5 Things Great Speakers Always Do

So, you’ve got that burning desire to be the next great speaker. Hey, maybe you’ve even fancied yourself up on the TED Talk stage, basking in all that applause while pretending your palms aren’t sweaty. Well, turn your dream into a reality! I found the perfect expert to help you ditch the nerves and make your mark: Tricia Brouk. This powerhouse has transformed countless aspiring speakers into TEDx-approved crowd-pleasers.

Let’s cut through the fluff and get to her meaty tips for turning you into a speaking sensation, as well as the things you should avoid at all costs. Buckle up, because here’s the real deal:

1. Earn Your Audience’s Time Like It’s Gold

First off, don’t be that guy who stands up there rambling while the audience’s eyes glaze over. Make eye contact. Smile. Exude confidence (bonus points if you practice until you could do it in your sleep). When you actually engage your audience, they’ll want to interact with you—and that’s a win-win situation. Earn their attention, and not only will they listen, but they’ll be hanging on your every word as if you’re the next Netflix binge-watch.

2. Be Passionate, But Don’t Show Up Without a Credential

Here’s the deal: you can love something all day long, but if you can't prove you know what you're talking about, it's game over. Sure, I'm obsessed with the Food Network, but calling me a chef? Yeah, no. If you’ve got a killer topic that lights your fire, back it up with some serious credentials. You need to show you’re someone worth listening to! Whether it’s your stellar education, extensive research, or lived experiences, establish your authority, or else why should we care

3. Answer the Tough Questions Before You Hit the Stage

Before you dive headfirst into your topic, ask yourself two critical questions: Why does this matter to you, and why should anyone else care? If your topic is only a personal soapbox moment, good luck getting anyone to relate. Take one of Tricia’s former speakers: her story of heartbreak became a universal message of forgiveness. Sure, few of us can relate to a murder in the family, but we can all relate to forgiving someone who's done us wrong. Make sure your audience can hear their own stories in yours—otherwise, you might as well be reading the phone book.

4. Practice Like You’re on the Edge of a Panic Attack

Listen, rehearsing solo in front of your mirror may feel like a good idea, but be prepared for your body to absolutely sabotage you the moment you hit the stage. Start practicing in low-stress environments. Nail it in front of family, then bump it up to friends, and finally go for that terrifying group of colleagues. The more you rehearse, the more you can kiss your anxiety goodbye when it’s showtime. Repetition is your best friend here, trust me.

5. Own the Stage Like You’re Meant to Be There

Speaking can sometimes feel like you’re walking into a lion’s den. But if you’re not owning that stage, why should anyone take you seriously? Walk in like you own the place, mess up your hair a bit, and shake things up! Make your presence felt from the get-go. Confidence is contagious, and if you channel it right, your audience won’t know what hit ‘em.

So there you have it, folks. Follow these pointers, avoid the blunders, and replicate your TED aspirations in no time. You may even get a standing ovation, or at least you'll give them a solid dose of “What on earth did I just listen to?” So go on—get out there and make some noise!