How to Be an Energetic Speaker on the Podium

For most of us, the idea of an energetic public speaker is Michael McIntyre or Bill Bailey the comedians. They stride around the stage and aim to fill it with their presence when they're at the O2 or another large arena. Undoubtedly, it works. They're on their own. They're stand-up comedians and they manage to fill the stage. Great stuff indeed. However, as a business person giving a business speech or indeed a politician giving a political speech, your ambitions need to be set differently, especially when you aim to be an energetic speaker.

Yes, you can fill the stage and there are some good case studies. We noted last week a Steve Ballmer speech in Washington State. He filled the stage and of course there was Steve Jobs at Apple. He also filled the stage when he gave his famous presentations. But how do you give an energetic presentation or speech? Is there a method?

And of course, there certainly is. We thought about this matter when we reviewed the speech given at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool by the Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband.

Ed Miliband Proves to Be an Energetic Speaker in Liverpool

He's quite an energetic figure when he gives his videos on TikTok. Or is he frenetic? But on the podium, in the conference hall? He does well. Probably because he really does have some experience on his side.

Thus we saw him at the lectern with plenty of upper body movement and facial expression. Yes, at times it appears a bit over the top in the video, but in the conference hall…they loved it!

His voice is also expressive with plenty of intonation. And, also positively, he's no slouch when it comes to the all-important pause and waiting for the applause point.

Remember what it says on our party card.

It says we stand for “a community in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many not the few …”

But that feels like an absolute fantasy, a distant dream for so many millions of people.

That’s why so many people feel Britain doesn’t work for them.

That is what we must change.

That is the mission of this Labour government.

Beyond the energy levels in this Ed Miliband speech we also heard some good speechwriting and conference craft. This was what the audience wanted and he delivered.

When you need help and advice with your public speaking, then you will always find top tips for speakers and presenters on this site. And with more than 100 top tips for speakers, there's something for every public speaking opportunity. And when you want to take your own skills that little bit further, you can always enroll on an online public speaking course at your convenience.

And for that occasion, when you want to really push your skills, perhaps for your next big conference event, then you can always get in touch with us about one-to-one coaching. So please don't hesitate to get in touch when the time is right.