Public speaking and delivering speeches is a skill whose importance has not diminished over time. Whether you’re trying to convince, inform, or inspire, mastering this art can mean the difference between ho-hum and a standing ovation. And let’s face it, you never know when you might need to shine, whether it’s for a job interview, a presentation or your wedding day.
Does your heart race just thinking about speaking in public? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s a common fear, but it doesn’t have to be your kryptonite. In fact, with a little bit of practice, you can make it your superpower. And it’s certainly worth doing as there are countless reasons why public speaking is important. From influencing decisions to motivating change, it’s a skill that can take you places – figuratively and literally. So don’t shy away from the microphone, embrace it and show the world what you’ve got.
Why Do People Give Speeches?
With email, blog posts and video calls, we have countless tech-based ways to get our message across, yet the ability to give a speech still has an unmatched power.
Why? Well, there is an immediacy to giving a speech. In a nutshell, it’s a piece of theatre.
There is the very real sense that, at any moment, it could all go wonderfully right or horribly wrong. Each time you open your mouth, you are taking another step along a tightrope in front of an audience who do not know if you are about to wow them or bore them. Like the performance of a play, every instance of public speaking flirts with triumph and disaster.
This means every line has more impact than one safely packaged via, say, pre-recorded video. This is why, despite its risks, people are drawn to it.
So, armed with a speech, speakers believe they can make a difference. And there are three main reasons why people take the stage: to inform, to persuade, and to entertain.
Informative speeches, in particular, have probably never been more popular. Powered by a great narrative, these can enlighten and educate the public on specific topics, whether it’s people, events, or issues. Think Simon Sinek and his iconic TED Talk on inspiring and effective leadership. When done well, informative speeches can leave your audience feeling empowered, engaged, and ready to take on the world.
Persuasive speeches are probably the most renowned type of all. Think of a famous piece of oratory from history – from Queen Elizabeth I to Winston Churchill or Martin Luther King – and it will most likely be driven by the aim to inspire, to change beliefs or rally support to a cause. Whether you’re trying to sway hearts and minds or simply get your foot in the door, persuasive speaking can be a powerful tool in your arsenal.
Finally, there’s speeches to entertain. These can take many forms, from after-dinner speeches to a best-man speech, to motivational talks that inspire and uplift. With a dash of informative and persuasive elements thrown in, entertainment speeches are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. However, do not underestimate them. These speeches also require structure, precision and rhetorical flourishes. As is said of sitcoms: they have to do the same as drama but with jokes too.
But Why Are Speeches So Important?
While public speaking may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the ability to give a killer speech can be a game-changer in many areas of life. But in what way exactly? Here are four speaking objectives:
1. Winning over your crowd
Whether you’re speaking to a room full of wedding guests, business executives, or a massive conference audience, the power of persuasion cannot be underestimated. With years of practice and honing their craft, great public speakers can captivate the attention of even the most sceptical listeners and deliver their message with impact.
2. Motivating others to take action
The best public speakers are the ones who can inspire others to change, whether it’s starting something new, stopping something harmful, or pursuing their dreams. Their words can light a fire under people and give them the push they need to achieve greatness. Speeches make things happen. How likely are you to see a book entitled: “101 Emails That Changed the World”?
3. The power of informing
When you’ve got important information to share, the last thing you want is for it to fall on deaf ears. A great public speaker knows how to deliver their message in a way that keeps their audience engaged and eager to learn more. It’s a skill that takes time and practice, but once you’ve got it down, you’ll be amazed at how much more effective your communication can be.
4. Personal satisfaction
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of nailing a speech and watching your audience respond with enthusiasm. It may be nerve-wracking at first, but the more you practise, the more confident you’ll become. You’ll learn the importance of pacing, the power of story, and the wisdom of wit. Essentially, the more you speak in public, the better you’ll get and the more your listeners will respond – it’s a win-win.
Long Live The Speech!
Whether you’re delivering a groom’s speech to your wedding guests or speaking in front of any kind of audience, it’s a time-honoured tradition that’s not going anywhere anytime soon. And for good reason – there’s something truly magical about the power of words to inspire, inform, and move people to action.
Now, if you’re feeling a little intimidated by the thought of speaking in public, don’t worry! The key to becoming a master public speaker is all about practice and preparation. It starts with the written word – crafting a message that’s clear, concise, and impactful. From there, it’s all about rehearsing and refining until your delivery is smooth as silk.
So go ahead, embrace the power of public speaking! With a little bit of hard work and a lot of heart, you can captivate any audience and leave them hanging on your every word. Best of luck to you on your journey to becoming a public speaking pro!
