Home About Seminars Keynotes Coaching Articles Materials News Photos Events Audience Industries Clients Testimonials Rationale Contact Need a dynamic speaker for your next event? Call: 312.282.0704 2007 Leadership Excellence Award	Speakers are Leaders. Written by Lisa Rich. Oprah Winfrey. Suze Orman. Meg Whitman. Carly Fiorina. We can all name a handful of women who have launched successful careers as TV and radio personalities, authors and CEOs. But have we ever considered why these women "made it"? These are confident women who can communicate with any audience of any size, anytime, and anywhere. They know that leadership and self-empowerment come from within. Oprah, Suze, Meg and Carly have reaped rewards from setting ambitious goals and driving themselves to achieve them. And beyond this, we know that none of them could have assumed their leadership positions if they feared speaking in public. Speaking is a skill, an asset, and a qualification of tremendous value in the business world. If we learn anything from these women of experience, it is that each of them is a speaker, and that speakers become leaders. But why is this so? You may be a dutiful employee who does everything you are asked to do, but if you remain passive and refrain from speaking when the opportunity presents itself, management may never recognize your talent. Leading a meeting, networking with prospective clients, sharing ideas with peers - all of these situations provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Speaking provides the exposure necessary to glimpse into the person that you are, and the person you can become. It is your self-expression, the energy and attitude you possess... it is your words, the power of your voice and gestures that engage others and inspire them to follow your lead. Now, we know that women who have become leaders in business or in their community did not get there overnight. Experts make speaking look easy, but we know better. Speaking can be an emotional, psychological or physical challenge, but the good news is that with time, patience and practice, anyone can overcome these barriers. The right mentors and coaches can provide guidance, inspiration and the support you need to develop the confidence and ability to lead a meeting, give a presentation, network at a conference, a party, and any situation where you are not surrounded by familiar faces. Every time we refrain from speaking, we limit our own ability to grow and develop as effective communicators and future leaders. That said, my challenge to all women is to venture out of your comfort zone and not let the fear or aversion to public speaking stand in the way of your success. The prospect of speaking with eloquence, diplomacy and creativity, and the occasion to entertain and share more of the real you with others should be viewed with eager anticipation and excitement rather than fear and restraint. Whether we engage an audience of one or an audience of many, women need to know what to say and how to say it to get their message across. We must face the unknown and have the courage to develop our own voice. We must also realize that the energy level, attitude, word choices, face and hand gestures, body language and speaking style we project when we speak takes time to develop. It also takes the right tools and the right individuals to show you the way. Women who invest time, energy and resources to build their public speaking skills will experience career advancement. Participate in a speaking workshop (http://www.excellenceincommunication.com), join Toastmasters International (http://www.toastmasters.org), and take advantage of the day-to-day opportunities to speak in the workplace. When you volunteer to lead a meeting, offer your opinions without being asked, and freely speak your mind among co-workers and peers, you take the first, bold step toward leadership, and success is sure to follow. Copyright © 2004 - 2007. Lisa Rich. Excellence In Communication, Inc. All rights reserved. Other Articles: • Perception Is Everything • Take The Initative
Copyright © 2004 - 2007. Lisa Rich. Excellence In Communication, Inc. All rights reserved.