Is the Gift of the Gab Really Your Key to Speaking Confidence?
Do you know somebody with “the gift of the gab?”
We generally take it to mean someone who has no trouble speaking up or finding words to describe what they want to say. So it’s natural to think that would be an asset when it comes to public speaking and getting your message across.
But there are times when the gift of the gab might not be quite such a gift after all. And if I tell you that the phrase originates from the Middle English word “gob” (meaning mouth) and “gabbe” (which means “idle talk”), then you might be able to guess what I mean.
Speaking confidence is about more than finding your voice
Wanting to have “speaking confidence” means different things to different people. It’s not just about overcoming nerves when speaking up at meetings or anxiety before delivering a presentation. It can also be about communicating effectively and delivering your message with impact.
If you’re confident and comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people, that's fantastic. But quite often, people who can “talk for Ireland” end up speaking in an unstructured, convoluted way. So when they’re finished, the audience is left wondering, "what was that all about?"
True speaking confidence comes from being able to communicate clearly, concisely and with influence, so what you’re saying makes a difference. And to do that effectively, you need structure.
Structure creates the freedom to be yourself
Often, clients who come to me to improve their communication skills are comfortable, confident and have no problem speaking in front of an audience. But they’re hesitant about using a structured approach in their talks or presentations. They’re worried it will tie them down and remove the flexibility and freedom to show their personality.
In fact, the opposite is true. Adding structure to your speaking gives you a framework to build on while still leaving space to add a dash of “you-ness”. Once you’ve got the fundamentals of your talk in place, you can add stories, anecdotes and colour without worrying that you’re not getting the message across.
Adding structure allows you to engage with your audience with the confidence that you’re bringing them on a clear journey throughout your talk, rather than rambling off down unrelated side roads. That can be entertaining but also confusing and often doesn’t serve the purpose of your speech or presentation.
How to add structure without losing your flow
A structured speech doesn’t mean you’ve scripted it in advance or learned it by rote. Try this simple 3-step process to add structure to your speaking while still keeping things interesting.
#1 - Have a strong opening
The start of your talk needs to grab your audience’s attention and make an impression. It’s the hook that will encourage people to keep listening.
#2 - Be clear on the main points you want to convey
What key elements do you want your audience to take away from the speech? Jot these down as bullet points, then think about how you can develop each of them as you speak.
#3 - Close with impact
Finish your speech with a clear and memorable call to action. What do you want your audience to do next?
Planning, preparation and structure - the keys to speaking success
Being able to speak confidently and fluently is a wonderful skill to have. But if the points you’re trying to make get lost among the words, and you haven’t been able to influence your audience to take the action you want, then that gift of the gab may be more of a hindrance than a help.
Planning your speech using the structure above will help you share relevant information in a clear and memorable way. You’ll stay on track, with your points flowing logically from one to the next, but have the flexibility to make it your own and adapt the content to suit your style - without your audience being left confused or unsure of your message.
For more help with channelling your knowledge into a powerful and punchy presentation or a speech that sticks, you might like to check out these blog posts:
Why Jargon Might be Harming Your Message - And How to Remove It
Business Storytelling: How to Use Story to Make Your Message Stick
Your 5-Step Guide to Planning Powerful Presentations
And if you’d like more personalised support, why not book a complimentary intro call to see how we could work together to boost your speaking confidence?
Hi!
I'm Maureen McCowen and
I work with individuals and teams to help them unlock their speaking confidence.
To explore how this can support you or your team, email me or use the contact form here.
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