As research for my book, Public Speaking Super Powers, I interviewed more than 85 business and professional speakers. Each one shared what they thought their public superpower was and how to develop that superpower. What emerged from those many conversations was a clear indication of what the top 3 speaking superpowers were.
In this video, I share with you what they are and how can ensure that you have all three when you give your presentations.
Here are some highlights from the video:
Superpower #1: Passion for your topic
When you show passion for your subject you get these four benefits:
- It is easier to be knowledgable because you are interested in the topic.
- It is easier to speak form the heart and therefore have a more authentic delivery.
- You will have greater impact because your enthusiasm will become contagious.
- You will have more audience engagement because you’ll be more interesting.
Passion in presentations lies at the intersection of interest in your topic, belief in your message and the topic being in alignment with who you are and your values.
Superpower #2: Authenticity in your delivery
Authentic delivery lies somewhere between “being your best self” and “being 100 percent vulnerable and real.” To find your sweet “authenticity” spot, you’ll need to the intersection between your truth, your message’s truth and what your audience is ready to hear.
Superpower #3: Confidence in yourself and your message
Jack Palance once said in a 1970s Skinbracer commercial that confidence was sexy. This is true of speaking, as well. Confidence is more engaging and charismatic, and it comes from a belief in yourself, a belief in your message and a belief in your speaking skills.
This doesn’t mean you need to be a perfect speaker. You simply need to believe in your skills enough to step up before an audience and share your message.
One way to become more confident is to visualize what you want to happen when you’re on stage. Everything in existence started with a thought, and so will your confident delivery.
Another way is to declare your points. Don’t let an uptick at the end of your sentence transform a statement into a question.
Then relax. Your audience loves you.
