Speak with Impact

1. Public Speaking is Leadership in Action

Public speaking is exercising leadership with your voice—speaking up on behalf of your ideas, your vision, your organization, or your community—and persuading others to join you to achieve a shared goal.

Redefine public speaking. Public speaking isn't just formal speeches; it's any purposeful communication with one or more people, whether in a meeting, on a call, or in a casual conversation. This broad definition highlights daily opportunities to influence and inspire. It's a skill, not a talent, that anyone can learn and master through practice and feedback, transforming stage presence into executive presence.

Beyond substance and style. Effective public speaking combines both a compelling message (substance) and engaging, authentic delivery (style). A brilliant message delivered poorly loses impact, just as charismatic delivery without substance leaves an audience uninspired. The goal is to connect with people on a personal level, building trust and making your words resonate.

Why it matters. Speech is a powerful tool for building trust and connection. Face-to-face communication remains invaluable for clarifying issues, informing, and inspiring action. Mastering this skill helps you:

• Build trust with clients and advance your career.
• Lead teams and manage difficult conversations.
• Connect with others on a deeply personal level.
• Advocate for your beliefs and pass on knowledge.

2. Master the Three Strategic Questions Before You Write

There are three questions I ask myself before I write any speech or presentation or prepare for a difficult conversation, a client pitch, or speaking up in a meeting.

Start with strategy. Before writing a single word, answer the "Three Questions" to unlock creativity and overcome writer's block. These questions form the strategic foundation, not the structure, of your communication. They ensure your message is relevant, purposeful, and authentic, setting the stage for impactful delivery.

Know your audience. Understanding who you're speaking to is paramount. Consider their:

• Professional background (peers, leaders, experts, general public).
• Language (jargon, acronyms, cultural references).
• Existing knowledge of your subject.
• Feelings about you and your topic (skeptical, supportive, neutral).
  Tailor your language and examples to resonate with their specific needs and perspectives, making them feel understood and engaged.

Define your goal and purpose. Every communication should have a clear objective. What do you want your audience to do, think, or feel after hearing you speak? Also, ask "Why you?" – what personal passion or conviction drives you to speak on this topic? This deep dive into your motivation ensures authenticity and builds confidence, making your message more powerful and relatable.

3. Craft a Compelling Message with Story and Persuasion

If you don’t believe in what you are saying, you can’t persuade others.

Persuade with purpose. Every speech aims to influence behavior, whether to educate, inspire, or move to action. Use Aristotle's three modes of persuasion responsibly:

• Ethos: Establish credibility and authority through experience and title.
• Logos: Present a logical argument supported by facts and data.
• Pathos: Appeal to emotions, tapping into universal feelings like hope, fear, or love.
  A balanced combination of these elements, tailored to your audience and goal, creates a powerful and ethical persuasive argument.

Answer key questions. A truly persuasive argument addresses five core questions your audience implicitly asks:

• Why you? Your personal conviction and passion.
• Why me? The relevance of the message to the audience.
• Why now? The urgency and timeliness of the issue.
• Why bother? Hope for a positive outcome and the possibility of change.
• Okay, so what’s next? A clear, actionable call to action.
  Integrating these into your message ensures it is comprehensive and compelling.

Harness the power of story and humor. Stories are incredibly powerful, activating sensory areas in the brain and releasing oxytocin, which builds trust and empathy. Share personal anecdotes, especially those highlighting struggle or vulnerability, to connect on a deeper human level. Humor, used appropriately, can disarm, lighten the mood, and build rapport, but ensure it's culturally sensitive and never at someone else's expense.

4. Polish and Practice for Authentic, Impactful Delivery

The more you practice, the more natural you become.

Refine your content. Polishing involves stepping back to critically evaluate your speech. Ensure:

• Equal weight is given to each main point.
• Smooth transitions guide the audience.
• Repetition or "echo" reinforces key messages.
• Personal examples and data bring concepts to life.
• Potential pitfalls or misinterpretations are addressed.
  This meticulous review transforms a draft into a coherent, impactful presentation.

Conciseness is key. In today's fast-paced world, conciseness is a valued leadership skill. The goal is to deliver maximum impact with minimum words.

• Sculptor's approach: Like Michelangelo freeing a statue from marble, remove anything that doesn't directly support your main message.
• Time constraints: Prepare a "back-pocket edition" or a five-minute version of your speech to ensure you can deliver essential points even if time is cut short.
• Feedback: Ask a colleague to help you cut content, as it's often easier for an outsider to identify unnecessary information.

Practice makes perfect (or natural). Effective practice is not about memorizing a script but about smoothing out rough patches and building confidence. Utilize various methods:

• Out loud: Check language flow and timing.
• Mirror: Observe nonverbal communication.
• Memo recorder: Evaluate vocal variety and enunciation.
• With props: Integrate visual aids seamlessly.
• In front of others: Get feedback on message and delivery.
• Eyes closed (mental rehearsal): Visualize success and calm nerves.
• Video recording: Analyze all aspects of your performance.
  Even short, consistent practice sessions, found in hidden minutes throughout your day, significantly enhance your delivery and confidence.

5. Command the Room with Intentional Eye Contact, Body Language, and Voice

When you speak, everything about you is communicating.

Eye contact builds connection. Meaningful eye contact is fundamental to connecting with your audience. It makes each person feel like you're speaking directly to them, fostering trust and engagement.

• Sustain contact: Look at one person for a full thought before moving to another.
• Strategic moments: Make eye contact when stating your name, thanking, asking questions, or delivering main points.
• Avoid distractions: Resist looking at notes, the floor, or above heads for prolonged periods.
  Even when reading from a script, practice raising your eyes to connect with the audience at the end of sentences.

Body language reinforces your message. Your physical presence speaks volumes before you utter a word.

• Smile authentically: A genuine smile disarms, reduces stress, and conveys confidence and enthusiasm.
• Purposeful gestures: Use hands to emphasize points, showing size, distance, or importance, returning to a "home base" when not gesturing. Avoid nervous fidgeting.
• Confident posture: Stand tall with feet planted, or sit upright, leaning slightly forward to engage. Use movement strategically during transitions, but avoid rocking or pacing.
  Your body language should always complement, not distract from, your words.

Voice projects power and authenticity. Your voice is a powerful instrument that conveys emotion, confidence, and conviction.

• Vocal variety: Let your voice naturally rise and fall, emphasizing key words to add meaning.
• Energy and enunciation: Project a clear, strong voice that fills the room, even if not loud.
• Avoid traps: Consciously reduce filler words (um, ah, like), minimizers (just, sorry), uptalk (ending statements like questions), and vocal fry (a low, gravelly sound) which can undermine credibility.
  Practice exercises like "radio voice" or "speaking to children" to unlock your natural expressiveness and ensure your tone matches your message.

6. Conquer Nerves and Empower Your Voice Through Purposeful Breathing

Fear and excitement both produce adrenaline, so reframing your nerves as excitement helps you use that same hormone in a productive way.

Understand and reframe anxiety. Public speaking anxiety is universal, often stemming from primal fears of rejection or lack of control. Instead of fighting it, reframe nerves as excitement to channel adrenaline productively. Identify specific causes of your anxiety:

• Lack of confidence or preparation.
• Negative past experiences or feedback.
• Unfamiliarity with the subject or audience.
• Toxic work environments or fear of going blank.
  Addressing these root causes directly empowers you to manage your fear.

Breathe with purpose. Diaphragmatic breathing is a powerful, yet often overlooked, tool for both calming nerves and strengthening your voice.

• Calm your body: Deep, belly breathing reduces physical anxiety symptoms like a racing heart and constricted throat.
• Strengthen your voice: Breathing "on the breath" provides a cushion of air, giving your voice richness, fullness, and resonance.
• Practice posture: Stand tall with relaxed shoulders, feet planted, to support your breath and voice.

Implement breathing techniques.

• Warm-up: Shake out hands/feet, stretch face, do lip trills to release nervous energy.
• Belly breathing: Place hands on your belly, imagine a balloon expanding as you inhale, and contracting as you exhale.
• Speak on the breath: Inhale silently, then exhale while speaking, letting your breath support your words.
  Practice these techniques daily, even for a few minutes, to make them natural. Use "pause and breathe" between sentences to appear thoughtful and avoid filler words.

7. Prepare for Every Detail, Including the Unexpected

There will be things that go wrong. There is no perfect speech, ever—but it’s not about what goes wrong with your speech, it’s about your confidence in handling those situations.

Meticulous logistics. Success on speech day hinges on thorough preparation of all practical details.

• Pre-event checks: Confirm venue, exact location, and organizer contact. Arrive early to set up the room, test AV, and ensure everything is in order.
• Personal readiness: Practice your speech one last time, bring a printed introduction for the host, and greet audience members as they arrive to build rapport.
• Attire: Choose comfortable, professional clothing that matches your goal and the audience's culture. Avoid anything distracting or ill-fitting.

Body and mind care. Treat speech day like a performance, prioritizing your physical and mental well-being.

• Rest and exercise: Get ample sleep and engage in light physical activity to boost energy.
• Mindfulness: Meditate or use breathing exercises to center yourself.
• Hydration and diet: Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating substances like alcohol and excessive caffeine.
• Vocal protection: Avoid loud venues and use vocal rest if needed.

Develop a pre-speech ritual. A consistent routine can dramatically shift your mindset.

• Quiet space: Find a private spot to focus.
• Release tension: Shake out limbs, stretch your face, and do vocal warm-ups.
• Center yourself: Practice purposeful breathing.
• Reaffirm purpose: State your "Why you?" and Core Value Statement aloud.
• Review key points: Mentally rehearse your opening and closing.
  This ritual grounds you, boosts confidence, and ensures you start with power and purpose.

8. Leverage Visual Aids and Technology Wisely

Used effectively, a visual aid can capture (or regain) your audience’s attention by showing something unique and unexpected.

Strategic use of visual aids. Visual aids should enhance, not replace, your message and connection with the audience. They can:

• Capture attention with unique images or props.
• Paint vivid pictures or evoke emotions.
• Reinforce key points with data or graphs.
• Cater to different learning styles.
• Facilitate audience interaction through polls or social media.
  Always consider the audience, venue capabilities, and your goal when choosing visual aids.

Physical aids offer tangible impact. Props, handouts, or flip charts can be highly effective, especially when technology is unreliable.

• Props: Use a physical object as a metaphor or to surprise the audience, making your message memorable.
• Handouts: Provide detailed information that doesn't need to be on slides, distributing them at the end to maintain focus on you.
• Flip charts: Encourage interactive brainstorming and capture audience input in real-time.
  These tools work without electricity, offering a reliable way to engage.

Mastering presentation slides. Slides are powerful tools, but often misused.

• Purpose over quantity: Design slides to reinforce, not replicate, your spoken words. Avoid using them as teleprompters.
• Concise design: Use phrases, not full sentences. Employ large, readable fonts. Aim for one image or one key sentence per slide, like Steve Jobs's iconic presentations.
• Logistics: Proofread meticulously, know your technology, practice with slides to manage timing, and always have a backup plan to present without them.
  Remember the Columbia space shuttle disaster, where critical information was buried in complex slides; clarity can be life-saving.

Microphones amplify your message. Don't shout or whisper; use a microphone to ensure everyone hears you clearly.

• Choose wisely: Opt for hands-free lavaliere or earset mics to allow natural gestures.
• Sound check: Always test battery and volume beforehand.
• Placement: Position the mic correctly (e.g., 6 inches from face for lapel, 2-3 inches at 45-degree angle for handheld) and avoid covering it.
• Assume it's on: Always act professionally, as conversations or noises can be picked up.
  A microphone is an opportunity to project a strong, confident voice, making your job easier and your message more impactful.

9. Adapt Your Approach for Diverse Speaking Situations

With any change of medium comes both loss and gain. The tradeoff between in-person and virtual is intimacy and impact versus reach.

Excel in virtual settings. Virtual communication requires specific adaptations to maintain engagement and impact.

• Conference calls (audio only): Stand up, smile to warm your voice, and slow down. Use clear signposts and pause for questions to manage awkward silences.
• Web conferencing (audio and video): Ensure good lighting and a professional background. Look directly into the camera to simulate eye contact. Act "on" at all times, as your audience can see you.
• Videoconferencing (two-way audio and video): Prepare as for an in-person meeting. Use the mute button for discreet noises. Look into the camera when addressing specific individuals, not at their image on screen.
  These platforms offer reach, but demand heightened intentionality to compensate for reduced intimacy.

Mastering panel discussions. Speaking on a panel offers visibility and credibility, but requires a different approach than a solo speech.

• Preparation: Ask the moderator about the theme, other panelists, questions, and format. Prepare 3 key messages and surprising anecdotes. Connect with co-panelists beforehand.
• Delivery: Direct answers to the entire audience, keep responses brief (1-2 minutes), and build on others' points to foster interaction. Maintain an engaged posture even when not speaking.
• Moderating: Your role is to facilitate, not dominate. Prepare questions, brief panelists, manage time, and ensure equal participation. Prioritize audience questions and conclude with a strong summary.

Speaking across borders and in foreign languages. International speaking demands cultural sensitivity and linguistic preparation.

• Cultural awareness: Research local customs, humor, and body language norms. Test your message on local representatives.
• Travel readiness: Arrive early to acclimate, pack speech attire in carry-on, and bring reliable snacks.
• Language proficiency: Practice the foreign language extensively. Choose comfortable words, bring notes, and practice with a native speaker. Slow down, enunciate clearly, and use "pause and breathe" to avoid filler words.
• Embrace imperfection: Focus on conveying your message authentically rather than striving for perfect grammar, which can hinder natural flow.
  Respect for the local culture and language builds deep personal connections and enhances your impact.

10. Cultivate Executive Presence Through Authenticity and Relationships

Your presence isn’t something you put on and take off like a jacket; it’s something you build with every single interaction.

Executive presence is earned. It's not about a title, but how you carry yourself, influencing others to notice and listen. It's an authentic blend of authority and credibility, built through consistent actions and interactions. It's felt in person and over the phone, and while culturally nuanced, its core components are universal.

Five pillars of executive presence:

• Content: Know your subject deeply, articulate clear, concise points without jargon, and have the courage to speak up strategically when it matters.
• Confidence: A deep belief in yourself, your message, and your work. This inner conviction radiates outward, making your voice strong and your posture assured.
• Nonverbal: Your eyes, body, and attire communicate before you speak. Maintain purposeful eye contact, use intentional gestures, and dress in a way that aligns with your desired perception.
• Voice & Tone: Your voice conveys confidence, calm, and conviction. Practice purposeful breathing, speak clearly and unhurriedly, and use strategic pauses. Avoid vocal ticks like uptalk or vocal fry that can undermine authority.
• Interactions with Others: Build trust through genuine relationships. Be physically present, accessible, live your values consistently, and actively seek feedback. Your reputation and integrity are foundational to your presence.

Authenticity over persona. Executive presence isn't about faking it; it's about connecting with your genuine drive and allowing that purpose to infuse your communication. It's the ability to influence the course of a meeting, to inspire action, and to be seen as a trustworthy leader, regardless of your formal title.

11. Find Your Courage to Speak and Mobilize Others for Good

Speaking up is the first step to taking action.

Embrace your voice. This book aims to inspire you to look inward, understand your unique call to speak, and find the courage to seek out more speaking opportunities. Public speaking is a skill that improves with consistent application and feedback, transforming you into a more impactful communicator.

Common themes for success:

• Skill, not talent: Anyone can become a powerful speaker with practice.
• Daily opportunities: Recognize and seize chances to speak in all aspects of life.
• Nerves are normal: Most people get nervous; reframe it as excitement.
• Authenticity over perfection: Connect genuinely with your audience; perfection is unattainable and unnecessary.
• Build trust: Use speaking as an opportunity to forge relationships.
• Exercise leadership: Mobilize others towards a shared goal, whether in business or social change.

Build allies and listen actively. If your message is controversial or potentially dangerous, build a network of allies who will support you publicly. Simultaneously, cultivate the courage to listen to opposing viewpoints, fostering understanding and humility. Strategic listening is as crucial as speaking, allowing you to tailor your message, understand reactions, and know when to speak—and when to remain silent.

A call to action for impact. Use your newfound skills for good. The spoken word holds immense power to unite or divide. Choose to use your voice to create community, connection, and trust. By speaking up about issues you care about, you take ownership of solutions and become an agent of change, making a powerful and positive impact on the world around you.

Last updated: August 31, 2025