What’s the best speaking tip you’ve ever received?

I once stood in front of an audience, supposedly playing a wealthy socialite with stage fright that made me feel exposed. 

I might as well have been naked. 

In fact, before that performance I had a dream that I was!

So when people say they are afraid of public speaking. I get it. 

After teaching and coaching hundreds of people, here are the 5 lessons I’ve learned about public speaking:

 1. The audience isn’t your enemy—they’re your ally.

 2. Jargon is just a polite way to lose attention.

 3. Pausing mid-sentence doesn’t have to be awkward—it could be powerful.

 4. A story is worth a thousand slides. (Because more slides does not mean more time!)

 5. The best speakers focus less on perfection and more on authenticity.

What’s the best speaking tip you’ve ever received? Let’s share!