As a society, we are enamored with public speakers who can capture our attention and inspire us with their words. We marvel at the likes of Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, and Steve Jobs, all of whom had the power to move people through their speeches.
What is it that sets these great public speakers apart from the rest? Is it their natural charisma, their innate ability to connect with an audience, or is it something more tangible, like their habits and routines?
In this article, we will explore the five habits of great public speakers that you can emulate to improve your own public speaking skills. These habits are not exclusive to the greats we mentioned earlier; anyone can adopt them with practice and dedication.
- They prepare extensively
- They connect with their audience
- They use body language effectively
- They use humor strategically
- They seek feedback and continuously improve
1. They prepare extensively
Great public speakers understand the importance of preparation. They know that a well-prepared speech can make all the difference between a successful presentation and a forgettable one.
Preparing for a speech involves several key steps. First, you need to understand your audience. Who are they? What do they care about? What are their needs and concerns? Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message and make it more relevant and engaging.
Next, you need to research your topic thoroughly. This includes reading books, articles, and other materials related to your subject matter. You should also conduct interviews with experts and gather data to support your arguments.
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to organize it into a logical structure. Great public speakers understand the importance of a clear and concise message, and they know how to present their ideas in a way that is easy to understand.
Finally, you need to practice your speech. Great public speakers rehearse their speeches several times to ensure that they are comfortable with the material and can deliver it confidently.
For example, in his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King Jr. spent months preparing and rehearsing his message. He knew that he needed to deliver a powerful and impactful speech that would resonate with his audience, and he took the time to prepare accordingly.
2. They connect with their audience
Great public speakers know how to connect with their audience on an emotional level. They understand that people are more likely to remember how they made them feel than what they said, and they use this to their advantage.
To connect with your audience, you need to understand their needs and concerns. What are they looking for? What are their pain points? Once you understand this, you can tailor your message to address their concerns and offer solutions to their problems.
Great public speakers also know how to use storytelling to connect with their audience. Stories are a powerful tool for engaging people and creating an emotional connection. When you tell a story, you create a mental image in your audience’s mind that they are more likely to remember than a list of facts and figures.
For example, in his commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005, Steve Jobs used storytelling to connect with his audience. He shared personal stories about his life, including his adoption and his early experiences at Apple, to inspire the graduates and encourage them to pursue their dreams.
3. They use body language effectively
Great public speakers understand the importance of nonverbal communication. They know that their body language can convey just as much, if not more, than their words, and they use this to their advantage.
To use body language effectively, you need to be aware of your posture, gestures, and facial expressions. Stand tall with your shoulders back, and make eye contact with your audience. Use hand gestures to emphasize your points and create visual interest.
Great public speakers also know how to use movement to their advantage. They move around the stage to create a sense of energy and engagement, and they use pauses to create moments of tension and drama.
For example, in his famous “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech, Winston Churchill used his body language to convey strength and determination. He stood tall and spoke with conviction, using hand gestures to emphasize his points and create a sense of urgency. His body language helped to convey the seriousness of the situation and inspire the British people to stand firm in the face of adversity.
4. They use humor strategically
Great public speakers understand the power of humor. They know that a well-timed joke or witty remark can lighten the mood and engage their audience, making their message more memorable and impactful.
However, using humor in a speech can be risky. If done poorly, it can fall flat and detract from your message. That’s why great public speakers use humor strategically, carefully choosing their jokes and ensuring that they are appropriate for their audience.
Humor can also be used to diffuse tension or address a difficult subject. When used in this way, it can help to create a sense of empathy and connection with your audience.
For example, in her 2015 TED Talk, “The Power of Vulnerability,” Brene Brown uses humor to address the topic of vulnerability, a subject that can be uncomfortable for many people. She tells a story about a research participant who described vulnerability as “the first date jitters times a thousand,” using humor to make the topic more approachable and relatable.
5. They seek feedback and continuously improve
Great public speakers are always looking for ways to improve. They understand that there is always room for growth and development, and they seek out feedback to help them become better speakers.
Feedback can come from a variety of sources, including colleagues, mentors, and audience members. It’s important to seek out both positive and negative feedback, as both can be valuable in helping you improve.
Great public speakers also take the time to reflect on their performances. They analyze their speeches and identify areas for improvement, making adjustments and refinements as necessary.
For example, in his 2009 TED Talk, “The Art of Asking,” musician Amanda Palmer talks about the importance of seeking feedback and constantly improving. She shares a story about a performance where she received negative feedback from a fan, which helped her to identify areas where she could improve her performance.
Conclusion
Great public speakers share several key habits that have helped them to become successful in their craft. They prepare extensively, connect with their audience on an emotional level, use body language effectively, use humor strategically, and seek feedback to continuously improve.
By adopting these habits, you can improve your own public speaking skills and become a more effective communicator. Remember, great public speaking is not just about natural talent; it’s also about hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow.