How can you create a unique public speaking style that reflects your personality and goals?

Nothing beats compelling stories, either your own or of e.g. case studies supported with some supporting visuals. People need to relate to be gripped. This can go through invoking empathy or emphasising with their pain points and show possible solutions.

In my experience, as a child psychiatrist and suicide prevention arts activist who is dedicated to transforming trauma and despair into life affirming creativity, my "why" is also my "passion." I want those listening to my presentation to feel connected emotionally as human to human, and to become aware of suicide risk factors, to break free of silence, shame, and/or stigma, and to know that in addition to psychotherapy and/or medication, the arts can play a powerful role in healing. Incorporating artwork, story, poetry/song videos, and even an opera inspired by my Bird That Wants to Fly story makes the presentation come alive.

Being a curious courageous multiplier who multiply people's joy, knowledge and prosperity is my mission. Public speaking allows me to see the world with fresh perspectives, share my knowledge and bring joy to others. Everyone has a story to share. Aligning your story with your purpose will make your speech more authentic and appealing.

I can't say it enough. Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your speeches multiple times to build confidence and refine your delivery. Practice in front of friends, family, or even a mirror to identify areas for improvement.

One thing I have found very helpful for me before going on stage is taking video of myself while practicing my script/speech. This practice really makes me aware of other factors that can easily be disregarded; facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, speed of my speech, etc.

Understanding why the audience is there to listen to you and what they'd like to walk away with prior to the event is important. Creating that emotional connection is equally important. I often use my personal experience (i.e. mountain climbing, hiking, adventure) as a parallel to my speech. That will make boring subject (i.e. AI, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation) more appealing and generate more engagements.

Before I get on stage I always stop and ask individuals in the audience what they came to hear. What questions they would like answered. Then I make sure to highlight that point with a story and speak to them in the talk. This builds great rapport and you know your talk will address their pain points and ultimately will be well received.

You should customize your talk so as to reach all of your audience. People might forget your story, but they'll never forget how you made them feel/hear/see. For visionaries, use speech that's connected to sight: "Do you see what I mean?";"Can you picture it?" For the auditory audience, use language emphasizing the hearing faculty: "Does that sound right?";"What does the voice in your head say?" Don't forget the kinesthetic ones, who do everything based on their gut feelings: "Do you ever get the sensation..";"Do you grasp the basic concept?" Once you speak to everyone, you'll be on your way to establishing/achieving deep levels of rapport with your spectators/listeners/gathered crowd. Maybe then..will you linger in their heads and hearts..

The way that I present to first responders is very different to the way that I present in a corporate setting. The language I use, the use or non-use of black humor, the directness of the message and the details of the trauma I suffered vary greatly. Understanding who you are talking to and what message you are wanting to convey will determine what outcome you want reached.

In the presentations I have done in person and online, there is also a workshop component whereby participants are given writing and/or drawing prompts. Those who volunteer to share their creative work with the group may speak about life events that contributed to what they expressed creatively. As the other members of the group respond to what had just been shared, there can develop a felt sense of safety and intimacy within the group. This back and forth dialogue also helps me to approach each participant respectfully and authentically.

Being authentic and charismatic are easy to be said than done. It requires practice. Making your speech memorable through story telling. Test it on someone who does not know anything about the subject. Leveraging videos or memorable quotes can be great ice breakers. Building some consistency into your style helps you better express your personality.

Here's what to do: 🎤 Let your audience know who you are. 🎤 Amplify the parts of you that you love most. 🎤 Be transparent. ("Intimacy" means Into. Me. See.) Here's what Not to do: 🛑 Do Not try to be someone you are not on the platform. 🛑 Do Not bury your personality behind your notes! 🛑 Do Not kick-off your talk sharing how great you are. Instead, lead with vulnerability so we can relate to you and share in your journey toward achievement. One more suggestion: Identify your "Core Story" and use it to illustrate your main message. By sharing this story you will be expressing your personality AND communicating what you want your audience to experience. When you share--and amplify--your true personality in your speech, everyone wins!

We are filled with so many possibilities of who we are and can become. The reality of growing into a future self can be so freeing to hear. I think sharing our vulnerability - our taking off the mask - by sharing our struggles to lessons learned - from a place of humility and caring - adds depth to a presentation. When we "step out of the box" and share our true self - as in being all of who we are - we help to empower all who listen.

Being authentic and vulnerable is my centerpiece. It has to be to get buy in from the audience so what you have to say, is soaked up. Most crowds will pick when you are trying to discreetly sell a product or are not genuine and you have then lost the audience. I don't use fancy words as they are just not me. I give the caveat that my brain just cuts out at times as that is the nature of my mental injury. I might become emotional or have an anxiety attack and that is okay, as that is who I am. This is all about being genuine. The audience will appreciate that and buy in.

Tailor your style to your audience allows you to better connect with your audience. Adjust your style based on type of speech. For example, a keynote speech varies from a panel discussion. An in-person event requires more preparation than a virtual workshop. Check event venue ahead of time to avoid technical difficulties.

The 2 pieces of advice I have is: 1. Know the audience you can help. I have given identical presentations in the US and the EU and my EU presentations dont do as well - since my sense of humor doesnt translate as well. So - know your limits. 2. I like to have a conversation with my audience. Its interactive and works well. Plus - it reduces the pressure for me.

Knowing your audience and their expectations is so important. It might be that you have a set presentation already prepared but you are willing and able to make adaptations per the needs of the audience. For one audience you add more statistics and research studies to provide credible reference on what you are saying, and for another audience the focus can be much more experiential. We need to be cognizant that however "good" our speech may be, the real result is if people truly listen to it.

In case of Adaptation of Style and over all few examples of thoughts that I have mostly been using are Owning the floor, Making my examples and experiences related to the agenda or topic, Engagement with crowds and many more.

I'm known for wearing outrageous colors when I'm speaking. Crazy designs on either my pants or my shirts. I even have an LED suit I sometimes wear. It's part of my branding. I've gotten lots of extra press from it. Even a broadcast morning show talked about my outfits, giving me free press.

Seeking feedback is a great way of improving public speaking. What's most helpful to me is to get a recording of the speech, watch it and figure out where you can improve. Take notes on the feedback and watch your next speech to see if you improved upon the feedback. Please bear in mind of culture difference. Not everyone feels comfortable to provide feedback.

John Lennon once introduced himself on the BBC saying, "I play the guitar-- sometimes I play the fool." If you've got the gumption to let go, this is excellent advice for public speaking. Up there on stage in the glare and focus of your audience, one's instinct is to close up, seek shelter. No worse way to lose an audience, and in most instances it's on your side; it WANTS you to succeed even if the somewhat selfish motive is simply to avoid being bored to tears. So, get human up there-- make a fool of yourself; try some dignified self-deprecating at the very least. Every novice presenter has to get across the shoals of likability, and in trying to be all things to everyone, ends up a foundering nobody. Be somebody-- be yourself up there!

Having a feedback form asking what was done well and what needs to be improved can be useful. I've found, however, that there can be a range of responses as each person in the audience has their unique perspective. Try not to take the feedback "too personally" as in becoming overly sensitive. Be open minded and balanced when reviewing the positive and the negative. You are not the utmost best nor are you the utmost worst. Take it all as learning opportunities to become the best presenter you can be. That takes practice and your willingness to grow.

Always seek feedback, especially constructive. The best way to improve is to gain this. No point always seeking feedback from people who are only going to be positive no matter what. If I know someone within the audience that I am presenting to, I will get them to count the "umms" and "ahs" as that is the one thing that I really want to work on, is eliminating them. Seek feedback on how you engaged the crowd, did you speak clearly enough, project your voice, body language etc. The best way to learn is to learn from your mistakes and you know your mistakes from honest feedback.

I give at least one presentation a week, every week. I find it helpful to record myself using an app like Otter.ai so that I can also collect the written transcript for edits. I also record myself in the mirror to catch any visual cues or gestures that need work. Prior to the day of speech or presentation I fall asleep to my Audio recording and the day of I play the audio while so get ready for the day. This helps ensure the content is in my subconscious mind and that I can speak more naturally and authentically without notes. I find it more useful than memorizing my words and it’s improved my speaking significantly.

In my experience as a member of Toastmasters International it's important for each individual to figure out where they are. Just like going to the gym the first time, do a basic self assessment, decide what areas you would like to focus on today. Be mindful of any comparisons you may be holding onto. It shouldn't be you versus the world of great speakers, instead strive to be better than you were yesterday! We can only do that one speech/presentation at a time. Find a Toastmasters near you, or join one remotely.

Get a coach if you are serious about improving your public speaking skills. Having a dedicated person who has this expertise can help you identify blind spots you can’t see from regular audience feedback or from recording yourself.

In the movie The Matrix, the Oracle points to a sign in her kitchen above the doorway. There's some debate on whether it was accurate in Latin, but she say's "Know Thyself." My personal journey of being me on stage is continually being renewed. The more I know myself as I also change and grow allows me to be more vulnerable and connect more deeply with the audience. Never stop growing. Never stop learning. Don't be that person that gives the exact same speech for 10 years!