As a presentation skills coach and trainer, I have had the opportunity to observe presentations by many people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
It is my firm belief - and experience has not contradicted me - that while some people are more naturally comfortable with public speaking, EVERYONE can become competent at it, IF they spend the time and work on the right things. Yes, this means YOU, too!
We all know people who are very knowledgeable about a topic but can't communicate effectively. We also know people who don't know very much, but they "talk good." Each group of people can only get so far in their careers before they hit a roadblock. Your goal is to have both knowledge AND the ability to communicate that knowledge effectively.
The ability to communicate effectively what you know is the one skill that will differentiate you from everyone else. It doesn't matter what your background is, where you went to college (or even IF you went to college) or where you grew up - if you are an expert at something and can communicate that expertise effectively, you will succeed. Period.
Make this the year you get better at public speaking and eliminate the roadblock in your path to success and confidence.
Gilda Bonanno's blog www.gildabonanno.blogspot.com