by Steve Adubato, PhD
Some people are great public speakers because they know how to deliver a powerful message with passion and sincerity. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. is one of them. He is New Jersey's Secretary of State and an ordained minister who serves as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens - one of the fastest growing congregations in the nation. He is also an internationally renowned speaker, author, and advocate for at-risk youth. These positions give him many opportunities to make public speeches and to listen to many speeches - some of them awful, some terrific. At a recent seminar with a group of young adults from the Newark area on the importance of communication skills, I asked Secretary Soaries to explain the key to being a great communicator. Without hesitation, he responded, "passion and honesty."
by Steve Adubato, PhD
Colin Powell is clearly one of the greatest communicators of our time. That's not by accident. General Powell has made a commitment to be an effective and persuasive public speaker. Much of the success that the General has achieved in public life and most recently in business, is because of his superior communication skills. He is a much sought after and very highly paid motivational speaker.
by Steve Adubato, PhD
Professionals are often asked to moderate or facilitate panel discussions, seminars or conferences. Usually the result is pretty deadly. Most of these sessions wind up with panelist after panelist droning on well beyond their allotted time and an audience looking as if they are about to fall asleep. But it doesn't have to be this way.
by Steve Adubato, PhD
The most effective communicators make a human, personal connection with their audience. They use powerful personal stories, examples and anecdotes to support their message. They reach their audience on an emotional as well as an intellectual level. This is as true for one-on-one and small group conversations or negotiations, as it is for public speaking.