How to become a great speaker and influence people

Becoming a great speaker is vital for becoming a great (business, political, social and spiritual) leader, manager, employer, marketer, writer, preacher, adviser, teacher, et cetera. This is because words can be powerful enough to change people’s thoughts, emotions, actions and ultimately their lives. They can be like swords that destroy anyone or can be a number of sweet music that comfort everyone. This can also be applicable to writers on how they can influence their readers since speakers and writers both use the power of words. In my studies and reflections on some of the world’s greatest speakers (Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Confucius and others), I have observed and realized that a great speaker should possess two very important qualities – wisdom and humility. Yes you have read it clearly – wisdom and humility. Without the two of them or without one of them, a speaker can become ineffective and uninteresting. To make my point more comprehensive, I have illustrated four types of speakers as follows:

1. Deep and humble speaker

A deep or wise speaker gives interesting and meaningful stories to his listeners. He also shares new ideas and extraordinary wisdom that change people’s lives. Why does the arrow go down for a deep speaker? It is because he gives depth to the readers. A humble speaker pleases and makes his audience feel important and comfortable. Why does the arrow go up for a humble speaker? This is because humility uplifts people. Depth and humility combined creates speeches that totally capture listeners as you can see in the illustration. The words of wise and humble speaker go through not only in the minds of people, but also in their hearts and whole personality as human beings.

2. Deep and proud speaker

There are many leaders who speak with high intelligence and knowledge yet they are so proud that they treat their audience as people who are lower than their selves. Why does the proud arrow go down? It’s because proud speakers lower their listeners rather than elevate them. As a result, a deep but proud speaker cannot totally capture the attention and interests of many people.

3. Shallow and humble speaker

Some speakers are hearty people yet not brainy. They are emotional yet they lack intelligence. Why does the shallow arrow go up? It’s because he is withdrawing from diving into deep understanding and acumen. A non-sense speaker obviously doesn’t make sense and doesn’t fascinate people. Although he is humble and gentle to his audience, his words are not enough to totally capture his listeners.

4. Shallow and proud speaker

This is basically the worst speaker we can encounter or we can be. A shallow speaker tells uninteresting and meaningless words. He also doesn’t want to make any person go higher than his self. Consequently, he cannot be able to reach any of his listeners.

Conclusion

To become a great speaker we should tell words of wisdom and enlightenment. We should also share new ideas and interesting stories that touch and change people’s lives. Through constant learning, realization and reflections, we can achieve those things. People also want to be comforted, be raised and be treated with importance. A speaker can only do such things if he possesses humility and calmness. By combining the light of wisdom with the comforting values of humility, we can reach out not only the minds of our listeners, but also their emotions and their humanities as a whole.

No related posts.