Five Essential Tips to Become a Captivating Public Speaker
Today, I am excited to share five things you can do to become a captivating public speaker.
1. Have a Clear Point of View
Have you ever wondered why Harper Lee chose to tell her story, To Kill a Mockingbird, through the eyes of Scout, the six-year-old daughter of Atticus Finch? For those unfamiliar with the book, Lee’s decision was brilliant and earned her a Pulitzer Prize. Scout’s wide-eyed and naive perspective heightens the impact of the social injustices she witnesses. This illustrates the importance of having a clear point of view.
In literature, a first-person narrative provides a unique perspective that engages the reader. Similarly, as a speaker, your talk must come from your unique point of view. Whether you grew up in a small town or a bustling city, your experiences shape your perspective. Embrace this and let it guide your storytelling.
2. Know How You Feel About Your Topic
Your passion for the subject matter is crucial. If you’re giving a talk about public speaking, for example, my point of view is that it’s a responsibility to take the stage because you have the potential to change or even save lives. My dedication to this mission fuels my passion every day. Knowing how you feel about your topic infuses authenticity into your talk and makes it more compelling.
3. Understand How It Affects You
Share how your topic personally impacts you. Every time a speaker reaches out to say they’ve helped someone by sharing their story, I’m reminded of my purpose. This personal connection to the topic reinforces my point of view and makes my message more powerful. Your audience needs to see how your subject affects you to understand why it matters.
4. Explain Why It's Important to You
Why is your topic important to you? For me, supporting speakers has a ripple effect that can potentially make the world a better place. If you are genuinely passionate about your ideas, your audience will feel that passion, too. Explain the significance of your topic and why it matters to you personally. This adds depth to your message and engages your audience on a deeper level.
5. Speak in Your Own Voice
Speak to your audience the way you talk to your friends. Chris Anderson, the founder and CEO of TED, talks about the writer and speaker Andrew Solomon, whose lyrical voice makes his audience feel as if they’re experiencing poetry. When Chris asked Andrew if he speaks like this naturally, Andrew affirmed that he does. Whether you are poetic, humorous, or straightforward, let your natural voice shine through. Authenticity is key to connecting with your audience.
Conclusion
Having a clear point of view and speaking in your voice makes you uniquely captivating. Your personal perspective and passion for your subject matter will resonate with your audience, making your talk memorable and impactful.
I hope these tips help you gain clarity on becoming a captivating speaker. Let me know your biggest takeaway in the comments.
