Are your colleagues great speakers or just good enough?

Workplace Confidence Podcast - Workplace Confidence Email

Hello!

Ever wondered if the speaking skills in your organisation are truly hitting the mark?

In many workplaces it's something that's rarely discussed. It can be tough to receive or give honest feedback, especially with more senior colleagues.

Others are unsure what great looks like, or feel uncomfortable with constructive criticism.

The result is speaking that's a bit, well, meh!

I recently went to a conference and one speaker caught my attention - not because they were bad, but because the audience just sat there politely, checking their phones.

I know, is there anything worse than mild engagement? (And a view of the tops of people's heads!)

It’s a good reminder that being an OK speaker or presenter isn’t enough; you want to captivate, not just inform. So, how do you make that leap?

Listen to and share my 10-min podcast with your team: Are you a great speaker or are you good enough?

Do you want to make some changes now? Here are my top tips

1. Let go of the lectern

One of the biggest traps speakers fall into is sticking to the lectern like glue, gripping it with eyes fixed on notes. It can make you look stiff and disconnected. Instead, move around and make eye contact with the audience. It’s a simple shift that instantly boosts engagement and helps you connect.

2. Tailor your talk to your audience

Every audience is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Use the 80/20 rule: keep 80% of your content consistent and tweak the other 20% to fit your audience’s specific needs and interests. It’s a small adjustment that makes your message feel personal and relevant.

3. Use stories and examples

You'll have noticed how a good story can pull you in. Relatable examples that are visual and descriptive will really make your content stick. Weaving in narratives will help your audience "see" the message, turning information into an experience that's more memorable and engaging.

4. Signpost with your voice

Using the dynamic range of your voice can help people understand why your message is important and why people should listen. Try raising the pitch of your voice, "because I'm really excited about this point.." Or, slowing down and lowering your tone, "because I'm making a serious or important point that I'd like you to reflect on.."

5. Use verbal signposting

Signposting isn’t just about your voice - it’s about the words you use too. Simple phrases like "Let’s start…" or "Before we finish…" act like breadcrumbs for your audience, helping them follow your talk. Some other examples of signposting phrases include:

• "To begin with..."
• "Moving on to..."
• "Another important point to consider is..."
• "Before we conclude, I want to mention..."

It’s a straightforward way to keep your message organised and your listeners engaged.

Ready to become a great speaker?

Improving as a speaker doesn’t happen overnight. It’s all about practice, feedback, and a bit of patience. Start small - give talks to a few colleagues or even just a friend, record yourself on a phone and watch it back. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress.

Best wishes,

Penny Haslam

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