The Importance of Content in Public Speaking

The goal of great communication is not to make people cry but to make people think. The ancients (like Aristotle) argued that to be a persuasive orator you needed logos (logic). I talk a lot here about storytelling, humor, and delivery tips and tricks, but at the root of your content you need to provide thought leadership. How do you do this? You don’t just spout off your opinions you back them up with: Facts. Statistics. Hard evidence. Historical analysis. Connection between your ideas. A point of view that is clearly explained. Recommendations that are strongly asserted. It’s not just sentiment and stories that move people, intelligence and logic does that too. It’s not about saying things in a big way, it’s about saying big things. People crave depth. They crave substance. They crave thought leadership. The crave something they can't just Google, ChatGPT or get from an AI generator. I believe if you can learn to share complex, intelligent, ideas simply you have the potential of becoming a truly great communicator. I love the way former presidential speechwriter Peggy Noonan puts it: “Speeches actually have to say things. And great speeches are great because they say great things. Speeches that consist merely of the stringing together of pretty words and pretty sentiments are not great, and never live.” Be the kind of communicator whose words live on. Be the kind of communicator who makes people think. #publicspeakingtips #publicspeaking #speaker

What can a baby teach us about mastering presentations? A few years ago, I recalled a memory of a friend navigating new motherhood. She had just welcomed her first baby, and her mother stayed with her for the first week to help her adjust. Despite years of experience babysitting in her teens and early twenties, my friend was understandably nervous about caring for her own infant. She asked her mother if she would stay longer. Her mother, ever calm, offered this timeless advice: “Oh, Elaine, it’s not that hard. Just keep his stomach full and his bottom dry.” Brilliant in its simplicity! The wisdom behind those words has stayed with me, because it reminds us that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. And when it comes to public speaking, it’s the same principle: keep things clear and focused, and the rest will fall into place. Presenting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Yet, many people get bogged down in the details—choosing the right words, worrying about how they look, fearing the “what ifs.” But let me tell you, the key to a successful presentation boils down to just two things: 1.      A clear message 2.     Audience connection If you nail these two, everything else is just gravy. The Power of a Clear Message Hone in on one core idea. If you can’t explain your message in a single sentence, you probably don’t have a clear enough grasp on it. Use short, impactful sentences that are easy for the ear to follow. A message may read brilliantly on paper, but when delivered aloud, it can easily lose its power if it’s too complex. So, speak in everyday language. Keep it conversational. People will connect with what you're saying because it feels accessible and real. Building an Authentic Connection with Your Audience Once your message is clear, focus on how it lands with your audience. Valuable content is just the starting point; you need to get your listeners out of their heads and into their hearts. So, how do you build that connection? Start by telling stories—personal anecdotes, industry-related examples, metaphors, and even humor. Stories help the audience see themselves in your message and make the content memorable. Make eye contact. Master the pause. Silence can be a powerful tool—give your audience time to feel your words, not just hear them. Engage them directly by using their names, asking them to participate with a show of hands, or encouraging them to nod in agreement. People respond when they feel like they’re part of the experience. Let them see your humanity—share your struggles and your successes—but don’t make the presentation all about you. Shift the focus to them. Make your message their journey. Just like my friend, who was initially overwhelmed by the thought of caring for her newborn, the simple, straightforward approach to presenting will give you the confidence you need to shine. With a clear message and a strong connection, you’ll deliver a knockout presentation every time.  

Most public speaking coaches focus on how you deliver—your voice, gestures, stage presence. And while those pieces matter, they’re not where the coaching starts. I focus on what you’re actually saying. When your message is clear, compelling, and valuable, confidence follows naturally. Great speaking isn’t about performance. It’s about making an impact. And that starts with content. Get the message right, and see that your delivery automatically improves.