How important are public speaking skills for a consultant?

Question

I am a very anxious speaker when it comes to giving presentations at conferences and town halls. Is it a major hindrance?

Answer 1

Hi!

Short answer: it tends to be not very important at the junior level, and increases with seniority. That being said - consulting firms are obsessed with personal development. So chances are high that this area will be identified as a weak point, and then strong scrutiny will be placed on it - it will then be your duty to showcase substantial improvements in order to remain on track in your periodical performance evaluations.

Cheers, Sidi

Answer 2

Hi,

I would say it's a must, since consulting requires a lot of public speaking, starting from the recruiting events and finishing with client presentations. Thus if you are a great speaker it can give you a significant advantage. And the opposite - if you are not good, it will be considered as a weak point and your chances to leave are increasing

Best