Simon's #1 Rule of Public Speaking
Simon Sinek's The Optimism Company
Every day is an opportunity to inspire someone.
Imagine your audience in their underwear. Start with a punchy "ice breaker." Communicate your credibility. It's no secret that the internet is bursting with all sorts of advice on public speaking, some of it backed by science (don’t forget to breathe), some of it poetic ("train the butterflies in your stomach to fly in formation and use them positively"), and some of it downright strange (see: the aforementioned underwear advice).
However, questionable advice always thrives online due to the high demand for it. At the end of the day, public speaking is incredibly difficult and undeniably stressful, especially without practice.?
This is a topic that's near and dear to the heart of our founder and Chief Optimist, Simon Sinek, who has studied and written about the art of effective public speaking for years and performed countless talks to audiences of all sizes. When asked to distill his most powerful tip for public speaking—the one that rises above the rest—his answer is simple.
"I have one very important rule in public speaking, and that's that you have to show up to give," he says. "Very often, before I walk out on stage, I will say to myself out loud, 'You're here to give.'"
According to Simon, it's important to step back and consider what you hope to achieve with your presentation. Take a moment to ask yourself: Why are you here? What valuable insights or discoveries do you have to share with others? Ultimately, what is the contribution you want to make to the audience?
"If you show up wanting nothing—no approval, no business—your audience will sense that," he says. "As human animals, we are highly attuned to whether someone is acting selflessly or selfishly. When we can tell that someone is showing up for us, we feel grateful and are more willing to give them our attention and support."
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And for more free advice you can use on delivering impactful presentations, you can read Simon’s tips for starting a presentation with confidence right here.
- Lektor Freelancer
7 个月You're here to give. It's quite powerful because you're saying to yourself you have something to give and that empowers you.
So true, most of the time we begin with no goal in mind. The more EGO you bring on the stage, the less effective your message will be.
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10 个月Wow this is great
C-Suite Communications Strategy Coach Known for Helping Executives Present as Engaging Thought Leaders to Fearlessly Lead Digital Transformation with EQ
10 个月Happy New Year, Simon Sinek. Thank you for being a fountain sharing wisdom to uplift humanity.
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11 个月?????????? (I’m into “5’s these days ????♀???). Happy Holidays everyone?? Ready for 2024 here in Indy with my handy dandy favorite hat too (IU of course)??. See below. Best Christmas all year hands down ??. Thank you for this invitation. Happy in accepting. Grateful for the opportunity to be part of a positive group of folks. Firm believer that frowns may be turned upside down when given a sound choice by all involved. Understanding another takes time in a busy day. It’s well worth it in the long term with empathy & compassion. Thrilled in seeing Golden Rule aka Matthew 7:12 NIV being a practiced these days. As when one person is upset, scared, or lost-the impact of another may inspire. Simon inspires. Love love love the energy from Simon. Okay, mb I also like “3’s” too?!? Looking forward in seeing what help Simon does in planting optimistic seeds for us in our lives. This is so cool. TYVM?? Stay well & safe all, Amy Sending my IU love to all????♀?.