What is a flaw? What is a virtue?
Hi again!
When we establish a goal like "I want to become a better public speaker", it is inevitable to set a certain standard, usually with the help of models. This is exactly what we are attempting to do here in this blog.
But this begs the question of who we consider to be a good speaker, and what are a speaker's strengths and weaknesses. And that is an issue where we may encounter some surprises and some food for thought.
There are innumerable ways of engaging an audience, and sometimes, what we might have deemed a flaw may become a vehicle for the audience to empathise and engage with the most human (and humane) part of ourselves. Being vulnerable on stage can be a great strategy if our vulnerability is something the audience can relate to.
In this talk, singer Megan Washington exposes herself with an unexpected confession: while she's used to being on stage singing, standing in front of others and uttering just a few words is utterly terrifying to her. This deeply personal talk teaches us that, while we may admire the most fluent speakers, we can turn our difficulties into a connection with our audience. Make jokes, be the first to laugh at yourself, be authentic and as comfortable as possible. Be vulnerable, because chances are that many people in the audience share your fears and human failings. That knowledge will give you the power to transform your limitations into confidence.
I invite you to enjoy Megan's talk and notice how she tackles her shortcomings. Which of the following techniques can you find in her performance? Which ones are the most effective to keep you engaged, in your opinion?
- Peppering your talk with little personal anecdotes. This can help you strike a balance between the personal and the conceptual sides of your topic.
- Acknowledging the funny side of a failing or difficulty. Be the first to lighten the mood with a joke or a funny remark. Show the audience that you're confident enough to laugh at yourself, and allow them to laugh at the difficulties they share with you.
- Wearing comfortable clothes or an outfit that reflects your personality. No need to put on a costume or a "mask". Confidence also comes from feeling we are presenting our authentic self to others.
- Controlling the speed of your talk. Slow down wherever you need to gather your thoughts or find the right words. Aim for the level of fluency that you have always wanted, but feel comfortable in the level that you have right now.
In short, let the audience know where you're struggling and how you're trying to improve: your objective is not to impress your audience, but to connect with them. That simple shift in perspective will be the seed of your confidence in the face of your (all too human) imperfections.
Enjoy the talk and share your views with us in the comments!
When we establish a goal like "I want to become a better public speaker", it is inevitable to set a certain standard, usually with the help of models. This is exactly what we are attempting to do here in this blog.
But this begs the question of who we consider to be a good speaker, and what are a speaker's strengths and weaknesses. And that is an issue where we may encounter some surprises and some food for thought.
There are innumerable ways of engaging an audience, and sometimes, what we might have deemed a flaw may become a vehicle for the audience to empathise and engage with the most human (and humane) part of ourselves. Being vulnerable on stage can be a great strategy if our vulnerability is something the audience can relate to.
In this talk, singer Megan Washington exposes herself with an unexpected confession: while she's used to being on stage singing, standing in front of others and uttering just a few words is utterly terrifying to her. This deeply personal talk teaches us that, while we may admire the most fluent speakers, we can turn our difficulties into a connection with our audience. Make jokes, be the first to laugh at yourself, be authentic and as comfortable as possible. Be vulnerable, because chances are that many people in the audience share your fears and human failings. That knowledge will give you the power to transform your limitations into confidence.
I invite you to enjoy Megan's talk and notice how she tackles her shortcomings. Which of the following techniques can you find in her performance? Which ones are the most effective to keep you engaged, in your opinion?
- Peppering your talk with little personal anecdotes. This can help you strike a balance between the personal and the conceptual sides of your topic.
- Acknowledging the funny side of a failing or difficulty. Be the first to lighten the mood with a joke or a funny remark. Show the audience that you're confident enough to laugh at yourself, and allow them to laugh at the difficulties they share with you.
- Wearing comfortable clothes or an outfit that reflects your personality. No need to put on a costume or a "mask". Confidence also comes from feeling we are presenting our authentic self to others.
- Controlling the speed of your talk. Slow down wherever you need to gather your thoughts or find the right words. Aim for the level of fluency that you have always wanted, but feel comfortable in the level that you have right now.
In short, let the audience know where you're struggling and how you're trying to improve: your objective is not to impress your audience, but to connect with them. That simple shift in perspective will be the seed of your confidence in the face of your (all too human) imperfections.
Enjoy the talk and share your views with us in the comments!
Amazing!!! What a beautiful example of a tenacious woman!!!! Despite not being a good public speaker she is able to engage the audience being herself, showing the truth, her truth!
ReplyDeleteI loved this talk!!!! Great example!!!!
I am so glad you liked it, Carlos! I really hope you find it useful for your own talk!
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