39 Things I’ve learned About Public Speaking
Every year, I challenge myself on my birthday by doing consecutive
push-ups to match the birthday I’m celebrating. As you can imagine,
the task becomes more difficult every year. Last year, I felt
fortunate to have eeked out the 38th push-up.
Today, on my 39th birthday, I realize there’s a
chance I may not be able to meet the challenge, but I’ll be damned
if I can’t pump out 39 of something. So with that in mind, I’ve
done some reflecting and compiled a list of 39 things I’ve learned
about public speaking.
1. You’re never good enough not to to practice.
2. Public speaking is both a science and an art. Approach it
strictly from either point of view and you and you won’t be as
successful as
you could be.
3. All things being equal, written speeches are better and more
successful than extemporaneous speeches.
4. No height of reasoning or depth of wisdom is strong enough to
educate a mind that refuses to learn.
5. Every audience and individual is unique. What works for one
won’t necessarily work for another.
6. There is no “best way” to start every speech. Each speech is as
unique as the audience. Every opening should also be unique.
7. Gestures are overrated. They can’t add substance to a message
that lacks substance.
8. Even the right words can lose their effect if they’re not
delivered with the right timing.
9. Even if your audience disagrees with your position on a subject,
they want your speech to be good. After all, they have to sit
through it.
10. When put to the test, most statistics about public speaking are
a crock.
11. What our audience remembers most is what resonates with them
most.
12. The setup of your room affects the flow of energy in the room.
13. Recording yourself on video is the best way to pinpoint your
strengths and weaknesses.
14. Memorizing your material and knowing your material are not the
same thing.
15. Sometimes public speaking should be treated as a performance.
At other times, public speaking should be treated as a
conversation. On occasion, it should be treated as both.
16. Always research your audience as thoroughly as possible …
always!
17. Reading the book of Proverbs is a great way to train your mind
to come up with analogies that easily explain complicated concepts.
18. Age means squat when it comes to your effectiveness as a public
speaker. Martin Luther King Jr. was only 34 when he delivered the
“I have a dream” speech.
19. It’s okay to say “um” every now and again. People expect it.
“Um” becomes a problem when it is used in a pattern the audience
begins to anticipate and predict with 99% accuracy.
20. One of the easiest ways to improve your ability to develop a
successful speech is to read and listen to successful speeches of
the past and present.
21. When you truly connect with your audience, you will be able to
feel and experience their energy.
22. Public speaking is not a monarchy and content is not king.
Content alone is not enough to persuade people and move them to
take action.
23. What you say AND how you say it are of equal importance.
24. Authentic story telling is easy to learn. Just read story books
to children.
25. If your presentation relies heavily on technology, be sure to
have a plan B.
26. If you’re using PowerPoint or props, rehearse with them.
27. Knowing your subject is important. Explaining your subject in a
way that’s easy to understand and memorable is more important.
28. Your speech is successful if your audience remembers, repeats
and responds to it … not if you get a standing ovation.
29. The worst times to speak are just before and just after a meal.
The audience is too hungry to concentrate just before and too full
(or tipsy) to concentrate after.
30. Asking questions is an effective way to engage the minds of the
individuals in your audience.
31. When you tell a story, debrief it. Not everyone will interpret
your story the same way.
32. Before using a statistic in your speech, research the statistic
yourself. There are a lot of myths disguised as statistics.
33. Always put statistics in context. Explain what the statistic
means and why the audience should care.
34. If you must tell a joke, use an original one. Few things are as
deflating as having people in the audience deliver the punch line
before you do.
35. Don’t use a $20 word when a 5 cent word will do the trick. When
it comes to word choice, simpler is usually better.
36. Use repetition in your speeches. It will reinforce your main
message and make it easier for the audience to follow your train of
thought.
37. If you’re going to be introduced, write your own opening. Never
trust someone else to do it for you.
38. Even excellent presenters have “off” days. Get over it and move
on.
39. Your audience won’t shut you off as quickly as they will a show
on television. They can watch the show in their pajamas, but they
get dressed up and travel to hear you speak.
40. Even though there is nothing new under the sun, there is always
more to learn about public speaking.
Looks like I’m already looking forward to the big 4-0 …
What lessons have you learned?
Tags: Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, Speech Writing
11. March 2009 at 3:16 pm :
John,
Happy birthday.
I agree (mostly) with all your points. Here are some I’d add:
1) Shorter is better. People rarely say, “I wish he/she had gone on longer.”
2) Take responsibility for making the event, not just your speech, a success. A poorly planned, scheduled, or orchestrated event can sabotage your best effort.
3) Liking your audience is helpful, but not essential. Respecting them and wanting the best for them is essential.
4) Speakers use big words to hide how small their ideas are.
5) If you bore or confuse your audience, they’ll never do what you want them to.
Great post. Keep it up. Chris
11. March 2009 at 3:34 pm :
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the additional thoughts. You would think #5 is common sense, but it clearly isn’t!
14. March 2009 at 5:19 pm :
Love the book of proverbs tip! Excellent. Why don’t you just practice your pushups for a few weeks before your birthday, like you do your public speaking
14. March 2009 at 10:57 pm :
[...] Watkis shares 39 lessons about public speaking. There are many gems here. Just a few of my favorites include: 1. [...]
15. March 2009 at 2:02 pm :
There is so much on this list that is excellent. Thanks for sharing it.
My only respectful disagreement is #31. If you need to tell your audience what your story means- then a few things are happening:
1. You don’t know how to tell the story you are telling.
2. You have chosen the wrong story for the audience.
3. You don’t trust your audience enough to allow them to participate in the story.
4. You’re doing too much talking and not enough audience interaction.
The power of story lies in the both the teller and listener creating meaning. If you feel you must tell them how to “get it,” then don’t bother with story. Just keep lecturing until you can manipulate them into thinking the way you want them to.
After decades of teaching and working with story, the most inspiring moments for me is when one of my keynotes filled with stories opens up new meanings for my audience…that I never though of.
Very good article. Thanks for sharing so many good ideas.
Sean Buvala
http://www.seantells.net
15. March 2009 at 2:05 pm :
And…for another perspective on #34, take a listen to podcast #3 at
http://seantells.net/audio-and-video/podcasts/
Okay, I’m done. Thanks again for this article.
1. April 2009 at 9:45 am :
John, I love the list. I plan to use some of these thoughts as anecdotes in my upcoming Speakers Training Camp. I learned Point #36 from one of my Deans in college. You have to repeat things 3 times for people to remember. The same concept holds true for presenting.
Thanks for the article.
Christy Demetrakis
1. April 2009 at 10:13 am :
Thanks to everyone who has commented on this post. I’m glad the random musings of a 39-year old have generated so much interest. I’ll get started on my list of 40 for next year.
p.s. I was able to do the 39 push ups. I’ll be aiming for 40 next year!
1. July 2009 at 10:36 am :
A belated Happy Birthday to you! I have only recently discovered your podcast and am on your site for the first time today. This is great material all-around!
Don’t aim for 40 or you might not make it. Aim (and train) for 50 so that 40 is assured even if you have a bad day.
9. July 2009 at 8:33 am :
Phillip,
I’m glad you enjoyed reading my blog. As you can see, I’ve been away from the blog for a couple months, but I’ll be posting on a more consistent basis now. Thanks for the tip on aiming for 50. I need to get started on that right away!
31. August 2009 at 4:33 pm :
i love these tips for public speaking, the sure helped me alot! thank you