Improving Your Speaking Ability Can Positively Impact Your Career | Vanessa Bukasa

The Conversation Capital・2 minutes read

Vanessa Bukasa, a chartered accountant, and public speaking coach emphasize the importance of effective communication for career growth, sharing tips like deep breathing and articulating ideas clearly. She highlights the value of starting small, continuous practice, and embracing mistakes to build confidence in public speaking and communication skills.

Insights

  • Consistent practice and gradual growth are key in developing confidence and proficiency in public speaking, as highlighted by Vanessa Bukasa's journey from initial hesitancy to leadership roles through incremental improvement and encouragement of others.
  • Effective public speaking is not just about formal presentations but extends to everyday interactions, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, confidence, and a service-oriented mindset to enhance professional success and personal growth.

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Recent questions

  • How can public speaking skills impact career growth?

    Public speaking skills can significantly impact career growth by enhancing visibility, communication abilities, and professional opportunities. Effective communication in corporate environments can lead to promotions, project leadership roles, and recognition. Confidence in public speaking allows individuals to represent themselves well, stand out in professional settings, and deliver value to audiences. Developing strong public speaking skills through practice, self-coaching, and exposure to speaking engagements can boost confidence, improve communication skills, and open doors for career advancement.

  • What are some techniques to manage nerves during public speaking?

    Techniques to manage nerves during public speaking include deep breathing exercises like straw breathing, slowing down speech, and taking deep breaths to calm the body and mind in high-stress situations. Projecting the voice, speaking clearly, and utilizing a service mindset to focus on delivering value to the audience can also help manage nerves and enhance audience engagement. Embracing mistakes, forgiving oneself for errors, and trusting in consistent practice are essential for overcoming nerves and improving public speaking skills.

  • Why is it important to encourage children to speak up from a young age?

    Encouraging children to speak up, ask questions, and express opinions from a young age is crucial for fostering confidence and communication skills. Building a foundation of communication early on helps children develop the ability to articulate thoughts, engage in discussions, and express themselves effectively. This early encouragement can lead to increased confidence, improved public speaking skills, and better communication abilities as children grow and navigate various social and professional settings.

  • How can articulating complex issues in simple terms improve communication?

    Articulating complex issues in simple terms can bridge communication gaps between different fields or departments by enhancing understanding and clarity. Breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information allows for effective communication across diverse audiences, leading to better collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making. Simplifying information can improve engagement, facilitate discussions, and ensure that messages are conveyed clearly and concisely.

  • What are some resources for improving public speaking skills?

    Resources for improving public speaking skills include platforms like YouTube for tutorials on storytelling, posture, and vocal techniques. Additionally, courses and books like "Speaking with Confidence" by Vanessa Basm can provide valuable insights, tips, and strategies for enhancing public speaking abilities. Utilizing a combination of online resources, educational materials, and practical exercises can help individuals develop strong communication skills, boost confidence, and excel in various speaking engagements.

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Summary

00:00

"Empowering professionals through confident public speaking"

  • Vanessa Bukasa is a chartered accountant working in the banking industry and a public speaking coach, empowering professionals to speak confidently.
  • She realized the importance of effective communication in her career growth, leading her to focus on public speaking skills.
  • Initially hesitant to speak up in meetings, Vanessa started by stating obvious points to build confidence gradually.
  • By consistently sharing ideas and speaking up, Vanessa gained recognition, leading to promotions and project leadership roles.
  • Vanessa began coaching her team at work subtly, encouraging them to speak up and share ideas confidently.
  • Public speaking is not limited to big stages but includes everyday situations like meetings, interviews, and discussions.
  • Speaking with confidence is crucial for representing oneself well and standing out in professional settings.
  • Effective communication and public speaking skills can significantly impact career progression and visibility in corporate environments.
  • Deep breathing techniques, like straw breathing, can help manage nerves and shaky voices during public speaking engagements.
  • Confidence in public speaking is a valuable life skill that can enhance professional growth and opportunities.

15:30

Mastering Public Speaking: Tips for Success

  • Slowing down your speech and taking deep breaths can help calm your body and mind in high-stress situations.
  • Projecting your voice and speaking clearly can enhance audience understanding and engagement.
  • Utilizing a service mindset in public speaking focuses on delivering value to the audience rather than self-consciousness.
  • Preparation, including vocal exercises and diaphragm compressions, can boost confidence before speaking engagements.
  • Practicing public speaking, even in everyday interactions, can improve communication skills and confidence.
  • Confidence in public speaking stems from trust in keeping commitments to oneself and consistent practice.
  • Learning to articulate complex issues in simple terms can bridge communication gaps between different fields or departments.
  • Embracing mistakes and forgiving oneself for errors in public speaking or interviews is crucial for growth and improvement.
  • Encouraging children to speak up, ask questions, and express opinions from a young age can foster confidence and communication skills.
  • Continuous practice, self-coaching, and exposure to public speaking situations are essential for developing strong communication abilities.

29:57

"Growing Confidence: Mastering Public Speaking Skills"

  • The speaker recalls the challenges of public speaking, emphasizing the need to practice and overcome initial feelings of silliness and smallness.
  • Starting small is essential before achieving confidence in public speaking, highlighting the importance of allowing oneself to grow gradually.
  • Public speaking is deemed a critical skill, likened to learning how to drive in the South African context, emphasizing its significance in various settings.
  • Encouraging others in public speaking requires delicacy and building relationships, starting with direct teams and offering assistance when approached.
  • Building relationships is crucial in providing constructive criticism and coaching in public speaking, ensuring a supportive and safe environment for growth.
  • Resources for improving public speaking include YouTube for various aspects like storytelling and posture, as well as courses and books like "Speaking with Confidence" by Vanessa Basm.
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