Take your skills to the stage!
Public speaking is an invaluable skill for professionals in various fields, and when teaching hair and beauty this is no exception. As an educator, your ability to communicate effectively can significantly impact your students' learning experiences and your career success as an educator. Public speaking skills are indispensable for us as educators, as they play a pivotal role in creating a positive and effective learning environment. Confidence, clear communication, engagement, empathy, and adaptability; are all essential components of effective teaching through public speaking. Here are a few pointers to help you with your public speaking skills in the classroom or online, using some of my ‘Speech To Teach™’ methods:
- Confidence:
Confidence is the first thing to master if you want to be an effective public speaker in the classroom. Your students will be looking up to you as their source of knowledge, and as their personal guide, so for you to instil confidence in your students as they take on a new skill, you must first have confidence in yourself. Having confidence when speaking publicly in front of others is not about eliminating ALL nervousness, but learning to manage it effectively. Its okay! Building your confidence as a public speaker is a skill that can be developed over time with practice and dedication.
2. Clear and Concise Communication:
Clarity in communication is paramount when standing at the front of the classroom, (or the virtual classroom using platforms like ZOOM). You must be able to clearly explain complex beauty concepts in a simple and understandable manner for your students. Avoid jargon, use layman's terms, and analogies, when explaining certain techniques or product knowledge. Use visuals, and practical examples to enhance clarity. Remember that not all of your students will have the same level of experience or understanding, so adapt your teaching style and public speaking skills accordingly.
3. Engaging with Body Language:
Non-verbal communication plays a huge role in public speaking, and when it comes to the classroom, by using certain body language, you will be able to successfully capture and hold the attention of your students. Maintaining eye contact, facial expressions, and using gestures to emphasise key points during your course can reinforce your teachings. A warm and approachable demeanour will also help with your public speaking skills, and create a positive learning atmosphere for your students.
4. Empathy and Patience:
Understanding your students' needs and challenges is essential for effective teaching. It's important that you empathise with their struggles during their practical, and show patience when addressing their concerns and hearing them air their frustrations. You're probably thinking ‘’What does this have to do with being a confident public speaker when teaching hair and beauty courses?’’... Public speaking isn't just about talking; it's also about listening. Encourage open communication with your students, and be receptive to their feedback. This will create a supportive and productive learning environment in your training academy.
5. Adaptability:
In the hair and beauty industry, trends and techniques are constantly evolving, and we already know that as an educator, we must adapt to these changes and update our knowledge accordingly. This adaptability extends to your public speaking skill too, this is why it's important to stay updated with industry trends, and continually refine your knowledge. The more confident you are in your abilities, and knowing THE latest techniques and trends in the industry will certainly boost your confidence when standing in front of your students.
My final tips on confidence and public speaking in the classroom:
Confidence Hack no 1!: Practise/rehearse in front of a mirror, get used to recording yourself, and then self critique your delivery, tone, and body language.
Confidence Hack no 2!: Start small. Give yourself permission to not put yourself under pressure; by starting with smaller groups of students in your classroom, or online course, then gradually open the spaces to more students.
Conclusion:
As an educator, mastering your public speaking skills will not only benefit your students in your training academy, but also enhance your career and reputation within the hair and beauty industry - they can take you from the salon station, to the stage!
If you've found this article helpful, let me know, I’d love to hear from you! You can find me over on Instagram and Facebook @BeautyBoss. 
