From the Research
Nurses should prioritize developing effective public speaking skills to enhance their professional effectiveness, career advancement, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. According to the most recent and highest quality study, 1, communication is a process of sharing information and developing relationships through interaction, which is essential for nursing care. To improve public speaking skills, nurses should focus on mastering clear communication techniques, practicing regularly, and understanding their audience.
Some key strategies for improving public speaking skills include:
- Starting with small presentations to colleagues
- Joining organizations like Toastmasters
- Seeking feedback from mentors
- Using the PREP method (Point, Reason, Example, Point) to structure content
- Incorporating relevant healthcare data and practicing timing
- Maintaining eye contact, speaking at a moderate pace, and using professional body language during presentations
Developing confidence in public speaking ultimately enhances a nurse's leadership capabilities and professional credibility, allowing them to advocate for patients, educate communities about health issues, and contribute to healthcare policy discussions 2, 3, 4. Effective communication skills are central to the provision of compassionate, high-quality nursing care, and can improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction 4. By prioritizing public speaking skills, nurses can improve their overall communication skills, which can also transfer to daily patient interactions, improving care delivery and patient outcomes.