Are You a Public Speaker? Discover the Truth!
Are You a Public Speaker? Discover the Truth!
Surprise! You’re a public speaker. Don’t agree with me? If you interact with people in any capacity, you’re already engaging in public speaking. Many don’t see themselves this way, often thinking public speaking is reserved for those who earn a living on stage. But consider this: every time you have a conversation with someone at a networking event, hold a meeting with your team, give a job interview, or even receive one, you are engaging in public speaking. These everyday interactions are opportunities to influence, persuade, and connect with others. The truth is that public speaking isn’t just about standing in front of a large audience; it’s about effectively communicating and making an impact, no matter the setting. The fact is—we are ALL public speakers. Some of us just practice at an amateur level, and some, like me, practice at the professional level. But regardless of what level you are at, we all need to work on improving the way we communicate with others.
At its core, public speaking is about communicating in an organized manner, ensuring clarity, and commanding attention. Unfortunately, many people stop developing their communication skills after college, leading to a decline in their abilities as they age. This can create significant challenges, as strong communication skills are essential for success in all areas of life.
Mel Robbins once said, “Your ability to communicate is your greatest asset. It can open doors, create relationships, and enhance your life in ways you never imagined.”
To help you harness this power, I focus on three key areas of effective public speaking:
- Understanding Your Unique Stage Presence (USP): Identify what makes you memorable. This includes your style, message, life experiences, brand, and overall vibe. Are you more entertaining or educational? Aligning these elements is crucial for impactful communication.
- Engaging Your Audience: Capturing attention is vital. Our brains naturally drift every 8-12 minutes, so it’s your job to keep listeners focused. Use techniques like humor, interactive activities, or even music to energize the room and hold their interest.
- Congruence Between Words and Body Language: Ensure your body language aligns with your verbal message. Authenticity breeds trust; when your subconscious and conscious messages align, you communicate more effectively and honestly.
As you prepare for your next conversation, meeting, or presentation, ask yourself:
- How can I clarify my unique identity and communicate it effectively?
- How can I actively engage my audience and maintain their attention?
- How can I ensure that my words and body language are in harmony?
By focusing on these areas, you can increase your confidence, enhance your communication skills, and improve every aspect of your life.
As a special gift, I invite you to download my free 5-minute body language training video to help you further develop your skills. Access it here.
Proactive, Productive and Profitable,
Dino Watt, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional)