You want to level up your A-Game? Start speaking. Public speaking isn’t just some extra skill to have—it’s a tool that multiplies your impact. And it’s not what most schools teach you. They’ll focus on the mechanics—how to stand, how to speak, how to not pass out in front of a crowd. But they forget one crucial thing: you.
See, public speaking isn’t about delivering information—it’s about connection. It’s not just about hitting your talking points—it’s about making people feel something. When you’re clear, when you’re real, people feel it. And that’s where trust starts.
What Public Speaking Is About
Let’s take a step back. Aristotle nailed this a long time ago with ethos, logos, and pathos.
- Logos? That’s your facts, your logic. Schools love teaching that.
- Ethos? That’s you. Your credibility.
- But the real magic? Pathos. That’s emotion. And if you want to be a speaker who stands out, you’ve got to connect on an emotional level.
Here’s the key: fall in love with your audience. Sounds odd, right? But think about it—when you care about who you’re speaking to, they feel it. You’re not just delivering a keynote. You’re giving them something that could shift their perspective, maybe even change their life. And when you approach speaking like that? It shows.
Here’s the mistake people make: they think public speaking is about the topic. It’s not. It’s about the people in the room. You’re not speaking at them—you’re speaking for them. The message isn’t just interesting. It’s potentially life-changing.
But before you think about them, you’ve got to get one thing straight: you.
Because here’s the truth—you can’t give what you don’t have.
If you don’t believe in yourself, why should they? If you’re not prepared, it shows. Confidence isn’t a switch you flip on stage. It’s built long before you get there.
So, how do you prepare?
- Physically: Public speaking takes energy. Rest. Eat right. Move your body.
- Mentally: Know your stuff. Don’t just memorize words. Understand your message. Be ready for questions you didn’t see coming.
- Spiritually: Align your speech with your values. Speak from a place of truth. When you believe what you’re saying, your audience will too.
Here’s the bottom line: public speaking amplifies your A-Game. It’s not about perfection. It’s about preparation. And the more prepared you are as a person, the more powerful your words become.
People don’t just remember the speaker. They remember how the speaker made them feel. You can only do that when you’ve prepared—not just your speech, but yourself.
Prepare, prepare, prepare.
I never thought I’d become a professional speaker. No one around me saw it coming—my family, my friends, my teachers. Growing up, I had big dreams, but honestly, those dreams feel small compared to where I am today.
Back in college, I didn’t start out thinking I’d be standing on stages. For two years, I was in a Catholic seminary, training to become a priest. That was the plan. But life had other ideas, and after leaving the seminary, I became a student activist.
And let me tell you, I wasn’t a natural. I wasn’t confident in my English—most Filipinos think you’re smart if you’re good in English, and my grammar? According to my teachers, it was terrible. But something in me refused to let that stop me.
I joined the debate team. I ran for President of the Political Science Club. I campaigned for a spot on the Supreme Student Council—and I won. I knew people might not think I was “good enough,” but I also knew this: I had something to say. And there were people who wanted to hear it. That’s what kept me going.
Here’s the truth: imposter syndrome never really goes away. Even now, I still have days when I don’t feel “good enough.” But I prepare. I prepare for every workshop, every seminar, every talk—because I know people will benefit from what I have to offer.
And that’s the thing. It’s not about being the smartest person in the room or having perfect grammar. It’s about preparation. You can always refine your message, sharpen your delivery, and keep improving—even when there’s no upcoming talk. That’s the secret to living your A-Game: constant preparation and relentless improvement.
When you’re prepared, you’re confident. And when you’re confident, people feel it. You don’t need to be flawless. You just need to be ready. That’s how you serve your audience best. Your A-Game is preparation, and the more you prepare, the better you become at delivering the message people need to hear.
Do These to Get Started Public Speaking
So, you want to get started in public speaking?
You don’t need to wait for a stage. You don’t need a packed room or a spotlight. You can start this week—right now, with what you have.
Here are three simple things that will move the needle for you:
1. Speak Up in a Meeting
It sounds small, but this is where it begins. You don’t need a formal speech to practice speaking—every meeting is a stage. Pick a meeting this week and commit to saying something. Ask a question. Share an idea. Don’t overthink it.
The point is to get comfortable with putting your voice out there. When you speak up, even in a small setting, you’re building the muscle you’ll use on bigger stages.
Action: Choose one meeting this week where you’ll contribute. Even if it’s just a small comment—say something.
2. Practice Explaining Something Out Loud
Pick a topic you know well—it could be work-related or something you’re passionate about. Now, explain it out loud, as if you’re teaching it to someone. Do it in front of a mirror, or record yourself on your phone. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about getting comfortable hearing your own voice and structuring your thoughts.
The more you practice speaking, the easier it becomes.
Action: Take 5 minutes today to explain a simple concept out loud. Record it. Play it back and listen.
3. Have a 1-on-1 Conversation
Public speaking doesn’t always start with crowds—it starts with connection. Find someone—a friend, a colleague—and have a conversation. Share an idea or a story. Focus on clarity, engagement, and being present in the moment. Conversations are where your public speaking skills start to take shape.
The more you practice engaging with one person, the better you’ll get at engaging with a room full of people.
Action: Find one person this week and have a 5-10 minute conversation about something you care about.
You don’t need a stage or a big audience to get started. Just speak up where you are. Take these three steps, and you’ll already be moving the needle. Because public speaking isn’t about waiting for the “right moment”—it’s about practicing in the moments you’ve got right now.
