Growing up in a small town in rural West Virginia was an experience I would not trade for the world. I would regularly run into a neighbor at the town grocer, participate in as many school events, sports, or clubs as I wanted, and developed a sense of family without being related to anybody around me. I went to a very small high school, but it offered as many opportunities as the staffing would allow for its students, one of which being FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America). Through this youth organization, I built a comfort for public speaking, a task which many associate with fear. Through the last ten years, I have participated in many contests, won scholarships, and gotten jobs by deploying this skill. Through hardships and victories, I’ve learned many lessons and tips regarding public speaking.
Why is public speaking important?
I often get this question by individuals who are not looking forward to presenting in front of a crowd or classroom. Public speaking, whether we realize it or not, is a useful tool that is utilized in everyday life, no matter how big or small. It takes place inside a classroom, at work, and in your personal life. Public speaking is important because it is an opportunity just as much as it is a simple task. It’s an opportunity that will present itself to us throughout the rest of our lives.
How do I encourage my students or children to enjoy public speaking?
If a student or child does not enjoy public speaking, it is most likely stemming from fear or discomfort surrounding the topic. What that individual may need is the support and guidance of a mentor or loved one. Confidence plays a large role in public speaking and sometimes that is a hard road for an individual to navigate. To assist that student or child through public speaking, you must be the support system in the crowd they may not realize they want or need. It is endless words of encouragement, countless hours of practice, and a strong shoulder to lean on that will encourage anybody to overcome the fear or discomfort of public speaking. Be the voice inside their head, so they can be the voice in front of the crowd.
What are the benefits of public speaking?
There are multiple benefits of public speaking, many of which revolve around your academic and professional career. Obtaining the skill of public speaking opens various doors for you in life. Academically, when a student is comfortable with public speaking, they can obtain a better grade on a presentation, take on leadership roles, and even earn scholarships to further their education. Professionally, an individual is better able to communicate with their coworkers, can self-advocate for quicker promotions, and can sell their ideas through product pitches (which is another form of public speaking!). Additionally, I have not found another activity that can bring more confidence to an individual than having the ability to stand in front of a crowd, regardless of size, and capture their attention and interest through public speaking.
What are some tips you have for a public speaker?
Practice DOES NOT make perfect - it makes better.
Just breath. Before, during, and after speaking - just breath.
Working the crowd is just as important as the topic you are speaking about. Engage the audience, read the room, and focus on who you're talking to, not just what you're talking about.
Mistakes happen. The classic "ums" and "uhs" happen. Shrug it off and keep going.
Record yourself, practice in the mirror, or start presenting small (to family or friends).
WHAT you say is important. HOW you say something is more important.
Audiences may not always be receptive to what you're saying - and that is okay.
Watch your pace, hand gestures, and body movements. Navigating this comes with practice and time.
Confidence is key. Believe in yourself and others will soon follow.
YOU CAN DO IT!
Remember, navigating the world of public speaking is like climbing a mountain, there are inclines, there are cliffs, but the view when the hike is over is worth it.
About the Author
Emily Yates is a graduate of West Virginia University with a major in History and a minor in Political Science. Her relationship with the West Virginia Department of Education began when she became the department’s intern in the early fall of 2022. Throughout her internship, Emily worked with the Agricultural Education Department, Discover your Future, and newly, The EdVenture Group.
Pending her graduation, Emily has continued her work with the department part-time and is working closely with The EdVenture Group, assisting with conferences, student competitions, and research projects. She looks forward to continuing her work and relationships throughout West Virginia.