If there was one quality that differentiated a great public speaker from a poor one, it would be this: The great ones know that it's never about them. It's always about their audience.
They have something to say that can make a difference in their audience's lives. And they work to say it in a way that's meaningful to their audience.
Test the idea for yourself: Have you ever attended a presentation or speech in which the speaker had you hanging on every word? Was it because he was talking about something you cared about? Maybe she steered the subject to your needs and desires rather than to her own?
If that speaker had the skills to come across with passion, grace, good use of language and gestures...all the better. But the first requisite was that he had something to say that was worthy of your time and attention. And it left you feeling rewarded, stimulated, inspired, glad you were there.
Now think about speakers who are long on show-biz bombast but short on substance. Speakers who shock and awe with elaborate Powerpoint shows, complete with sound effects and words that bounce and flash as they enter the screen. Speakers who focus on what's important to them and their own agenda rather than the goals and ambitions of the audience.
(These folks are easy to recognize. They often open their remarks by saying, "Here's what I want to tell you today...")
Certainly, good stagecraft can contribute to a good presentation, but unless you have something to say, it's just stagecraft and the audience ultimately is left feeling empty and neglected.
Want to be a great public speaker? Start by giving your audience a reason to listen.
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