How can company officers overcome fear of public speaking?

• A. Relying on a radio to communicate to crew members
• B. Assigning a subordinate to be the voice of the company officer
• C. Participating in an instructor training program
• D. Avoiding speaking to groups of more than 5 people

Answer: (C)

Developing effective public speaking for a company officer starts with structured instruction that teaches how to teach and convey information to others. An instructor training program builds the specific skills needed to present clearly, organize content, use appropriate voice and body language, engage listeners, and field questions confidently. It also provides practice opportunities and feedback from peers and mentors, giving you a reliable framework for delivering training that crews can follow. This combination of planning, delivery technique, and real-time feedback makes speaking in front of groups more predictable and less intimidating, which directly enhances command presence and leadership when briefing crews or delivering safety guidance.

Relying on a radio to communicate avoids direct engagement and doesn’t develop the ability to speak effectively to a group or convey nuanced instructions. Assigning a subordinate to be the voice of the officer minimizes personal leadership development and fails to build the officer’s own speaking and presentation skills. Avoiding speaking to groups is a avoidance tactic that doesn’t address the skill set required for leadership communication.