How can you use grit to enhance your public speaking message?

1 What is grit?

Grit is a term coined by psychologist Angela Duckworth to describe the combination of passion and perseverance for long-term goals. It is not about talent, luck, or intelligence, but about the ability to stick with something that matters to you, even when it is hard, boring, or frustrating. Grit is what makes you resilient, adaptable, and persistent in the face of obstacles and failures.

2 Why does grit matter for public speaking?

Public speaking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of learning, growing, and improving. It involves setting goals, seeking feedback, applying strategies, and evaluating results. It also involves facing fears, doubts, and criticisms, as well as coping with unexpected situations, technical glitches, and audience reactions. To succeed as a public speaker, you need to have grit to keep going, keep learning, and keep improving, even when things don't go as planned or as desired.

3 How to develop grit for public speaking?

Grit is not a trait that you either have or don't have; it is a skill that can be developed and strengthened through deliberate practice and intentional habits. To cultivate your grit for public speaking, first identify your purpose and why you want to share your message with others. Then, seek out challenges to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and embrace the opportunities to learn and grow. Ask for constructive feedback from trusted sources, such as mentors, peers, or coaches, and use it as a tool to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, study the best practices of successful public speakers and apply the strategies that work best for you. Finally, review your performance and assess what went well and what can be done better next time. Celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes.

4 How to use grit to enhance your public speaking message?

Grit is not only a skill that can be developed for public speaking, but also a message that can be shared with your audience. Showing your passion and perseverance in your message can help you to enhance your public speaking. Demonstrate your enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment for your topic by using stories, examples, and emotions to connect with your audience. Furthermore, share how you overcame challenges, failures, and obstacles in your journey to inspire your audience to persevere in their own goals. Finally, invite your audience to join you in your mission, vision, or cause and show them how they can benefit from your message and contribute to your purpose.

5 The benefits of grit for public speaking

Grit can help you enhance your public speaking message, but it can also benefit you in other ways. It boosts your confidence, improving your ability to trust yourself and your preparation, as well as to cope with stress and pressure. Grit also helps you develop your skills, such as delivery, content, structure, and audience engagement. Furthermore, it enhances your impact by helping you achieve your goals, fulfill your purpose, and express your message. It also enables you to influence and persuade your audience, creating positive change in their lives.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?