From Good to Great: 8 Secrets for Accelerating Your Public Speaking Career

If you aspire to become a great public speaker, there are eight essential steps you must take to reach that goal. They include, but are not limited to:

Embracing your identity as a speaker

No two people on earth are the same; each one of us has a unique personality, a distinct story, and a voice. As a speaker, you should embrace your individuality. Your audience will remember you for your authenticity, personal anecdotes they can relate to, and the way you make them feel. That’s why speakers should lean into their originality and showcase the values they bring to the stage.

You don’t need to imitate popular speakers or celebrities in the way they deliver their speeches. Consistently adopting your own style and approach will make you stand out and be memorable to your audience. For example, a shy speaker who openly shares how they overcame their fear of introductions can instantly win their audience’s trust, simply because they are being real, not rehearsed.

Mastering the art of storytelling

If public speaking is bread, then storytelling is the butter that makes it enjoyable. Great speakers tell stories that are credible, engaging, and easy to understand. They add emotion to their words, helping their audience feel what they feel.

Think back to a conference or meeting that left you feeling empowered; that was likely the power of storytelling at work. When the audience can relate to your stories, it creates a strong emotional connection. For instance, a corporate trainer teaching leadership might share a brief story about a failed project and how communication gaps contributed to its failure. Such honesty instantly draws people in. Make sure your stories are relatable, easy to follow, and capable of evoking strong emotions.

Specializing in a certain area of public speaking

Even in public speaking, a jack of all trades is a master of none. That’s why many great speakers specialize in a particular area; some focus on corporate training or motivational speaking, while others thrive as sales trainers, masters of ceremonies, entertainers, or academic lecturers.

By choosing a specific niche, you’ll gain traction, develop your expertise, and be recognized for your knowledge in that field. In time, you’ll be regarded as an expert, and prospective clients will be eager to work with you. For example, a speaker who consistently trains early-career professionals in communication skills often becomes the go-to trainer for onboarding programs.

Developing your signature public speaking style

Two speakers may be invited to speak on the same topic, yet the audience will easily distinguish one from the other. Why? Because each has a unique signature speaking style.

You can structure your speeches to reflect your personality and message. Try developing different versions of your speech, such as a keynote format, an interactive workshop version, and a brief version for podcasts or panel discussions, depending on the platform or medium.

Following your signature patterns not only helps you maintain consistency but also strengthens your credibility and earns the respect of clients and audiences alike.

For instance, some speakers are known for opening with humor, while others are recognized for calm, reflective storytelling; both styles succeed because they are consistent.

Focusing on practice

To improve or elevate your existing public speaking skills, regular practice is a must. Set aside dedicated time for rehearsals. Record yourself to identify strengths and weaknesses, observe your body language, and refine your delivery. Practicing in front of a mirror or a few trusted friends can help you determine the best posture, gestures, and stage presence. Regular practice also helps you manage your timing and fine-tune your vocal variety, pitch, volume, and tone.

A simple exercise, like practicing a one-minute elevator pitch until it sounds natural, can significantly boost your confidence on stage.

Investing in learning

Great speakers are lifelong learners. They learn from mentors, peers, and even their audiences. Consider joining organizations such as Toastmasters International or a local speakers’ club to learn, network, and grow. Engaging with like-minded speakers allows you to pick up valuable tips and insights from others in the field.

For example, in the Public Speaking Essentials book, the author explains how she joined the Toastmasters club, which significantly improved her public speaking skills, taking her from good to great through repeated feedback and revisions that refined her speech.

Treating public speaking as a business

Good speakers become great when they start treating public speaking as a business. That means building a personal brand, setting appropriate fees, and confidently promoting your services.

Growth comes when you’re fairly compensated for your work and can reinvest in your career. Develop clear business goals, craft compelling proposals, and position yourself as a professional speaker whose work delivers measurable value. Ensuring your career is sustainable and profitable will keep you in the field for years to come. Many successful speakers begin by offering a few low-cost sessions, but as their brand strengthens, they gradually shift to premium, well-packaged offerings that reflect the value they deliver.

Building a strong online presence

Public speaking has gone beyond a face-to-face affair. With the rise of virtual events and digital platforms, speakers can now reach a global audience. To maintain visibility and relevance, build a strong online presence that reflects your expertise and personality.

A professional website, engaging social media content, and virtual presentations can help expand your reach and establish your credibility on a global scale.

Even a simple habit, such as posting short tips or behind-the-scenes videos, can help audiences connect with you beyond the stage.

The good news is that Public Speaking Essentials You Always Wanted to Know takes these principles even further, providing a structured and practical roadmap for anyone ready to elevate their speaking career. The book breaks down the fundamentals of crafting impactful speeches, using storytelling strategically, refining your delivery, and developing a confident stage presence.

Beyond technique, the book guides you through building your personal brand as a speaker, positioning yourself in the right niche, and understanding how to market your expertise professionally. Whether you're just starting or looking to strengthen an existing speaking career, the lessons inside will help you move from being a capable speaker to one who captivates audiences, influences thought, and leaves a lasting impression.

If your goal is to transition from good to great, this book offers clear, actionable steps to help you grow with confidence, purpose, and a well-defined path forward.

This blog has been written by Ami Ved, the author of Public Speaking Essentials You Always Wanted to Know. 

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