Public Speaking Courses: Why Conversation Beats Performance
Gareth Davies
Presentation Skills Coach ** Freelance TV Series Producer ** International Keynote Speaker, Presenter & Event Host
Public Speaking Courses: Why Conversation Beats Performance
Public speaking can feel daunting, but the best speakers don’t just talk at their audience—they have a conversation with them. Too often, people think they need to put on a performance, delivering a perfectly rehearsed speech. But in reality, audiences connect most with speakers who feel natural, engaging, and real.
Why Speaking At an Audience Doesn’t Work
Many public speaking courses focus on rigid techniques—perfect posture, scripted pauses, and dramatic intonation. But this can make speakers feel robotic and disconnected from their audience. When a talk feels too rehearsed, people stop listening. Instead of engaging, they tune out.
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The Power of Conversation
Think about your best conversations with friends or colleagues. You’re relaxed, you make eye contact, and you respond naturally. That’s the same approach you should take in public speaking. A natural, conversational tone helps you engage with your audience rather than just delivering a monologue. It allows you to react to the energy in the room and adapt as you go. When you focus on having a conversation rather than delivering a speech, you come across as more authentic and relatable.
How to Make Your Public Speaking More Conversational
Ditch the overly scripted speech and focus on knowing your key points rather than memorising every word. Speak in everyday language, just as you would in real life, rather than relying on overly formal phrases. Engage with your audience by making eye contact, responding to their reactions, and creating a sense of connection. Most importantly, be yourself. The best speakers embrace their own style rather than trying to fit into a mould.
At The Presenter Studio, we focus on helping people develop a natural, engaging speaking style that feels right for them. If you want to improve your public speaking skills, our courses will help you connect with audiences in a way that’s authentic and powerful.? Check out our presentation skills courses here:? https://www.presenterstudio.com/business-presenter-training/presentation-skills-training