I can think of a number of speakers over the years that have influenced my in profound ways. I think it’s important, as the text says, to understand whom you’re speaking to, however, when someone like the President of the United States speaks it is impossible to understand/craft a perfectly tailored speech. One person that I thought was a profound speaker was Michael Pollan. He spoke on the Stanford campus a year or so ago about the nature of what we eat, and the long-term effects it has on the planet, our bodies, and our communities. He was so passionate and well spoken that I found myself drawn to his every word.
One of the worst speakers I’ve had the opportunity to hear was a stand up comedian of all people. Here is a person that speaks to audiences for a living, and in the heart of San Francisco he thought it would be a great idea to crack jokes about homosexuals. Not only that, I would swear he was under the influence of something.
Timing, understanding the audience, passion, and a firm understanding about the subject are all things I think assist in a great speech.
Journey,
ReplyDeleteMichael Pollan is an excellent example of an influential speaker (as well as an influential writer!) Whenever I hear him speak, it is very memorable, and I will often hear him in my head long after that, while I’m at the grocery store, or choosing a restaurant. Pollan has mastered the art of appealing to our different senses. While he doesn’t blatantly use fear, he does leave his listener concerned, and perhaps somewhat disturbed. I think Pollan is influential to so many because of what you mentioned; he discusses effects on our planets, communities and bodies. By discussing all three, he has a better shot at influencing more of his listeners. A listener may not care about all of those reasons, but chances are, they will be concerned with at least one.
Journey,
ReplyDeleteYour choice of Michael Pollan is an excellent choice of an influential speaker / writer. He is a powerful and passionate speaker. His speech really captures the audience and resonates long after he leaves. Not many people have a natural talent to get the message across and have people really understand what it is and start thinking for themselves. I have read two of his books, The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food. As a mother I am very conscientious of what my children consume and have always tried to ensure they eat more organic food and be more conscious of their environment.
I am very happy you mentioned passion. Being able to witness passion within another person is key to a great speaker. Words are just Words without substance, being passionate gives a sense of credibility from the speaker to the audience. It is amazing how some people just have that niche for being great speakers, like they were created to spread the word. I hope speaking is not only an innate concept but can be improved with practice.
ReplyDeleteI feel very awkward when some individuals try to be prejudice to try to get a laugh, sometimes it is just not the time or the place for any racial or gay slurs.
I found your post very interesting. I completely agree that a speaker needs to understand who they are speaking to. It also makes a huge difference, as you said, when a speaker is passionate about what they are speaking about. Anyone can write something down and read it but it takes someone special to get the audience to almost "feel" what they are saying.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately there aren't too many of those speakers out there so we need to take advantage of them when we have the chance.
I had never heard of Michael Pollan but now, thanks to your post, I am interested in finding out more about him.