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Public Speaking: 9 Characteristics of the Greats
by Paul Evans
Published on this site: February 27th, 2006 - See
more articles from this month
There's more to speaking than sharing a few words. Here
are the top nine characteristics of public speakers that you
can use too
- Solid Content. Even a person lacking charismatic
gifts can develop solid content. Always share something
the audience finds valuable to their lives.
- Humorous. It's hard to hate someone you laugh with.
The best speakers find a way to get people smiling early
in the program. It opens hearts and makes the group receptive.
You don't have to be hilarious, just humorous.
- Organized. There's no excuse for rambling through
a presentation. Have your notes structured in way that keeps
you on pace and on target. Listeners should feel they received
a message that made sense and was easy to remember.
- Approachable. Some speakers try to get in and
get out as fast as possible, but the audience likes to know
the speaker is available an approachable. One of the best
ways to make a good impression is to get to the event early
and meet people as they come in.
- Authenticity. It's said that honest arrogance
is preferred over false humility. We all want to know people
are being honest with us and that what we see is what we
get. Be true to yourself and others by being the same around
everyone. That way you don't feel like one person in front
of an audience and another person at other times.
- Growing. Great speakers continue to grow in the
knowledge and application of the craft. They don't rest
when reaching a particular level. Instead they continue
to stretch and become better.
- Giving. The best in this profession give without
expecting return. Most big name speakers give anonymously
to the charities and organizations they cherish. This giving
attitude in private creates warmth and welcome in public.
- Natural. Last night I actually watched BookSpan
for the first time. I've flipped by before and mostly viewed
it as a cure for insomnia. However, Walter Isaacson author
of Benjamin Franklin An American Life was speaking. Having
read the book i wanted to see how well he presented the
material. He did a great job. I got the impression that
he would be the same off the podium as he was in front of
the microphone. A great example of natural expression.
- Passionate. Speaking transfers energy with words.
The more passion passes through the message the greater
the chance of it being remembered and applied. No one has
ever said, "I sure hope the speaker is boring."
Instead they like to say things like, "Wow! She sure
was excited about her message."
Paul Evans is the creator of Great Public Speaking.
He has helped over 30,000 speakers and presenters. http://www.GreatPublicSpeaking.com
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