How to speak with confidence | Jonathan Li | TEDxHongKongLive

Summary

This inspiring speech recounts the journey of a young man, Jonathan, who overcame his fear of public speaking. Initially terrified and insecure, he struggled through a speaking competition but eventually found the courage to pursue his dreams. Through determination and hard work, he honed his speaking skills, won a major competition, and later taught business leaders to speak with confidence. His system, 'Prepare, Practice, Perform,' emphasizes the importance of preparation, coaching, and effective delivery. Jonathan's story highlights how overcoming fear and investing in self-improvement can lead to success and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Overcoming fear of public speaking is a process that takes time and dedication.
• 😀 Preparation is key to success—craft a clear message and make it memorable.
• 😀 Personal stories can help make a speech more relatable and engaging for the audience.
• 😀 Investing in coaching can significantly improve public speaking skills and build confidence.
• 😀 Consistent practice, especially with professional coaches, helps refine voice and delivery.
• 😀 A powerful voice and clear articulation are essential for making an impact as a speaker.
• 😀 Focusing on serving the audience rather than focusing on your nerves helps build confidence.
• 😀 Picture speaking to a group of friends to reduce anxiety and perform with confidence.
• 😀 Treat every speaking engagement as an opportunity to connect and serve the audience.
• 😀 The 'Expressive Leader System' consists of three steps: Prepare, Practice, Perform, which can help anyone become a confident speaker.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Jonathan's journey in the script?

The main theme is overcoming the fear of public speaking and developing the confidence to speak effectively in front of an audience.

What was Jonathan’s first major speaking experience, and how did he feel about it?

Jonathan's first major speaking experience was a competition where he had to speak in front of 30 people. He felt nervous and terrified, unsure of what to say and fearing embarrassment.

How did Jonathan prepare for the Hong Kong English Speaking Competition?

Jonathan prepared by reading books on public speaking, watching TED talks, and working with coaches. He also focused on repeating the mantra 'I can do it' to build his confidence.

What role did Patricia, Jonathan's coach, play in his preparation?

Patricia helped Jonathan focus on his message by asking him a crucial question: 'If you could have one sentence instead of the entire talk, what would you say?' This helped him clarify his core message.

What was the key message that Jonathan wanted to convey in his speeches?

The key message was 'Go for your dreams and never give up,' which Jonathan used as the foundation of his speeches.

What was the outcome of Jonathan’s participation in the Hong Kong English Speaking Competition?

Jonathan won the competition, beating 3,000 contestants, and this success helped him gain the confidence needed to pursue his dream of speaking at TEDx Hong Kong.

How does Jonathan suggest one should practice for public speaking?

Jonathan recommends practicing with coaching, as research shows that investing in coaching leads to greater improvements in speaking skills. He himself worked with a voice coach to overcome his fear and develop a powerful voice.

What important lesson did Jonathan learn about speaking to an audience?

Jonathan learned that the audience wants him to succeed and that focusing on serving the audience rather than on personal fears can lead to a more effective and engaging presentation.

What is the 'Expressive Leader System,' and how is it used to improve public speaking?

The 'Expressive Leader System' is a method Jonathan developed that focuses on three steps: Prepare, Practice, and Perform. These steps help speakers gain confidence and communicate effectively by focusing on their message, practicing with coaching, and engaging with the audience.

What advice does Jonathan give for dealing with nervousness while speaking?

Jonathan advises picturing yourself speaking to friends in a relaxed environment. This helps reduce nervousness, increase confidence, and make the speech feel more natural and engaging.