. If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember to take care of yourself. For the first month or two it's really important to eat as healthy as you can. Pick breakfast food that will give you energy throughout the day, rather than sugary foods that will give you a mid-morning crash. Also, you might want to be sure to take a multivitamin everyday. Your new workplace is bound to be filled with germs that your body isn't accustomed to and the last thing you want to happen is to be sick during the first month of employment.
  
  


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  If you're worried about your job performance – Being out of work is traumatic, and it's normal to worry that you are going to fail at the new job. Instead of looking at it as a test, think of the new job as a chance to be the best “you” you can. If you don't already have a personal brand, now is the time to create it. Decide what you want to be and try to be that. Re-creating yourself into the sort of employee you want to be can become an adventure, and this new job is a fresh start.

Have you had a hard time adjusting to full-time employment? What helped you work through it? Let me know in the comments.

If you are looking for a job in the Philadelphia area, visit PhillyJobs for the best Philadelphia are job listings.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.