LIVING YOUR STRENGTHS
MESSAGES THAT MOVE PEOPLE: THREE WAYS DENTAL PROFESSIONALS CAN USE SPEAKING SKILLS TO BUILD THEIR PRACTICE AND ADVANCE THEIR CAREERS
H
as anyone ever said to you, “No one has ever explained that to me so clearly,” or “I get it now, the reason this is so important,” or “You inspired me today”? Have you ever introduced an idea at a team meeting, trained your team in an area that caused the feeling in the room to shift, inspired the team to get better, and propelled patient care a giant leap forward in your practice? Have you ever listened to a dental speaker and thought, “I could have said that better” or “I wonder if I could do that someday”? If you are a dentist, hygienist, clinical assistant, or administrator, you may never have considered yourself a public speaker. As a matter of fact, you may have run screaming from the very thought! But I’d like to offer a different perspective on this career-enhancing, lifechanging skill. Whether you’re introducing new technology to teammates, leading a local community event, promoting a new idea, speaking at an industry study club, addressing a board of directors, sharing best practices, or rallying your team around the company vision, your ability to create clarity and inspiration with your communication skills will
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By Katherine Eitel Belt
determine your success as an in-demand, highly-paid dental professional. Warren Buffet once said, “Public speaking is THE most valuable business skill any professional could have.” And that includes dental professionals. Here are three reasons you should consider enhancing your ability to confidently step to the “front of the room.”
1.
Passion. If you are passionate about any aspect of dentistry, one of the best ways to spread your expertise is to speak and educate other dental professionals at study clubs, association meetings, or on webinars or podcasts. Not only can you spread your message, improve patient outcomes, and upgrade the collective consciousness about your subject, but you can also elevate your own career and income without giving up your “day job.” Every speaker on the dental circuit started with a passion to educate and motivate their fellow constituents. Some turned it into a full-time speaking career while others augmented their clinical career with speaking as a side gig. Either way, you can expand your career, travel to exciting places, and meet other like-minded professionals to enhance the enjoyment of your dental career if you master
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