In the late 1990s, Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D., authored The Millionaire Next Door. The book told who America’s wealthy really are. Four years later, Stanley wrote a follow-on book called The Millionaire Mind.

In this book, Stanley tells us how the millionaires got there, and how to become one of them. This got me thinking about the Outstanding Speaker Mind.

Speakers with the Outstanding Speaker Mind possess skills, qualities, and attributes that set them apart.

Below are three crucial qualities associated with speakers with the Outstanding Speaker Mind.

Clarity of Thought

Speakers with the Outstanding Speaker Mind have a clear and organized thought process. They translate complex ideas into simple, understandable concepts.

One of the ways they do this is to compare complex concepts to thoughts familiar to most of the people in their audience. Comparisons and analogies are a great way to make complex ideas understandable.

This clarity allows outstanding speakers to convey their message effectively and engage their audience. When complex ideas are simplified and explained in understandable language, the speaker can engage their audience more fully. Audiences will engage with speakers if what the speaker says is familiar and relevant to the audience.

Speakers who possess the Outstanding Speakers Mind know what they want to say, and they communicate it in a way that makes it easy for others to grasp.

So clarity of thought is an attribute of speakers with the Outstanding Speaker Mind.

Another attribute is empathy and connection.

Empathy and Connection

Speakers who possess the Outstanding Speaker Mind are empathetic and can connect with their audience on an emotional level.

Empathetic speakers understand their audience’s needs, concerns, and perspectives, and they tailor their message accordingly.

Additionally, empathetic speakers:

• Actively listen to their audience without interrupting or judging. They pay close attention to the speaker’s words, tone, and body language, demonstrating that they genuinely care about the speaker’s perspective.

• Express compassion and understanding for the feelings and experiences of their audience. They acknowledge the speaker’s emotions and validate their concerns. They use empathetic language and phrases such as “I understand how you feel” or “That must have been really challenging for you.”

• Are skilled in conveying their thoughts and responses in a way that resonates with their audience. They use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or complex terminology that might confuse or alienate their listeners.

This empathy helps them establish rapport and build trust with their listeners, making it easier to convey their message persuasively.

So clarity of thought and empathy and connection are attributes of speakers with the Outstanding Speaker Mind.

They also have confidence and presence.

Confidence and Presence

Speakers with the Outstanding Speaker Mind exude confidence and have a strong stage presence. They command their audience’s attention with their poise, body language, and vocal delivery.

Confidence makes the speaker more compelling and instills confidence in the audience regarding the speaker’s message.

A confident speaker with a good presence possesses several attributes that captivate and engage their audience effectively.

Key attributes of such a speaker are:

• Self-Assuredness: Confidence is the foundation of a strong speaker’s presence. They believe in their message and their ability to convey it. This self-assuredness is evident in their body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanor.

• Strong Communication Skills: A confident speaker with a good presence is an effective communicator. They are articulate, use clear and concise language, and organize their thoughts logically and compellingly. They can adapt their communication style to the needs and preferences of their audience, whether it’s a formal presentation, a conversation, or a public speaking engagement.

• Charisma and Authenticity: Charisma is the ability to connect with and inspire others; a confident speaker with good presence often possesses this quality. Their communication is genuine and authentic, allowing their true personality to shine through.

Speakers who possess the Outstanding Speaker Mind with confidence and good presence exude self-assuredness, have strong communication skills, and combine charisma with authenticity to effectively engage and inspire their audience.

So, clarity of thought, empathy and connection, and confidence and presence are three key attributes of speakers with the Outstanding Speaker Mind.

If you strive to achieve these attributes, you will also find that you have reached the Outstanding Speaker Mind someday!

Call to Action

Strive to develop the following Outstanding Speaker Mind attributes

• Clarity of thought with your audience

• Empathy and connection with your audience

• Confidence and presence before your audience

Frank DiBartolomeo is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and award-winning speaker, presentation and interview skills coach, and Professional Member of the National Speakers Association. He was awarded Toastmasters International’s highest individual award, Distinguished Toastmaster because of his outstanding work in public speaking and leadership.

Frank formed DiBartolomeo Consulting International (DCI), LLC (www.speakleadandsucceed.com) in 2007. The mission of DCI is to help technical professionals to inspire, motivate, and influence their colleagues and other technical professionals by improving their presentation skills, communication, and personal presence. Reach Frank at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com and (703) 509-4424.

Don’t miss Frank DiBartolomeo’s latest book!

“Speak Well and Prosper: Tips, Tools, and Techniques for Better Presentations”

Available now at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com