Here's how you can tailor your content for various mediums like podcasts or webinars as a public speaker.

The biggest preparation for any speaking engagement is not only to know your topic, but also to know your audience. Smart public speakers know that it is important to be able to "read the room." Even though you may assume you're addressing a captive audience, you might be surprised at how many messages fall flat or go over the audience's head due to a lack of understanding of who is actually listening.Questions and polls are a great way to gauge your audience's interests and speak to their focus. You can also intersperse recaps of your lecture and create mini exercises in order to solidify your message. Furthermore, don't forget the power of story. To captivate your audience, work on your storytelling to create vivid images in their minds.

I recently had the honor of being a guest speaker on the CEO Series Podcast hosted by Mr. Ron Thomas. As the youngest interviewee to date, I shared my high school journey: my involvement in clubs and extracurriculars such as STEM advocacy, environmental conservation, student leadership, academic progress, business conferences, and TEDx. Preparing for this podcast, I crafted a narrative that emphasized the importance of learning from failure and reflecting on mistakes for growth. I also focused on the value of surrounding oneself with driven individuals to facilitate idea-sharing and progression toward one’s goals. Speaking on such an esteemed platform allowed me to connect with listeners and inspire them through my personal experiences.

Podcast preparation reminds me of Romans 10:17, 'So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.' Your voice is the sole carrier of your message in this intimate medium. A practical tip: use vivid language and storytelling to paint pictures in listeners' minds, making your narrative conversational and engaging. Structure your content with clear points and frequent recaps, as listeners might be multitasking. Incorporate rhetorical questions and pauses for reflection, creating an interactive experience.

Hosting a successful webinar brings to mind Proverbs 4:7, 'The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.' Webinars allow for real-time engagement, so tailor your content to include polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive elements. Use slides to complement your speech with visuals that reinforce your points, avoiding text-heavy slides. Modulate your tone to keep your audience interested, and make eye contact with the camera to create a personal connection.

Energy must be tuned to the expectations of the forum and the topic. What would you think if a wrestling champ entered the arena, meekly and quietly said they were going to defeat everyone? Would they be credible? Do your research on what's expected in the forum, what are the informal "rules" that govern audience expectations. Once you know that, you can thoughtfully bend them to be memorable ;-)

Maintaining engaging energy echoes the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 9:10, 'Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.' Whether it's a podcast or a webinar, your enthusiasm is key. In podcasts, convey energy through varied pitch and pace to keep listeners attentive. In webinars, combine vocal energy with expressive body language and facial expressions. This dynamic approach captivates your audience and makes complex information more digestible. Practice your delivery to ensure your energy feels natural and authentic.

Clarity in communication ensures your message is understood accurately and effectively, minimizing misunderstandings and maximizing impact. • It means make sure your points are easy to follow. • It means think through what you are going to say. • It means think about tone, body language, and the message you are trying to send. When you are clear and concise with your message, it prevent misunderstandings and confusion. People see through vague statements, technical jargon, and overly complex explanations.

Content clarity reminds me of 1 Corinthians 14:33, 'For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.' Whether in podcasts or webinars, ensuring your points are concise and easy to follow is crucial. Avoid jargon unless it's widely understood in your field, and take a moment to explain it. In webinars, use bullet points and infographics to aid comprehension. For podcasts, repeat key points and summarize sections to reinforce understanding. Clear communication makes your content accessible to a broader audience.