The best public speakers aren’t naturals.
They’re cheaters.
And I stole their playbook:
After studying the world’s best,
I discovered their formula:
A cheat-code of tiny habits
that win over any audience.
The secret isn’t always in what they say.
It’s in what they do.
Here are the 8 quiet traits of world-class speakers:
1/ Entering The Room
↳ No rushing – slow, deliberate movements to inspire confidence.
↳ Calmness shows you’ve done it before.
2/ Managing Your Hands
↳ Use them to create energy.
↳ Hold hands together loosely at belly button level when not using them.
3/ Starting Your Presentation
↳ Open strong to get people hooked – surprising stat, emotional story.
↳ Read the room – change the energy when people start checking phone.
4/ Creating Slides
↳ Use your presentation merely as a visual aid.
↳ Put no more than 10 words per slide.
5/ Tech Issues
↳ Be ready for unexpected situations – prepare a backup.
↳ Have a joke ready like: “Looks like Zoom is staging a rebellion!”
6/ Presenting Data
↳ Prepare stories early on to discuss raw data.
↳ Eg. “That’s like filling Madison Square Garden three times over.”
7/ Delivering Your Key Point
↳ After making a point, pause. Let it land.
↳ People remember what they sit with.
8/ Answering Questions
↳ No “um,” “like,” or “you know.” They weaken your words.
↳ Prepare likely & tricky questions beforehand.
BONUS: Handling Interruptions
↳ Redirect interruptions with “Let’s address that during Q&A.”
↳ Every interruption weakens your momentum.
The secret?
Slow down – move and speak 10% slower than you would naturally.
Calmness makes you confident.
Kenrick Vaz 