When you think of a great speaker, who is at the top of your list? Often, you hear names like:
- Steve Jobs
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- John F. Kennedy
- Winston Churchill
- Oprah Winfrey
- Ronald Reagan
- John Maxwell
Chances are the person at the top of your list is a great speaker for a variety of reasons. It might be their message, stage presence, appearance or all of the above.
No one thing makes someone a great speaker. Even the most dynamic individuals who seem like they were born to take the stage and tell a compelling story have things to learn. And certainly, the rest of us average speakers (or below average) have room to improve as well.
Everyone can become a better speaker by identifying their weaknesses and addressing them. This could mean joining a speaking club like Toastmasters or pursuing media training. While we would love to sell you on our media training services, we would rather tell you what makes a great speaker so you can start thinking about your path toward improvement.
9 Characteristics of a Great Speaker
- Well-Informed
Researching your topic to provide insightful, accurate information shows respect for your audience. - Awareness of the Audience
Good public speaking is not about what you want to say; it’s about knowing how your audience will best receive the information. - A Good Listener
Listening for both verbal and non-verbal cues from your audience helps you connect with them. - Professional Demeanor
Show your audience you take them seriously by taking yourself seriously (but not too seriously). - Personable, Positive and Well-Groomed
Be nice and take a shower! It’s a great start for breaking down barriers between you and your audience. - Dynamic, Articulate and Confident
This comes with practice. - Humble
Genuine humility will get you a lot further than arrogance. - Calm and Relaxed
If you’re relaxed, your audience will be too. - Able to think on your feet
Sometimes the unexpected happens, and you have to be able to adapt and go with it.
There may be some areas on this list where you thrive. However, we can all choose a few where we can be better.
Want to learn more about media training for your team or your C-suite? Let’s discuss your goals and needs today!
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