“You don’t have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great”
Les Brown.
During our childhood, most of us love talking since that was an easy mode of communication instead of complicating simple stuff. Once we are grown-ups, few prefer talking and few prefer silence. Based on the individuality of the people, few select/shape their careers.
But what if you want to become a public speaker, then you need to step out of your comfort zone and start somewhere.
As I realized the importance of communities during this pandemic, I started with blogging first. I started to pen down. I am writing lot of technical blogs. Lately, I discovered my passion for being a speaker. I wanted to share my knowledge with a greater audience. During my school days, I was eloquent and took part in many competitions.
As an adult, I had to face a lot of challenges. I had a lot of questions, and self-doubts that I’ll make it. Finally, I pulled myself together one day and made my first talk. Similar to me, many of our people wanted to share their knowledge/speak out but they are struggling to do it. Trust me, every speaker once started as a novice. So we have to get through the hurdles to achieve what we want.
I thought of sharing my experience and insights with you all. Please read through the below tips:
- Proper Research and Self analysis
Do a SWOT analysis. Get to know about the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This self-assessment report will help you to proceed with the next steps.
- Speak out in various places
Start utilizing the small opportunities. From your team meetings to the client meetings, start speaking and make sure you are conveying your thoughts in the required places.
- Try to speak with Camera-on for your meetings
If it’s a virtual meet try to interact with the people with Cameras on. Trust me, this can do wonders.
- Connect with different testers from the world
There are different communities where you can meet many like-minded people. Meet them and strike up a good conversation with them, this helps you both professionally and personally.
- Being a part of meet-ups and conferences
A lot of meet-ups and conferences are happening around the globe. Being a part of it will train your brain about the environment and vibes.
- Make reading a habit
“Once you have read a book you care about, some part of it is always with you.”
Louis L’Amour.
People say that books are the best companions, yes for public speakers, they help in plenty of ways.
Few practices worked for me:
- Joining a Cohort (Women in APIs community – Speaking Cohort)
- Being part of the ambassadorship programs
- Learn to speak stories
- Speak from the heart
- Start with the topic which you are comfortable with
- A lot of practicing (make use of the tools available)
Based on my personal experience, if you are totally new to speaking I suggest you start within your team first. Then you can do it at your organizational level. By this time, you might have gained a little confidence. Reach out to the communities. As far as I know, there are a lot of testing communities that support first-time speakers. Make your content unique and sell it. So, you make your first entry to the public. This gives you a special feeling. Now, you can try to do a few more virtual meet-ups. And once you are good, apply for a virtual conference. This is hard. You will learn a lot while preparing for the CFPs. A lot more research and hard work are required here. If things go well, you will make it. A first-time conference experience is always special. This goes on…
If you looking for tips on how to prepare your presentation we got you. Please read this blog.
Although I am not a great speaker, I am working towards it every day. I hope these tips will help you to break the cocoon and come out as a Butterfly.
We helped many aspiring writers to find a writing platform through “Super Reads”. Now at Synapse, we wanted to bring out the best speaker in everyone.
“Super Voice” will help the aspiring speakers to come out and speak to the world. You will receive live feedback from the judges, which helps you to elevate the public speaking journey.
What are you waiting for? The Universe wants to listen to you.
Watch “Unleash the Speaker in You” Webinar by Pricilla
Pricilla is a Passionate Test Engineer currently working with Billennium IT Services (M) Sdn - Malaysia, with a decade of experience in Quality Assurance. She has experience in different flavors of Testing like Functional, EDI, ETL, Automation, and API Testing. She is a Postman Supernova and speaks at various events regarding APIs and Postman. She is passionate about Cloud computing and is an “AWS Community Builder”. Also, she is one of the global ambassadors of WomenTech Network. She believes in coexistence and harmony. She is a certified mentor and helps many test engineers through her mentoring sessions. She is an active community contributor through her blogs, webinars, and workshops. She staunchly believes in Karma!!
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