4 Reasons Every Leader Should Be a Better Public Speaker

From sports to selling candy in high school, to working with elite athletes in college, law enforcement, and now global leaders, communication has been the single most powerful factor in my success. It’s why I believe every leader needs to become a better public speaker. Here are four reasons why:

1. Public Speaking Builds Trust

Think about the most memorable leaders in history. What do they all have in common? The ability to connect with an audience and make people believe in their vision. Public speaking is not just about delivering information; it’s about building trust. When I sold candy in high school, my classmates bought from me not because I had the best candy (though I’d argue I did) but because I communicated with confidence and authenticity. They trusted me to deliver.

For leaders, trust is everything. Whether you’re presenting to your team or pitching to stakeholders, your ability to communicate with clarity and confidence will determine whether people follow your lead.

2. Public Speaking Inspires Action

During my time working with elite athletes in college, I saw firsthand how the right words could spark action. Coaches who communicated effectively didn’t just motivate their players; they inspired them to push beyond their limits. Leaders face the same challenge every day. How do you get your team to buy into a vision, rally around a goal, or tackle a difficult project? By speaking in a way that inspires.

In my keynotes, I focus on teaching leaders how to infuse their words with purpose and emotion. It’s not about manipulation; it’s about giving people a reason to care and a reason to act.

3. Public Speaking Elevates Your Brand

When I transitioned from working in law enforcement to becoming a speaker and consultant, I realized that communication was my greatest asset. Public speaking doesn’t just position you as a leader; it establishes you as an authority. Speaking at conferences, addressing large audiences, and being featured in media elevate your personal and professional brand.

Today, I’ve had the privilege of working with celebrities, global leaders, and organizations that rely on strong communication to thrive. None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t honed my public speaking skills. Leaders who invest in becoming better communicators naturally rise to the top of their industries.

4. Public Speaking Creates Change

Some of the most transformative moments in history—civil rights movements, global summits, and groundbreaking innovations—have been propelled by powerful speeches. When leaders communicate effectively, they don’t just inform—they transform. I’ve seen this happen in my own life. Whether I’m speaking to a room of students or a boardroom of executives, my goal is the same: to create change.

Public speaking gives leaders the tools to address problems, inspire solutions, and leave a lasting impact. It’s not just about making noise; it’s about making a difference.

How My Presentations Can Help

In my presentations, I teach leaders how to:

• Build trust through authenticity and clarity.
• Inspire action using stories and emotional connection.
• Elevate their personal and professional brands.
• Create lasting change through impactful communication.

I also offer a public speaking crash course as an add-on to my keynotes. This program dives deeper into the art of communication, helping leaders refine their delivery, craft compelling narratives, and connect with their audiences on a deeper level. If you’re ready to elevate your communication skills and transform your leadership, let’s work together.

Odell Bizzell II is a communication expert who works with C-Suite leaders, small to mid-sized companies, and organizations to teach their teams the communication skills necessary to thrive in a diverse, ever-changing workforce. Through consulting, training, and speaking, Odell delivers practical and actionable insights with a touch of humor. Often described as a "young brown skin Yoda," Odell uses his unique perspective to guide leaders toward transformative growth. He’s also a prolific author of books and articles like the one you just read. His proudest professional accomplishment? Being voted the 85th funniest person in North Carolina back in 2008. You can hire him to speak at your company or organization by visitingwww.OdellSpeaks.com.