How to become a Powerful Speaker

Public speaking is statistically the greatest fear experienced by people, and that is the reason, how to become a Powerful Speaker is the most widely spoken theme in leadership development. NLP offers a simple solution: Exorcise your fears and exercise your power of speech. If you are looking for an answer to how to improve public speaking skills, then continue to read on. 

An author prepares for her first book launch. An economics professor walks up to deliver his final lecture. A bureaucrat-turned politician gears up for an all-important election campaign. A promising sales executive stands in front of his CEO to make a presentation…

At this very moment, people like you and me are standing in front of an important audience, ready to deliver a performance that might change the course of their lives. They could soar like eagles. Or they could get tongue-tied, shake in their boots and succumb to the butterflies in their stomachs.

Public speaking is the Everest of fears. Famous comedian Jerry Seinfeld highlighted this with a famous joke. He pointed out that studies have shown that more people fear public speaking than death. So if you are at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket, stone-cold and dead, than be the person delivering the eulogy!

While public speaking is not easy, it can be mastered through simple techniques and the right attitude.

The effectiveness of a public speaker is measured by their ability to attract and persuade their audience. How to become a powerful speaker, also depends on various factors – the speaker’s proficiency, preparation, and the poise with which they approach the stage. Some of us manage to create this magical combination. A majority of us, however, will feel vulnerable, fearing ridicule and rejection – a fear that can paralyze and prevent us from presenting our unique voice to the world.

But that same vulnerability can become our most effective tool. As well-known researcher Brené Brown says, “Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.” In other words, we need to ask ourselves if we are ready to be laughed at and still be able to deliver the vital message we wanted to share.

Embracing our vulnerability is the key. NLP techniques offer three basic conduits that will help convert your vulnerability to courage and help in the aspect of how to become a powerful speaker.

How to improve public speaking

• The emotional conduit

Each person’s anxiety routine is unique.

Try to analyze the sub-modalities or attributes of what is causing that anxiety. For example, if you feel butterflies in your stomach, then observe the direction in which they are moving inside you. If they are spinning clockwise, reverse their direction.  Also, if you see a crowd laughing at you, observe the details of that image. If it’s a dark, hazy picture, replace it with an image that is colorful, light, well-defined and more positive. Changing the patterns of your mind can help defuse your anxiety before you go forth and meet your audience.

Picture yourself as an eagle who is making that speech and channel the spirit embodied by that majestic bird.

• The physical conduit

The eagle embodies boldness and leadership in every iota of his body. Cultivate his upright posture, evenly balanced body, alert eyes that miss nothing. Experts also recommend what is known as abdominal breathing where you take deep, slow breaths.

A combination of these physical actions – posture, alert eyes and abdominal breathing – conveys a sense of well-being. It’s a signal to the mind to relax, telling you, “All is well,” and eventually boosts your confidence levels.

Another popular way is to befriend the person in the mirror. When your reflection is your only audience, you feel less afraid to express yourself. That sounds simple enough, but what you might miss out on is how to stay confident – consistently, regardless of who you are addressing. Learn to shed your inhibitions and gradually expand your audience by engaging in different forums like Toastmasters’ Club, Meet-ups etc.  If you are looking for how to become a powerful speaker, then one of the most important element is constant practice, and finding ways to maintain consistency.

End of the day, the size of your audience will not matter. The person who pleases his/her reflection in the mirror can please any audience.

• The conduit of confidence

NLP techniques which you can learn in the best NLP Practitioner program, delivered by the best NLP trainer in India / Asia or whereever you are based can help you dig up memories where your self-confidence was at its peak. Observe what was happening to you in that situation in the visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, and gustatory sense. Were people applauding your efforts? Did their applause fill your body with the warmth of success? What colors and noises did you see and hear in that scene? Make a note of the different sub-modalities that were in play. Intensify them to increase the attributes that enhance your confidence in your current situation where you are preparing to speak in public.  How to improve public speaking is a journey that you can continue to explore, as there is always plenty to learn, and apply.

If you were an eagle who could speak, how would his voice be? Deep and measured. Composed and calm. Confident. Make that your benchmark.

In conclusion

It’s natural to feel fear and anxiety. It is natural to fail. But if you embody the spirit of the eagle on the podium, it will be just as natural to impress.