When you Speak in public, it’s not about you. It’s not about your company or organization; it’s not about your product or service or big idea. Every speech, every presentation is about the Audience. Therefore, if you are going to speak in public, you need to think like a professional, like a pro.

In fact, “PRO” is the perfect acronym to get you in the right mindset when it comes to preparing and delivering any speech or presentation. It stands for Privilege, Responsibility, Opportunity.

Privilege

Public speaking is a privilege. Not everyone has a chance to stand in front of an audience and share their thoughts and ideas. Whether it’s giving a presentation at work, speaking at a conference or making a sales pitch to potential clients, the ability to command attention and engage an audience is a special gift.

Never forget that the people in the audience are giving you something that they can never get back – their time. Such a privilege should not be taken lightly.

Responsibility

Because of the privilege that you are being given, you have a responsibility to use the platform wisely. You need to deliver a clear, relevant and engaging message for your audience. This means preparing thoroughly and carefully planning what you are going to say. For a comprehensive overview of how to structure your next speech or presentation, this post can help.

But it’s not just about delivering a polished performance. The way in which your audience will react to what you say will be influenced, in part, by how you say it. So be authentic and sincere. Respect your audience’s time and attention, and remember the impact that your words can have. 

Opportunity

Finally, public speaking is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to educate, motivate and inspire. It’s a chance to share your passions, ideas and values. When you can connect with your audience on a deep level, you have the opportunity to persuade and influence.

If you are able to share your unique perspective on an issue and get others to see things from your point of view, you can make a difference. Whether you’re addressing a large conference or a small group, public speaking allows you to connect with others in a meaningful way and make a lasting impact.

Be a PRO

If you are fortunate enough to be able to speak in public, use your privilege responsibly and seize the opportunity to make an impact on others. The world needs more competent speakers, so take the chance to make a difference and be a “PRO”. The rewards are well worth the effort.