Some thoughts on public speaking

"Something feels off about this guy," I thought as I listened to the speaker/trainer.

- FRANCIS J. KONG

His content was solid, and his delivery was polished, but I sensed a disconnect. When I looked around, I noticed that others in the audience weren't connecting with him either. While a few seemed engaged, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.

I pushed the thought aside and tried to focus on the content, determined to gain something from the session. However, as someone committed to improving my communication skills, I couldn't help but analyze what went wrong. What would I do differently in his place?

Then it hit me—the person on stage was completely different from the person off stage. That was the problem.

Many people view public speaking as a skill that demands a dramatic transformation, but this mindset often blocks real connections with the audience.

Off stage, the speaker was charismatic, lively, and engaging. I assumed his presentation would be equally natural, but as soon as he stepped in front of the audience, he became stiff and robotic.

This issue isn't uncommon. Some speakers force a constant smile or deliver their message as if performing a scripted act. Maybe they're nervous—everyone gets nervous in front of an audience, including me. Perhaps they're trying too hard to engage the crowd or are overly concerned about being judged. However, the real barrier is the belief that public speaking requires becoming someone else and leaving one's authentic self behind.