Whether you stammer or suddenly become speechless in a business setting, either can hold you back in your career, says biz coaching veteran Terry Corbell who provides seven tips for successful extemporaneous speaking.

“People who speak well in any setting will maximize their career odds,” writes Seattle Biz Coach Terry Corbell in “7 Steps to Become Great at Thinking on Your Feet,” on his business-coaching portal (http://www.bizcoachinfo.com).

As a business performance consultant since 1992, Mr. Corbell also provides proven solutions for maximum profits at his business-coaching portal – The Biz Coach.

"Many people find themselves not knowing what to say when asked questions in a sales presentation, a job or press interview, or staff meeting,” Mr. Corbell explains.

The business-performance consultant acknowledges it’s not a fun experience, but he explains how it’s possible to speak well on the spur of the moment in his article at http://www.bizcoachinfo.com/archives/16793.

Here’s an excerpt of his seven tips:

1. Don’t give away your power in pressure situations. Train yourself not to stress in communication. He explains in “Communication – You Can Train Yourself to Stop Stressing,” at http://www.bizcoachinfo.com/archives/14107.

2. Get confidence by improving your communication with others. He explains howin his article, “Acting, Speaking Coach: How to Improve Communication with Others.”

3. Sharpen your listening skills. You must listen intently.

4. Use good breathing techniques. That means breathing slow and deep to take control of your nervousness.

5. Practice public speaking. Look for opportunities in public speaking outside of work.

6. When asked a question in giving a speech, without appearing to dodge a question, delay your answer. He says one way is to pause and pose the question to the audience before answering.

7. Before attending such an events, prepare by doing your homework. Become an expert on the subject, if you’re not already one. By fully understanding your subject, you will give better answers.

His complimentary business-coaching tips at The Biz Coach include: Planning, Operations, Marketing / Sales, Finance, Tech, Public Policy, Human Resources, and Wall Street.

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