Ask HN: What are some resources to improve speaking skills?
If you can find a supportive local improv troupe, that allows you to take classes, or has open &quot;Jams&quot; -- I would HIGHLY recommend taking said classes, or attending such jams. Learning how to perform improv (particularly, longform improv) has taught me a difficult-to-exhaustively-enumerate set of skills that are not limited to public speaking, such as:<p>- Focused Observation &#x2F; Listening (<i>insanely</i> important, this)<p>- Ability to Deal with the Unexpected<p>- Empathy &#x2F; Emotional Intelligence<p>- Negotiation (If you&#x27;ve played being on both sides of the table, you know what the other side wants)<p>- Cooperation<p>- Banter<p>- Storytelling<p>- Emotional Endurance<p>- Interpersonal Relationship Creation and Maintenance<p>- ...<p>In addition to these skills, I&#x27;ve also found myself a lot happier, being able to engage in a creative activity within a supportive community which offers something completely novel each time I attend.<p>When I moved cities, I started a new improv troupe in that city, because it means that much to me.<p>Check it out. :)