Learn This Skill for Career Success

What's the #1 skill that will raise your value by 50%, according to Warren Buffett? A recent Inc. post states the Buffett believes being a good public speaker brings dividends that, with an investment of time and effort, will pay off in the long run. He's in good company: a survey by Prezi revealed that 70% surveyed agree that public speaking and presentation skills are critical for career success, according to Forbes.

So what does that mean for the average worker? It's time to brush up on, or learn, the important art of public speaking. Speaking in front of other people can cause some to break out in a cold sweat — and they would prefer unpleasant medical procedures to subjecting themselves to the eyes of a judgmental audience.

If you weren't fortunate enough to participate in Speech and Debate at your high school, Toastmasters International is a nonprofit organization with a mission in communication and leadership development. With almost 16,000 clubs worldwide to choose from, find one close to home and join others who want to improve themselves and their speaking skills. Practice makes perfect, and with continuous chances to give speeches, the Toastmasters provide plenty of hands-on experience and feedback. Groups typically meet on a weekly basis.

If you just don't have the time to attend weekly meetings, a quick search of the Internet brings up books, YouTube videos and much more with tips and tricks for public presentations. If you need inspiration on how to write a speech, American Rhetoric Top 100 Speeches of All Time features some of the most well known speeches of the past century by former presidents, civil rights leaders and more.

A few public speaking no-no's:

1. Stiff and unnatural body language
2. Reading the speech, or the PowerPoint slides, verbatim. There's nothing more boring than the speaker reading the entire presentation word for word.
3. Not making eye contact with audience members.
4. Memorizing the speech so that it feels rehearsed.
5. Low energy. Speaking in a monotone voice, standing (or worse, sitting!) in a single spot, and no facial expressions will send your audience to sleep!

In other words, be relatable, speak clearly and loudly, and look at your audience, picking up on their nonverbal cues to adjust your talk as needed. Most experts agree that the most important trait for successful public speaking is to be authentic. Confidence will take you far in the public speaking game: Never let 'em see you sweat!

We wish you much luck and success as you take the fast track to career success by learning one very important skill: Public Speaking!