Top Speaker Secret 🤫Revealed!

But before we get to the secret ...

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As I enjoy some time away on vacation in Jamaica (the land of my birth), stepping back from my routine, I'm looking forward to gaining a fresh perspective on many things, including our craft as professional speakers.

We often pride ourselves on our meticulous preparation, but ...

what if I told you that the moments of unscripted brilliance are what truly set the great speakers apart?

That's right!

So today I want to dive into why embracing improvisation alongside preparation can transform your speaking experiences.

🦪 Appetizer: A Peek Behind the Curtain

Ever watched a speaker and wondered why they seem so naturally engaging? You might be surprised to learn it's not all rehearsed. Here's the secret: top speakers use improvisation to connect with their audience on a deeper level, making each presentation uniquely impactful.

🥗 Salad: Improv in Action

In my courtroom days, improvisation wasn't just useful; it was essential. Despite thorough preparation, I often had to pivot based on new information presented by my opposing counsel or witnesses during a trial. Whether it was a phrase, an unexpected response, or a challenge from the opposition, I learned to integrate their precise words or phrasing into my arguments and questions on the fly. This ability to adapt and respond in real-time, starting with active listening, proved invaluable—not just in law but in every speaking opportunity I've had since then.

🍽️ Entrée: The Truth Is, It's A Balancing Act

Effective public speaking is much like an engaging conversation—it requires a careful balance between preparation and the ability to adapt in the moment. Here's how you can master this balance to captivate and connect with your audience:

📌 Start with the Script—But Don't Be Bound by It: Preparation lays the foundation for any great speech. It gives you the confidence to stand before an audience and deliver your message with authority. However, being overly tethered to your script can make your delivery seem robotic and disengage your listeners.

Instead,

I encourage leaders and speakers to treat their speech or presentation as a dynamic conversation.

This approach allows the audience to engage both verbally and non-verbally, creating a more interactive and memorable experience.

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📌 Embrace the Power of Being Present: Being truly present in the moment allows you to perceive and respond to the audience's reactions—whether they're nodding in agreement, furrowing their brows in confusion, laughing at a light-hearted joke, or commenting out loud. This real-time feedback is crucial for improvisation.

Often times people comment during my presentations and instead of ignoring them, I engage them. This let's them and others know I'm with them in the moment and not just talking at them trying to get through my talk. Not being strictly tied to your script, allows you to adapt your presentation, tone, and pace on the fly to better resonate with the room's mood and feedback.

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📌Develop Your Improvisation Skills: Improvisation is a skill that can dramatically enhance your public speaking, but like any skill, it requires practice. Begin by engaging in exercises that promote quick thinking and spontaneity. For example, practice delivering a speech with minimal preparation on a variety of topics, or respond to unexpected questions in a controlled setting.

In Jamaica (and maybe elsewhere), we have a saying "pressure bus' pipe." That means that you will break under pressure. However, these exercises prepare you to think and communicate effectively under pressure, allowing you to powerfully and strategically incorporate unexpected moments or audience input into your presentation seamlessly.

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📌No Risk. No Reward.: Some of you might be thinking that improvising is risky. However, improvisation can be a game-changer. Mastering the art of improvisation isn't just about handling surprises—it's about turning them into opportunities to deepen audience engagement. When you can artfully weave audience reactions and spontaneous events into your speech, you not only hold their attention but also create moments that are both delightful and intriguing.

This ability to engage and react in real-time is not a common skill, yet it is highly rewarding. It makes your audience pay more attention and leaves them wanting more, setting you apart as a speaker.

🍦Dessert: The Sweet Reward of Improvisation

Imagine ending your speech to an uproarious applause and people lining up to speak with you, all because you chose to go where the moment took you. That's the sweet reward of mastering improvisation. This freedom not only enhances your delivery but also ensures that your message resonates more profoundly with your audience, making each speech a memorable experience.

💸 Check: Reflect and React

Now it's your turn.

Recall a time you had to go off-script in a presentation. What was the outcome? Next time, how could you turn a surprise into your spotlight moment? Reflect on this and consider how mastering the art of improvisation could transform your future presentations.

And remember to pay it forward: share this newsletter with your network and share your insights in the comments.

Until next time, remember ...

Your voice is your superpower!

Whether you need support for your organization or individually, I'm here to support you. Let's connect:

• Speaking & Training

• ExecuSPEAK™️: 1:1 Executive Speaker Coaching

• Speaker Mentoring

About the Author Kelly Charles-Collins, Esq.:

Kelly Charles-Collins, CEO of HR Legally Speaking and Speaker Moguls®, empowers women to harness their unique 'UNfactor' through public speaking, fostering powerful personal branding and leadership. An acclaimed employment law trial attorney and award-winning TEDx speaker, Kelly's insight shapes influential thought leaders and corporate narratives. Her expertise, has been celebrated in media outlets like ABC, NBC, CBS, Forbes, and Fast Company, and she’s been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Public Speaking Voice and a 2-time Most Inclusive HR Influencer Award winner. Kelly blends clarity, confidence, and skill to solidify women's power, presence, and thought leadership. Her books, including "Unapologetic AF" and "Convo Catalyst," offer real-world and practical perspectives for growth and impact.