{
  "id": 15235490,
  "title": "Speaking better",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/speaking-better",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-17T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/10/18/2563882/speaking-better"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "French playwright Marcel Achard once shared a humorous observation about public speakers: \"When I give a lecture, I accept that people look at their watches. What I do not tolerate is when they look at the watch and raise it to their ear to find out if it has stopped.\" Today, people communicate with their phones. In the middle of a presentation, when the audience starts scrolling through social media, the speaker has lost them. Often, people ask for advice on becoming a better speaker. While the author does not consider themselves an expert, they have observed many great speakers, studied various sources, and spent years addressing large groups. They have learned that public speaking is one of the greatest fears people face, but with the right approach, anyone can improve. The first step is to confront that fear; the second is to understand that speaking well is not a one-time event. Becoming a great speaker requires practice, patience, and a commitment to self-improvement. Every speaker experiences off days. During a lecture series, a poor speaker droned on for 10 minutes, leaving only one person in the audience. The speaker paused and asked that individual why they stayed until the end. The answer was simple: \"I'm the next speaker.\" Failing is a common part of the journey, but those who embrace failure and learn from it grow stronger. Sometimes, it's not about adding new skills, but about removing bad habits that hinder effective communication. To enhance your speaking abilities, consider these tips: Keep it simple and natural, speaking like you would to a friend, maintain eye contact, avoid distracting hand gestures and repetitive filler words like \"um\" and \"ah.\" Show conviction in your message; if you believe in what you're saying, your audience will too. Exude confidence – the person with the microphone holds authority. Connect with your audience early in the presentation to capture their attention. Engage them through questions, audience participation, or using tools like chat or polls, especially in virtual settings. Organize your material with a clear, logical flow. Tell stories instead of merely presenting facts; stories resonate more deeply. Ensure every element in your presentation serves a purpose. Be mindful of distracting habits, such as ending every sentence with a question. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement. Know your content inside and out so you can deliver your message even if technology fails. Preparation is key to reducing nervousness. Lastly, never exceed the allotted time; respect the schedule set by the organizers. While technique can clarify a message, true impact comes from sincerity. While Jesus Christ may not have had modern technology, his simple, heartfelt messages continue to inspire millions. The author concludes by inviting readers to attend a seminar, \"The Winning Edge,\" focused on personal growth, leadership, and confidence, designed for those aspiring to take on greater responsibilities.",
  "summary": "French playwright Marcel Achard once said, “When I give a lecture, I accept that people look at their watches.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}