What Makes a Person a Great Speaker or Communicator?

Delivering a powerful and engaging speech is not just about having a charismatic personality or a confident stance on stage. It’s a skill that requires practice, training, and a deep understanding of the audience. As someone who has transformed from a public speaking disaster into an influential communicator, I can share some insights on what it takes to become a great speaker or communicator.

Connection with the Audience

The ability to resonate with your audience is the bedrock of effective communication. Your message needs to strike a chord with them, making them feel understood and relatable. This connection can be established through observation and empathy. Noticing the nuances in people’s behaviors and adapting your message accordingly can help you build this instant connection. Successful speaking requires you to understand your audience and acknowledge their emotions and experiences.

Skills and Qualities for an Influential Public Speaker

1. Humor

Humor is a powerful tool in your arsenal. It can help you break the ice, keep the audience engaged, and sometimes deliver a message more effectively. However, it’s crucial to use humor carefully. Ensure that your humor aligns with your audience’s sensibilities and is in proportion to your speech. Overdoing it or using offensive jokes can lead to legal troubles and damage your reputation. Humor should be used to enhance the message, not overshadow it.

2. Honesty

Your audience can easily spot when you’re not being authentic. Honesty is key in gaining their trust and respect. Be sincere in your speech and back up your claims with true examples or incidents. Avoid playing to their emotions by crafting fake stories. Trust in your authenticity and facts to keep your audience engaged and believing in what you say.

3. Emotions

Emotions play a crucial role in creating a bond between you and your audience. However, this doesn’t mean you should resort to emotional blackmail. Your speech should evoke emotions that resonate with your message, such as a personal story or an anecdote. Use emotions strategically to enhance your message, but ensure they are not manipulative or overdone. This emotional connection will make your audience more receptive and invested in what you have to say.

4. Confidence

Confidence is an essential part of any public speaking journey. You can’t buy it from Amazon; you must earn it with practice and experience. Start by speaking to small groups and gradually work your way up to larger audiences. The more you speak, the more confident you will become. Confidence not only makes your message more compelling but also boosts your overall performance as a speaker.

Public Speaking: A Key to Sharing Knowledge

Public speaking is fundamentally about sharing — whether it’s storytelling, teaching, or sharing your expertise or opinions. To be an effective public speaker, you need to be well-informed and knowledgeable. You should be able to seamlessly incorporate your knowledge into your speech, especially when responding to audience questions or addressing specific interests. Your enthusiasm is also crucial, as it keeps your audience engaged and invested in your message. Being friendly and appreciative of your audience shows that you value their attention and interest.

The Basics of Effective Public Speaking

To deliver a successful speech, you need to pay attention to basic skills such as volume control and clear enunciation. If you are using a microphone, ensure that you are familiar with its workings to avoid any technical issues. Voice lessons can also help you improve your delivery and make your speech more effective. Whether you are addressing a small group or a large audience, the key is to maintain eye contact and aim your speech to reach the back of the room.