The power of passion in public speaking beats the physical mechanics or technique of the speaker. The origin of a great speech is a strong desire to motivate or change something or someone. A person who has feelings of great intensity about a topic has a greater propensity to deliver a powerful message that connects with the listener.
Motivational quotes are a great example. Some of history’s most memorable people have overcome difficult circumstances and had a burning desire to deliver ideas or information that would enhance the lives of another person or a group of people. In some cases, some of the most passionate quotes or speeches left important marks on the world's narrative. Other remarkable speeches and quotes have been messages that changed the times.
In academics, many teachers focus on honing the physical mechanics of the pupil's message. I know this because I spent years preparing future military leaders for public speaking. I have listened to thousands of speeches. In my experience, the best speakers were so powerful that they made me (the teacher) want to put the pen down on the desk. They would usually put spins on topics in ways I had not considered, or they would share things that could improve the lives of the people who were sitting in the room. As a teacher, I was no longer counting the vocal pauses. Human nature kicked in, and even I did not want to miss a word.
I would be so intrigued that the technique and mechanics mattered much less.
Now, chances are your public speaking teacher will not tell you that he or she stopped counting vocal pauses. I surely didn’t express that to my students. But your teacher wants you to have that "thing" that will connect you, the speaker, to your audience.
Passion is the thing that allows a discussion to conclude with a room of people standing to clap for the speaker. Passion beats technique. It's the key ingredient that we should use when preparing a discussion to increase the potential of delivering a message that is meaningful to our listener.
If you are going to be the keynote speaker for an event, dig deep and share something that you strongly believe in, because those beliefs create memorable connections and captivating discussions.
The academic world creates rubrics that grade speakers on the absence of "um" and "uh." Too often, a speaker receives an excellent academic score because he or she understands the physical mechanics or technique.
Yes, too many vocal pauses can become distracting, but this shouldn't be your main concern when preparing your discussion or speech. The most effective, passionate speakers use occasional vocal pauses. For these speakers, it sometimes makes them more relatable. A speech without a meaningful message becomes five minutes of your life filled with words you will soon forget.
When preparing for your next public speaking opportunity, ask yourself:
1. Will the life of the listener be enriched in some way?
2. Do I truly believe in the message I am delivering?
