What Makes an Effective Public Speaker? The Top 8 Qualities of Great Communicators

Effective communication is essential whether you're addressing a large audience or simply speaking to a small group. There have been many fantastic public speakers throughout history who enchant their audiences with their stories. As they dig deeper into the core of their message, they win the hearts of their listeners. By the end of their speech, they have emotionally moved their audience.

These great speakers of the past and present have accomplished extraordinary feats. Some were renowned teachers, servants in public office, or leading figures in social change. Others were master sales personnel or business executives. They each developed several qualities to be great communicators to bring about significant change.

Fortunately, these qualities are not unteachable. You can study and practice what it takes to be a master public speaker. By working on these eight qualities of great communicators, you too can develop the skills necessary to engage and move your audience.

Top 8 Qualities of Great Public Speakers

1. They Project Self-Confidence

An experienced public speaker projects self-confidence. They believe in what they're saying and are not afraid to show it. This confidence is evident in their body language, voice, and choice of words. Good public speakers make eye contact, use gestures, and speak clearly. But sometimes, self-confidence does not come easy.

The best way to handle this is to prepare ahead of time. There is no magic here. Then you need to focus on one or two improvement areas (eg voice or language) and record and review at least 5 times until you know your material inside and out and you are able to celebrate your progress. A 5% improvement in each presentation is your goal. If you're well-versed in what you're talking about, it will show in your delivery.

2. They’re Passionate, With a Sense of Purpose

Passionate public speakers have a clear sense of purpose. They know their communication goal is essential and they know what's important to the audience and why they should listen. This passion comes through in their delivery, making them more inspiring and therefore persuasive. This passion comes through in their delivery, making them more persuasive.  Passion moves people to action.

It's easier to connect with your audience when you're passionate about what you're saying. If you can find a way to connect your personal story to the greater message, that's even better. Passionate speakers are not afraid to show their emotions. 

Those who have more difficulty showing emotion with their voice can mark their presentations with the different types of emotions they wish to convey and work at bringing their voice and body to life.

A passionate delivery is used to emphasise key points and connect with listeners at a deeper level.

3. They’re Authentic and True to Themselves

Authentic public speakers are honest and down-to-earth. They're not trying to be someone they're not. This genuineness makes them relatable and likeable, two essential qualities for any effective speaker. Whether you like it or not, authenticity is trained. If you want to be yourself and feel natural, you need to be well prepared and able to draw on a large range of tools.

People can tell when you're inauthentic. It comes across as disingenuous and often makes the audience uncomfortable and you lose credibility. Being authentic means being vulnerable. It means being willing to share your own experiences and make mistakes. As a general rule, it's better to come across as imperfect than too perfect. It's what makes you human and relatable. 

4. They’re Attuned to Body Language

Great communicators are attuned to their own and others' body language and vocal cues. They use these nonverbal cues to gauge how their message is received and make adjustments accordingly.

For example, if you see someone in the audience crossing their arms or looking bored, perhaps it's time to change your approach. On the other hand, if you see someone leaning forward and nodding, you'll know you're on the right track and this will boost your confidence. Being attuned to these cues also allows you to be more present in the moment and better connect with your audience.

5. They Connect With Their Audience

The best public speakers know how to connect with their audience. They make eye contact, use relatable examples, and use 'we', 'us', and 'our' over ''I' and 'me'. This connection is immediately inviting and helps to build trust and rapport.

When you connect with your audience, you're more likely to keep their attention right to the end and participate in the future action or change you want. Even if you're talking about a complex or challenging topic, your audience will be more engaged if you can find a way to make it relatable. 

6. They Tap into the Power of Stories

Stories are a powerful tool for any public speaker. They can illustrate a point, evoke emotion, or simply keep the audience engaged. Great communicators know how to use stories effectively to deliver their message.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a fantastic storyteller who knows how to weave a tale into her message.  In her TED talk, "The Danger of a Single Story," she captivates her audience with personal stories illustrating the dangers of reductive thinking. She makes comparisons between her life growing up in Nigeria and her experiences as a student in America. These stories help to humanise the issue and make it relatable for her audience. 

Learn this powerful technique, setting the scene, bringing your characters to life, and most importantly, learn how to link your story to our communication goal.

7. They Are not afraid to be vulnerable

In her TED talk, "The Power of Vulnerability", Brene Brown discusses how we as a society have come to associate vulnerability with weakness and shame. But she argues that vulnerability is a strength. By being vulnerable, we allow ourselves to be seen and heard. This connection is what allows for true intimacy and trust. Being vulnerable begins when you are honest about your struggles, fears, and shortcomings. You must accept these fears without allowing them to control your beliefs of self-worth. Consider sharing stories of your struggles. Perhaps when you first began at the organisation or at the start of your career, how you felt and overcame your challenges. Or a time when you made a mistake, how it affected you and others and what you learned from it.

8. They Use Pausing to Intensify Their Speech

Influential public speakers know how to use pauses for maximum impact. They use this moment of silence to emphasise critical points, build suspense, and add drama or time for the audience to assimilate the vital information they have just heard. This strategic use of silence can be very effective in holding the audience's attention and driving home the message. 

Add variety to your pausing with short, medium, and long pauses.

The next time you're preparing a speech, take time to plan your pausing, incorporating this technique into your structure.

Coaching and Training to Master Public Speaking

These are just some of the qualities that make an effective public speaker. If you want to improve your public speaking skills, consider seeking out coaching or training. You can develop these eight traits necessary to deliver an impactful speech with practice and guidance.

If you want to discuss your organisation’s (corporate, NGOs, Associations and Universities) Public speaking or Presentation skills needs, I offer free 30-minute consultations through my site. I’d love to meet you.