What Constitutes a Good Speaker?

Depending on your experience, the thought of listening to a speaker could recall memories of nodding off as someone launched into the second hour of their speech. Conversely, it may recall an altogether better and more inspiring experience of someone who knew how to engage their audience and capture their attention.

Everyone would prefer the second scenario, but what makes a good speaker? What makes people focus on a person’s every word?

Many good speakers share commonalities, regardless of the topic they are speaking on. Here are some of the main elements.

They are aware of their audience

Have you ever listened to a speaker who clearly loved the sound of their own voice? They’re not inspiring, are they? The best speakers look outward and engage their audience by being aware of their interests, hopes, and fears. Whatever topic they are speaking on, it is targeted at the audience. The idea is for the audience to leave feeling better than they did when they arrived.

They’re confident

Many Speakers feel nervous before stepping on stage and talking to people. The best speakers overcome this in whatever way is necessary for them to engage with their audience. Even if they don’t feel confident, they certainly make you believe they are. That confidence can steer a speaker and ignite their whole speech.

They come across as genuine and passionate

Most of us have seen someone speak who doesn’t seem convinced by their own words. It feels as if you’re watching an actor give a performance rather than watching someone talk about a topic they’re passionate about.

No one wants to watch someone reading from their notes and not making eye contact with anyone in the audience. It’s an easy mistake, especially if the speaker is nervous. Yet the best speakers never do this. Instead, they feel genuinely passionate about their subject and this is infectious, inspiring the audience in numerous ways. Someone who goes off-topic or talks about something without needing notes the whole time will always be more inspiring than someone who never leaves their notes and seems eager to get off as quickly as possible.

They present a different angle on familiar subjects

The best speakers approach their topic from unusual angles. This helps spark interest in the audience, particularly one that has heard speeches on the topic before. Rather than staying with the traditional and the safe, these speakers go in search of novel approaches that make them stand out – and far more interesting to listen to, as well.

In pursuit of a great speaker

Speeches don’t need to be dull, but they have developed a reputation for being just that. However, the speech is only as good as the speaker, and when you find a great one, you know the resulting speech will be memorable for all the best reasons.

Some people are born to be great speakers, but others develop their skills and approach to provide what their audience needs – someone they will remember, whose speech stays in the mind long after it is over.

Alan Ball is a Motivational Speaker at Rosia Bay