Public speaking. Love it or dread it, we all have to do it at some point. Whether you’re giving a keynote or just trying to survive your company’s weekly stand-up, there’s one thing we all want—connection. And that’s exactly what we dug into at vYve by Vayner, for a session that was all about infusing authenticity into your leadership and communication style. Trust me, it’s not as complicated as it sounds, but it does take practice.
Practice More, Stress Less
We’ve all seen it—someone pacing nervously on stage, throwing out stats like a robot on caffeine overload, reading directly from slides. Here’s the thing: public speaking doesn’t have to feel like a final exam. It’s about owning your content, getting out of your head, and into the flow of the moment. That’s when the magic happens—your nerves disappear, and you start enjoying the process. Sounds wild, but it works, when you put in the time.
Tailor Your Talk Like a Bespoke Suit
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to public speaking. As we say at VaynerSpeakers, “No Two Events are the Same.” Every audience is different, and you’ve got to address your talk accordingly. Tailoring each presentation to the crowd in front of you makes all the difference. Whether you’re talking to a room of Fortune 500 execs or a group of college students, your message has to fit the moment. Oh, and bonus points for adding some humor and playful engagement—it keeps things fresh and keeps them hooked.
Balance Your Style with Substance
You can have the slickest slides and the sharpest jokes, but if your content isn’t landing, it’s all style with no substance. It’s about balancing charisma with what you’re actually saying. The trick is to make sure you’re mixing energy with valuable content. You want to leave them feeling like they’ve gained something. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll remember you as the speaker who actually helped them just a little bit. Most importantly though, remember to be yourself!
Storytelling: Your Secret Weapon
If you want to captivate an audience, you have to tell a story. Not just any story—the kind that makes people sit up and listen. Whether it’s personal anecdotes or metaphors that tie your message together, stories stick. Powerful storytelling is like a one-two punch of emotional connection and engagement. Trust me, stories aren’t just for kids—they’re your ticket to a memorable talk.
Ready to Level Up?
Need a dynamic speaker for your next event? VaynerSpeakers offers an exclusive roster of thought leaders and disruptors that’ll captivate your audience. Let us help you find the perfect fit: VaynerSpeakers.com
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
As Co-Founder and CEO of VaynerSpeakers, Zach Nadler has built a career helping notable personalities share their impactful stories. Since founding the company in 2018 with Gary Vaynerchuk, Zach has helped book bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, CEOs, thought leaders, and legendary athletes on stages and screens worldwide.
Previously, Zach spent over nine years as a leading agent at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), working with top talent across entertainment, sports, business, and politics. He began his career representing Olympians competing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and holds a degree from New York University. Zach splits his time between New York City and Woodstock, NY with his family and his collection of classic vinyl records.
