The best speakers don’t just rely on messaging… they have their magnetic personality going for them too! [Thursdays: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants]

The world’s greatest speakers don’t just rely on their message to get their audience to listen.

Most, if not all, the time, their personality is what enables them to have their audience listen to what they have to say.

Why is this the case?

Listeners are much more likely to buy into what a speaker is saying when they feel that the one speaking in front of them is a real person like them.

That’s why it’s important for speakers to have a personality when talking in front of an audience.

We’re going to take a deep dive into that topic and more in today’s “Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!”

Getting Listeners Hooked through Your Personality

According to Dale Carnegie, a renowned public speaker and author of “Public Speaking for Success,” a speaker’s personality is the most important factor in public speaking, aside from preparation.

While “personality,” in the context of public speaking can’t be defined, Carnegie emphasized that a speaker’s personality can be strengthened, improved, and be made more attractive to listeners.

That said, how can you make your true personality show—and make your audience feel they’re listening to a genuine person—when talking in front of a group of people?

• Watch your energy levels.

Carnegie said listeners are drawn towards speakers who exude vitality and enthusiasm while talking. This is why whenever you speak in front of a group of people, you have to make sure you have lots of energy, otherwise you might be perceived as uninterested by the very people you’re trying to get to listen to you.

• Watch how you dress.

They say clothes make the man… but did you know the same goes for speakers too?

Your outfit is a reflection of yourself and your personality, and is often one of the things your audience will judge you for.

That’s why when talking in front of an audience, make sure what you’re wearing is appropriate for the group you’re talking to.

However, that’s not the only thing you should prioritize.

As we mentioned before, your clothes reflect who you are as well, so make sure to inject your personality into your clothing choices!

• Welcome your audience with a smile or a warm greeting.

Exuding an authoritative presence doesn’t automatically mean you have to welcome your listeners with a stern demeanor.

A genuine smile and a warm greeting go a long way in having your audience warm up to you and what you have to say.

Carnegie also emphasized that a speaker will be judged before he or she speaks, that’s why it’s best to always adopt an attitude that elicits a warm response.

• Use gestures for emphasis.

Adding gestures while speaking is important not only for emphasis but also for adding personality to your talk.

Making appropriate and relevant gestures throughout your talk exudes enthusiasm and breathes life into your presentation, helping you become more accessible and relatable to your audience.

Of course, when making gestures, make sure they are appropriate and aren’t too distracting.

Carnegie also emphasized that instead of copying gestures and using them, come up with your own and let spontaneity work its way. This is because spontaneity and abandon are what makes great for gestures.

• Stand tall, confident, and own up to unintentional mistakes.

While gestures are of great help in letting your personality shine, make sure to not be jerky when speaking. Making unnecessary movements while you talk indicates anxiety and lack of confidence.

Even though speaking involves a fair bit of trepidation and anxiety, it’s best to not let that show in your movements.

However, in the event that you do make a mistake whether due to nervousness or not, turn that into a moment of acknowledgement or even use it for a comedic break.

Listeners respond best when speakers own up to unintentional mistakes that naturally occur when speaking.

Your personality—aside from your message—is your greatest tool when speaking in front of an audience.

That’s why as a speaker, you should make sure you let it shine when talking to your listeners!

Remember: Your listeners are much more likely to latch on to your message when you present it with personality.

About The Dynamic Marketing Communiqué’s
“Thursdays: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants”

In a meeting with one person…

… a boardroom with five people…

… or a huge venue with hundreds of people…

—whatever the situation or setting, it’s very important to learn and eventually master the art of public speaking.

No matter what, you always need to effectively get your message across.

What good is a presentation with awesome content if you don’t deliver it properly?

Every Thursday, we publish different tips, insights, and secrets on how you can improve your presentation skills to captivate your audience and lead interesting discussions.

The need for great presentation skills applies EVERYWHERE.

(Small meetings with your team, big meetings with your boss, an important marketing pitch, speaking engagements for events with a big audience, etc.)

Learning these skills is not just for the corporate world. Being in other industries such as the Arts, Information Technology, Medicine, and Education while knowing how to communicate and present well will definitely give you an edge.

Have that advantage.

Hope you find this week’s public speaking tip interesting and helpful.

Stay tuned for next Thursday’s “Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!”

Cheers,

Henry Desai
Managing Director
Valens Dynamic Marketing Capabilities
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