How to become better at networking and public speaking?
An introvert by nature, I am trying to figure out how I can maximize my chances of moving up the ladder in banking.
What would you suggest I do to get better at all aspects of the relationship management aspect of the business? and also to navigate around internal politics (which seem to be very prominent at my firm)?
Practice. You just have to be bad at it first but keep putting yourself out there and you get good eventually.
I agree, but does that mean I start attending conferences (tough to do during the week, and costs mega $s if company does not reimburse). Are there better ways that might help me start building up these skills?
I mean sieze every opportunity that comes your way in terms of conferences but it could be as simple as doing coffee chats/networking calls/shooting the shit with co-workers. The important thing is to put yourself in uncomfortable social situations and force yourself to adapt. For some people it comes naturally but I know for me it never did and even though I hate it as much as when I first started, you just get better at "faking it".
I know there are specific questions I should good answers to at all times. Therefore, I create well-prepared answers to these beforehand and memorize them. Also going into any meeting you can expect certain questions, so I do the same.
I’ve realized that I have enough quantitative abilities for my career and know it's but being able to articulate it and sell it. At the end of the day, everyone loves someone who can tell a good story.
Toast masters. Will help you get that practice.
TOASTMASTERS. You will be 2X the speaker in no time at all. There's a lot of reasons this group is worldwide and decades old.
I used to do toastmasters - it sucked. Thought, that may have been my group specifically.
Try going out to parties, bars and other social events and just talking to people? Try making connections. After you get good at that try doing the same thing at networking events. The ral hard part is maintaining relationships.
I train in front of my family.
The best way of getting better at public speaking is practising in front of mirrors and to film yourself doing presentations on whatever topic you feel like. You will quickly notice bad habits or lags that you have when doing speeches etc. Try to experiment with different voices, tones and breathing to find your inner performer.
As someone who struggled with Public Speaking:
1) Toastmasters A former boss of mine suggested I should attend a meeting to help me improve in my public speaking and communication. I attended a class or two but exploring other avenues but I usually recommend people with people speaking concerns to check it out
2) Public Speaking Class I took this class in my first year in college and helped me quite a bit to get comfortable with speaking in front of strangers.
3) Volunteering and Community Events. Join an organization and try to take on a leadership role. It helps to get you out of your shell a bit and get more comfortable with yourself in a new setting
4) Mentality A lot of the fear from the Public Speaking is the fear of embarrassment or feeling as though your putting yourself out there on a large scale. Learning to embrace who you are and reduce such fears is an important step
These are some things that came to mind that helped me tremendously in terms of networking and learning to how conduct myself in a professional setting and outside the work place.
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