Speak Like You: The Secret to Authentic Public Speaking

Let’s Talk About Public Speaking

I used to think great speakers had to be perfect—polished, professional, practically scripted. So, I put on my “public speaking” mask. And while it worked on the surface, deep down I felt like a fraud.

Then I started experimenting. Less polish, more personality. More quirks, less corporate speak. And something shifted.

People started really listening.

Turns out, authenticity isn’t a weakness. It’s your best on-stage weapon.

Ditch Perfection. Embrace Presence.

Once, I shrieked on stage. Literally.

I was wrapping up an all-company meeting when I realized I’d forgotten something important. People were already halfway out of their seats when I yelled: “Noooo, wait! We’re not done yet!”

Nightmare? Years ago, I would have thought so.

But when I asked colleagues afterward, no one even mentioned the shriek. What they remembered was how I handled it. With what they called “grace” (I call it barely-contained chaos).

And that was the moment it clicked:

People don’t want perfection. They want the hooman version of you.

Learn from Others. Speak Like You.

When I first started presenting, I mimicked the speakers I admired. Same tone, same gestures, same jokes.

It never felt right.

The breakthrough came when I stopped copying and started adapting. I took what worked for them and twisted it into something that fit me.

Yes—borrow. But always make it yours.

Show Up as You—Baseball Cap and All

These days, I don’t dress to impress on stage. I dress to feel like myself. Sometimes that means sneakers and a cap. Sometimes a blazer. But it’s always me.

The point? Confidence doesn’t come from dressing the part. It comes from owning your part.

The more I show up as me, the more people tune in.

Share the Messy Bits—That’s Where Connection Lives

Want to know when people lean in the most? When I talk about things that went wrong. The failures. The rejections. The trainwreck presentations.

Sharing those stories doesn’t make me less credible. It makes me relatable.

Final Thought on Public Speaking

Being yourself doesn’t just make public speaking easier—it makes it better. Because the best talks don’t come from perfect delivery. They come from real connection.

And connection? That’s what moves people.

Now, if you’re really into this idea of ditching perfection for connection, Brené Brown’s The Power of Vulnerability TED Talk is a must-watch. It hits home on why being real beats being flawless—on stage and off.

Want to become a better speaker without pretending to be someone you’re not?

Check out our Speak with Confidence training.

Or just reach out. I’m always up for a good story—and happy to help.

Want something else? Get in touch with Hooman Communications.