Mastering the Art of Public Speaking
Spring and Summer bring many things – warmer weather, longer days, and for those of us in the local government world, a flurry of conferences. Whether it’s the Cal Cities Local Leaders, the Contract Cities Annual Municipal Seminar, or the Southern California Association of Governments, the next few months will be packed with opportunities to connect, learn and showcase your agency’s leadership. What better way to do that than S.P.E.A.K.?!
Being an effective public speaker is no longer optional. It’s essential to stand out apart from all the noise. At conferences, you’re not just representing your city, district or agency – you’re representing your values: transparency, service and good governance. Whether you’re speaking on a panel, presenting a new project or simply introducing yourself in a breakout session, every interaction shapes how others perceive you and your organization.
Here’s a reminder of how you can S.P.E.A.K. to impress your audience:
S: Surprise them! In a room full of competing voices and breakout sessions, you have seconds – not minutes – to make an impression. A clear, confident speaker commands attention and sets the tone for how seriously their ideas are taken. Share stories that grab their attention.
P: Practice and prepare to demonstrate that you actually care about your audience. It’s an opportunity to show your passion and purpose behind a project while also taking into consideration why THEY should care about it.
E: Use emotion to support your claims. This isn’t a boring staff report – it’s an opportunity to appeal to your audience. Even the most groundbreaking project can get lost if it’s delivered in a monotone or technical way. Audiences remember stories, emotion and energy far more than bullet points on a screen.
A: Adapt to the circumstances at hand. Whether you’re speaking at a conference during a public crisis like a pandemic or natural disaster, or simply following a high-profile speaker on stage, it’s wise to acknowledge your surroundings. Doing so shows emotional intelligence, builds rapport, and signals that you’re tuned into the moment—not just delivering a canned speech.
K: Know your audience. Understanding who you’re speaking to allows you to tailor your message for maximum impact. Whether it’s city managers, public works directors or elected officials, the more you know about them, the more effectively you can connect with them.
At Tripepi Smith, we believe the strongest public servants aren’t just experts – they’re communicators. As you head into conference season, remember that every handshake, every panel and every presentation is an opportunity to S.P.E.A.K. and tell your agency’s story in a meaningful and memorable way – with your voice!
For more information on best practices for Communications, visit our website.