It's a fear held by many, but Aaron Hanway of communication development organisation Toastmasters International claims that public speaking teaches essential life and business skills too.

You might still balk at the idea that public speaking is good for anything other than terrifying the speaker, but Wexford-based Toastmaster Hanway argues that writing and delivering a speech to an audience aids in the development of five core skills for career and business. Still not convinced? Hanway's five pillars of public speaking redemption are:

1. Confidence

Standing in front of a crowd of people to deliver a speech you've crafted might sound terrifying, but practicing the process over time develops unmatched levels of confidence.

Each time you speak publicly, the experience will get a little more comfortable. Eventually, you'll find you've developed confidence that will translate strongly into your business life.

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2. Objectivity

To effectively assess and solve problems, it helps to step back from the situation and observe it in an objective manner.

Likewise, the purpose of crafting and delivering a speech is to convey a message to someone else, even if that someone doesn't hold the same opinions and perspective as you do. This forces  you to construct your speech from an objective standpoint.

In this way, speech-crafting can teach you to be objective even in problematic situations, which will help hone your business leadership skills.

3. Communication

Every level of business, from networking to leadership, requires communication skills. Communication isn't limited to the verbal — it also includes tone and body language.

Public speaking is all about communication. The practice will help you become more self-aware, so you can pay more attention to how you conduct your body movements, your speaking volume and the other subtleties of communication.

4. Self-education

The prospect of speaking on a subject in front of a crowd means researching that subject to death — you want to know what you're talking about. It's the only way to give a thorough, effective speech.

Similarly, you can't expect to lead or impress in a business environment unless you've done your homework. Public speaking can help develop a habit of educating yourself.

5. Empathy

Objectivity is only part of an effective approach to problem-solving — it also requires empathy.

Public speaking teaches empathy because in order to be a successful speaker, you need to know how to appeal to your audience's logic as well as its emotions. Likewise, it's vital to approach business aware of your colleagues' thinking processes as well as their personal feelings on certain subjects.

Remember these five benefits the next time you're waiting in the wings, ashen-faced, as microphone and audience beckon. The terror will be worth it -- eventually.