The Occupational Safety Leadership Podcast Episode 277 - Public Speaking and Occupational Safety
Dr. Ayers speaks directly to his younger self about the importance of public speaking as a safety professional. His central theme is simple but powerful: Avoiding public speaking limits your impact, your opportunities, and your ability to influence safety culture.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Public Speaking Is a Critical Safety Skill-
Communicating safety effectively requires clarity, confidence, and presence.
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Speaking to groups—large or small—is one of the most effective ways to spread the safety message.
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Safety leaders who avoid public speaking miss opportunities to educate, influence, and build trust.
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Dr. Ayers reflects on how he dodged public speaking early in his career.
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He believes this avoidance cost him meaningful opportunities to grow and help others.
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His message to his younger self: don’t hide from discomfort—lean into it.
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Public speaking becomes easier with practice.
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Even small opportunities—toolbox talks, shift meetings, committee updates—build skill and confidence.
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The more you speak, the more effective you become as a safety leader.
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When safety professionals speak well, employees listen.
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Clear communication reduces confusion, increases buy‑in, and improves hazard awareness.
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Speaking up is part of modeling the behavior you want from others.