Christmas is a time for giving, so why not give the gift of a good speech?
Now you might be thinking, ‘Are you off your rocker Cheryl?’ I think people might be busy with other things at Christmas?’ But there are actually many ways you can practice your public speaking skills around the festive season so that when the New Year comes you can become an even more effective speaker!
The Art of Storytelling
In the grand tradition of holiday gatherings, public speaking is your golden ticket to captivating the room with tales that rival Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.”
Whether you’re sharing nostalgic family stories or weaving a yarn about the time you saved Christmas dinner from culinary disaster, a well-told story can really bring the room together and create laughter and memories.
One of my clients tells the story of how her brother dipped into what he thought was part of the Boxing Day buffet, to realise he had just eaten one of the dog treats!
Think of it as good practice – start off by speaking with the people you’re close to and notice how they react.
The Toastmaster’s Touch
Raise your glass to the unsung hero of every holiday gathering – the toast. It can often seem daunting to have to whole room watching you and this is one of the main hurdles for public speakers to learn to get over.
So giving a toast can be a great experience for you – becoming familiar with having all eyes on you whilst getting to grips with keeping eye contact and creating an energy. And it is short, right? So not TOO daunting.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or overly emotional either – simply express some gratitude to the people in the room with you and share what Christmas, and those people, mean to you.
Gifting with Gusto
Although it might seem like a small act, you can incorporate public speaking skills into gift-giving. Add a touch of drama as you build anticipation, share heartfelt sentiments, and turn the exchange of gifts into a memorable moment that transcends mere materialism.
This Christmas, forget the stress and embrace the power of public speaking. It’s not just a skill; it’s the secret sauce that transforms holiday gatherings into unforgettable experiences. So, raise your voice, tell a tale, and sprinkle a bit of verbal magic into the holiday season.
And if you want to hear more about how public speaking can benefit you, follow us on Instagram!
Cheryl xx
P. S – If you liked this blog and want to read more blogs surrounding female empowerment, you can find last week’s here: ‘Celebrating Christmas with Confidence!‘
“I’m on a global mission to help 10 million disheartened souls, who are at a crossroads, to STOP asking why me? And START saying why not me!”