Your hands start to feel clammy, your mouth feels like the Sahara and your mind has gone blank. If this sounds like you when you need to stand up in front of a crowd and speak or even if you have to have a face-to-face conversation with a customer, then this article is for you. Having the confidence to speak up for your business is critical, especially in an age where the market is saturated by visual media and the only way to stand out is to raise your voice. Let’s look at seven ways to step up and speak up about your business.
1. Be passionate
When we are passionate about what we do and how we do it, it is easy to speak about it. We also enjoy learning more about our passions. So, by being passionate about your company and industry, you will have the confidence to speak about it.
2. Practice speaking
Look at the things you excel at. How many times have you done it? When you started were you good or did you have confidence? By practising speaking in a relatively controlled environment, you can build your confidence. Try to become a member of your local Toastmasters club and share your knowledge at business meetups. By attending these events, not only will you improve your confidence in speaking, but you will also build yourself up as a thought leader.
3. Define your story
Why did you start your business? What was your mission? It is important to know your story and any anecdotes from your personal and business life that you can use to drive home the message you want to send your audience away with. By sharing stories, you create a platform for people to relate to you and see themselves in the story.
4. Be authentic
ou are unique, and your secret sauce is who you are. There are no two identical people in the world. There may be identical twins that look the same, but they may not dress the same or think the same. By being yourself and expressing your ideas, you will feel secure and not have to keep a memory of everything you said. You will also not be tripped up if what you have said is true to who you are.
5. Know who you are talking to
Your audience will have an impact on how you deliver your message. If you are speaking to industry leaders who are comfortable with the jargon of your industry, you can go into detail and use the jargon. If you are speaking to customers, they will be more concerned about the benefits for them than the technical aspects. So, ensure you have aimed your speech to satisfy your target audience’s needs.
6. Watch your body language
With about 7% of communication being the words we say, there is a lot of non-verbal communication happening. It is important that your non-verbal communication is synced with what you say because many people will believe your non-verbal communication before they believe your verbal communication.
7. Give a call to action
At the end of the day, when you have spoken to someone you want them to take action. Whether it is a business card to contact you later or to sign up for your course, ensure your call-to-action is clear.
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