Name: Speaker, Leader, Champion
Rating: 3.7 (110 reviews)
Author: Jeremy Donovan

Public speaking is not a talent; it’s a skill anyone can learn with practice and feedback.

1. Public Speaking is a Career-Boosting Skill

Public speaking is more than just standing in front of an audience; it’s a tool that can open doors in your professional life. From job interviews to workplace presentations, the ability to communicate effectively can set you apart. Employers value clear communication, as shown in the Job Outlook 2013 survey, where verbal communication was rated the most important skill by over 240 employers.

This skill doesn’t just help you get hired—it helps you stand out once you’re in the job. Employees who can present ideas clearly and confidently are more likely to be noticed and considered for promotions. Public speaking allows you to showcase your expertise and leadership potential, making you a valuable asset to your organization.

Jeremy Donovan and Ryan Avery, the authors of this book, are living proof of this. Donovan climbed the corporate ladder by mastering public speaking, while Avery transformed from a nervous speaker to a world champion through Toastmasters. Their journeys highlight how public speaking can elevate your career, no matter your starting point.

Examples

Employers in the Job Outlook 2013 survey rated verbal communication 4.63 out of 5 in importance.
Ryan Avery’s first speech was riddled with stammers, but he became a world champion through practice.
Jeremy Donovan used public speaking to advance in his corporate career.

2. Practice and Feedback Build Confidence

Confidence in public speaking doesn’t come naturally—it’s built through practice and constructive feedback. Every time you speak, you refine your skills, from maintaining eye contact to using appropriate humor. Over time, these small improvements add up, making you a more polished and confident speaker.

Feedback is a powerful tool for growth. It helps you identify areas for improvement and reinforces what you’re doing well. Ryan Avery’s transformation is a testament to this. His first speech was filled with filler words like “umm,” but feedback from Toastmasters helped him refine his delivery and become a confident speaker.

As you practice and receive feedback, you’ll notice a shift in how you feel about public speaking. What once felt intimidating becomes an opportunity to connect with others and share your ideas. Confidence grows with every speech, making you more comfortable in front of any audience.

Examples

Ryan Avery’s Toastmasters evaluations helped him eliminate filler words and improve his delivery.
Practicing eye contact and posture can make you appear more authoritative and approachable.
Feedback from colleagues or coaches can highlight strengths you didn’t realize you had.

3. Choose a Topic That Resonates

A great speech starts with a topic that excites both you and your audience. If you’re passionate about your subject, your enthusiasm will shine through, making your speech more engaging. On the other hand, a lack of interest in your topic can make even the most well-structured speech fall flat.

Understanding your audience is key. Tailor your topic to their interests and needs. For example, a family gathering might call for a heartfelt speech about love, while a business presentation should focus on relevant strategies or data. Connecting with your audience on a personal level makes your message more impactful.

Passion is what separates good speakers from great ones. Nelson Mandela’s speeches about freedom and democracy were so powerful because they reflected his life’s mission. Similarly, Steve Jobs captivated audiences with his passion for innovation. When you speak about something you truly care about, your audience will feel it too.

Examples

Nelson Mandela’s speeches about democracy inspired millions because of his deep commitment to the cause.
Steve Jobs’ passion for technology made his product launches unforgettable.
A Christmas speech about family values resonates more than a business strategy discussion.

4. Focus on One Clear Message

A focused speech is a memorable speech. Trying to cover too many points can confuse your audience and dilute your message. Instead, aim to communicate one main idea that sticks with your listeners long after your speech ends.

To keep your speech focused, avoid unnecessary details or tangents. Every word should serve your core message. Public speaking champion Craig Valentine exemplifies this with his speech, “Your dreams are not for sale.” This simple yet powerful message resonated so deeply that audience members remembered it years later.

A clear message not only keeps your audience engaged but also makes your speech easier to deliver. When you know exactly what you want to say, you can structure your speech more effectively and deliver it with confidence.

Examples

Craig Valentine’s speech, “Your dreams are not for sale,” left a lasting impression on his audience.
A seven-minute speech should focus on one main idea to avoid overwhelming the audience.
Eliminating irrelevant side stories keeps your audience’s attention on your message.

5. Build a Connection with Your Audience

A strong connection with your audience can make your speech unforgettable. This connection is built through both verbal and nonverbal techniques. Eye contact, good posture, and strategic use of the room can make you appear more engaging and relatable.

Verbal techniques, such as varying your tone and pace, can also enhance your connection. Lowering your voice to build suspense or raising it to emphasize a key point keeps your audience emotionally invested. Repeating key phrases or using a catchphrase can make your message more memorable.

Mark Brown, the 1995 public speaking world champion, used dramatic body language and vocal variation to captivate his audience in a large auditorium. His ability to connect with listeners through both words and actions made his speech a standout performance.

Examples

Mark Brown used body language and vocal variation to engage a large audience.
Maintaining eye contact makes your audience feel personally addressed.
Repeating key phrases helps reinforce your message.

6. Work with a Speaking Coach

A speaking coach can accelerate your progress by providing expert guidance and feedback. Coaches are experienced speakers who can help you refine your techniques and overcome challenges. They can also motivate you to push past your comfort zone and reach new levels of skill.

Ryan Avery credits much of his success to the coaching he received at Toastmasters. His coach helped him identify weak points in his delivery and provided actionable advice to improve. This personalized feedback was instrumental in his journey from a nervous speaker to a world champion.

Coaches also teach you how to evaluate yourself and others, a skill that’s central to the Toastmasters method. By learning to give and receive constructive feedback, you can continue improving long after your coaching sessions end.

Examples

Ryan Avery’s Toastmasters coach helped him refine his delivery and build confidence.
Coaches can teach you advanced techniques, such as using pauses effectively.
Learning to evaluate others sharpens your own speaking skills.

7. Nonverbal Communication Speaks Volumes

Your body language, facial expressions, and gestures can convey as much as your words, if not more. Nonverbal communication helps you emphasize key points, express emotions, and keep your audience engaged.

For example, standing tall with open gestures makes you appear confident and approachable. Smiling at the right moments can make you seem more relatable. Even the way you move around the stage can add energy to your speech and keep your audience’s attention.

Mark Brown’s use of dramatic body language in a large auditorium is a perfect example of how nonverbal communication can enhance a speech. By aligning your movements and expressions with your message, you can create a more dynamic and impactful presentation.

Examples

Open gestures make you appear more approachable.
Smiling at key moments helps build rapport with your audience.
Moving around the stage adds energy to your delivery.

8. Structure Your Speech for Maximum Impact

A well-structured speech is easier for your audience to follow and remember. Start with a strong opening that grabs attention, then move into the body of your speech, where you present your main points. End with a powerful conclusion that reinforces your message.

Using a clear structure not only helps your audience but also makes it easier for you to deliver your speech. When you know exactly what comes next, you can focus on your delivery instead of worrying about forgetting your points.

Craig Valentine’s speeches are known for their clear structure, which helps his audience stay engaged and remember his message. By organizing your speech effectively, you can ensure that your audience walks away with a clear understanding of your main idea.

Examples

A strong opening grabs your audience’s attention.
Clear transitions between points keep your speech organized.
A powerful conclusion reinforces your message.

9. Embrace Feedback to Keep Growing

Feedback is essential for growth, but it’s not always easy to hear. Embracing constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence in your abilities. Over time, you’ll learn to see feedback as an opportunity rather than a setback.

Toastmasters emphasizes the importance of evaluations, with members providing feedback to each other after every speech. This culture of constructive criticism helps speakers improve quickly and consistently.

Ryan Avery’s journey shows the power of feedback. By listening to evaluations and making adjustments, he transformed from a nervous beginner to a confident world champion. Feedback is a gift—use it to keep growing as a speaker.

Examples