When you look at most public speakers these days, from business leaders to politicians, they have something in common. Their voices are plastic, their gestures are plastic… it’s like they've been bubble-wrapped.

They have lost their authenticity.

The impact is dangerous - the audience glaze over, they listen less and trust less. It means that we’re talking, but not communicating.

So how can we bring authenticity back to communications?

1. Dare to be vulnerable

As TED speaker and vulnerability expert Brene Brown said at an event I attended a few years ago in London, ‘vulnerability is the first thing we wish to see in other people, but the last thing we want to give of ourselves.’

When we are vulnerable – in showing emotion, admitting mistakes, or being passionate – we awaken a basic, but essential connection with other human beings that brings your speaking alive.

It takes daring, because to be authentic is to step beyond the protective comforts of the social norm. When we show ourselves we risk judgment and censure.

But understand that when we are vulnerable we become more powerful rather than more weak – try it and you’ll understand what I mean.

2. Dare to be personal

A quick route to crack open your authenticity is to tell a personal story, or share a personal feeling about your subject matter.

Whilst many speakers shy away from this, thinking that it’s too self-centred, it’s quite the opposite. When you are brave enough to share your story, you’re really telling the audience’s story too.

3. Dare to be honest

Authenticity is about speaking your truth, even when it’s unpopular or politically incorrect. Think of Churchill – he kept hammering on about the Nazi threat rising in Germany when nobody was listening to him, even at the risk of his political career.

If you believe it, then say it.

4. Dare to have a purpose

The most authentic speakers are usually guided by an authentic purpose that helps them to go beyond their fears. The bigger that purpose, the more energy it carries.

Take a look at Gandhi – he was a shy lawyer in South Africa, yet when he found his purpose he was able to follow a route that inspired his nation and beyond.

5. Dare to inspire

Authenticity is one of the six qualities of an inspiring speaker featured in my book, How to be Brilliant at Public Speaking (Pearson) and it’s the most critical for impressing an audience. The more we show of ourselves, the more we inspire.

At my company Ginger we have a motto that public speaking is an act of leadership. You have to dare to create change if you want to be a truly authentic speaker.

When most speakers start, they are so used to being inauthentic that they are terrified of revealing even a little bit about themselves.

Yet, when you allow more and more of your personality to show in your communication you’ll see how much power and connection it brings.

 

By Sarah Lloyd-Hughes

How to be Brilliant at Public Speaking by Sarah Lloyd-Hughes is out now, priced £12.99.


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