If you think public speaking is all about standing on a platform behind an auto cue and motivating the audience through an elaborate PA system with a headset microphone, then you are sadly mistaken.

As a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, consultant or coach speaking in public is one the most critical skills you should develop in order to bring you success.

Speaking in business means speaking at meetings, in interviews, with potential clients, colleagues, and customers. In today’s hi-tech world of video casting technology and the popularity of social media it now also includes video blogging, podcasting, teleconferencing, and making corporate videos or appearing in the national media.

Simply public speaking is anytime you need to deliver message and influence an audience through the spoken word.

It’s art that when mastered will improve your career prospects and your business results. Employers consistently rank speaking and communication skill as one of the key skills they look for. In fact both undergraduate and graduate Business school alumni who attended the University of Minnesota placed oral communication at the top of a list of skills that were relevant to overall job success

Being an effective leader requires the ability to communicate and inspire. Public speaking skills are a essential part of being able to communicate effectively. When you think about it, most problems in business are down to poor communication. Increasing your ability to get your message across means you will reduce the problems you experience and save valuable time in the long run.

You will increase your capability to express your ideas, influence your colleagues to explore options, work collaboratively with greater confidence.

There is also evidence that shows that people who good at speaking in public have higher levels of confidence and self esteem. If you can engage your audience with your message and do it with impact, integrity and credibility you will have a formula which all but guarantees you success.

Like all skills you learn the abilities you develop as a speaker will spill over in to other areas and bring about benefits in other areas of your life.

In short, speaking in public is a critical skill for anyone who is serious about their business or career.