If you're an entrepreneur, chances are you've participated in plenty of public speaking engagements--making presentations at board meetings, pitching to investors, speaking at conferences--to promote your brand and your business.
If you're newer to entrepreneurship, you may not have had the opportunity to perfect this important skill. That’s why we asked nine entrepreneurs from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) the following question:
Q. What’s your best tip for entrepreneurs who are new to public speaking and want to get their feet wet?
1. Speak on a panel
Dipping your toes into the public speaking arena can be daunting. To reduce stress and anxiety of public speaking, look for opportunities to be a panelist. A panel discussion can provide you with an opportunity to speak publicly without making you the sole focus of the discussion. This gives you time to think about what you are going to say and it builds your confidence.– Mark Cenicola, BannerView.com
2. Volunteer
There are countless charitable organizations out there that would love to hear the advice and wisdom of an entrepreneur. This isn't only an excellent life practice, but also is a great way to dip into public speaking. You can start with smaller groups to gain confidence, and you'll avoid the stress factor because these groups are happy just to have you there.– Elle Kaplan, LexION Capital
3. Look for speaking opportunities
If you're just getting started with public speaking, it's up to you to seek out your own opportunities. Look at conferences in your field and apply to present. Reach out to podcasters and get yourself interviewed. You might also try hosting and recording an online webinar on your topic of expertise. Even if the audience is small, you'll get practice, and you can use the recording as sample work.– Allie Siarto, Allie Siarto & Co. Photography
4. Try improv comedy
Most hugely successful entertainers started out in improv. It's become such a popular hobby lately, there should be some great improv groups in every city. On top of teaching you how to adapt socially (even with the unexpected), it's also a great way to meet people and have a little fun throughout the week.– Adam Steele, The Magistrate
5. Join a nonprofit board
Joining a nonprofit board is a great way for entrepreneurs to practice their public speaking skills. Nonprofit board members are regularly called upon to present to diverse audiences on various stages, from board meetings to donor presentations. It's a low-stress environment that offers ample opportunity to make mistakes and improve your public speaking skills.– Clayton Dean, Circa Interactive
6. Script, refine, and rehearse
Spend some time watching Steve Jobs pitch--what he conveyed was almost second to his showmanship. He spent days practicing his scripts and setting each stage for his performance and audience. Engage your audience with pauses and changes of tone and speed. Video yourself and see what needs work, then refine and rehearse.– Eran Eyal, Springleap
7. Book gigs at colleges
Speaking to college kids is a great way to give back while getting experience in front of crowds. Start by reaching out to your own alma mater or schools in your area. You'll almost certainly find that business schools will love to have you speak to their students. Speak for free, but prepare as if you're getting paid. Over time, you'll build up confidence and a great reputation.– Brittany Hodak, ZinePak
8. Practice
Public speaking is always nerve-wracking, but if you practice, it gets a little easier. When you have in-depth knowledge of what you are talking about, it is much easier to feel confident when speaking in front of a crowd.– Leila Lewis, Be Inspired PR
9. Try Toastmasters
Toastmasters International is an organization that is focused on the goal of improving members' leadership skills and public speaking. There are over 15,000 clubs in over 130 countries, and many are targeted toward entrepreneurs. Joining a club is easy, and at meetings you can start giving prepared or impromptu speeches right away and receive valuable feedback in a non-hostile environment.– Andrew Saladino, Kitchen Cabinet Kings
