Content Trumps Charisma?
Over the years, I’ve learnt that, whilst gimmicks, analogies, presentation styles and approach (amongst other things) are key to good publicly delivered speeches, nothing - absolutely nothing beats having good content. If your ideas are meaningful, well thought out and liberating, then people will learn to absorb the goodness of it, whilst ignoring and or forgiving your presentation skills or lack of it.
Even though this is aimed at those in need of developing their confidence, it is important to note that, the very best communicators have learnt how to cleverly present their ideas in easily digestible chunks, that were also easy to refer to, to be appropriately implemented in times of need.
From my observation, the biggest hindrance that continues to act as a gulf between life changing thoughts and their public delivery, is the fear of the perceived versus the actual. In the sense that, the perceived fears of how badly a speech might go versus how well people might actually receive it, is big enough to deter the average person from sharing.
As someone who has been privileged to speak for over a decade, I find it important to mention that, this feeling of fear arises for everyone-no matter how good or how experienced, and at the most inconvenient moments too! Despite this, one of the major tools that the best communicators have utilised to combat this, time and time again is, a POSITIVE MINDSET!
Having an initial “Can do…This makes sense…This is good…This will be well received” attitude might sound simple to some, but has proven to be paramount and foundational towards the preparation, delivery and reception of any speech. In other words, if you don’t believe that what you have to say will be well received, why should anyone else?
Because energies and beliefs can be perceived by others, it is important to exude positivity, even within one’s self prior to the delivery of the speech itself.
If you find that coordinating your thoughts in speech like manner is still something you struggle with, be rest assured that all hope is not lost! As long as your content is true, easy to follow and presents basic levels of cohesion, then your ideas will be well received.
Always remember though, that there is a next level. It’s one thing for your ideas to be received, it’s another thing for those same ideas to be portrayed in such a manner that they excite, push an individual to want to make change and remain relevant in the mind of said individual till the time of need.
As I conclude, below are some of the things I believe all communicators (regardless of experience) should always consider when preparing a speech.
• The central thrust/idea to be shared. (So that we don’t stray unnecessarily from this theme as we build a case during the speech).
• The length of time allocated. (It is imperative that we don’t attempt to cram all we know into the little time allocated. No matter how much ones tries, or how much time one has, it will never be possible to say it all. Highlight the most important points, choose the very best highlights and then stick to time!).
• The application of each point listed (as it applies to the lives of the listeners). This is important for the aid of visualisation. “If they can see it, they can do it”. This means including occasional stories, biographies, analogies, diagrams, videos, live demonstrations...anything that helps bring each point to life.
There is a lot more that can be said and or considered, but the fact remains...If you have to deliver publicly by choice or find yourself in a non-negotiable situation either through work or by means of relationship (weddings for example) the best thing to do is to know your stuff thoroughly, practise sufficiently, and deliver confidently.
Sometimes the audience don’t react immediately, but once the truth of one’s content and the passion and enthusiasm of delivery is perceived from the audience, then the people will opt for the change that you advocate for.
Don’t let the fear of your skill level, hold back the quality of your content.
