I recently listened to a very interesting podcast on public speaking and wanted to share with you the most valuable learnings I took away. I found it fascinating how small changes in the way we speak and communicate can have a big impact.
Here are the 10 most important points:
Posture communicates as much as words
Our posture on stage or in any conversation influences how we are perceived and how we feel. An open and upright posture conveys confidence and security, both to the audience and to yourself. Practising ‘power posture’ can reduce anxiety before public speaking.
PowerPoint is a support, not the protagonist
Slides should complement the message, not replace it. A common mistake is to overload them with text. Instead, it is better to use them to reinforce key ideas with images or concise words. The focus should always be on the speaker.
Flexibility: the key to connecting with the audience
A good speaker does not stick rigidly to his or her speech. It is important to read the audience, make adjustments on the fly and ensure that the message really resonates with them. Adaptability makes the difference between a good and a great speech.
Great speakers generate emotion and connection
Figures like Oprah Winfrey and Les Brown stand out not only for what they say, but how they say it. They connect emotionally with the audience, ask powerful questions and deliver their messages with authenticity and passion.
The difference between motivating and instructing
A motivational speech inspires, but a good speaker must also provide practical tools. It is not enough to excite the audience; you have to give them concrete strategies that they can apply in their daily lives.
Metaphors make the message unforgettable
Explaining complex ideas with metaphors helps to make the message clearer and more memorable. An abstract concept can become much more understandable when associated with a visual image or an everyday experience.
Preparation and rehearsal reduce stage fright
Practising your speech several times, recording yourself and rehearsing in real-life conditions helps you gain confidence. In addition, preparing for unforeseen events (such as technical failures) allows you to react naturally to any situation.
Interacting with the audience enhances the impact
The best talks are not monologues. Including questions, dynamics or even asking for opinions gets the audience more involved and makes them remember the message better. The direct connection strengthens communication.
Authenticity is the key to success in public speaking
Imitating other speakers can make the message feel artificial. On the other hand, being genuine, sharing personal experiences and speaking in your own style builds confidence and credibility.
Public speaking is a skill that develops with practice
No one is born a great communicator, but anyone can improve with training. The key is to keep practising, experiment with different techniques and never stop learning.
These learnings made me reflect on the importance of communication in all aspects of life. I hope you find them useful too.
See you next week!
I’ve been thinking lately about how I interact with my flight crew. We work in a small group - typically another pilot and a flight attendant. This is a micro form of public speaking. I’m right now returning from a 14 day trip so we spend a lot of time together. Running the trip involves operational responsibilities (moving the airplane) logistical responsibilities (setting up accommodations and planning our layovers) and human factors during periods of duty and rest. Do we go to breakfast or dinner as a group or do I bail tonight? Join the group to go explore the city on a layover or get a workout at the gym followed by a healthy meal and get to bed early. There is no consistent right answer - you have to take care of yourself on the road but you also have to play nice with the team. This can be a slightly different experience depending on my assignment for the trip either leading the trip as the captain or supporting the trip as the first officer. I would like to get into more formal public speaking (like career day at a local middle or high school) but I do this form of micro public speaking often in my professional role. I’m pretty good at putting my best foot forward and making the experience positive. I’m learning that I also need to carry this same level of concern and intentionality when speaking privately at home with my wife and 6 children.