The Public Speaking-Leadership Analogy

You don’t have to be a great public speaker to be a leader, but it definitely helps.

Think about the last time you heard an executive speak in front of others.

Usually it’s pretty polished, but there is a connection here.

In Jess Ekstrom’s TEDx Talk, The Secret to Great Public Speaking, the answer isn’t as obvious as you’d think.

In fact, my initial guess was confidence, because that’s what I believed.

But actually it comes down to one factor: focus.

She used the image of a spotlight vs. a lighthouse.

• A spotlight is focused on the speaker: charisma, energy level and communication ability.

• A lighthouse is focused on the audience: their needs, wants and attention.

Now here’s where the connection to leadership comes in.

How often do leaders demand to be the center of attention?

Maybe they don’t say it out loud, but their actions show it.

Decision making, withholding information, lack of transparency, etc.

But the “lighthouse” leader chooses to shine the light on their people.

1. Giving praise for a job well done

2. Using mistakes as teachable moments to learn from

3. Serving, instead of bossing people around

Now you may be saying, “If I’m a lighthouse leader won’t others take advantage of me?”

This is where boundaries come into play.

The line between respect and being liked needs to be established.

• You can serve your team without doing their work for them.

• Feedback can be both constructive and praiseworthy.

• Learning isn’t always planned; sometimes it happens as a response to a mishap.

The point here is leaders need their team more than vice versa.

Once a leader believes their people are here for their convenience, trust is lost.

That’s why the public speaking analogy is so powerful!

Great public speakers focus their energy on delivering a message that meets the needs of the audience.

Despite public opinion, perfection on stage isn’t always impressive - it can actually create a wedge between the speaker and audience (not relatable).

Let me end with a personal story to further illustrate this concept.

When I used to speak regularly to a tech school meetup I’d arrive early to set up.

Usually I’d be ready at least 15-20 minutes before people started to arrive.

I chose never include my picture of the first slide, just the title of the topic.

Then as people started to arrive I’d greet and sometimes have short conversations with individuals.

Eventually the host would introduce me and I’d walk up on stage.

To the surprise of the people in the audience, I never mentioned I was the speaker when I talked with them.

If possible I’d try to make eye contact, use their name at a certain time or add something they shared during the presentation.

Secret tip:👆 as an introvert it made me feel like I was having a conversation instead of speaking to a crowd (you do what you gotta do mentally to get in the right mindset).

In closing, public speaking and leadership skills are greatly enhanced by connections made.

When you reach out as a speaker or leader, it brings the person you’re talking to closer.

And at the core of leadership, we want to be led by people who genuinely care about us as humans before workers.

So take a look at Jess’ TEDx Talk here and remember to shine your light on others first.

God Bless,

Scott

P.S. If you found this helpful and you’re looking to improve your soft skills as a leader, here are ways to work with me directly:

• 🗣 Hire me to speak at your company or next event (watch my speaking reel here)

• 🎤 Invite me to lead an interactive training workshop, remotely or in-person (depending on location)

• 🤝 Start 1:1 coaching with me as a new manager, current leader or executive (I once managed 30 people 1:1 weekly❗️)

Also, you can help me out by forwarding this to friends whom would benefit from it! Thank you!