XP: Public Speaking/Leadership Improvement?

lynnyloo · May 2011

Ladies, I was wondering if any of you had good suggestions on how to build on public speaking skills?

This morning I had a group panel interview, in which 6 potential candidates (including myself) had to come to a consensus on a problem, present our top three options/methods, and then answer questions individually (all in the time span of 40 min; 5 to look over the situation outlined on the paper, 15 to discuss as a group and decide how we would present, 5 minutes to present as the group, and 15 minutes for questions. Basically, the interview panel was looking for the demonstration of leadership skills. Unfortunately, it was a very strong competition as far as skilled interviewees and I know I did not emerge at the top. This is a very extemporaneous situation I have an idea of what needs to be done in the situation, but however lack confidence in my ability to take charge especially given the short time constraint.

Any suggestions?

cep1976 · May 2011

Look for a Toastmasters meeting near you, and start attending regularly. People in my office swear by it.

DCtoLowcountry · May 2011

I've been through panel interviews like that and they can be nerve-wracking, but it's not a judgement of whether or not the group accepted your "leadership" as much as it was an assessment of whether or not you could be assertive as well as flexible. If you're interested in developing better public speaking skills, try Toastmasters or look in your professional area for presentation skills training. GL!

julie5220 · May 2011

It doesn't actually sound like a leadership or public speaking issue. It sounds like assertiveness. (Not that they weren't judging you on those things, just that assertiveness, which can be a component of leadership, is what you needed in that situation.) Perhaps look into assertiveness training. Sorry the interview didn't go your way :-(

maryandkirk0909 · May 2011

cep1976:
Look for a Toastmasters meeting near you, and start attending regularly. People in my office swear by it.

I was going to suggest this too.

Hey Jellisy · May 2011

A friend of mine did Dale Carnegie while she got her PhD because she was afraid of all the presentations and defense. We were just talking this week about how much that course has helped her both in grad school and now her chosen profession. She swears by it.

can_can · May 2011

I just read an article about entrepreneurship by the author of the Dilbert comics (Scott Adams), and he raved about his Dale Carnegie course, and how everyone (if they have the opportunity) should take it. He gives that course credit to his ability to speak comfortably in crowds and act as a leader. Maybe give that a thought? Toastmasters was also regularly mentioned among my former coworkers as an awesome thing

Pam&John · May 2011

my ex went thru the DC program and loved it. (if you want to BE enthusiastic, you have to ACT enthusiastic! still rings in my ears....20-plus years later).

we had toastmasters here at work a while ago and I had trouble with it, which probabyl means I really needed it, but I agree with the PPs -- either of these programs will likely help you, in some way, overcome any issues you have qith public speaking and confidence.

if assertiveness is the issue, I think you need to seek a different type of opportunity, though.

XP: Public Speaking/Leadership Improvement?

Re: XP: Public Speaking/Leadership Improvement?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards