Becoming a Speaker: A Journey from Struggle to Mastery

Public speaking is often perceived as an almost innate talent. However, the truth is remarkably different. There are very few people who are truly excellent at speaking publicly who didn't start out terrible. It is a skill that is learned through constant practice and commitment.

The Role of Experience in Improvement

Samuel Beckett, the renowned Irish writer, once said, ‘Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.’

In my own career as a teacher and speaker, I started out as a terrible public speaker. I knew nothing about the craft and had to learn it as I went. This can be a daunting and challenging experience, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

The Unrelenting Struggle of Teaching and Public Speaking

As I taught, I learned two important lessons:

I became proficient in public speaking through consistent practice and learning. I was constantly exhausted, strained by the pressure of performing every day.

Speaking meaningfully off the cuff in public, to an audience who would rather be doing anything else, is an incredibly intense and arduous task. Imagine being a stand-up comedian on stage five hours a day, five days a week. Then, going home to write the outlines of routines and jokes. No comedian could sustain such a regimen for more than a week, yet teachers are often expected to do so every day.

The Importance of Application

For any profession, especially teaching, it is crucial to apply the concepts and materials taught in real-world settings. If we do not apply what we are teaching, we cannot truly be effective teachers. The same rule applies to becoming a skilled speaker.

The Path to Becoming a Speaker: A Step-by-Step Guide

To improve as a speaker, follow these steps:

Practise wisely and frequently: Regular practice is the foundation of improvement. Try speaking in different settings and to different audiences to build confidence and adaptability. Speak loudly and slowly: Clear and concise communication is key. Ensure that your audience can hear you and understand your message. Contemplate and jot down points: Think through what you want to say and write down key points to help you stay focused and organized. Listen to yourself while speaking: This helps you evaluate your delivery and make necessary adjustments on the fly.

Just as with teaching, public speaking is a journey filled with challenges, but with perseverance and dedication, anyone can improve and become a competent and effective speaker.

Conclusion

While some individuals may possess an innate talent for public speaking, for the majority, it is a skill that must be developed through deliberate practice, effort, and constant improvement. If you find yourself struggling, take heart—every journey from struggle to mastery starts with the first step.