As I prepare to take the stage, the event host does something unexpected. She introduces me, primes the audience for an interesting session, and then—out of nowhere—announces a 15-minute coffee break. An unscheduled one.
Coffee breaks are normal at conferences. Unscheduled ones? Not so much. I’m intrigued.
Moments later, the host finds me in the crowd. She confesses that she felt compelled to give the audience a break—to get some coffee and wake themselves up for my session—after what had just happened. I smile approvingly and tell her that works fine with me.
Truth be told, the previous session had almost put me to sleep too.
It was a panel discussion featuring two very experienced CEOs being interviewed on stage. Throughout the session, my colleague and I kept exchanging perplexed glances. The energy in the room had flatlined.
The CEOs spoke with such a lack of enthusiasm about their businesses that it was impossible for anyone else to be interested. They both had microphones, yet they were barely audible. At one point, one of them probably made a joke—but I wouldn’t know. Only a few people in the front row chuckled.
Worse still, they were in perfect sync. Maybe mirror neurons were at play, forcing one to match the other’s energy level. Or maybe they both just had the same communication style. Twins.
The effect was so profoundly dull that even the host couldn’t contain her candor with me.
And that’s the real tragedy. Both CEOs were obviously brilliant, highly accomplished professionals with a wealth of wisdom to share. But their communication skills were failing them. Their message wasn’t just weak—it was barely making it to the audience at all.
The Energy You Bring Matters
Energy is the fuel of public speaking. Without it, even the best ideas fall flat.
It’s easy to assume that energetic speakers are just naturally like that. “That’s their personality,” you might think. “I can’t talk like that—it wouldn’t feel like me.”
I say, just try.
Different situations demand different levels of energy. A casual lunch conversation with your partner requires a different energy than a high-stakes business pitch. Sure, some people find it easier than others, but here are two mindset shifts that will help:
- Be excited to be there. If you aren’t excited, why should anyone else be? Be sold on what you’re selling—whether it’s a product, a service, or an idea. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your voice, body language, and expressions. It’s contagious.
- Think from the audience’s perspective. When I take the stage, I never take my audience’s attention for granted. It’s my job to engage them and keep them engaged. Is every word I’m saying making them want to stay in the room? Or am I giving them reasons to mentally (or physically) check out?
Speaking Is a Service—Deliver It Well
Public speaking is a service business. Speakers serve their audience by delivering ideas that can change lives—big or small. And energy isn’t just a bonus; it’s the difference between being memorable and being forgettable.
So, bring the energy. Because what happens if you don’t? Well, the organisers might just have to schedule an emergency coffee break after your talk. And no one wants that.