Are You an Orator?

The art of communication is the language of leadership.

Public speaking skills also called oratory skills are an integral part of everyone's life. They are the skills that help you to speak in front of a 'live audience'. They develop your personality, hone your leadership skills and help you to communicate with people from all walks of life. They define who you are. Public speaking is a formal speech in front of people to persuade them to listen to you.

These skills are necessary as we live in a world where connectivity, communication and collaboration are important; be it your academic, social, personal or professional life. Whatever we do in life we are continually communicating with people using different means and modes of communication. Language is the TOOL that helps you to do so. Without the proper mastery of language one cannot communicate effectively.

English language plays a pivotal role in everyone's life today because it is the language in which people communicate across the globe. It is the language that you are supposed to master to be successful in your job interviews, your social circle and in your academics. It has become synonymous to success. It is the language that can make or break you and

your career. William Shakespeare rightly said, "Mind your language, lest it mar your fortunes."

It is the language that you have been learning nearly all the years of your life from school through college and jobs; but a couple of pertinent questions that arise in the mind -

Are you confident that you know the language well?

Are you comfortable conversing with others in English?

Can you stand up and speak in front of people?

These are some awkward questions that make you nervous. How many times have you heaved a sigh of relief that the bell rang before your chance to speak in front of the class came? How many times you have tried to speak but the words just wouldn't come out of your mouth? How many times has your mouth gone dry when it was your turn to speak? Is it not strange that a language which has been your medium of instruction for so many years still leaves you nonplussed? Is it not weird that you have passed examinations and tests yet you are not confident enough?

As a kid, I had my spell of silences when I wasn't fluent enough or didn't have the courage to speak up. My uncle worked in Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) so, we had foreign delegates coming home and talking to everyone. I was scared and miserable, I knew what to speak but the words wouldn't come out. I felt ashamed that I couldn't speak. I challenged myself that I would reply the next time they came around. We need to constantly challenge ourselves.

Well, dear readers there are a few tips that would help you to become confident. Here we go...Remember- Simply 3

1. Love the language- After all this is the language which is your 'Passport to Success!' and we love what we want passionately.

2. Speak- No one else can speak up for you. You alone know what you must say in the important interview, project presentation, expo, seminar, meeting or conference. In order to speak you need to listen to people and read a lot. You can read whatever interests you but READ.

3. Practice- There is 'No Mantra' to learn a language except the 3 Ps- PRACTICE, PRACTICE and PRACTICE. The best of orators also have practiced well so, today we admire them.

I will continue to write and provide you tips so, keep reading and speaking! Happy Reading!!!