The secret to overcoming nervousness is “don’t put on airs; be a little goofy”
- Nervousness is inevitable; the key is knowing how to overcome it
- Think of yourself as a nobody; don’t act superior or lecture others
- When facing a “big shot,” take the initiative to lie down on the ground—the lower your posture, the steadier your center of gravity
Be good at poking fun at yourself rather than bragging
- People don’t like watching clever people show off their cleverness; they like people who are straightforward, a little silly, and a little awkward
- You can’t fake an attitude of poking fun at yourself; you have to be humble at heart
- People with flaws are the ones who feel real
Three opening techniques to put the audience at ease
- Tell a joke at your own expense to connect with the audience
- 2. “Roast” your friends—which is really a way of praising them. Make the criticism sound sincere but mean it as praise, and be careful not to go too far or make personal attacks
- If you can’t poke fun at yourself or praise others, you can still “introduce” the next speaker
Keep the content concise; ideally, make three points
- If all else fails, you can use 1-2-3-3-3-3-3
- Don’t expect the audience to fill in the gaps themselves; help everyone summarize the key points
- After discussing the “branches” and “leaves,” return to the “trunk”—the structure may be loose, but the central idea should remain intact
- The audience won't remember the details. If they remember your points and stories, you've succeeded.
Pair each point with a story. Talk more about setbacks and less about legendary achievements.
- Tell your own stories whenever possible—they're more relatable.
- Keep your descriptions plain and straightforward. Avoid flowery sentiment and theatrics.
- Retell stories in your own words—it makes it easier to speak without a script.
Tell the truth, be honest, and speak like a normal person.
- Heartfelt, honest words move people more than any polished rhetoric.
- Tell your story in the simplest language, like an elementary school essay that anyone can understand.
- Give your audience credit—they can tell empty talk from genuine words.
One minute on stage takes ten years of practice behind the scenes.
- The best speeches sound off the cuff but are meticulously prepared.
- If speaking isn't your strength or your memory is poor, you can use a teleprompter.
- Not reading from a script doesn't mean not preparing in advance.
Spend less time on grand narratives, especially when speaking to startup founders and business leaders.
- Grand narratives don't solve problems. Focus on the small, specific details and offer concrete advice.
- Persuasiveness comes mainly from logic and data.
Look at your audience. Go from looking past people to truly seeing them.
- Choose someone in the audience and make eye contact. Their nods or smiles will encourage you.
- Sometimes you can arrange for a plant in the audience.
- If all else fails, tell the audience sincerely: Could you please look at me with admiration and give me a little encouragement?
There are two more ways to interact, and you need to watch how the audience responds.
- Ask the audience questions, and explore and discuss them together.
- Make jokes using an imaginary audience member.
- If the audience starts checking their phones, crack a joke or wrap up the topic quickly.
Mistakes are normal. Have a thick skin, but also acknowledge your mistakes sincerely.
- As long as you're not embarrassed, someone else will be.
- Everyone likes a candid young person who occasionally makes mistakes.
- Sincerity and a thick skin are also the keys to handling unexpected situations.
Take the user's perspective: start with WHY, then WHAT, and spend less time on HOW.
- Don't get carried away with your own enthusiasm.
- Don't give a long, agonizing account of your history of struggle.
- Think from the audience's perspective, just as you would when building a product.
You need substance to be able to think on your feet
- Read more books, watch more stand-up comedy, and read more jokes
- Learn to tell jokes and develop a sense of humor, so you have something ready to defuse an awkward situation
There is no innate genius, only deliberate practice
- No one is born a public speaker; everyone needs repeated practice
- After every speech, gather positive and negative feedback, reflect on how it went, and keep improving
Learn to listen and become a good listener; learn from anyone, anytime, anywhere
- The Star-Absorbing Technique: Even with people you dislike, listen carefully, absorb their ideas, and put them to use
- Listening skills are important for public speaking
A heavy sword needs no sharp edge; great wisdom can seem like foolishness
- Speaking can involve technique, or no technique at all
- Don't put on airs or take yourself too seriously; be sincere and be yourself
- Reading, listening, and deliberate practice
- Mastery comes from work beyond the craft itself