Unlocking the power of effective public speaking

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Public speaking seldom comes naturally, in the business world or in ordinary life. As professional speaker Jan Fraser put it, "People would rather be surrounded by snakes than to get up in front of a group."

Although many of us dislike speaking in front of groups, Ms Fraser said: "There is a demand for powerful presentation skills in any business environment. I'm so thrilled to be received warmly like I have been. Obviously, speaking is an issue. I think communication is critical to success. If you can present your case, if you can be passionate about it and present it in a way that's not offensive, and yet get your point across, then you're in demand."

Ms Fraser's job description falls under the category of "helping people to be more successful": she is a speaker, trainer, coach and author. From 9 until 4 today at the Chamber of Commerce in Hamilton she will be tutoring a workshop on Presentation Skills and Power Speaking.

For motivational speakers themselves, attaining the position is more a matter of acquiring experience than official qualification.

"I wish I could say there was a magic formula," Ms. Fraser said. "I wish I'd had my Presentation Skills and Power Speaking class before I started out. But I've reached the heights and joys of speaking through trial and error."

Born in Ohio, Ms. Fraser — who is married to Bermudian Ian Coles — has conducted training in the US and Bermuda over the past year and a half. Her own entry to professional speaking came through work in the airline industry.

"I came from the corporate world, from being a trainer for American Airlines — I trained flight attendants," she said.

Read more about motivational public speaker on www.better-presentation-skills.com