Speaking Is Sexy Tip #14, Vol. 2- What Makes a Good Speaker Good?

Speaking Is Sexy Tip #14, Vol. 2

What Makes A Good Speaker Good?

Whenever I have the chance to watch a good speaker in action, I always ask, "What makes this speaker so good?" What's so attractive and watchable about this presentation that I'm glued to my seat, totally focused, ready to hear and remember every word that's said? What sets this speaker apart from so many others I've heard? And most important of all, can I learn to do whatever it is so that I can be just as good?

We've all seen and heard speakers who seem to be 'a natural'. They command the stage so easily that we lean forward to hear what they have to say, delighted to give them our undivided attention. We never look at our watches or think for a moment about checking our voicemail. There are others who are so awkward and boring that we squirm in irritation, find it hard to stay awake, angrily text our displeasure to our friends, and start looking for the nearest exit. What's the difference?

It's a truism that, just as no two peas in a pod are the same, no two speakers are alike, either. There is no 'one-size-fits-all' formula that will turn an individual into an exciting and appealing presenter. So is being a good speaker something you're born with or can it be learned?

Anyone can learn to be a good speaker. It's not rocket science.

First of all, speaking well is a skill that uses specific tools and techniques that can be learned, practiced and perfected. How to stand, where to stand, how to use your voice, where to look, when to keep talking, when to pause, how to breathe, when to move from one side of the stage to the other, when to stand absolutely still, how to use your eyes to make a point, when to rehearse beforehand, whether to write down every word or use notes in an outline... and so on. All speaking techniques can be practiced until they come naturally and feel like second nature. No one is born with all of them.

Secondly, more than just a collection of tools and techniques, good speakers have an "I can do this!" attitude. For some they developed it when they were very small, looked at the Jungle Jim on the playground and said, "I can climb on that", and they did. And never looked back, just kept climbing. Others looked at the Jungle Jim and said, "Climbing's not my thing. It's too hard for me, I'd rather do something else." Later, when they grew up, they learned that sometimes you have to climb the Jungle Jim, whether it's your thing or not. So they had to consciously go about cultivating that "I can climb this" attitude. Better late than never. What's really amazing is that often, after that first scary climb, after they've practiced a bit and climbed several times more, they discover that it's fun and they really begin to like it. Who woulda believed it?

There is a third thing that every good speaker has. Passion! Passion for the subject, passion for communicating with the audience, passion to get the message across, to make it land, to be sure the audience 'gets it.' All it takes is belief in and love for your subject. Your passion is the gift you give to your audience. They in turn will feel your enthusiasm, they'll 'get' how much you value what you're communicating to them, and they'll think you're a terrific speaker because you move them to value it, too.

Can the "Can Do" attitude and Passion for your subject be learned, practiced and perfected? Absolutely. Just ask any good speaker.