What Politicians and My Pastor Can Teach You about Public Speaking
Public speaking is a lost art. Therefore, it was both breathtaking and beautiful to watch Kamala Harris deliver her DNC speech, and formally accept the party’s nomination for president. She held everyone’s attention in the room and viewers watching on TV screens, laptops, and smartphones couldn’t look away.
She masterfully commanded the stage and connected with viewers by peppering in personal stories and laid out policy proposals.
She looked presidential.
This got me thinking more and more about public speaking and what it takes to be a good orator who not only informs, but inspires people and audiences to take action.
And when I thought about what career path requires more public speaking than professors and politicians, the only career I could think of was a pastor or another religious leader.
So, each Sunday, I drive to eChurch - Everybody’s Church in Landover, Maryland to hear Bishop Damon Parran deliver the good Word in-person. Even though the sermon is offered virtually – like the people who attended the DNC in-person – we know there’s a palpable power that’s only felt within the room.
And, my pastor is an entrepreneur AND pastor, so once the regular weekly to-dos are done, his standing weekly item is: Deliver an inspiring sermon that directly connects back to the text in the Bible, and has a universal message.
Below are three public speaking takeaways I’ve observed from my pastor that can take your presentation skills to the next level.
Think Universal! – First impressions are everything and you want to make your words count. As you develop your presentation, build it around a universal theme/hook that anyone can relate to regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or geographic location.
For example, if your speech was about persistence, you could center your points around imagery about learning how to ride a bike. Wobbly and unsteady at first, until you found your footing to ride free. Regardless of who you’re speaking to, most people can recall what it was like to learn how to ride a bike.
And now that you have their attention, they’re more likely to listen intently to what else you have to say.
Universal themes are relatable and help hook your audience. Now that you’ve got their attention, create a powerful ‘call to action’ to activate them.
Get Personal – Every public speaker should inject personal stories and examples into their remarks to give it some life.
For example, during sermons, my pastor regularly incorporates personal stories and mistakes he’s made because it’s important for the congregation to remember he’s human. Yes, he’s saved and holy, but holy doesn’t mean perfect. And displaying this humility can help drive people to the pews.
And, we saw Kamala Harris tell her personal story to America during the DNC as she provided viewers a window seat into her upbringing as a biracial woman from a blended family:
“The middle class is where I come from,” she said. “My mother kept a strict budget. We lived within our means. Yet, we wanted for little. And she expected us to make the most of the opportunities that were available to us.”
It’s important for people to see themselves in Kamala’s personal story versus viewing her only as a presidential candidate. This distinction and connection will help drive people to the polls to vote for her.
Bottom line - Personal stories require vulnerability and can help you connect with your audience.
Cite Your Sources – Now it’s time to get to brass tacks. Inspiration is great, but we need facts. So, in the case of my pastor, every sermon is based on the word of God and can be traced back to text in the Bible. And, because we follow world events, my pastor often cites reputable news sources during sermons to further illustrate other points.
For example, the theme of a past sermon was, “Compassion will put you in places that may cost you.” And, it was connected back to scripture Luke 10:25-27 about God’s love. Most people have helped someone at some point in their life. And in some cases, you can recall being extremely inconvenienced, but you still went out of your way to help that person anyway.
The sermon came together nicely and holds a critical standard when it’s based on God’s word from the Bible.
In comparison, while there was no denying the excitement about Kamala Harris speaking at the DNC, everyone was patiently waiting to finally hear the nuances of her economic policy agenda. (Remember, brass tacks, people!)
And, it was largely popular and well received as the platform focuses on policies aimed at cutting Americans' living costs, primarily for housing, health care, and food. With the presidential debate scheduled for September 10, Kamala Harris should continue laying out her economic policy agenda and other policy platforms, so people are clear about what’s at stake.
Remember - Citing your sources helps strengthen your argument and influence.
Finally, even though events can go virtual – and at one point, we had no choice – in-person entertainment, conferences, conventions, and concerts will remain because nothing replaces in-person connection and the energy people feel when they experience a shared moment. Again, just ask anyone who was in the room during the DNC!
Can I get an Amen? What was your favorite public speaking tip?
Before I go, here’s what I’m thinking about:
Podcast I’m listening to: “A Slight Change of Plans with Maya Shankar: Olympian Gabby Thomas on Choosing Happiness”
Since we have four years until the next Olympics: “Top 10 Olympic Takeaways that are Applicable to Life and Business”
Quote I’m pondering: “You have to decide who you are and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you.” ~ James Baldwin
