{"id":48855,"date":"2025-03-20T08:00:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T12:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hingemarketing.com\/?p=48855"},"modified":"2025-03-17T13:51:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T17:51:16","slug":"public-speaking-the-superpower-that-keeps-giving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hingemarketing.com\/blog\/story\/public-speaking-the-superpower-that-keeps-giving","title":{"rendered":"Public Speaking: The Superpower That Keeps Giving"},"content":{"rendered":"

We have \u00a0written before about what it takes to become a Visible Expert<\/a>\u00ae in your industry. In this article, we will focus on the one skill we believe can accelerate your Visible Expert journey faster than any other. Call it a superpower, if you like.<\/p>\n

But this superpower affects more than the professionals who wield it. It elevates their firm, too. How do we know? Because we did the research.<\/p>\n

What the Research Says<\/h2>\n

In our 2025 High Growth Study<\/a>, the best-performing professional services firms identified which marketing and business development techniques deliver the greatest impact. Here are the top six:<\/p>\n\"\"\n

One thing that struck me right away: Two of these top six techniques involved speaking to a live audience. Speaking at conferences and presenting in webinars involve similar skills. And both are part of a thought leader\u2019s playbook.<\/p>\n

This data also backs up what we learned in our research on Visible Experts<\/a>. Here are the top three impact ratings from that study:<\/p>\n\"\"\n

Clearly public speaking\u2014in all its guises\u2014not only has value, but true impact on the visibility and reputation of firms and their experts.<\/p>\n

Why Public Speaking Works<\/h2>\n

Speaking in-person or online offers a few advantages that are not available in, say, written content.<\/p>\n

First, as a presenter you are automatically in a position of authority. Your words, opinions and advice carry more weight than they might in another setting.<\/p>\n

Second, it\u2019s more personal. Whether you are speaking to a packed room or an invisible group of webinar attendees, your audience can associate a face (or, in some cases, a voice) with your expertise. That\u2019s a powerful connection.<\/p>\n

Third, your audience gets to sample your thinking and expertise in action. Even though your message is delivered in a controlled environment, that experience is enough to generate feelings of trust.<\/p>\n

Fourth, if you are participating in a live event, you can leave time for questions and answers\u2014and address a few of your audience\u2019s real-world challenges.<\/p>\n

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Download the 2025 High Growth Study Executive Summary<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

How Experts Become Speakers<\/h2>\n

Now, I know that public speaking is not for everyone. Even the best speakers started out tentatively, but their confidence grew with every experience. Most people can conquer their natural anxiety and become capable, even inspiring, public speakers.<\/p>\n

The trick is to start small. Some novices join an organization, such as Toastmasters, that helps people learn the craft. Others play a supporting role in a few webinars, then build experience until they are ready to host a webinar on their own. Still others deliver short speeches at local groups such as chambers of commerce.<\/p>\n

The most important thing a firm can do is support their experts in this journey. Leadership should encourage their experts to seek out speaking opportunities\u2014even provide resources to help find, reach out to and negotiate with them. Give your experts the time to prepare their presentations and, if they like, to practice in front of a few friendly colleagues.<\/p>\n

Where Do Experts Speak?<\/h2>\n

Below are some of experts\u2019 most common speaking channels. Most of these can be used to increase visibility and nurture relationships.<\/p>\n