Public speaking remains vital, even more so in today’s world where digital communication dominates. As a professional speaker and speaker coach, I’ve seen firsthand how the art of speaking clearly and effectively connects and influences people, regardless of the medium.
The pandemic changed how we gather and communicate, pushing many interactions online. Yet, the need to speak well didn’t diminish; it evolved. Whether in virtual meetings or live streams, the ability to deliver a message with impact is as crucial as ever.
Sharing my insights, I aim to highlight how public speaking continues to shape our interactions and decisions. It’s about reaching out, touching hearts, and moving minds, no matter if we’re speaking through screens or face-to-face.
Examples of Public Speaking in Business
Hybrid meetings have become part of our new normal, especially in my Toastmasters meetings. We use this setup because it lets some of us meet in one place, while others join from different locations. This way, everyone gets a chance to participate, no matter where they are.
In the Philippines, a lot of companies let their employees work from home now, so this flexibility really helps.
Since the pandemic started, I’ve been doing most of my sales pitches online. It’s a bit different from the usual face-to-face meetings, but it’s taught me a lot about how to keep people interested even when we’re just looking at each other through screens. It’s tricky because you don’t get to feel the room’s energy or see people’s reactions up close.
Despite this shift to online, many of my clients still prefer live presentations. There’s something special about being right there in the room with someone. It’s more personal, and you can really feel the connection.
Speaking through a computer doesn’t give you the same warmth and immediate connection as being face-to-face. This means we need to work even harder to make our words count and keep our audience engaged.
We’ve had to adapt and learn how to match our speaking style to whatever platform we’re using. Public speaking isn’t one-size-fits-all; it changes depending on whether you’re online or in person.
Each type of speaking, whether it’s a Zoom call or a live talk, has its own set of challenges and things that work best. Learning these specifics is key to making sure your message gets across well and really connects with people.
In the end, no matter if we’re in a room with people or speaking to them through a screen, our main goal is the same. We want to communicate well and make a real connection with our audience. Adapting our public speaking skills for each situation is what helps us do just that.
Examples of Public Speaking in Education
Online education has really taken off, and webinars and online workshops are still super popular. In lots of colleges across the country, students can choose to attend classes live online. This flexibility has been a big help for many.
Teachers have had to rethink their approach, too. They’ve found that just moving their regular classes online doesn’t really work. The platform is different, and the way students learn online is different, too. So, teachers are getting creative with how they present their lessons to keep students engaged.
Just like in business, educators are learning to sharpen their speaking skills for these online settings. They’re finding new ways to make their classes interesting and interactive, even when they’re not in the same room as their students.
Even though we have plenty of online conferences and summits, many organizations are now leaning back towards live, face-to-face interactions. There’s a growing preference for the personal touch that comes with being physically present.
As speakers, we’ve adapted too. Knowing that our talks might be streamed or recorded, we’ve changed our style a bit. We make sure we’re clear and engaging, whether we’re speaking to a live audience or a camera. It’s all about making that connection, no matter the format.
Public Speaking Everywhere
Public speaking has become even more important at special events. Nowadays, when we speak live and face-to-face, we’re often also reaching people around the world who are watching online.
This has pushed us to adapt and use new techniques to make sure our message lands just as well with the remote audience as it does with those in the room.
We’re also using public speaking in community outreach programs. It’s a powerful way to connect with people directly, share important messages, and get communities involved in various causes.
In the world of activism and political campaigns, leaders still prefer speaking directly to people. There’s something about being in the same space, sharing the same air, that really strengthens the message.
Despite all the changes in how we communicate, the basic principles of public speaking are still very much relevant. To really move people, whether they’re in front of us or watching from a screen, the traditional appeals to ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion) are still effective.
These principles help us ensure that our speaking is not just heard but felt. They guide us in crafting messages that are not only informative but also inspiring.
As the world evolves, so does the way we use public speaking. It continues to be a critical tool for reaching out and touching hearts, teaching, and leading, no matter where our audience might be.
Build Public Speaking Skills
Public speaking has always been a key skill, and its importance hasn’t diminished even in our fast-paced, digital age. Despite the distractions of social media, where quick entertainment often overshadows deeper content, the ability to speak confidently, clearly, and with conviction still captures and holds attention.
People naturally gravitate towards those who can articulate their thoughts and lead with authority.
Today, adapting to the changing times means recognizing that while formats and platforms evolve, the core of effective communication remains constant. Yes, people might scroll through dances on TikTok or watch influencers show off their lifestyles, but when it comes time to really listen, to be inspired, or to learn, they follow leaders who have honed their public speaking skills.
For anyone aiming to become a better leader, investing time in public speaking is crucial. This is not just about talking well, but about influencing, motivating, and guiding others. Good public speaking opens doors and creates opportunities.
I specialize in helping leaders master the art of public speaking and presenting. Through targeted coaching, I assist them in refining their delivery and ensuring their messages not only reach but also resonate with their audiences.
If you’re interested in building leaders who can speak with confidence and effectiveness, let’s connect. Schedule a discovery call with me, and let’s explore how we can elevate the speaking skills of your team or organization. Together, we can prepare them to lead and succeed in any environment.
