Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, share their experiences with public speaking. They tackle the common fear of speaking and recount their early challenges. David reveals his preferred delivery style, while Jason emphasizes the power of authenticity over meticulous preparation. They highlight the joy of improvisation and how it can enhance engagement. Through examples of impactful speakers, they stress the importance of being genuine to connect with audiences.
Confidence in public speaking stems from knowing your material and selecting topics that resonate personally.
Adopting a less structured, improvisational style allows for genuine connections with the audience and enhances self-expression.
Deep dives
The Importance of Believing in Your Material
Public speaking can be daunting, particularly when speakers lack confidence in their material. When individuals are asked to present on topics they do not fully understand or believe in, their anxiety increases, making the experience uncomfortable. A speaker who genuinely knows their material and feels passionate about it tends to deliver with greater ease and confidence, as exemplified by the early experiences shared during the discussion. This connection between confidence and knowledge underscores the necessity for presenters to choose topics they resonate with personally.
Embracing Improvisation in Public Speaking
Many speakers find that a freeform approach, without extensive preparation, allows for more genuine and engaging presentations. This improvisational style can lead to unexpected insights and unique ideas that might not surface during traditional, scripted talks. Both speakers discussed their preferences for a less structured format, emphasizing a connection to the audience and authentic self-expression. By treating public speaking more like a conversation rather than a choreographed performance, presenters can convey their thoughts more naturally and effectively.
Observing and Learning from Great Speakers
Effective public speaking often involves observing and learning from established figures in the field. The speakers highlighted how authenticity and presence can enhance relatability, making audiences more receptive to their messages. Notably, they referenced the compelling styles of Gary Vaynerchuk and Jim Rohn, whose mastery of pacing and delivery create lasting impressions. By identifying qualities that resonate within great speakers, aspiring presenters can incorporate similar techniques while remaining true to their own individual style.
It's been reported that up to 75% of the population has a fear of public speaking. This week, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, recount some of their previous speaking engagements and share a few tips for building the skill. They discuss the styles of successful speakers and their thoughts on being over prepared.
Key Takeaways:
00:47 - Jason recalls his first speaking gig
02:30 - David shares his preferred style of delivering a talk
06:48 - Preparing for talks, podcasts, and Q&A sessions
08:15 - Preparing for keynote speeches and speaking with authenticity
13:05 - Examples of great public speakers who are authentically themselves on stage
14:43 - Being comfortable improvising a bit on stage