We’ve all had a moment when we’ve been awed by a great speaker. They inspire and energize everyone listening. History is full of great leaders who have commanded audiences and brought them to their feet or their knees. Having a role model is a great way to improve your communication style and emulate what you love most about their presence and their communication. It may be as simple as the way they stand or as nuanced as how they use their voice to captivate.
Great communicators have many things in common. They are confident, convicted about what they are sharing, and have a way of connecting with their audiences. Three such communicators are Winston Churchill, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Oprah Winfrey. Let’s take a look at what makes them so dynamic.
Winston Churchill is the famous British prime minister who lead his country through World War II. He is known for his compelling speeches and unwavering faith in his country which made him an exceptionally influential. It is said that Churchill purposefully crafted his speeches in such a way that they almost felt melodic. He used his voice to create a compelling and musical rhythm. Those who studied his speaking style indicate that he chose his words very intentionally and crafted the sentences together to create a collective message designed to move the audience in a specific direction.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American civil rights activist and preacher. He is most notable for his I Have a Dream speech given in 1963. Dr. King was a compelling figure who had a way of making his audiences feel as though they were in an intimate conversation. It is said that Dr. King didn’t memorize his speeches and give them verbatim, rather he had a script but didn’t read it. He preferred to speak from the heart and draw the audience in. He was considered to be very high energy and could read the room, knowing how to raise the collective interest of those attending.
Oprah Winfrey is best known as an American television personality, though over time her legacy is expanding well past that of talk show host. She is now one of the richest and most influential women in the United States. Winfrey is said to not have notes when she speaks. She uses memorization to be mindful of the content she is presenting. She has a powerful way to connect with her audiences and often allowed herself to show any emotion she was feeling, making her very relatable to her audiences. She has a casual style that puts people at ease which includes interviews and speaking from a seated position.
Churchill, Dr. King, and Ms. Winfrey all have unique and dynamic speaking styles. There’s something to be learned and emulated by each of them. Being a great communicator can make a huge impact in your home, your community and the world. While you may not be compelled to lead a nation, fight for civil rights, or impact the world through television, you can be a dynamic and compelling speaker simply by paying attention to speakers who draw you in.
