One sure way to blow your credibility is to give a presentation and ‘um, ‘er and ‘ah throughout. This is true for telephone conversations and presentations too!
When you stand up before a group, did you know that in 11 seconds people are making over 22 judgments about you? (Resource: Naomi Rhode, Certified Public Speaker) Your audience is deciding if you are credible. They are ascertaining whether you take good care of yourself or not. Should they take you seriously?
There are no excuses! If you are uncomfortable speaking before a group, even if it is once a month when you stand up at your networking group, please go to www.Toastmasters.org and put in your zip code. You’ll find the nearest Club. Run! Don’t walk to the next meeting. You’ll learn new skills and you get to practice public speaking weekly.
They have an ‘ah counter, whose role is to ding a bell or click a clicker every time someone utters one of those distracting filler words. At Toastmasters you will also get business. It is an amazing place to network, build your speaking skills as you talk about your expertise with credibility and influence.
Toastmasters is second-to-none for developing communication and leadership skills.
Just so you know, I’m still a work in progress after 22 years. Sometimes I slip in “so” instead of the ‘um, er’s and ah’s and am appreciative that my fellow Toastmasters make me aware of this distracting manner of speech that keeps me from presenting with excellence.
By the way, they also assign a mentor to you, who is fully committed to your goals!