Ready to put your public speaking prowess to work? Check out these crowd-pleasing careers.

1. Spokesperson

Youll get plenty of time in front of cameras and crowds as a spokesperson or press secretary.
Whether youre working for a politician, an organization or a celebrity, you make sure public
announcements are delivered in the most appropriate fashion possible.

Your goal? Maximize positive coverage.

Average salary: $31,000 $95,000

2. Professor

Enjoy the privilege of public speaking on a daily basis as a college professor.

However, beware that this might be one of the tougher gigs on the list. Not only do you write and
produce most of your own material, you work for a tricky audience: your words must engage
even the sleepiest college freshman.

Average salary: $30,000 $129,000

3. Speech Writer

True, as a speech writer you dont actually give the speeches yourself. But you must know the
subtle science of how to rouse an audience, build a speech that can motivate hundreds, and tack
on that perfect finishing line.

Without ever getting near a podium, youre still the expert on the ultimate version of crowd
control.

Average salary: $31,000 $95,000

4. News Anchor

You deliver the news to hundreds, thousands or even millions of viewers. In this center-stage job,
youre responsible for accurate, appropriate and concise delivery on every broadcast.

Plus, youre expected to keep your cooland sometimes even improvisewhen reporting on
breaking news. No pressure, right?

Average salary: $28,000 $146,000

5. Politician
From your first campaign speech to your last address on legislation, your job as a politician is
full of connecting with crowds. In fact, public speaking is an essential skill in this role: a good
speech can make or break a political career.

Whats more, your turns of persuasive phrase can be vital for bringing about the change you
want to see in the world.

Average salary: Highly varied

6. Religious Leader

As a pastor, priest, minister or any other religious leader, a major part of your work is to inspire
those around you through spoken words. During a service, you give rousing speeches, offer
inspirational ideas, and read out religious texts for all to hear.

This means youve got a lot of responsibility: People come from miles around to hear you speak
and grow their spiritual understanding, so youve got to be on your game 24/7.

Average salary: $24,000 $77,000

7. Motivational Speaker

Motivational speaker takes the cake as the ultimate crowd-pleasing career. Using your voice,
energy and charisma, you get up on stage to inspire people to change their liveswhether by
finding love, finishing their novel or simply transforming their outlook.

In this role, you are the master of working a group so that each and every person feels like youre
speaking directly to them.

Average salary: $23,000 $86,000

All salary data comes from the US Department of Labor.

Are you a crowd pleaser? What public speaking roles would you add to the list?

Annie Favreau works for Inside Jobs, a career exploration site that helps people discover a
career theyll love and build strong, successful futures. Join the conversation @InsideJobs!
4 Qualities of Amazing Public Speakers

Whether you are an experienced public speaker or just flirting with the idea of sharing your
message with the world, you probably know that giving a great presentation involves much more
than just reading from cue cards.
The good news? Learning about the essential qualities of other great presenters is an easy way to
become one yourself. The following four essential qualities of all public speakers, in particular,
will ensure you are delivering presentations that will influence, inspire, and make a meaningful
impact on your audience.

1. Introspection & Self-Awareness

To be an effective speaker, you must first understand who you are as a speakerand as a
person. What are your strongest interpersonal qualities? How do you best connect with others?
What qualities do you need to work on? The most effective speakers are constantly working to
capitalize on their strengthswhether thats great storytelling or a talent for getting the audience
to participateand also to improve upon their weaknesses. Tapping into your most powerful
interpersonal qualities is an excellent way to make yourself accessible, engaging, and unique.

To start, make a list of your best traits and the areas in which you excel. Then, think about how
each of these traits is expressed when speaking or presenting in front of others. For example, if
youre great at explaining complex concepts in simple terms or if you have a dynamic, engaging
personality, make sure youre incorporating and highlighting these qualities throughout your
presentation. (Need help identifying your interpersonal strengths? StrengthsFinder 2.0 is an
excellent resource.)

2. The Ability to Tell a Story

Audiences show up for information, but they stay for the stories. Told well, stories can be the key
to a compelling presentation that excites, energizes, and truly engages the people sitting in front
of you. As my friends and mentors at Story Leaders have told me: Others may not think what
we think, but through a shared story, they can feel what we feel.

So, consider sharing a story of struggle or triumph or your personal pathideally at the start of
your speech. Dont be afraid to reveal information about yourself and demonstrate your
vulnerabilitiesthis will capture people in a way that fact and information-sharing alone never
will.

3. Generosity

Simon Sinek changed the lives of many thousands of people when he shared his brilliant TED
talk, How Great Leaders Inspire Action . What stands out about this presentation above all is
the generosity with which Sinek shares information. He holds nothing back and instead, gives
everything to his audience, including his secret to success in business and in life: Start with
why, he says. "Tell people why you do what you do before you tell them what you do or how
you do it." Simple. Brilliant. And in return for sharing this insight, he has built an undying,
committed tribe.

The best communicators understand the value in sharing information openly, honestly, and
generously. The more you give, the more an audience can connect with you and the more they
will take away. To do this effectively, you will have to truly understand your audience : Who are
they? How do they learn? Would they respond better to a high-energy motivational speech, for
example, or one that is more subtle? The better you know your audience, the more likely you will
deliver the information in a way that is meaningful to them. And then show a true commitment to
your audience by revealing everything and holding nothing back.

4. Confidence

Finally, when youre speaking and presenting in front of others, confidence is key. An unsure or
timid presentation will not capture or engage an audience, and it certainly wont motivate a tribe.
But, of course, for many of us, public speaking and anxiety tend to go hand in hand.

If you find yourself feeling intimidated before a presentation, consider this: Your nerves do not
show. What youre feeling is primarily internal, and others cant sense your fear if you dont let
on. Also, your audience is rooting for youthey want a great presentation, so they want you to
succeed. Finally, and most importantly, you are in control of your nerves. If you have practiced
your speech again and again, as any great speaker must, the confidence will flow naturally. In
addition, mental visualization exercises, such as envisioning applause as you near the end of your
speech, and physical exercises such as deep breathing and stretching, can also relieve stress so
that you can deliver a powerful, engaging presentation uninhibited.

Brilliant public speaking is not an easy task. But with some practice, and with these key
principles in mind, you can master it, without question.

4. Financial Advisor
 IMAGE SOURCE

Financial advisors use their knowledge of the world of finance to guide clients in choosing the
right investment opportunities, decreasing their tax burdens and making insurance decisions to
protect their interests. Successful financial advisors are knowledgeable about a wide range of
finance topics, from tax laws to stocks, bonds and other types of investments. However, they do
more than offer general advice. They interact with clients directly and learn about their personal
situations, including their goals and financial situations. Financial advisors then talk with their
clients about the different options available to them and the financial risks involved. They
research different investment opportunities to discuss with their clients, keep an eye on how
clients investments are performing and answer any financial questions their clients have.

The people and speaking skills necessary to interact well with clients are among the most
important qualities a financial advisor can have, which makes this career an excellent choice for
extroverts. After all, financial advisors need to understand their clients goals and their current
financial situations. They must establish a rapport with clients that will help them discuss
important matters that are both financial and personal, such as when the client wants to retire and
how to plan financially for life changes like having children. Financial advisors also need strong
sales skills to market their own services, especially if they are self-employed.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $67,520

Education Level: Bachelors degree

Projected employment growth: 27 percent

6. Mediator

IMAGE SOURCE

Mediators are legal professionals who work with the parties involved in a legal dispute to help
them resolve the problem outside of the court system. They are neutral or impartial with regards
to the case, meaning that they arent on the side of either the plaintiff or defendant. Instead, they
meet with both parties simultaneously and work to help them communicate effectively to reach
an agreement without having to go to trial. Though they do their work in private hearings rather
than in the courtroom, mediators are an important part of the legal system. Resolving disputes
outside of court means that the parties involved can avoid the cost, time and hassle of a trial and
that fewer cases are clogging up an already overburdened court system.

While mediators must know and understand the laws that relate to the cases they mediate, much
of their success is based upon skills that are common among extroverts. Mediators must be good
listeners and communicators, and they must be able to interact well with others to help them
communicate more effectively, too. They have to talk to plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses to
learn the background of the case and the events that led to the legal dispute. They must make
sure that everyone involved understands the process and sort out each partys interests and
concerns. Mediators need excellent critical thinking and people skills to get parties on opposite
sides of a dispute to put aside their differences and work toward resolving the issue without
having to resort to a trial or further litigation. For extroverts who naturally enjoy being
surrounded by and interacting with people, the challenge of getting parties on opposite sides to
work together can be as exciting as it is rewarding.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $61,280

Education Level: Bachelors degree

Projected employment growth: 10 percent

7. Human Resources Specialist

IMAGE SOURCE

In the business world, human resources professionals play an important role: helping companies
and organizations hire their employees. Workers are an important asset in every industry, and its
a human resources specialists job to screen and hire quality workers and to handle matters such
as training and orientation, employment paperwork, payroll and benefits.

When dealing with new and prospective new employees, human resources specialists will spend
a lot of time interacting with people they dont yet know. They must be comfortable meeting and
interviewing new people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and they need to communicate
well by being both good listeners and good speakers. Human resources specialists need to be
confident in their own decision-making skills when it comes to determining which candidate is
the best fit for the position they are trying to fill. Even after the hiring process is complete,
human resources specialists guide new employees in filling out paperwork and understanding
their job duties and benefits as well as conducting employee orientations. For extroverts, the
opportunity to meet and interact with new people isnt just a necessary part of the job, but may
very well be the best part of the job. With experience and ambition, human resources specialists
can advance to human resources manager positions. Not only does a management job allow
extroverts to put their considerable leadership skills to work, but it also comes with substantially
higher pay a median salary of $99,720 per year.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $55,640

Education Level: Bachelors degree

Projected employment growth: 8 percent

8. Public Relations Specialist

IMAGE SOURCE

Public relations specialists are professionals in the field of media and communication who work
toward a specific goal: managing the public image of an organization. Some public relations
specialists, media specialists or communications specialists work in-house within a government
entity, healthcare facility, educational institution or other organization, while others work in firms
that handle public relations campaigns for a variety of external clients. Regardless of their work
environment and situation, public relations specialists use the same strategies to create and
perpetuate a positive image among consumers, investors and the media for the organizations they
represent. They draft press releases announcing news concerning their organizations and
distribute the information to a network of relevant contacts in the print and broadcast media.
They field requests for information from media representatives and coordinate interviews with
company spokespeople so that the information can be used in a newspaper or magazine article, a
radio broadcast or a television news segment.

Strategy and skilled implementation of that strategy is an important part of success in public
relations, but being a good problem-solver and writer isnt enough. Public relations specialists
must have excellent interpersonal skills to cultivate a network of relevant media contacts and
maintain strong working relationships with those contacts. They must be comfortable not only
initiating contact with reports, editors and other members of the media, but also speaking for the
organization they represent. Where introverts might shudder at the thought of putting themselves
and their company in the public eye and constantly courting the attention of the media, true
extroverts will thrive in a busy, fast-paced career like public relations. Experienced public
relations specialists can move into management positions, where they can earn a median annual
salary of $95,450 and have the opportunity to lead teams and campaigns.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $54,170

Education Level: Bachelors degree

Projected employment growth: 12 percent

9. Teacher

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Teachers are the professionals responsible for educating young people in a variety of subjects
and grade levels. Whether teaching very young children at the preschool, kindergarten and
elementary school level or teenagers and young adults at the middle school or high school level,
teachers must be able to connect with their students and find ways to make learning interesting.
They create and carry out lesson plans that illustrate course material. They may procure or
develop worksheets and tests. Teachers assign and grade classwork, homework and projects that
help students learn not only the material, like a history lesson or science lecture, but also help
them develop skills such as critical thinking. They grade tests and assignments and work with
struggling students to help them grasp lessons.

Teachers are often the only adult, or one of the only adults, in a classroom full of students. They
must not only be comfortable with public speaking, but also getting to know and communicate
with each individual student. Successful teachers have the interpersonal skills to interact and
communicate with a variety of people, from their young students to fellow adults. Teachers have
to discuss students progress, including their strengths and weaknesses, with parents and
guardians during conferences or when an academic or behavioral issue arises. They also have to
work with colleagues, including other teachers, school counselors and administrators. Whether a
teacher is standing up in front of a class giving a presentation, facilitating a group discussion or
assigning work, he or she must lead students and manage the classroom tasks that extroverts,
who thrive in environments full of people and interaction, will often be comfortable doing.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $53,090 $55,050 per year

Education Level: Bachelors degree

Projected employment growth: 6 to 12 percent

10. Event Planner

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Event planners are the business professionals who organize a wide variety of events that range
from weddings and parties to professional conferences, conventions and meetings. They work
directly with both clients and professionals in the hospitality, transportation and professional
services industries. Prior to the event, planners coordinate all of the details, including the date
and time, the venue, transportation and catering or food service. They seek out locations and
services that will fit the clients needs, negotiate prices and coordinate all services required,
making sure to keep the cost of the event under the agreed-upon budget. The job doesnt end
once the planning is complete. While the event is going on, planners are busy managing
equipment, guest registration and other logistics and resolving any problems that emerge.

As an extrovert, you probably enjoy going out and experiencing events, from weddings to
business conventions. What career could be more interesting than planning those events
yourself? Event planners spend much of their time interacting with other people. They talk to
clients to discover their needs and ideas. Then they work with the appropriate vendors and
suppliers to fill those needs and negotiate contracts and prices. Because event planning is such a
fast-paced industry, the professionals in it must be composed under pressure and comfortable
thinking on their feet to solve problems.

Experienced Median Annual Salary: $45,810

Education Level: Bachelors degree

Projected employment growth: 33 percent

Top 10 Careers with a Communications Degree

It is estimated that 75% of a persons day is spent

communicating in some way. Communications majors study language tools, both verbal and
nonverbal, and how people interact with one another. Good communicators are articulate and
persuasive, and the study of communications formalizes these skills into a discipline that can be
applied to almost every major employment field. Popular sub-disciplines include journalism,
public relations, writing, foreign languages, business, and marketing. In no particular order, here
are ten careers that communications graduates may consider:

Career #1: Writing and Editing

Writers are responsible for everything from novels to grant applications to news stories to
screenplays to instruction manuals to corporate website content. Most writers are employed by a
company, but some are self-employed or freelancers. For as many competent people are working
in every industry, a surprising number of them dont know the difference between a predicate and
a prepositional phrase, an apposition and alliteration, a compound sentence and a complex one.
Understanding the fundamentals of writing opens the door to being a valued member of any team
that needs to create well-written, finely edited content. (Hey, it works for me!)

Career #2: Internal Communications

Every company with multiple employees, from international banks to hospitals to nonprofits, has
a need for a communications specialist. Internal communications managers and specialists ensure
the companys various departments and employees are working together harmoniously and
efficiently. Large companies employ entire communications departments responsible for
ensuring top-down communication is clear, developing written materials such as newsletters and
style guides, and overseeing the workflow of any written content. In a small company, the
communications manager and specialist may be the same job.

Career #3: Public Relations

A public relations specialist, sometimes known as a media or communications specialist, is
responsible for a companys public image. They manipulate public opinion and try to earn
credibility and trust for their employer through various means of branding and messaging. Often
they are the mediator between their employer and the press, and they write press releases and
speeches, give public statements, organize events, and act as a spokesperson. If the company
faces any kind of crisis, such as a public scandal, the public relations specialist coordinates
media appearances to control and direct the story. In government offices, the public relations
specialist is referred to as the public information officer or press secretary.

Career #4: Publicity

Publicists help individuals like authors, athletes, politicians, celebrities, and others get the media
coverage they need to succeed in their field. Communications skills are therefore important, as
publicists spend their day talking to the press, arranging appearances on television or radio
shows, landing interviews with key journalists, and generally generating excitement and interest
around their clients work or personality. Like public relations specialists, publicists must also
spin negative events like scandals to protect their clients image.

Career #5: Market Research Analysis

Market research analysts design questionnaires, polls, and surveys to gauge the effectiveness of
existing products, the reach of marketing strategies, or the needs and desires of the consumer
base. So these analysts must be proficient in both communications and data analysis. They gather
the data, analyze it, and create recommendations for company actions. In so doing, they help
their employer increase profits and consumer satisfaction by thinking critically about how the
company communicates and allocates resources.

Career #6: Newscasting

Broadcast news analysts, news anchors, and radio personalities are responsible for distilling the
days events into public broadcasts. They must be articulate, charismatic, and compelling. They
must also be able to preparewhich means reading, interpreting, and writingand deliver the
days news. In breaking news situations, newscasters must think on their feet to relay critical
information without bias and with sensitivity to those involved in the situation. Communications
majors interested in pursuing newscasting should take courses in journalism, which can teach
you how to write with a news voice and put together news packages. But beware: While
rewarding, journalism is a highly stressful and competitive industry.

Career #7: Advertising

Advertising copywriters write brochures, product packaging, even commercial jingles, while art
directors and designers create advertising images. Both assume responsibility for the
development of marketing ideas and materials; they make up the creative department of
advertising agencies. Other advertising departments are also good places for communications
majorsthe media department places ads in the places where the right consumers will see them.
The account planning department advises and develops ad focus using insight into how
consumers make use of marketing communications. The account management department is the
liaison between the agency and the client. All of these roles require effective communication
skills, and as a unit they make up one of the preeminent careers for communications majors.

Career #8: Event Planning

Almost everyone plans an event at some pointa birthday party, a social gathering, a pie-eating
contest, what have you. People skilled at organizing others, remembering details, and leading the
realization of an action plan should consider going into event planning. Event planners take care
of the logistics, like scouting a location, organizing lodging, and securing food and refreshments,
as well as helping to determine the tone and scope of the event. Due to all the people involved in
the process of planning an eventclients, vendors, attendeesevent planning is a people-
oriented, and thus a communicative, profession.

Career #9: Customer Service

Customer service representatives are employed by any company that must cater to consumers,
including retailers, airlines, and health care companies. The successful customer service
representative is someone with patience and a positive outlook, who can understand and quickly
address customer issues and find solutions while making the customer feel valued. Customer
service representatives need a tough skin, as people usually dont call to tell you how wonderful
your product isthey call because there is a problem. The high number of customer service jobs
available across all industries make this an attractive option for communications majors.

Career #10: Sales

Salespeople, sometimes known as account executives, sales agents, or sales representatives, sell
products or services with a focus on building a loyal clientele. It is a highly personal profession,
with the best salespeople being the best communicators and networkers. Often they meet with
clients face-to-face, though some sales jobs are conducted over the phone or Internet. They need
to be aggressive, present a convincing pitch, stay updated on the industry, and handle stress well.
Advertising sales is a particularly popular niche for communications majors.

Because there is so much choice offered to someone with exceptional communication skills,
communications majors can tailor their career to their own interests: Those with a passion for
fitness may choose to work in customer service for an athletic gear company. Those who like
travel may work as a communications specialist for a travel agency or a university study abroad
program. Those who love nature may work as a publicist for an environmental nonprofit. The list
is endless!

Guide to Online Communication Master Programs


MA -
Communication MA - Comm: PR
MA - Comm: New Media &
Marketing
MS - Comm: students seeking advanced careers in the
PR MS - Integrated Marketing
Comm
MA -
Communication Mgmt
BS -
Communication BS -
Communication: PR BS -
Communication: Marketing
Southern New Hampshire University The
Southern New Hampshire University is a highly-
rated college based in Manchester, New
Hampshire, placing it in a city field with a vibrant
culture and history. However, you can obtain an
MA in Communication Administration or
specialize in Public Relations or New Media &
Marketing through online classes without having
to spend time on campus for completion, cutting
down on commuting and living expenses.
Lasell College Lasell College has two degrees for
communication field, a Public Relations program
and an Integrated Marketing Communications
program. Lasell is based in Newton,
Massachusetts and has over 150 years of service
to students and alumni alike, delivering quality
and results-oriented curriculum.
University of Southern California If an engaging
student life, peer-to-peer interaction, and
flexibility are appealing to you, then an online
degree from the University of Southern California
can be an excellent choice. USC is a large school,
home to almost 40,000 students, but you can
earn your degree online like the Master of
Communication Management with no campus
time required.
Walden University If you are interested in
obtaining your communication degree from a
small college either online or on -campus,
Walden University can be an excellent choice
due to its long-established reputation and active
student life. The school offers an online
bachelors in communication degree with a PR or
Marketing focus that can be completed relatively
quickly compared to traditional study.
 Liberty University The MBA in Public Relations
from Liberty University is a versatile degree that
can be completed in two years of study. The
MBA - Public program covers communication and leadership
Relations Grad Cert - issue both within a company and outside the
Communication & Business Admin company via public relations. Students will study
Grad Cert - Organizational communication technologies, public speaking,
Communication Grad Cert - writing, and leadership skills and philosophies.
Applied Communication Studies

Click here to see even more Communications degrees