Although the Beatles probably weren’t targeting public speakers when they released “All You Need is Love” in 1967, we feel it’s a perfect expression of what our youth speakers require to learn and grow. Yes, they need guidance, but what they need above all else is love. If you’re more comfortable with it, you might consider substituting the word ‘encouragement’ for love. This is the well thought out encouragement that allows the students to feel accepted and capable of improving. When you foster this atmosphere in your public speaking group, you set the stage for success.
It doesn’t matter what qualities your speakers have. Each one will have strengths and weaknesses. Rather than targeting the weaknesses, focus on the good. Everyone has a strength. What can you build on? Are they well prepared? Do they seem sincere? Do they have a nice voice? Or, is there a quality you wouldn’t consider a strength at first glance? Take another look at what might be considered an asset.
“You speak in a monotone” can become “You have a nice steady delivery.”
“You never move around on stage.” can become “You promote trustworthiness and authority by standing still.”
Use this as a starting point. Look at the speaker that never varies their vocal delivery. What are they doing right? They’re delivering the speech! They’re up there getting it done. Don’t take anything away from what they’re already accomplishing. Ask them to build on what they have. Suggest putting a mark or two on their notes where they might whisper or speak louder. No big overwhelming changes. Just one whispered line in their next speech. It’s a starting point.
And for your speaker frozen in one spot? Look at what they’re doing right. Again, if nothing else, they’re at least up there trying. Granted, you don’t want them to stand in one spot for the rest of their speaking career. But once you love/encourage the behavior and frame standing still as a strength, you can show them how to use it well.
“I love how you can stand still and talk to your audience.”
Now insert something genuine here that fits their personality. Maybe it makes them seem sincere. Maybe they don’t fidget or use too many notes. Maybe they look around, have a nice voice, and are well prepared. Now, return to the ‘strength’ and encourage them to use it to their advantage.
“In the middle of your speech, I want you to take a few steps and move over here. You are so good at projecting sincerity by standing strong. That alone keeps your audience interested, but I think you can engage them even more by moving to a new spot to emphasize the point you are trying to make. Audiences respond not just to what they’re hearing, but movement as well. Add that to your ability to stand your ground and you will really make an impact.”
Every single one of us responds to praise and encouragement better than criticism.
To review, this is a 3 step process:
1. Recognize a current public speaking behavior.
2. Explain why it’s a strength (love/encourage it).
3. Tell how to use it to be more effective.
Then sit back, watch them do it, and applaud. Or, in many cases, watch them go up with every intention of accomplishing this simple goal and… forget! Don’t be surprised if this happens. There are so many things to think about while you’re up on stage. Not a big deal.
“Let It Be.”
Simply congratulate them on their speech and encourage them to try to work it in next time. Because there’s always a next time.
We don’t think our youth public speakers need 10 thousand hours of practice to become world class as suggested by Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outliers”.
All they need is love, plus the consistent regular practice afforded by your awesome youth public speaking group.
We encourage you to find something to love about each and every one of your speakers. Shine a light on their talents. Understand that almost everything can be reframed as a strength. Then work with them to use their unique gifts and “make it better” (Hey Jude).
What are your thoughts on how you encourage your speakers? We’d love to hear them, along with any relevant song lyrics!