Are you ready to transform your public speaking skills?
Make this year-long calendar your essential resource for practical advice and inspiration to empower you in all aspects of your life, not just your public speaking. Each month, you’ll discover easy-to-follow strategies designed to enhance your confidence, improve your speaking skills, and foster meaningful connections, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re presenting at work, sharing ideas with friends, or engaging in community discussions, these insights will support your journey toward becoming a more effective communicator. Let’s work together to make this year your most successful yet, filled with impactful presentations and enriching conversations that resonate with your audience!
January – Prioritise what matters most
1. Identify your “Why”
Begin the year by reflecting on your reasons for improving your public speaking skills. Write down your motivations, whether it’s to advance your career, share your expertise, or inspire others. Keeping your ‘why’ front and centre will energise your passion throughout the year and guide your content creation and delivery.
2. Focus on your strengths first
Prepare a short presentation on a topic you are passionate about and record it. Watching your performance will provide you with valuable insights into your speaking style. Focus on analysing your strengths as a speaker by observing your delivery. Take the time to identify and note the qualities you value in your presentations, such as your pace, gestures, enthusiasm, or clarity.
While it is natural to think about areas for improvement, resist that temptation for now. By recognising what you do well, you will lay a positive foundation for growth and build confidence in your abilities.
3. Find a trusted friend or colleague
Share your recorded presentation with a trusted colleague or friend and seek constructive feedback. Ask them to concentrate on aspects of your delivery, such as:
Did you express your ideas clearly? Were any parts confusing or unclear?
How effectively did you capture and sustain their interest throughout the presentation? Were there points where they felt more involved or disengaged?
Was your speaking speed suitable? Did it seem rushed or too slow at any point?
How effective was your body language in conveying your message? Did you use gestures naturally, and did they enhance your presentation?
How did you make them feel?
What were their overall thoughts on your presentation style? What stood out positively, and what minor adjustments could improve your effectiveness?
February – Clarity Is King
As you move into February, shift your focus to one of the most critical public speaking skills at work: message clarity.
Choose a work presentation you regularly give or are preparing to deliver. This might be upcoming or something you have already presented. This month is not about performance or delivery; it is about understanding, simplifying, and sharpening what you are actually trying to say.
If you are unclear, your audience will be too.
1. Start small and clarify one core Message
Look for a speaking opportunity that feels achievable and low-pressure, such as:
– A team meeting
– A departmental update
– A lunch-and-learn session
Aim for 5–10 minutes. Shorter presentations force clarity.
Before you prepare slides or structure content, answer this question in one sentence:
If my audience remembers only one thing from this presentation, what should it be?
This is your core message. Everything else either supports it or distracts from it.
A clear message reduces pressure, increases confidence, and prevents information overload, for both you and your audience.
2. Know your audience and shape the message around them
Clarity is about more than just what you say; it depends on who you are saying it to.
Consider:
– Who is my audience?
– What do they care about at the moment?
– How much do they already know?
– What else do they really need to know?
Use these questions to filter your content. Remove anything that does not serve the audience’s needs or your core message.
A great presentation is made for the audience, not centred on the speaker.
3. Pressure-test your clarity
Once you have defined your core message, test it:
– Can you explain it clearly without slides?
– Can you summarise it in under 60 seconds?
– Would someone unfamiliar with the topic understand why it matters?
If the answer is no, simplify further.
Clarity is a discipline. The clearer your thinking, the stronger your public speaking skills become, and the easier it is for your audience to follow, engage, and act.
March – Create a Strong, Impactful Opening and Closing
1. Begin with a Compelling Quote or Question
Start your presentation with a relevant, impactful quote related to your topic to establish authority or provoke thought. Explain its significance and how it ties into your overall message. Alternatively, capture your audience’s attention by posing a thought-provoking question that encourages them to reflect on their experiences. This approach piques curiosity and keeps them engaged as you unfold your insights.
2. Share a Fascinating Anecdote, Statistic, or Fact
Open your speech with a brief personal anecdote that humanises your message and helps the audience connect with you emotionally. Ensure the story is pertinent and sets the stage for your main ideas. You can also begin with a surprising statistic that underscores the importance of your topic, grabbing the audience’s attention while laying the groundwork for why they should care.
3. Create an Image
Use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture that invites your audience to visualise a relevant scene. Evoke sensory responses to immerse them in the moment you describe, engaging them fully and cultivating an inviting atmosphere.
4. Close with Impact
Just as you opened with a strong statement, close your presentation with a powerful message or call to action. Echo your opening quote or question to bring your presentation full circle and reinforce your core message. Leave your audience with a memorable takeaway or actionable insight that compels them to think further or take steps based on what they learned.
By focusing on crafting strong openings and closings, you will create a cohesive, impactful presentation that resonates with your audience long after your last word is spoken.
April – Managing your nerves
Even the most experienced speakers feel nervous. The difference is not whether nerves appear; it’s how you respond to them. Confidence is not the absence of fear; it’s the ability to move forward despite it.
1: Ground your body to calm your mind
Your body influences your mind, and vice versa: if your body remains calm, your thoughts will follow; if your mind is at ease, your body will reflect that calm.
Plant your feet firmly on the ground, shoulder- or hip-width apart.
Relax your shoulders.
Breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Take five breaths in, hold for two seconds, and exhale slowly for eight seconds.
Take two minutes to breathe slowly before you speak.
This simple habit can really help ease physical anxiety, making you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
2: Shift focus away from yourself
Fear grows when your focus turns inward. You start asking yourself:
How do I come across?
Do I seem nervous?
Am I messing this up?
Confidence, on the other hand, grows when you shift your attention outward, toward your audience.
Ask yourself before speaking: How can I serve my audience? How can I provide value and connect with them both emotionally and intellectually?
When you stop performing and start serving, pressure naturally decreases, and confidence rises. Your focus shifts from yourself to creating an impactful experience for your audience.
3. Build confidence through preparation, not perfection
Confidence isn’t about memorising every word; it’s about truly understanding your message. When you grasp the core, your confidence naturally shines through.
Here’s how to cultivate that confidence:
Master Your Opening: Know your opening thoroughly to set a strong tone from the start.
Understand Your Key Points: Be clear on your main message and the crucial points you want to convey.
Adopt a Conversational Style: Speak naturally and engage your audience; avoid sounding mechanical.
Practice Without Aids: Rehearse your presentation without slides or notes, using your own words. This will help you internalise the message.
Remember, speakers who aim for perfection often freeze, while those who focus on authenticity radiate confidence, even when making mistakes. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and let your clarity shine through.
May – Could you listen to yourself?
Now that we’re in May, it’s time to focus on and strengthen your voice.
1. Record yourself practising
Select a passage or section of your presentation and record yourself reading it aloud. Don’t just speak, observe yourself as if you were in the audience. Pay attention to your:
– Natural tone
– Pace and rhythm
– Energy and emphasis
– Overall delivery
When you listen back, notice where your voice may sound flat, rushed, or lacking emphasis. Celebrate the moments that feel strong and authentic; these are your vocal strengths.
This exercise does more than highlight areas for improvement; it builds self-awareness, helping you understand how your voice conveys your message. Think of it as creating a personal baseline: you can’t measure growth without knowing where you started, and every insight you gain here is a building block for a more confident, engaging delivery.
2. Slow down and pause
Aim to slow your speaking pace by about 20%. Although it may feel slow to you, this adjustment often enhances the clarity and impact of your delivery for your audience. Practice speaking deliberately, enunciating each word, and taking natural pauses between phrases.
As you practise, intentionally insert pauses after key lines or important points. This approach allows the audience time to digest your message. It heightens the dramatic impact of key ideas—experiment with varying pause lengths to find a balance that feels natural yet compelling.
3. Experiment with volume and emphasis
Use volume shifts to emphasise key points. Practice raising your voice slightly for important messages and lowering it for more private or serious moments. Highlight important words in your sentences by changing your tone or inflexion. This variation keeps the audience engaged and emphasises the importance of your message.
Try some vocal exercises as well.
June: Practise mindful movement
Now that we’re in June, let’s focus on how we stand, move, and stay present with our audience.
1. Connect with the ground and your hands
Stand comfortably with your feet spaced shoulder or hip-width apart, whichever feels best for you, and enjoy an even distribution of your weight. Practice this relaxed stance during rehearsals to naturally exude stability and confidence. Try to stay steady without shifting your weight or fidgeting, as this can sometimes distract from your presence. Feel your feet connected to the ground, and observe how a grounded stance can enhance your audience’s perception of your confidence.
Remove your hands from your pockets and let them move naturally, as you would when speaking with friends or family. Gestures can reinforce your message, add energy, and help your audience process information visually. Use them intentionally to complement what you say:
– Open arms: Convey openness, honesty, and approachability. Great for welcoming ideas or inviting participation.
– Palm-up gestures: Signal offering, inclusion, or presenting a concept. Helps your audience feel invited into your message.
– Pointing toward ideas, slides, or visual aids: Highlight key points without aiming directly at audience members (pointing at people can feel confrontational).
– Counting on fingers: Excellent for enumerating steps, tips, or lists — it gives structure visually.
– Hands framing a concept: Using your hands to “frame” an idea in space can help the audience visualise abstract concepts.
– Gestures that mirror your words: For example, moving hands apart when describing “expansion” or “growth,” or circling when discussing cycles. This helps reinforce understanding.
Movement isn’t merely decoration; it functions as a silent language that enhances your message, captures your audience’s attention visually, and conveys confidence. Let your hands communicate alongside your words, but always with purpose.
2. Connect through eye contact
Eye contact is more than a habit; it’s a direct line to your audience’s attention and trust. How you use your gaze communicates confidence, openness, and engagement before you even say a word.
– Hold complete sentences, not glances: Instead of quickly scanning the room, make eye contact with one person for a full sentence or thought. This creates a sense of connection and presence.
– Shift intentionally: Move your gaze to different audience members every few sentences, including people at the back or periphery. This ensures everyone feels seen and included.
– Anchor key points with eye contact: When delivering an important idea, lock eyes briefly with a few individuals. It underscores the significance of your message and engages the audience.
– Balance focus and comfort: Don’t stare at one person, and don’t avoid looking at anyone. Aim for a natural rhythm, as if you’re having a conversation with the whole room.
– Use eye contact to read the room: Pay attention to reactions. Are people nodding, confused, or disengaged? Let your gaze guide you to adjust energy, pacing, or clarity.
Eye contact transforms a presentation from a monologue into a dialogue, even in front of hundreds of people.
3. Connect with yourself before speaking
Before stepping on stage or beginning your presentation, take a moment to connect with yourself first. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat several times to allow your body and mind to settle.
This isn’t just about calming nerves; it’s about balancing your energy and grounding your focus. Mindful breathing helps you:
– Tune in to your own state, thoughts, and feelings
– Release tension or self-consciousness
– Create a sense of internal stability that radiates outward
Once grounded, extend your intention outward: you are here to share ideas and encourage dialogue, not to perform. Being fully present with yourself makes it much easier to read the audience’s energy, respond genuinely, and engage authentically.
Think of each breath as a bridge: it connects your inner clarity with your outward presence, giving you the confidence and calm to deliver your message powerfully.
July: Manage your bad habits
Now that we’re half way through the year, if you haven’t already done so, let’s turn our attention to our bad habits. Remember public speaking and presenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about being authentic. Instead of trying to be the perfect speaker, focus on identifying and managing anything thing that you say or do, repeatedly to the point of distraction. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Fire, Aim, Ready
One of the most detrimental habits a speaker can develop is not knowing their audience. Just as marketing professionals emphasise the importance of understanding their target market, the mindful presenter recognizes that if you ‘fire’ information at an audience without being fully prepared or having a clear intention, your message is likely to fall flat.
Do your research and take the time to understand your audience before developing your presentation. Engage with them directly through conversations, emails, or meetings if possible. Discover who they are, how much they already know, and what they want and need from you. This preparation will allow you to tailor your message effectively.
One Size Fits All
In public speaking, the notion that ‘one size fits’ all is a misconception that can lead to disengagement. Similar to the ‘fire, aim, ready’ habit, assuming that every audience is the same, is both lazy and disrespectful. As noted in a Forbes article, “Every audience and venue is different and comes with its own energy and vibe.” Take the time to customize your approach for your specific audience.
The Curse of Knowledge
The “curse of knowledge” is a common pitfall for many speakers, where their own extensive understanding of a topic leads them to assume the audience shares that same understanding. The mindful presenter counters this by ensuring that everything they share is relevant and easily digestible. They prioritize explaining concepts simply and clearly, so their insights connect with the audience.
Avoiding Mud at the Wall
Have you ever left a presentation wondering, “What was that about?” This often happens when a presenter mindlessly throws information at the audience without a clear purpose. The mindful presenter avoids this by crafting a focused and compelling message that supports a central theme. They know the importance of clearly articulating their message, which is essential for ensuring it resonates and sticks with the audience.
Avoiding PPI (Preparation, Practice, Internalisation)
If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
The mindful presenter understands that at the heart of planning their presentation they need to Prepare, Practice and Internalise their content.
If you avoid the first 4 bad public speaking habits and follow the mindful presenter suggestions, you will be well along the preparation path. Practicing your presentation means doing a great deal more than staring at the slides on your laptop.
The mindful presenter practices the verbal and non-verbal expression of their message. That means speaking their presentation out aloud to people they trust and getting feedback on how they sound, look and move.
In his article ‘The Only Way to Prepare to Give a Presentation’ the author makes the case that, ‘You can’t make an effective presentation if you read from a script, rely too much on notes, or use your slides as cue cards. You have to rehearse well enough so you can give all your attention to the audience.’
The mindful presenter is acutely aware that they have to internalise their message. That doesn’t mean remembering their content. It means owning their content in such a way that if they left their notes on the train or their audio/visuals stopped working, they could still speak.
The Tornado Effect
We’ve all sat through presentations overloaded with irrelevant and dense information. The result often feels like being swept up in a tornado, chaotic and overwhelming. The mindful presenter protects their audience from this turmoil by focusing on delivering valuable insights that matter.
Looking Good
In the quest to appear competent and knowledgeable, presenters may inadvertently shift their focus away from their audience. It’s crucial for the mindful presenter to leave their ego at the door, concentrating instead on how to make a positive impact on their audience’s experience and well-being.
Avoiding the Bush
One of the reasons many business presentations are too long is because the presenter spends too much time, ‘beating around the bush’. ‘Rambling’ and ‘waffling’ are a big part of the problem. In her article, ‘Brevity: 3 tips for speaking less and saying more’, author Teena Maddox explains the problem, calling it the tendency of:
– Overexplaining
– Underpreparing
– Completely missing the point
The solution is simple but not necessarily easy. The mindful presenter follows six steps to radically reduce the likelihood of the ‘beating around the bush:
– Open with a bang
– Tell them your key message
– Let them know why your message is not only relevant but important to them
– Show them exactly how you can help them and give them examples
– Tell them what you want them to do now.
– Close with a bang
I wrote more about this in a previous article, ‘3 Presentation Tips to Help You To Stop ‘Waffling’’
The Ostrich Syndrome
We’ve all heard the myth that Ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they are scared. It’s not true of course. As well as not being able to see, they wouldn’t be able to breathe.
I’m reminded of the myth in the knowledge that a significant challenge for many speakers is making eye contact with their audience. In her article ‘What a Lack of Eye Contact Says About You, According to Science (and How to Fix It)’, author Wanda Thibodeaux suggests that ‘Failing to meet someone’s gaze could send not-so-flattering messages about who you are and what you’re capable of.’
The mindful presenter is aware that the most powerful way of connecting with any audience is through eye contact. If it makes you uncomfortable it’s a challenge worth overcoming. This article offers some helpful advice, ‘How to Overcome Eye Contact Anxiety.’
Speed of Light
Speaking too quickly can alienate your audience and jeopardize your message. The mindful presenter consciously works to slow down their pace and incorporate regular pauses, enhancing clarity and engagement.
Energy is Key
High levels of energy and enthusiasm are vital for successful presentations. A lack of energy can leave the audience feeling bored or indifferent. The mindful presenter recognises that there are no boring presentations, only presenters who fail to engage through a lack of energy.
The Corporate Spokesperson
Avoid sounding overly formal or scripted.
Be Genuine: Strive to communicate authentically, presenting your ideas with sincerity rather than trying to impress.
The Comforter
Fidgeting with objects can distract your audience.
Keep Your Hands Free: Enter the speaking space with nothing in your hands to maintain focus on your message.
Motion Sickness
Mindless pacing or swaying can distract and disturb your audience.
Establish a Strong Presence: Stand tall and connect with the ground, using movement thoughtfully to reinforce your message.
Let’s Count
The mindful presenter understands that a bad habit is anything they do or say repeatedly to the point of distraction. It’s easy for the audience to notice these habits, often leading them to count distractions rather than engage with your message. Common examples include filler words like “ums,” “ahs,” or phrases such as “you know” and “I think.”
Practice slowing down your speech, pausing for breaths, and listening to recordings of yourself to identify these habits. Get feedback from someone you trust, and work on keeping your sentences short.
Remember, it’s unrealistic to eliminate them completely; focus on reducing their frequency.
You Don’t Sound So Sure
Uptalk, or ending statements with an upward inflection, can make you sound uncertain even when you’re not asking a question. This speaking pattern is common but can undermine your credibility during a presentation.
Like with filler words, listen to recordings of yourself speaking and seek feedback from trusted peers to identify this habit and work toward speaking with more confidence.
August: Share stories
Now, as you approach August, focus on the compelling art of storytelling in your presentations.
1. Create a personal story bank
Many people think they “don’t have stories,” but everyone has experiences worth sharing; they just need to be remembered and recorded.
To tap into this potential, compile a small, purposeful collection of stories that you can access whenever needed. Start by jotting down 10 to 15 meaningful moments from your life, such as:
– Failures that taught you important lessons.
– Lessons learned the hard way.
– Key turning points in your journey.
– Awkward or uncertain moments that shaped you.
For each story, record the following:
– What Happened: Describe the event or situation clearly.
– What Changed: Reflect on how it affected you or your perspective.
– The Lesson: Summarise the insight or takeaway from that experience.
Once you’ve built a diverse collection of stories in your story bank, you can match them to your ideas or themes as they come up, rather than forcing them into your talks. This method enables genuine storytelling that strengthens your messaging and connects with your audience.
2. Structure your story and make it emotionally engaging
Follow a traditional storytelling structure: start with the beginning (set the scene), move to the middle (describe the conflict or challenge), and conclude with the end (resolution and takeaway). For a teamwork story, start by outlining the initial project goals (beginning), then explain the challenges faced (middle), and finish by illustrating how the team collaborated to succeed (end).
Add emotional depth to your story by sharing personal feelings, challenges, and triumphs. Describe how these struggles influenced your emotions during teamwork, and how the eventual success brought a sense of achievement and unity.
3. Enhance your story delivery Skills
Practise telling your story aloud, paying attention to your tone, pacing, and body language. For example, adopt a gentler tone to convey vulnerability during difficult moments and a livelier tone when discussing achievements. Rehearse using gestures to emphasise key points in your story.
Record yourself practising the story, then review the playback to spot areas for improvement. Additionally, rehearse in front of a trusted friend or colleague to receive constructive feedback.
Understand the elements of compelling storytelling. Research and identify the key features that make a story engaging: a relatable protagonist, an apparent conflict or challenge, emotional engagement, and a clear resolution. Consider stories that have personally or professionally impacted you and analyse why they resonated.
September – Focus on engagement and interaction
Now that it’s September, let’s focus on engaging our audience.
1. Ask questions
Begin by defining your presentation topic and identifying key themes or ideas that will prompt deeper reflection. For example, if your presentation is about overcoming workplace challenges, you might ask, “What has been your biggest obstacle in achieving a team goal, and how did you overcome it?”
Craft open-ended questions: Frame them to encourage thoughtful responses rather than simple yes-or-no answers. Use phrases such as “What do you think about…” or “How would you approach…” to invite deeper reflection.
Test your questions: Before your presentation, share them with a colleague or friend to gauge their reactions. Amend any questions that are overly leading or complex.
Use rhetorical questions throughout your presentation to encourage your audience to think critically and engage with the topic. For example, ask, “Have you ever wondered what it would be like to…” This technique fosters reflection and keeps listeners actively involved in the discussion.
2. Encourage reflection and gauge the atmosphere
Encourage your audience to reflect on their experiences by asking them to consider a relevant scenario. For example, say, “Think about a time when you faced a similar challenge.” Allow a moment of silence for the audience to contemplate the prompt, helping to establish a personal connection to your topic.
Pay attention to the audience’s non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. Adjust your energy and delivery based on their reactions. If they seem disengaged, ramp up your enthusiasm or introduce a more interactive element, such as a quick poll or question, to reinvigorate their attention.
3. Boost audience participation
Encourage audience interaction by inviting them to share their thoughts or experiences related to your topic. This can be achieved through brief comments, questions, or a simple raised-hand survey. Engaging your audience in this manner creates an interactive atmosphere and enhances the overall presentation.
October – Get out more
As you advance in your public speaking journey, October can be a productive month for attending live events, learning from others, and expanding your network.
1. Attend live events
Attend live performances such as spoken-word events, open-mic nights, or storytelling festivals. Observing how others captivate their audiences can be very educational. Notice how performers engage with their audience and the techniques they use when delivering their stories. Take notes on what resonates with you and consider how you might incorporate those elements into your own speaking style.
2. Look for opportunities to learn
Research upcoming public speaking events, forums, or conferences in your area. Look for those featuring experienced speakers, industry leaders, or communication experts. Attend these sessions to learn from their techniques and observe how they engage and connect with their audiences. Take detailed notes on their speaking styles, storytelling methods, and audience interactions. If possible, connect with them afterwards to ask questions and gain insights.
3. Ask for help when needed
Research and find public speaking training courses or coaching services locally or online. Look for programmes that align with your goals and what you have focused on in January and February. Consider factors such as the trainer’s or coach’s reputation, the course curriculum, reviews from previous participants, and the programme’s duration.
Clarify what you aim to achieve from the training or coaching. Prepare questions to ask potential trainers or coaches about their methodologies, areas of expertise, and success stories. This will help you find someone who meets your needs and aligns with your learning style.
Register for the chosen course or organise sessions with your selected coach. Commit yourself to engaging fully in the experience; ask questions, participate actively, and welcome feedback. This external perspective will help you refine your skills further and introduce new techniques to enhance your presentations.
November – Mastering questions
By November, you’ve built confidence, clarity, and presence. Now it’s time to tackle one of the most challenging aspects of public speaking: handling questions effectively. How you respond can enhance your credibility, deepen engagement, and reinforce your message.
1. Listen Fully and Clarify
The first rule of responding to questions is simple: listen before you answer.
– Give your full attention: maintain eye contact, nod naturally, and refrain from interrupting. This signals respect and shows that you value the audience’s input.
– Seek clarification when needed. For example:
“Could you please elaborate on that?” or “Can you give me a bit more context so I can answer accurately?”
– Paraphrase complex questions to confirm understanding:
“So, if I understand correctly, you’re asking…”
This approach ensures you respond thoughtfully, avoids miscommunication, and demonstrates active listening, a hallmark of confident speakers.
2. Pause, Smile, and Breathe
Even the most seasoned speakers can feel pressure when a tricky question arises. Manage it with presence:
– Smile genuinely and maintain open body language to reduce tension.
– Take a breath before responding. This brief pause allows you to collect your thoughts, control pacing, and project calm authority.
– Approach every question with curiosity, not defensiveness. Even difficult or unexpected questions are opportunities to showcase your expertise and poise.
3. Stay Focused and Strategic
– Keep answers concise and on-topic. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents.
– For questions that broaden into unrelated areas, acknowledge the topic but redirect:
“That’s an interesting point. Let’s explore it after the session so we can stay on track today.”
– For challenging or hostile questions, remain calm and professional. Phrases like:
“That’s a thoughtful question — here’s how I see it…”
help you respond assertively without defensiveness.
Practice with a colleague or mentor by asking unexpected questions. Notice your reaction, refine your phrasing, and learn to stay composed under pressure.
December: Spend time reflecting
You’ve come a long way. As you approach the end of the year, take some time to recognise your progress and plan your upcoming steps.
1. Reflect on your learning and add new techniques
Take some time to reflect on your experiences from training courses or coaching sessions. Jot down the main insights and skills you’ve acquired and think about how they build on the strengths you identified earlier. Review your recorded presentations and include these new techniques to improve your delivery and style. Record a new presentation using these updates and assess your progress.
2. Demonstrate Your Skills in Practical Situations
Arrange a short workshop or presentation at your workplace to showcase the skills you have acquired. This practical method will reinforce your learning and enable you to receive constructive feedback from your audience. Be prepared to seek input on the areas you’ve improved to refine your abilities further.
3. Create a Personal Development Plan
Create a personal development plan for the coming months by identifying additional skills or areas of public speaking you wish to improve. Set clear, practical goals, such as attending an advanced workshop, joining a speaking club, or seeking opportunities to speak at larger events. By actively building on what you’ve learned, you’ll develop a roadmap for continuous progress in your public speaking journey.
It’s your journey
By following this comprehensive public speaking development calendar, you are beginning a transformative journey to become a more effective and impactful communicator. Each month is thoughtfully designed with clear, actionable steps to help you build a strong skill set and inspire and connect with your audience like never before.
As you continue your journey toward becoming a confident and impactful speaker, consider taking the next step by investing in professional development.
– Elevate your skills with professional presentation training designed to sharpen your delivery, structure your content, and engage any audience with authority.
– Work one-on-one with a public speaking coach to receive personalised feedback, refine your style, and overcome individual challenges.
– Attend high-impact public speaking courses that focus on practical techniques, from managing nerves to mastering Q&A sessions, giving you a toolkit you can apply immediately in the workplace.
Every opportunity you take to learn and practice reinforces the progress you’ve made this year. By combining structured training, expert guidance, and deliberate practice, you can turn your public speaking skills into a powerful tool for influence, leadership, and career growth.
The stage is ready, your audience is waiting, and your voice has the power to inspire. Now is the time to step forward and make it count.
As we start the new year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and engagement. May this year bring you abundant opportunities for growth, joy, and fulfilment in all your endeavours. Embrace each new experience with an open heart and an adventurous spirit as you navigate through the exciting possibilities ahead.
Here’s to new beginnings, meaningful connections, and the pursuit of your passions in the coming year. May your days be filled with inspiration and your path illuminated by success. Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year, filled with health, happiness, and the courage to chase your dreams!
Cheers to an incredible year ahead!
Image courtesy of: Canva.com
