Public speaking isn’t what it used to be.
A few decades ago, most people saw maybe one or two speakers a year—at a conference, a graduation, or maybe a town hall meeting. But today, if you want to, you can watch 300 talks in a single afternoon. TED Talks, YouTube, podcasts—exposure to great speaking is everywhere. And with it, expectations have changed.
Just like late night talk shows shaped what we expect from stand-up comedians, TED and the internet have set the bar for public speaking.
So, if you’re an entrepreneur, creative, freelancer, or anyone who is working to share ideas effectively, the ability to speak clearly, persuasively, and confidently isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Unfortunately, most people approach public speaking the wrong way.
The Biggest Mistake Most Speakers Make
Most amateur speakers talk to themselves.
They step on stage (or in front of a camera) and give a talk that feels “authentic” to them. They tell their story, from their perspective, in their voice, with no regard for the audience’s needs, knowledge, or mindset.
And that’s a problem.
Because you already know what you’re going to say. But they don’t.
If you don’t meet your audience where they are, they’ll tune out. They won’t care.
That’s the leap from amateur to semi-pro—understanding that speaking isn’t about you. It’s about them.
Great speakers aren’t up there proving how smart they are. They’re not defending themselves, trying to impress, or selling.
They are guides.
They’ve walked this path before. Now, their job is to help others see the path, believe in it, and take the first step.
That’s how ideas spread.
Want to level up your skills?
1. Start with what they need to hear, not what you want to say.
Most speakers do the opposite. They start with their story, their insights, their experience.
Flip it. Start with the audience’s pain, questions, or skepticism.
- If you’re talking about entrepreneurship, start with why most businesses fail.
- If you’re discussing creativity, start with why people struggle to stay inspired.
- If you’re presenting a new idea, start with why the old way isn’t working.
Before they’ll listen to you, they need to feel like you understand them. That you see what they see.
2. Speak in stories, not bullet points.
Facts inform, but stories persuade.
Almost all of the best TED talks are built around a personal story.
Humans don’t remember data—they remember narratives.
So tell stories. They don’t have to be long, but they have to be specific, relatable, and emotional.
If you’re struggling, try this framework:
“I used to believe X, but then Y happened, and now I know Z.”
That shift—from before to after—is what keeps an audience engaged.
3. Cut the fluff.
No one wants to hear a 60-minute speech that could’ve been 10.
One of the biggest differences between amateur and pro speakers? Word economy.
Amateurs ramble. They add filler. They take forever to get to the point.
Great speakers? They get there fast.
Every word should earn its place. If it doesn’t serve a clear purpose—cut it.
4. Make them feel like they’re discovering the idea, not being told.
People resist being lectured. But they lean in when they feel like they’re figuring something out for themselves.
Instead of saying, “This is how it works,” try:
- “Have you ever wondered why…?”
- “Most people think X, but actually, Y.”
- “I used to believe X, but I was wrong.”
Create curiosity. Open a loop. Let them feel like they’re part of the discovery.
5. Rehearse, but don’t memorize.
Speeches that sound scripted feel cold.
But speakers who “wing it” sound unprepared.
The solution? Practice until you own the ideas, not the exact words.
Great speakers sound natural because they’ve said it enough times to be flexible.
- They know their key points cold.
- They’ve rehearsed enough to handle curveballs.
- They stay in the moment, rather than reading a mental script.
That’s the sweet spot.
The Real Goal of Public Speaking
Speaking isn’t about applause. It’s not about showing off how much you know.
It’s about impact.
The best talks don’t make people think, “Wow, that speaker is smart.”
They make people think, “Wow, that idea changes how I see the world.”
Your job isn’t to impress. Your job is to serve.
So the next time you step up to speak, ask yourself:
- Am I making this about them?
- Am I guiding them on a journey?
- Am I speaking to be heard, or to be understood?
Because the best speakers?
They don’t just talk. They move us forward.
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