7 traits of famous public speakers

When it comes to public speaking, there’s a misconception that great speakers are simply born with a gift.

The truth?

They’ve developed skills and strategies that anyone can replicate.

In this article, I’m breaking down the seven traits that make famous orators so captivating - and showing you how to adopt them in your own presentations using real-world examples from some of the world’s best speakers.

1. Master storytelling like Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs didn’t just present products - he told stories that made them irresistible. Whether it was unveiling the first iPhone or announcing new software updates, Jobs painted vivid pictures of how Apple products would change users’ lives.

Action Step:

• When preparing your presentation, identify a core message and build a story around it. Think about the problem, the struggle, and the solution. Frame it in a way that your audience sees themselves in that journey.

Example:

• If you’re pitching a new marketing strategy, start with a story about how your previous approach didn’t work, the negative impact it had, and how you found a solution that led to increased engagement and sales.

Pro Tip:

• Watch Steve Jobs’ iPhone 2007 keynote to see how he seamlessly weaves storytelling into every aspect of his presentation.

2. Own the stage like Oprah Winfrey

Oprah has the unique ability to command a room with her presence. She’s warm, relatable, and speaks with a blend of confidence and humility that draws people in. She doesn’t rush through her words or shy away from silence - she uses it all to her advantage.

Action Step:

• Practise speaking slower than feels natural and include deliberate pauses. Use your hands to emphasise key points, but avoid overusing gestures. Practise grounding yourself in one place rather than pacing around.

Example:

• Before your next presentation, record yourself speaking and pay attention to how often you move or how quickly you talk. Then, try the same presentation but intentionally slow down, maintain eye contact, and use silence to let points sink in.

Pro Tip:

• Watch Oprah’s “You are enough” speech at Stanford University and note how she uses pauses and tone changes to draw people in.

3. Communicate clearly like Simon Sinek

When Simon Sinek gave his iconic TED Talk “Start With Why,” he used simple language and a clear structure. His message wasn’t wrapped in complex jargon or over-technical terms, which made it easy for anyone to grasp and remember.

Action Step:

• Before delivering a message, write it out in a few sentences and ask yourself: “Could a 12-year-old understand this?” Strip away any jargon, and focus on clarity. Aim to make your point as simply as possible.

Example:

• If you’re explaining a new business strategy, don’t get lost in financial terms or industry buzzwords. Instead, start with: “We’re doing this because it’ll save us time, save us money, and make our customers happier.”

Pro Tip:

• Re-watch Sinek’s TED Talk and see how he explains the concept of “why” using simple diagrams and straightforward language.

4. Adapt to your audience like Barack Obama

Obama is known for his ability to connect with a wide range of audiences - from world leaders to schoolchildren. He adjusts his tone, style, and even the content of his speech based on who he’s talking to.

Action Step:

• Research your audience before any presentation. Understand their pain points, challenges, and interests. During your talk, pay attention to their reactions. If they seem disengaged, shift your tone, ask a question, or bring in a relevant anecdote to re-engage them.

Example:

• If you’re speaking to a team of senior executives, focus on strategy and results. But if you’re speaking to a group of new employees, bring in more relatable stories and practical advice they can implement immediately.

Pro Tip:

• Watch Obama’s farewell speech and notice how he modulates his tone and style to convey urgency, gratitude, and resolve, all based on how the audience reacts.

5. Leverage non-verbal cues like Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama’s body language is a masterclass in non-verbal communication. She uses her hands, facial expressions, and posture to reinforce her message, whether she’s delivering a serious point or sharing a light-hearted story.

Action Step:

• Practise delivering your speech in front of a mirror without speaking. Focus on using your hands and facial expressions to convey different emotions and points. Then, add your voice back in and see how your non-verbal cues align with your words.

Example:

• If you’re making a bold statement, stand tall, use an open posture, and maintain strong eye contact. If you’re delivering a personal story, soften your facial expression and use more relaxed gestures.

Pro Tip:

• Watch Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention 2016. Observe how she uses her hands and body language to emphasise key points, making her delivery even more powerful.

6. Use emotional intelligence like Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins can read the energy of a room and shift his delivery accordingly. He knows when to ramp up the intensity, when to soften his tone, and when to include audience participation. His emotional intelligence allows him to keep audiences engaged, no matter the size.

Action Step:

• Before your presentation, plan for different scenarios. If the audience seems disinterested, how will you bring them back in? If they’re energised, how will you keep that momentum going?

Example:

• If you’re presenting a complex idea and notice people glazing over, pause and ask a question that invites them to share their own thoughts. This brings them back into the conversation and shows you’re attentive to their response.

Pro Tip:

• Watch Tony Robbins in action at his live events. Notice how he reads the room and adapts his delivery on the spot based on the audience’s reaction.

7. Be authentic and vulnerable like Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s TED Talks on vulnerability resonate deeply because she’s willing to show her imperfections and talk about her struggles. She connects with audiences by sharing her fears and flaws, making her message more relatable and powerful.

Action Step:

• Think of a moment where you struggled or failed and what you learned from it. Share this story in your presentation. Be honest and show how it shaped you - this authenticity will make your message more powerful.

Example:

• Instead of sharing only your successes, talk about a time when you made a mistake, what it taught you, and how it ultimately led to a breakthrough. Audiences connect more with real human experiences than polished perfection.

Pro Tip:

• Watch Brené Brown’s TED Talk on vulnerability and notice how she balances sharing her personal struggles with insights and actionable advice.

By studying these traits and examples from some of the best public speakers, you can start to integrate these strategies into your own speaking style.

Whether you’re on stage, in a meeting, or hosting a webinar, these traits will help you communicate more effectively, connect more deeply, and leave a lasting impression.

Now go out there and own the stage!