By SANDRA GITTLEN

The power of public speaking

Also:

Leadership training

Network World, 09/17/01

A friend of mine was a network manager for a large organization. He had been working on a project to improve the company's networks for a while and finally got the opportunity to present his ideas to the company’s executives. He said it was the most horrible situation he ever encountered.

Although he knew his plans inside and out, he got nervous speaking in front of the higher ups. He said he forgot some of his key points, stumbled over some of the terminology, used too much technical jargon and didn't make eye contact. Though the executive committee eventually approved his plan, it required several of his managers to explain more clearly what he intended.

As managers, eventually you are going to be called upon to speak to your peers or your superiors, not just to your team. If you're uncomfortable in the spotlight, then chances are this is going to be a painful experience.

While public speaking is not usually at the top of the training budget, it can be the most important education you receive. Aside from helping you present your own goals and efforts, public speaking skills make you an affable representative for your team and their hard work.

Imagine if your group worked day and night on a project and your senior executives were hesitating on funding. If you do not have the skills necessary to persuade them to let you finish and to present in an easy-to-digest fashion why the project is important, you could jeopardize all of their hard work.

Many companies now require you to have strong public speaking skills to move up the corporate ladder. They know that the more you are able to represent the company internally and externally, the better a senior manager or company executive you will be. Being able to take what a technical team has done and relay it to a group of non-technical employees or business partners is a valuable asset.

Encourage your team to take public speaking courses, as well. One of your biggest concerns as a manager should be a career path for your employees. Helping them communicate effectively is just the kind of assistance they need to grow. And remember, the more they are able to express clearly what they are working on and what they want, then the better relationship they will have with you and the rest of your team.

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Gittlen is Events Editor at Network World.
You can e-mail her at sgittlen@nww.com.