You're struggling to connect with stakeholders. How can public speaking skills bridge the gap?

Use plain language and avoid jargon. Focus on the core message and avoid overwhelming your audience with details. Remember, clarity is key to effective communication.

As an international TEDx speaker, I've learned that public speaking isn't just about delivering a monologue. It's a conversation where your message must resonate clearly. When presenting to stakeholders, simplicity is key. Avoid complex jargon and structure your ideas logically. This ensures everyone understands your vision and facilitates productive discussions that drive your project forward. Remember, effective communication isn't about impressing with big words; it's about connecting and inspiring action.

Public speaking is all about clearing your point to other people. Your message must be heard and understood by other people in such a way that it makes an impact on them. For this, your clarity of thought must be paramount. Speak to the point and use very simple language. To convey the crux of the message to the stake holders, structure your thoughts logically, and do a logical discussion with the stake holders. This will help you to be more assertive with the stake holders. Also, keep a check on your tone and voice. Be more confident, and be well dress up. Remember first impression is the last impression. Try to engage with in you talks by being friendly with them.

I believe that data and logic alone rarely win hearts and minds. Emotions drive decisions. When addressing stakeholders, connect with them by sharing stories that touch their values and experiences. Make them feel the passion behind your project. This emotional connection creates lasting memories and inspires stronger support. Stakeholders invest in what they care about so make the emotional connection more relevant. Show them why your project matters, not just intellectually, but emotionally.

Try to understand their values, their culture, their belief system, their expectations, and their experiences. Now try to connect with them emotionally. You can do so by sharing some stories, or examples, that can resonate with their emotions. Because many times emotions trigger decision-making, especially in business. By engaging emotionally, you can make yourself and your message more memorable. And this can further help you in highlighting you.

Effective public speaking also involves active listening. Value others’ opinions, incorporating their feedback to adjust your message. This promotes dialogue, mutual respect, and more meaningful connections, strengthening communication and understanding.

I often say it's not what you want to say it's what your audience needs to hear. I have been both sides of the coin and from the audience point of view I have seen so many try to muscle their way in what YOU SHOULD BELIEVE and you are a fool if you don't. It goes beyond basic sales techniques where you set up your audience with a question then present with facts and cases why this is the solution. The Answer? Using an empathy map to really discover what are their pains and gains ... NOT YOURS. And then find out at what stage of awareness they are and adjust your technical terms and jargon. You might have the greatest solution rambling on... but their biggest concern can this be implemented easily? Align your self with your audience