The Paradox of Public Speaking

It is a paradox of sorts, but within the context of Toastmasters, public speaking is not a competition, even though we have speech contests.  It is about being an effective communicator.  It is not about “winning”.  People who win speech contests are not necessarily the best speakers; they were the ones who impressed the judges most, at that time, and were not disqualified.  This is their elevation, and we celebrate their triumphs, and learn from them.  It does not make the others out to be losers, since the experience is itself the reward.  They had the courage to step up, and better themselves.

One of the secrets to crafting a speech that resonates is to understand that while we speak as ourselves, we channel others.  The very nature of rhetoric is to take the pulse of the audience, and put their feelings eloquently in words, in a coherent phrase, in a cogent argument.  A good speaker speaks with passion, and compassion, on issues that matter to others, and make it in their interest to listen.  A good speech is all about the “other”, not us.  The speaker channels the persona of the audience, and voices their concerns, their fears, their triumphs.  He is more than just a speaker then, but a spokesperson, an orator, a rhetorician.

At the same time, it is important that the speaker have his own convictions, and stand by them.  We cannot prostitute our values for the approval of others, and sell our integrity for a fleeting moment of validation.  The good speaker channels the crowd, but according to the prism of his own values.  That may mean arguing for, or against, a position.  It is the subtle understanding that there is a distinct dichotomy between what people want, and what they think they want.  As such, rhetoric is inherently an exercise of leadership, and there is no leadership without some form of moral authority.

A good speaker is known, not just by words, but by values, and action.  This is what the Pathway programme in Toastmasters is about.  One has no authority to speak, if there is no courage to act, and no conviction to believe.  This is that journey of being better than we are, a part of something greater, and not apart.  It is not a sojourn, or a soliloquy.  It is a community.