Seven Habits of Highly Effective Speakers
Remember The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey? It’s one of the most popular personal development books ever and highly recommended If you haven’t read it.
I recently compiled a list of 7 habits for highly effective speakers based on my coaching work with countless women over the years. These are mindsets that anyone can adopt to speak and present with more impact.
1. A good speaker = a good leader
You realize that speaking to an audience automatically puts you into a leadership role.
You realize that this role comes with responsibility. Your audience is looking to you for a vision, for answers.
You are aware of who you are, and what values you want to convey to your audience.
2. It all starts with your ‘why’
You have a clear intention and focus for every talk or presentation you give. ‘Purpose’ is now more important than ever.
You prepare by asking yourself what your audience should know, feel and do after listening to you.
3. You share an inspiring vision
Your vision is inspiring in the sense that it speaks to both the head and the heart and moves people to take action.
You speak to your audience’s dreams.
You paint a picture not only of ‘what is’ but also of ‘what could be’.
4. You care for your audience
You’ve taken time to learn about your audience and try to step into their minds and hearts. You assess what they know about your topic and what views they may hold. You view that as the starting point for the journey you will take together by telling your story.
You realize that caring for your audience is the key to winning their attention and having a positive impact.
5. You are memorable
You focus on creating a lasting impact with your presentation or webinar.
You do this by:
- Determining your single most important message
- Carefully adding memorable elements and stories to your presentation or talk
- Being your authentic , memorable self!
6. You bring your personality to the presentation.
Know what the secret weapon of a brilliant presentation is… It’s you.
You don’t do hide your personality but instead, show who you are through what you say and how you say it.
7. You build confidence by taking action every day
You realize that you need to speak with confidence to inspire and make impact.
You also realize that this confidence won’t come suddenly and is not given to you.
You choose to build your confidence by getting your mindset right and by challenging yourself every day to get a bit better at speaking and presenting, even if that means practicing in front of your pets! Small steps over time lead to big results.