What makes an airline really good? And what can it possibly teach us about public speaking?
I’m at the airport, following my usual routine. It’s almost time for my flight’s gate number to be announced. I pay the toilet a quick visit (a crucial pre-boarding ritual), then grab something to eat and make my way to the gate with my takeaway bag in hand.
The gate number is now on the screen. No panic—I have plenty of time. But when I get there, I’m confused. Nobody’s around. Is the flight empty? That seems the only plausible explanation. Usually, I get to the gate and end up waiting. The plane has often not even arrived from its previous destination—or worse, hasn’t even left it.
I walk past the airline desk and onto the plane. What I see next is even more perplexing: everyone is already seated. I sit down, still unsure how this has happened.
Moments later, the pilot announces that boarding is complete and this Ryanair flight to Dublin is expected to depart on time. In the end, it’s airborne a few minutes early.
This was my first time flying Ryanair.
I’d always heard about the “budget” element—the no-frills, no-service, tray-less seats kind of experience. And yes, it was all of that. Even for a short-haul flight, they were offering the bare minimum.
But here’s the thing: they did one simple thing, and they did it exceptionally well. They got me—and everyone else—to Dublin on time. In fact, ahead of time.
For someone used to delays, gate changes, and the sight of an empty stand where the plane should be, this was a refreshing change. By nailing the basics, Ryanair delivered exceptional service and left a lasting impression.
I’ll go as far as to say: it has become my favourite airline.
Now here’s the leap—and it’s not a big one: public speaking works the same way.
Do the basics well. Keep things simple. Nail your delivery. That’s how you make a strong impression.
Here’s how the Ryanair philosophy can elevate your public speaking:
- Simplify your language
Public speaking isn’t about using fancy words. It’s about connecting. The larger the audience, the greater the diversity of background, expertise, and language fluency. To reach everyone, strip away complexity. Speak simply. - Simplify your slides
Smart people often fall into the trap of proving their brilliance via densely packed charts and walls of text. Don’t. Your slides are not the star of the show—you are. Use clean visuals that support your point, not ones that leave your audience squinting and scratching their heads. - Say fewer things
Experts often want to share everything they know. But more information doesn’t equal more impact. Great speakers identify the few essential messages that matter—and deliver them with clarity and conviction.
Ryanair knows that the goal of an hour-long flight is simple: get passengers from A to B safely and on time. That’s it. They don’t waste time—or space—on buffet trolleys or unnecessary frills. No trays behind the seats? Who cares, if you land early?
They know what matters, and they deliver.
As public speakers, we must do the same. Know why you’re there. What’s the one thing your audience must remember? Are you delivering that message? Or are you getting lost in fancy slides and overloaded presentations?
Keep it simple. Focus on what matters. And you might just become someone’s favourite speaker.