When I listen to the word Art of Speaking, I am reminded of this quote: “A wise leader speaks because he’s got something to say. A fool only speaks because he HAS TO say something.”
Currently, we are overwhelmed with a massive amount of information in the modern world. From social media updates to news alerts, we constantly process large amounts of data. Amid all this noise, it’s hard to grab people’s attention and be heard. But as a leader, you must rise above this noise and speak with purpose and power.
The problem is that many people assume that being a “good” speaker means speaking fluently and confidently, even if what you’re saying lacks substance or purpose. In reality, the best speakers are those who speak with intention and clarity. They don’t waste their listeners’ time with pointless chatter or irrelevant details.
Think about the greatest leaders in history – Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Steve Jobs. What made them stand out? They spoke with conviction, clarity, and power. They knew what they wanted to say and how to say it.
As a leader, you are responsible for communicating your vision, goals, and ideas to your team, investors, and customers. If you have a desire to be seen as an influential leader, you must master the art of speaking.
Here are a few important tips to help you learn the art of speaking and become a better public speaker:
- Know your audience: Before you start speaking, take a moment to think about your audience. Who are they? What do they care about? What exactly do they want to hear from you? Then, when you speak, make sure you are addressing their needs and concerns.
For example, if you’re speaking to a team of doctors, you may want to focus on technical details and specifics. But if you’re talking to a group of investors, you may want to emphasise your company’s mission and vision for the future. Understand your audience to help you tailor your message and ensure that it’s well-received.
- Keep it simple: The key to effective communication lies in simplicity. It’s important not to use complicated language or jargon that might alienate your audience. Instead, strive to convey your message in a way everyone can comprehend. One effective technique is incorporating stories, anecdotes, and examples that illustrate your points.
Another powerful tool is the “rule of three.” This means condensing your message down into three main points or themes. For instance, if you’re discussing the merits of a new product, you might emphasise its affordability, durability, and ease of use. By focusing on three clear benefits, you can help your listeners retain and recall your message with greater ease.
- Be authentic: People can tell when you’re not being genuine. So speak from the heart and be true to yourself. Don’t try to imitate someone else’s speaking style or personality. Instead, be yourself and let your passion and enthusiasm shine through.
As a leader, you likely have a lot of experience and expertise to share with your team or audience. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone has the same level of knowledge or background as you do. Therefore, when you’re speaking, try to strike a balance between providing enough information to be compelling without overwhelming your listeners with too much detail.
Using analogies or metaphors to simplify complex concepts is one of the simplest ways to do this. For example, if you’re explaining a new software feature, you might compare it to a car’s navigation system, which helps you reach your destination more quickly. By using familiar examples, you can help your listeners understand complex ideas more easily.
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you speak, the better you’ll get. Improve your public speaking skills by rehearsing in front of a mirror, recording yourself and getting constructive feedback from others. Then, keep refining your message until it’s clear and powerful.
Remember, as a leader, you have something important to say. Don’t waste your words on prattling or blabbing. Speak with purpose and power, and you’ll be heard and valued by those around you.
