Sheila Viesca , CEO of TalkShop is also concurrent President of Executive ToastMasters under Toastmasters International. In her younger years, she shares, “I was very shy. I did not have the confidence to approach people, let alone talk with them. So I chose to get myself trained to speak confidently during my summer breaks. Later on, I pushed myself to work in a service industry that required me to relate with all kinds of people.”
As she enrolled in her masters degree, she set up TalkShop. “I just knew from the start that my strength lies hidden in my perceived weakness. When I found my voice, the frameworks followed. With the right frameworks in place, I found it easier to spread my wings.” Viesca shares, “The truth is, everyone is nervous about public speaking. You just have to keep going until that nervousness translates into enthusiasm. Speaking, like any skill, can be developed with constant practice and perseverance.”
How does one handle nerves that come before public speaking? Viesca reveals, “Nervous energy can be put to positive use. When getting ready to speak before an audience, imagine you are talking to a friend or even to a child who is eager to learn something from you. Take deep breaths to help you relax. Speak more slowly than when you are conversing to calm down. Move around to expend nervous energy. ” She offers these helpful tips for anyone doing public speaking:
1. When asked to deliver a speech or presentation, go for it.
2. Prepare yourself. Research on your material. Practice, practice, practice.
3. Do not memorize your speech.
Remember the sequence and know your message by heart.
1. Use the hook, line, and sinker approach when developing your presentation.
Start strong and end with an impact.
1. Connect with the audience. Smile. Use eye contact.
2. Use your experiences. Share your stories.
3. Use gestures to dramatize your point.
4. Use visual aids to make your speech interesting.
5. Interact with the audience. Ask questions.
6. When not asked to deliver a speech or presentation, volunteer.
It is a privilege to speak before small or large groups. It will therefore be worthwhile to develop speaking skills through TalkShop’s “Public Speaking” and “Power Presentation” programs that will help you advance quickly in your career.
www.talkshop.ph | (632) 894 5588 | “Public Speaking”
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