By Matt Taylor
Public speaking is a critical skill for first responders to develop, regardless of their affinity (or lack thereof) for speaking in public.
Public speaking foundational skills will grow with continued effort and consistent practice, and the more opportunities you have to speak in public, the more you will develop your own style. This is different than the four types of speech delivery — manuscript, memorized, extemporaneous or impromptu. Style is how you speak to a group of people, regardless of the type of speech delivery.
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To understand the difference, think about a task or hobby you do very well. For example, the process of grilling a burger is a common activity. Even though it is a common activity, do all burgers taste the same? No, all burgers certainly do not taste the same, because there are different styles or ways to grill a burger. The same is true for public speaking. Even charismatic speakers have different delivery styles. For example, one style of speaking is to speak slowly with passion and gestures on the points of emphasis. Another style is to speak at a faster pace with consistent tone for purposes of motivation. Your style can — and should — reflect your voice and passion.
Find your own speaking style
The aim is not to become a famous orator but rather to establish your public speaking voice — and make it your own. The style of public speaking you develop will reflect and fit you. When considering vocal delivery, think about your favorite actor or actress. You will often see similarities in the characters they play, because the actor/actress puts a piece of himself or herself in the performance, regardless of the role.
You must be yourself as you continue your journey in public speaking. Do not attempt to copy someone else’s style of speaking — have your own style. According to author and public speaker Bill Hoogterp, “Although you can learn something useful and important from every speaker you hear, there is only one style that will ever fit you: Your style is perfect for you.” Trust that your style of speaking will work.
How to develop your speaking style
The development of one’s style of public speaking takes time and consistent practice. If you stop speaking in front of people, you may get rusty. You will also put your style development on pause. As such, it’s important to continue to publicly speak at any opportunity that becomes available. I cannot say how long it will take you to find your style; however, I guarantee if you keep working at public speaking, you will find it — maybe when you least expect it.
I discovered my personal style of public speaking when I was in a conference room at work while delivering a big presentation to the commissioner. I was about one minute into my speech when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the director did not have a copy of the presentation. Because I had sat close to the pile of copies, I smoothly grabbed a copy and handed it to him without stopping. At that moment, I realized I found my speaking style because my level of comfort was high enough that I could complete the additional task without any change to my demeanor.
3 benefits to developing a personal style of public speaking
Developing your own style is a true milestone accomplishment on your public speaking journey. Keep in mind, many people do not get this far; you should be proud of yourself. There are many benefits to knowing your style of public speaking, including higher confidence during presentations, peace of mind during your delivery, and knowing how you will present when it’s time for your next speech.
1. Confidence begets confidence
Confidence makes all the difference in anything you do. When you feel confident in your job skills, or even when participating in a sport or hobby, you may feel like you have an advantage. When you’re confident in your public speaking, you no longer feel that traditional intimidation ahead of a presentation — you may even look forward to the engagement!
Confidence not only puts you more at peace when you speak to a group of people, but the audience will feel your confidence as well, which will increase your level of engagement on the topic, which is an additional asset. Self-confidence also allows you to channel passion and tap into your natural charisma during a speech as a result of developing your personal speaking style.
3. Relying on your speaking style “cushion”
Another benefit to knowing your style of public speaking is having a figurative “cushion” to rely on when you speak to a group of people. This “cushion” means when you speak, you know how you will deliver your speech. You can rely on your style of public speaking and take comfort in how you present to a group of people. You will no longer be self-conscious in your speech delivery and, if you make a mistake, you are comfortable enough to keep on speaking like the mistake never happened. You are more concerned with the delivery of your message than the possibility of making a mistake.
2. Speaking style as a blueprint for future speeches
According to Hoogterp, “It doesn’t matter whether your technique is perfect, whether you make mistakes, or whether you are extremely entertaining. All that matters is that your audience gets what you want it to get.” With a personally developed speaking style, you are no longer concerned about how you look or sound when you deliver your speech; instead, you are comfortable with how you deliver the content to the audience. You must continue to prepare and practice your speech, but you already know how you will deliver your speech.
This is important and bears repeating: Because you know your style of speaking, you know how you will deliver your speech. Keep in mind you must practice anything prior to your performance, whether it’s a sport, a piano concert, etc. When you practice your next speech, you will practice with the delivery method that fits you. When you speak to the audience, you can relax and enjoy the ride while you deliver your speech. You won’t be worried about how your speech will go because you’ve already navigated how you will deliver the speech.
Being comfortable as a known public speaker
Once you develop your style of speaking, you’re on your way to becoming a successful public speaker. Knowing your personal style provides a wonderful foundation to work from on your speaking journey and should motivate you to challenge yourself and take on new public speaking opportunities that come your way. These opportunities can be simple, like raising your hand to volunteer as the spokesperson for a group project or being the first to provide verbal feedback at a staff meeting. This sounds easier said than done, but it’s important to continue to push yourself to speak in front of people when the opportunity presents itself.
It’s such an incentive to know if you continue public speaking, you will develop your own speaking style, which puts you in control of your destiny. This advantage changes your perception of public speaking engagements where you are no longer intimidated by a speech but instead look at the engagement as an opportunity to say what you need to say. You still have further to go on your public speaking journey, but knowing and utilizing your own style of speaking allows you to comfortably move down that road. Challenge yourself to take any opportunity that will make you a better public speaker.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matt Taylor works for the State of Georgia in the Department of Administrative Services – State Purchasing Division. He previously served in the U.S. Air Force, which is where he first developed his interest in public speaking. Taylor later joined Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person, and has been an active member for 14 years.
