Walking and Talking

I give lots of presentations. I have a couple of critical ones next week. Those that can keep or keep away a client.

I'm an engineer and an introvert. My daughter calls me king dork after that best selling young adult book. But, public speaking is a make or break deal for my engineering business. It cements the deal with a client or brings me more clients.

The problem is that many of us engineers self selected into engineering. We'd rather be working on a task or managing a project than speak publicly.

Well, public speaking is necessity for making it into senior management and definitely into executive management.

So, how do you improve your speaking skills?

• Get a coach. Many companies will spring for one if you have a compelling reason. However, if you're a corporate plodder, don't even ask.
• Read books. There a lots of great books on public speaking from working a power point to working a crowd.
• Join Toast Masters or equivalent. These are groups that get you in front of people. Most of them, you don't know. it's safe.

You don't want the reputation of a great professional, but can't walk or talk. Today, that's a career killer.