How to be a better public speaker | Lawrence Bernstein | TEDxRoyal Holloway

TL;DR

When giving a speech, it is crucial to engage the audience through storytelling, as it is a powerful tool that appeals to their human side.

Transcript

good afternoon everybody everybody here has been incredibly kind and welcoming um I parked the car I came out the car park and somebody immediately came up to me asked me what I was up to said she'd look after everything then she said I hope it goes well and I thought I haven't really focused on going well what it actually means here today um and I... Read More

Key Insights

• 😟 Public speaking is a common fear, with many people feeling nervous and pressured when giving a speech.
• 🧑‍🚒 The fight or flight response can cause speakers to behave unnaturally, either by talking too quickly or freezing up.
• 🔇 Storytelling is a powerful tool that appeals to the audience's emotions and helps them connect with the speaker.
• ❓ Focusing on the benefits and relevance of the message, rather than technical details, is crucial for effective communication.
• 👻 Stories make complex subjects more relatable and memorable, allowing the audience to better understand and retain information.
• 🏣 The power of storytelling can be seen in its ability to influence decisions and outcomes, as shown by the success of a TV show highlighting a post office scandal.
• 🗣️ Sharing stories in public speaking can enhance the speaker's natural charisma and energy, making them more engaging and confident.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Public speaking can be intimidating, with the fear of forgetting what to say, being laughed at, or boring the audience.

• The British Council's research shows that giving a speech is the top phobia among Americans, even ranking higher than snakes and heights.

• People often behave unnaturally under pressure, either speaking too fast or freezing, due to the fight or flight response.