Public Speaking Skills Training

This is the fastest way to improve your public speaking skills. Most people avoid watching themselves speak. But here's what happens when you do: You'll catch the unconscious habits killing your credibility. Here's my three-step review process: Audio first. Listen without watching. You'll hear every "um," every rushed sentence, every moment your pacing falls apart. Visual second. Watch yourself on mute. Notice your posture, facial expressions, and body language. Are you engaging or creating barriers? Structure third. Get it transcribed and run it through AI. Ask: Are there grammatical errors? Does the structure make sense? Is the flow logical? What are my filler words and non-words? Do this once and you'll have three concrete lists: vocal improvements, body language adjustments, and structural refinements. The gap between how you think you communicate and how you actually communicate is often massive. Recording closes that gap faster than any other method.

Found this 1980 ad about writing clearly. 65 years later, it's still the best writing advice I've ever seen: 1) Know exactly what you want to say before you start Most people start writing and figure it out as they go. That's why most writing sucks. Thompson says outline first, write second. Revolutionary concept, apparently. 2) Start where your readers are, not where you are Don't assume people know what you know. Meet them at their level of understanding, then bring them along. Most "experts" write for other experts and wonder why nobody gets it. 3) Use familiar word combinations Thompson's example: A scientist wrote "The biota exhibited a one hundred percent mortality response." Translation: "All the fish died." Stop trying to sound smart. Start trying to be clear. 4) Arrange your points logically Put the most important stuff first. Then the next most important. Then the least important. Seems obvious, but most people do it backwards. 5) Use "first-degree" words Thompson says some words bring immediate images to mind. Others need to be "translated" through first-degree words before you see them. "Precipitation" => "Rain" "Utilize" => "Use" "Facilitate" => "Help" 6) Cut the jargon Thompson warns against words and phrases "known only to people with specific knowledge or interests." If your mom wouldn't understand it, rewrite it. 7) Think like your reader, not like yourself Thompson asks: "Do they detract from clarity?" Most writers ask: "Do I sound professional?" Wrong question. TAKEAWAY: This ad is from 1960. The internet didn't exist. Social media wasn't even a concept. But the principles of clear communication haven't changed. Most people still can't write clearly because they're trying to impress instead of express.

Charismatic people are often boring speakers. Shy people are often incredible. Here's why. What makes a talk interesting has very little connection to the personality of the speaker. What actually makes a talk engaging? → Whether the content follows certain rules. Many communicators don't realize that writing content for a talk is far different than writing content for: → Blogs → Articles → Podcasts → LinkedIn Posts → Letters to Your Grandma Public speaking content follows its own set of rules. If you follow these rules, you can crush it ON stage regardless of your personality OFF stage. Here are five rules to get you started: 1. The Rule of Abstraction → When you're making a point, organize all your supporting information from most abstract to most concrete. → This will make it easy for the audience to follow your logic (and help you keep track of it as well). 2. The Rule of Controversy → When you're about to make a point, first state the common misconception(s) your point contradicts. → This isn't JUST about keeping things controversial and spicy. → It also adds clarity by giving people helpful context about what you're really trying to say. 3. The One Problem Rule → It's okay to have a talk with multiple points. → But it's not okay to try to solve multiple problems. → Trying to address multiple problems always leaves people confused about what your main purpose really was. → Make sure all your points solve one problem your audience is facing. 4. The Rule of Suspense → If you have multiple points, don't reveal them all upfront. → Instead, say, "I've got 3 points. The first one is..." → This will keep the audience in suspense, wondering what the next points will be. 5. The 2-Minute Rule → For every point you're making, there are different types of supporting content. → Ideas, one-liners, analogies, stories, action steps, etc. → People will stay most engaged if you change the type of content you use every two minutes. ———— Yes, this is a lot to think about. But the nice thing is that you can manage all these things BEFORE you get on stage. If you do the hard work on the front end of writing great content, delivery will get a whole lot easier. You've got this!

I was standing in front of 5,000 people and said, “Good morning, so happy to be here —” And my voice cracked. It came out raspy, high-pitched, and weak. I was out of breath. My voice quivered. It took me five painful minutes to find my vocal stride. Here’s the truth: You can have the perfect words, but if your voice sounds tight, breathy, or shaky (hello vocal fry), your charisma disappears. And a bad vocal first impression? You almost never recover from it. That’s why I now do a 5-step vocal warm-up before every meeting, presentation, or speech where I’ll be speaking for more than a few minutes. Here’s the one I use (and you can too): The 5-Step Vocal Warm-Up 1. Loosen Up + Shush Shake out your shoulders, relax your neck + jaw, and take deep belly breaths (shoulders stay down, hands on belly like it’s a balloon filling with air). Then exhale like a librarian “shhh.” Pump the shush to wake up your diaphragm and lungs. It takes ~1 minute. 2. Tongue Trills Yes, it sounds silly. But rolling your R’s (brrrrr) loosens your tongue. Do it descending, then ascending (repeat 5 times each). 3. Hum It Up Hum low and high to warm up your vocal cords. Keep your jaw and cheeks loose, don’t press your lips. Hold it, then go up and down. Do ~5 reps each way. If you’re speaking in the morning, this is essential. 4. Chant Start with a hum, then open into: “Me, My, Mo, Mu.” Go up and down until your sound is clear and resonant (not raspy). 5. Pronounce Add crisp consonants for clarity: “Ma-Pa-Ta, Ma-Pa-Ta.” Open your mouth wide, exaggerate sounds. Repeat 5-10 times. In less than 5 minutes, you’ll sound clear, confident, and powerful. Check out this video to learn more vocal warm-up exercises: https://lnkd.in/gh4jzfEG

A few years ago, I was in a high stakes meeting with colleagues from Japan. I presented my points confidently, thinking I was making a great impression. But as I scanned the room, I saw blank expressions. No nods. No engagement. Just silence. I panicked. Had I said something wrong? Was my idea unconvincing? After the meeting, one of my Japanese colleagues pulled me aside and said, “Sumit, we really want to understand you, but you speak too fast.” That was my light bulb moment. For years, I assumed that mastering English and business communication was enough to build strong global relationships. But the real challenge wasn’t just the language - it was the rate of speech! Most of us don’t realize that speaking speed varies drastically across cultures. Here’s an eye-opener: ·      In India, we typically speak at 120–150 words per minute. ·      The global standard for clear communication is around 60–80 words per minute. ·      In Japan, where English is not the first language, this rate drops even further. So, what happens when we, as fast speakers, communicate with someone who is used to a much slower pace? Our words blur together. The listener struggles to process. And instead of making an impact, we create confusion. We often assume that if people don’t understand us, we need to repeat ourselves. But the truth is, we don’t need to repeat - we need to slow down, simplify, and pause. If you work in a multicultural environment, here are three things that can dramatically improve your communication: a.   Control your pace: Consciously slow down when speaking to an international audience. What feels “normal” to you might be too fast for them. b.   Use simple language: Smaller sentences. Easier words (vocabulary). c.    Pause & check for understanding: Don’t assume silence means agreement. Ask, “Does that make sense?” or “Would you like me to clarify anything?” I’ve seen professionals struggle in global roles - not because they lack expertise, but because they fail to adjust their communication style to their audience. I’ve also seen leaders who thrive across cultures, simply because they master the art of respectful, clear, and paced communication. If you want to succeed in a global workplace, rate of speech is not just a skill - it’s a strategy. Have you ever faced challenges due to differences in speaking speed? Let’s discuss. #GlobalCommunication #CrossCulturalLeadership #EffectiveCommunication #SoftSkills #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceSuccess #HR

Smart people sound dumb when they try to sound smart. (and a Nobel Prize winner proved it). Richard Feynman was a late talker. Didn't say a word until he was three. His teachers thought he was slow. He went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics. But here's what made him different: He could explain quantum physics to a five-year-old. While other professors hid behind jargon, Feynman exposed the truth—complexity is often a mask for shallow understanding. The research backs this up. From lectures, we remember 5%. From reading, 10%. From teaching others? 90%. So Feynman built his learning method around teaching. I've used it to master everything from investing to psychology. Here's how it works: First, study deeply. Attack your topic from every angle. Books, videos, conversations. Fill pages with notes. Then teach it simply. Find someone who knows nothing about it. Explain using only simple words. No jargon. No acronyms. Just clarity. Next, find the gaps. Where did you stumble? Where did you reach for fancy words? Those are your knowledge holes. Go back and fill them. Finally, refine and repeat. Turn your explanation into a story. Share it. Improve it. Now you truly understand. I've watched billion-dollar founders explain their business in one sentence. I've also watched people use 47 slides to say nothing. Guess which ones succeed. This week: Pick one thing you want to master. Give yourself a week to study. Then teach it to someone. You'll be shocked how much deeper your understanding becomes when you're forced to simplify.

Last night, former President Obama and First Lady Michelle reminded us of the power of compelling storytelling in their speeches at the Democratic National Convention. But what’s the secret behind these moments of excellence? Jon Favreau, Obama’s former director of speechwriting, shared five golden rules that are just as applicable to our business presentations as they are to political speeches. Here are five insights you can apply when delivering your next presentation, whether on stage, in a meeting, or in the boardroom: 1. The story is more important than the words Too often, we focus on the right words, but the real question is, “What story am I telling?” Before writing a speech, Favreau would always begin with a conversation, drawing on Obama’s ability to outline a clear narrative first and build the words around it. Always start with the story you’re trying to convey—it’s the backbone of your message. 2. Keep it simple Long presentations may feel thorough, but they are often forgettable. Favreau emphasized brevity: aim for twenty minutes or less. "A speech about everything is a speech about nothing." Narrow your message down to the essential points. 3. Address counterarguments upfront Don’t wait for the Q&A to address objections. In business, as in politics, it's key to acknowledge opposing views and deal with them during your presentation. When Obama delivered his Health Care Reform Plan, he anticipated objections and tackled them head-on. 4. Empathy is key Knowing your audience isn’t enough. You have to step into their shoes. Obama’s speeches resonated because they were written in a language his audience understood. Whether you're presenting to colleagues, clients, or an entire audience, connect by understanding their challenges and perspectives. 5. Persuasion requires inspiration Logic alone won’t motivate. The best way to connect is through stories that touch the heart. In Obama’s 2008 victory speech, Favreau chose the story of Ann Nixon Cooper, a 106-year-old woman who had seen the full spectrum of progress in America. Her story was the perfect reminder that change, though slow, is always possible. Whether you're stepping on stage or presenting in the boardroom, these timeless tips from Obama’s speechwriting playbook can help you connect with your audience, deliver your message effectively, and inspire action. What stories are you sharing in your presentations? #Leadership #PublicSpeaking #Storytelling #Empathy #Inspiration

Here’s how I turn one keynote talk into infinite customized talks. It all starts with this: I built my talk modularly. For context: I speak to many different audiences, who have many different needs. Making a new talk for everyone is impossible — but I want to serve every client uniquely. A modular structure fixes that. The intro and outro are the same (and I improvise personalization for each audience). Then the meat of the talk is built on modules. Each module is about 7-12 minutes long. I start each with a big idea, then tell a compelling story to illustrate it, then offer a takeaway and exercise. Over time, I add, refine, and retire modules. I have five active ones now, and maybe 10 that I've retired. When I’m hired to speak, I do an intro call with the client to learn about the audience, their needs, and their interests. Based on that, as well as how much time I have on stage (30 minutes? 45? 60?), I assemble the talk. Maybe I’ll use the intro, plus modules 1, 2, 4, and 5, and then the outro — and no Q&A. Maybe I’ll use the intro, plus modules 2, 3, and 4, and then the outro — and 15 min of Q&A. Or whatever. A talk easily snaps into place. In my notes, I also give myself suggestions of how each module connects to a certain audience need. For example: If they’re going through X, then I can relate that to a point I make in Module 2. As a result, I have one talk that can be used and delivered in infinite ways — giving me more opportunities to work with clients, but with a lot less work. Want to be more strategic about YOUR work? My newsletter can help — subscribe for free at jasonfeifer.com/newsletter (Or want to explore my speaking at your event? Info at jasonfeifer.com/speaking)

If your audience didn’t feel anything… you didn’t give a speech. You gave a TEDx audition. The best speakers don’t just inform or entertain. They move people emotionally. Case in point: that viral Thai ad “The Dog” by Kiatnakin Bank. No dialogue. No celebrities. Yet millions cried. Why? Because it tapped into something universal: human emotion. So… how do you do that as a speaker? After 15 years of speaking in 39 countries to half a million people, here's how I evoke emotions in my audience. 1. Choose the emotional entry point, not just the story. Every speech has two beginnings: - the first line you say - and the first feeling your audience registers Before you write anything, ask: “What’s the emotional state they’re in right now?” Are they burned out? Feeling stuck? Hopeful but scared? Then ask: “What emotion do I want them to leave with?” When those two emotions connect, where they are and where you want to take them, your speech becomes a journey, not a monologue. 2. Use emotional contrast, not just chronology. So instead of storytelling like “this happened, then this…” (boring!) Build it like a movie trailer. What creates suspense? Contrast. Here’s how I structure it now: Before the storm - Life was okay… or so I thought... The disruption - Something happened I didn’t see coming... The emotional cost - I didn’t just lose money/time/status, I lost sleep, confidence, myself... The turning moment - And then suddenly... (a moment of truth, a wise mentor, or a shift in perspective) changed everything The ripple effect - That shift led to action, small at first, but it created a wave of momentum, and the results started to follow (yay!) The transfer – And here’s what that means for you. This format works because it mirrors the emotions of transformation and that’s what people want to feel. 3. Give emotional language, not just a moral. Most speakers end with “So… never give up.” (boring!!) But audiences can’t act on vague encouragement. What they need is emotional vocabulary. Say: “If you’re in that same dark place… you don’t need motivation. You need clarity. And here’s how I found mine...” or “Maybe today you’re like how I was, smiling on the outside yet quietly panicking inside.” Insight lands when people feel seen. 4. Don't just end hope. Instill self-belief in them. Our job as speakers isn't to impress the room. Our job is to transfer belief and courage so they are empowered to make the necessary changes even after you have left the stage. Here's how I do it. I say: “You don’t need my story to be inspired. You need to see yourself in my story. And if a guy who used to panic before every speech can now speak globally… I promise, there’s more in you than you know.” Remember, your audience will likely forget what you say but they will never forget how you make them FEEL. This is how you get asked back again and again! #publicspeaking #getpaidtospeak

PRESENTING VIRTUALLY and engaging a remote audience is hard. The pandemic made us all work differently and years later, many of us are still struggling to be at our best online. That's why I really enjoyed this little book VIRTUAL EI from Harvard Business Review which digs into the science of online attention, engagement and digital mindfulness.   The book addresses issues like “WFH is Corroding Our Trust in Each Other”, “The Endless Digital Workday” and “What Psychological Safety Looks Like in a Hybrid Workplace”.   Here’s a few of my takeaways:   🙈 Traditional meeting styles may not work the same for all types of workers. 90% extroverts say virtual meetings are effective but only 70% of introverts agree.   ❓ Too many acronyms or names you don't know? Google increased productivity by 2% (around $400M) by regularly encouraging new hires to “Ask questions, LOTS of questions – and actively solicit feedback on virtual presentations, don’t just wait for it”.   💬 Talking about NOTHING is important. Screen-fatigue is rampant. We need to create space for small talk before (and after?) meetings. Small talk should be an agenda item and not an afterthought.   👂🏽 “Deep listening” is generous. Don’t always jump to an answer. If you’re one of those people who just waits for a gap in the conversation to provide a solution, try stopping yourself. Suspend your own agenda and listen to others more often.   🦜 It’s hard to engage disconnected audiences. Virtual presenters need to be like birds! (I like this one). Virtual presenters should deliberately and compellingly call and elicit a response. Simulate back-and-forth conversations by asking more rhetorical questions. eg. “Are you ready to try something new?”   A Few Ways to Make a Virtual Presentation Interactive: • Use an icebreaker • Keep it simple (10 slides max?) • Ask the audience • Have an interesting background • Try a quiz • Use humour • Make eye contact (with the camera not just the screen) • Don’t forget body language • Make use of effective language • Be aware of 10-15 minute attention spans • Add in some visual and audio effects • Use video • Have a keylight to highlight your face • Let the audience answer anonymously • Get your audience moving • Turn control over to the audience It’s a good book (for your commute?) which you can read in under 90 minutes. And at £11 it’s cheaper than 1 issue of Harvard Business Review magazine.