By Prachi Kukreja

Video link ( https://youtu.be/eK6Q7_wt5O8 )

Public speaking and leadership are both an art and a skill. Fear factors such as nervousness and stage fright can prove to be a setback in this field. But those who overcome such fear and convert it as an opportunity, do not fall under the category of the odd one out but under the special kind.

At the beginning of the webinar, Mr. Ravi Kumar discusses the basics of the topic while throwing some light upon the epitomes of the previous and existing world leaders and speakers.

Our fellow intern Shubhangi Agarwal, gives insightful information about what public speaking is. It can be defined as a speech to the live audience or to inform, persuade, or entertain the masses. She also covers the importance of public speaking. For example, it helps win over the crowds, transmits information, informs the general public, and motivates them.

Besides, the video includes effective ways to be a good speaker. The focal points include, firstly, an impactful introduction. It is imperative to do so to attract audiences. Then we have usage of gestures. A perfect body language and an upright posture show your confidence. To make a greater impact, an effective choice of vocabulary becomes a significant aspect. Developing a relationship with the audience comes next, i.e. try to make your audience feel involved in the talk. We also have techniques like enthusiastic delivery, appropriate wardrobe/outfit, and a great pitch.

The second part, i.e. leadership, is covered by our fellow intern Prachi Kukreja. The webinar gives us a brief about who a leader is and what are the characteristics of the same. The first being communication, which involves the transfer of information to coach people. Courage comes next. People find it difficult to take a stand for themselves. Hence, this is the key skill. Next comes the influence. There is a thin line between manipulation and influence. Since you do not want to portray yourself as an inauthentic leader, you must speak with utmost transparency so that trust is being built among your audience. Last but not the least, respect and empathy are required, which means the involvement of sharing and understanding each other's feelings. You need to be emotionally invested too and know how to create a balance between their emotions and their psyche.

The webinar provides us with an answer to the question 'Is a leader born or is he made?' It is said to believe that while some people are born with such confidence and leadership skills, as for others, they can acquire them by practicing it. This kind of evolution of a leader was very well elucidated with a real-life example of Steve Jobs.

Added to this, the video discusses the differences between a boss and a leader. A boss is a talker, a know-it-all, demands results, etc. On the contrary, a leader is a listener, he/she is always willing to learn, motivates you to strive for excellence, and seeks solutions. The differentiation is assisted with a classic paradigm, i.e. a relationship between a child and his/her parents. If you keep pestering your child all the time about their studies or results, his/her skills would not be able to flourish. But if proper motivation and support are given, they are less anxious about the output and devote more of their focus on the input.

While concluding, Mr. Ravi Kumar highlights some core points to be kept in account to become a good speaker and a leader. He also emphasizes the quote that before you're a leader, success is all about yourself. But, when you become a leader, success is about growing others too.