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INSPIRATIONAL and POWERFUL COMMUNICATION

Effective leadership is vital in policing, but effective leadership can’t happen without
communication. Leaders must communicate on two fronts: a) informational
communication; and inspirational and powerful communication. All are vital and
needed in becoming leaders; but in order of precedence, inspirational communication
has primacy. Inspirational communication is less about style than it is about substance.
And even more than substance, it is about spirit.

Becoming an inspirational speaker is a fulfilling and impactful career path that allows
you to share your knowledge, experiences, and messages of inspiration with others.
Whether you aspire to motivate, educate, or entertain, being an effective inspirational
speaker requires a combination of skills, passion, and dedication.

If you, as the leader of your organization, can effectively impart the spirit and passion
of your vision, you will have accomplished far more than any amount of information
could achieve. This is the realm where so many leaders stall. The source of
inspirational communication comes from the heart, not the head. It is based on the
vision a leader has for his organization, and it is conveyed on a level that surpasses
and transcends the brain. It is more heart than head. More engaging than informing.

As leaders who must take on the mantle of true leadership, you must be willing to find
your voice – and use it. How do you find your voice? All you have to do is let that voice
out.
(In the privacy of your office, think of the aspects of your organization that inspire
you. Why does it excite you? Why will introducing a change or implementing a new
system create a better work environment? Record the keywords that pop-up in your
mind. It doesn’t matter how silly they may sound to you. Write them down and recall
them later when you want to inspire your people. It doesn’t matter if your people don’t
plan to make a lifetime career with you; if you’re overflowing with excitement, soon
they will be too. Remember, inspiration is contagious. The many books and courses
that purport to teach leaders how to “communicate effectively,” offer valuable tricks
and techniques. But when all is said and done (and usually more is said than
done!) nothing can replace the improvement that comes from simply “doing it” –
practicing and constantly honing your inspirational communications skills.

Here are essential tips and strategies to help you embark on your journey as an
inspirational speaker. If you’re looking to make a positive impact and inspire others,
read on to discover how you can become an influential and successful inspirational
speaker.

1. Use your Head and Heart: Practice mixing logic with feeling so that you appeal to
your audience’s rational minds while also touching them emotionally. Remember:
head and heart. Share personal stories, struggles, and triumphs about an experience
you had that epitomizes the theme you want them to associate with and resonate with
your audience on an emotional level. Practice authenticity and genuine connection
to truly connect with your audience and leave a lasting impact, embrace vulnerability
in your speeches. When you open up and show your vulnerabilities, it creates a sense
of authenticity and relatability, allowing your audience to connect with you and your
message more deeply. Authenticity and genuine connection are essential for inspiring
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audiences. Embrace your unique voice, perspective, and style. Be genuine and
sincere in your delivery, and let your passion for your message shine through. Be true
to yourself, speak from the heart, and let your passion shine through. Connect with
your audience by being present, actively listening, and responding to their needs.
2. Simplify your Message: this is not “dumbing down,” but rather distilling the
essence of your communication so that it is accessible to everyone in your
audience. Avoid cliché or corporate-speak. Use real words; as you would in a normal
conversation. You will not dazzle people with your highfalutin vocabulary; more likely
than not, they’ll simply assume you don’t want them to understand.
3. Know your Audience to Cultivate Empathy and Compassion. Understanding
your audience is key to delivering impactful speeches. Research and analyze your
target audience’s needs, interests, and pain points. Tailor your message and delivery
to resonate with them, ensuring that your speeches address their specific challenges
and inspire them toward positive action. People are not going to listen unless it is clear
that you are actually talking to them.
Inspirational speakers can touch people’s lives and create positive change.
Cultivate empathy and compassion towards your audience, understanding their
struggles, desires, and aspirations. This genuine care and understanding will enhance
your connection with your audience and amplify the impact of your speeches.
4. Listen: Effective communication is a two-way dynamic, not a
monologue. Mastering the art of listening and truly “hearing” your audience is
essential to being heard. Every genuinely great performer acknowledges the critical
contribution made by their audience; they are not set apart from one another – they
are breathing together and feeding each other with attention. Don’t be afraid to take
a breath, look around, “read the room,” and resume with fresh focus.
5. Be able to Share Difficult Truths: The ability to communicate hard news or
challenging situations is key to establishing and maintaining integrity; while it may be
difficult, your audience will much more readily trust the message if they trust the
messenger.
6. Define your Message and Purpose
Purpose, when fueled by a vision and executed with passion, is a powerful tool.
What was previously a formal talk become a barely contained torrent of energy and
excitement! When you learn to identify, channel and express a passion and a purpose,
the words will find their way out. And you will find, often to your own astonishment,
that it is not the power of your words that accomplishes the goal, but the power in your
words!
Before stepping into the world of inspirational speaking, it’s crucial to define your
message and purpose. Think about what you want to inspire others to do. What special
knowledge or perspective do I have? Decide on your main point and the argument you
want to make in each of your speeches. Your career as a speaker will be built on this
clarity.
7. Hone your Public Speaking Skills
Public speaking skills are essential for any inspirational speaker. Invest time in honing
your speaking abilities through practice, training, and seeking constructive feedback.
Focus on areas such as body language, voice projection, pacing, and connecting with
your audience. Join public speaking clubs or attend Successful inspirational speakers
are lifelong learners. Stay curious, read books, listen to podcasts, and attend
conferences, workshops and seminars to learn from experts how to refine your skills
and gain confidence in front of an audience, and stay updated on communication
trends. Invest in personal growth, such as attending personal development workshops
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or working with a coach, to further refine your skills and mindset. Invest in your
professional development as an inspirational speaker. Attend conferences,
workshops, and seminars to learn from communication experts.
8. Craft Compelling Stories
Stories have a profound impact on audiences. Learn the art of storytelling and
incorporate personal anecdotes, real-life examples, and narratives into your
speeches. Craft stories that evoke emotion, connect with your audience on a deep
level, and illustrate the core message you want to convey. Engaging stories will make
your speeches memorable and inspire lasting change.
9. Develop a Unique Speaking Style
Differentiate yourself by developing a unique speaking style. Incorporate elements
such as humor, vulnerability, or powerful metaphors that align with your personality
and message. Find your authentic voice and use it to captivate your audience. Your
speaking style should reflect your values, passions, and the impact you want to create.
10. Leverage Social Media and Online Presence (Adapt to Changing Times and
Technologies)
In today’s digital age, building an online presence is crucial for aspiring inspirational
speakers. Utilize social media platforms to share snippets of your speeches, engage
with your audience, and showcase your expertise. Create a professional website
where event organizers and potential clients can learn more about you, your speaking
topics, and testimonials from previous engagements. The world is constantly evolving,
and as an inspirational speaker, it’s essential to adapt to changing times and
technologies. Stay updated with emerging trends, embrace new technologies, and
leverage social media platforms and online tools to connect with your audience.
Embrace virtual speaking opportunities, webinars, and online courses to expand your
reach and impact.
11. Seek Speaking Opportunities
To gain experience and exposure, actively seek speaking opportunities. Start locally
by reaching out to community organizations, schools, or networking groups. Offer to
speak at events, conferences, or workshops relevant to your message. As you build
your reputation, network with event organizers, and join speaker associations to
increase your visibility in the speaking community.
12. Build a Strong Network and Collaborate
Networking is crucial for any aspiring inspirational speaker. Connect with other
speakers, professionals, event organizers, and influencers in your niche. Attend
conferences, join professional associations, and engage in online communities to
expand your network. Collaborate with like-minded individuals, such as co-hosting
events, participating in panel discussions or webinars. Building a strong network not
only opens doors to new speaking opportunities but also allows for knowledge sharing
and support.
13. Incorporate Audience Interaction and Participation
When you are tasked to make presentations or deliver speeches, make it interactive
and engaging by involving your audience in the presentation. Encourage participation
through activities, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions. This not only
keeps your audience actively engaged but also allows them to internalize and apply
the concepts you’re sharing, making your message more impactful and actionable.
14. Continuously Refine and Evolve your Message and
Effective inspirational speakers understand the importance of constant improvement.
Continuously refine and enhance your presentations based on feedback and your self-
assessment. As you gain experience and receive feedback, continuously refine and
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evolve your message. Analyze the impact of your speeches, listen to audience
reactions, and adjust accordingly. Stay open to new ideas and perspectives, and be
willing to adapt your message to resonate with a changing world. Seek feedback from
event organizers, audience members, and fellow speakers. Accept constructive
criticism and seize the chance for improvement. Reflect on your strengths and areas
for improvement, and take proactive steps to enhance your skills and delivery.
15. Rehearse your Presentations: Practice regularly to ensure smooth delivery and
natural flow. Rehearse in front of a mirror or record yourself to analyze your body
language, voice modulation, and overall presence on stage.
16. Cultivate a Positive Mindset. As an inspirational speaker, your mindset plays a
significant role in your success. Cultivate a positive mindset that empowers you to
overcome challenges, embrace failures as learning opportunities, and maintain
resilience in the face of adversity. Practice self-care, mindfulness, and gratitude to
nurture your mental and emotional well-being, enabling you to show up as your best
self on stage.

In conclusion, becoming an inspirational speaker requires a combination of skills,

passion, and continuous growth. By defining your message, honing your speaking
skills, understanding your audience, crafting compelling stories, and developing a
unique style, you can captivate and inspire audiences. Embrace vulnerability, involve
your audience, seek feedback, and stay true to yourself. With dedication, practice, and
a commitment to making a positive impact, you can embark on a successful journey
as an inspirational speaker, touching lives, and motivating others to reach their full
potential.

POWERFUL COMMUNICATION

Becoming a powerful communicator is about more than writing a great speech or

having a strong message; it’s also about how you use the core elements of non-
verbal communication such as your image, voice and body language to connect
with your audience. Studies have shown that an audience connects more easily with
a speaker based on his or her tone of voice and physical gestures, rather than on the
words the speaker says

• Your image is the type of person and personality you portray through your
physical appearance. This includes how you carry yourself physically, the type of self-
image you convey to others and even the manner in which you dress and groom
yourself.

In communication, first impressions are made quickly and a negative impression can
be difficult to overcome. In a split second, an audience will form opinions about you in
terms of your background, your experience, your trustworthiness, your skills and
abilities, your moral character and your success at your current or previous work, all
based on their interpretations of the visual image you project. It is therefore important
that we present yourselves in a way that conveys a positive and engaging image.

Image creates an opportunity to communicate a message, and no opportunity to

communicate a message should be ignored. What you wear and how you present
yourself should be appropriate for your audience and for the occasion. Find a balance
between being comfortable and creating an image that reflects your style of
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leadership. Communicators who are younger or female are often subject to higher
levels of scrutiny about their appearance than older and male politicians. Criticism
comes from both friends and strangers. Be aware of yourself and the image you are
conveying. Envision the image you want to project, and then put together the wardrobe
and other tools you need to make that vision a reality.

• Use your voice to let your listeners know when you are about to make one of
your main points. You can speed up or slow down your speech, make your voice
quieter or louder, or pause at a key point. To hold an audience’s attention, a good
speaker uses variety in his or her voice and pacing to create drama and interest. Use
inflection and rhythm to keep your audience engaged. Try projecting your voice to
make sure your audience can hear you and to keep energy in your delivery. Practice
sending your voice to the back of the room, but do this without shouting.

• Before we open our mouths to speak, your body language is already sending
messages to our audience. Body language is the gestures, postures, and facial
expressions that we use to communicate feelings or opinions, even when we’re not
fully aware that we’re doing this. Here is a list of body languages and the impression
they give:
o Standing with your hands on your hips (readiness or aggression);
o Pinching the bridge of your nose with your eyes closed (dislike, displeasure,
negative evaluation);
o Standing or walking erect (confidence);
o Arms crossed at chest (defensive);
o Displaying open palms (openness, sincerity);
o Failing to make eye contact/looking away (not trustworthy or sincere)
o Smiling, relaxed face (openness);
o Slightly tilted head (interest);
o Snapping your fingers (depends: in some countries this is a sign of impatience
and/or considered rude; to others it’s a simple way of communicating a need
for attention)

PRINCIPLES OF PERSUASION

Persuasion is an act or process of presenting arguments to move, motivate, or change

the behavior of your audience. Persuasion can be implicit or explicit and can have both
positive and negative effects. Motivation is different from persuasion in that it involves
the force, stimulus, or influence to bring about change. Persuasion is the process, and
motivation is the compelling stimulus that encourages other people to change their
beliefs or behavior, to adopt your position, or to consider your arguments.

What is the best way to succeed in persuading your listeners? There is no one “correct”
answer, but many experts have studied persuasion and observed what works and
what doesn’t. Social psychologist Robert Cialdini (2006) offers us six principles of
persuasion that are powerful and effective: 1. Reciprocity; 2. Scarcity; 3. Authority; 4.
Commitment and consistency; 5. Consensus; and 6. Liking.

1. Reciprocity is the mutual expectation for exchange of value or service. In all

cultures, when one person gives something, the receiver is expected to reciprocate. If
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you are in career service and go out of your way to meet the customer’s need, you are
appealing to the principle of reciprocity with the knowledge that all humans perceive
the need to reciprocate. Reciprocity builds trust and the relationship develops,
reinforcing everything from personal to brand loyalty. By taking the lead and giving,
you build in a moment where people will feel compelled from social norms and customs
to give back.

2. Scarcity. You want what you can’t have, and it’s universal. People are naturally
attracted to the exclusive, the rare, the unusual, and the unique. If they are convinced
that they need to act now or it will disappear, they are motivated to action. Scarcity is
the perception of inadequate supply or a limited resource. For a sales representative,
scarcity may be a key selling point—the particular car, or theater tickets, or pair of
shoes you are considering may be sold to someone else if you delay making a
decision. By reminding customers not only of what they stand to gain but also of what
they stand to lose, the representative increases the chances that the customer will
make the shift from contemplation to action and decide to close the sale.

3. Authority. Trust is central to every decision. Whom does individual turn to?
Everyone may be part of the process, but an endorsement by an authority holds
credibility that no one with a vested interest can ever attain. Knowledge of a product,
field, trends in the field, and even research can make a person more effective by the
appeal to the principle of authority. It may seem like extra work to educate your
customers, but you need to reveal your expertise to gain credibility. Reading the
manual of a product is not sufficient to gain expertise—you have to do extra homework.
The principle of authority involves referencing experts and expertise.

4. Commitment and Consistency. People like to have consistency in what is said to

them or in writing. Therefore, it is important that all commitments made are honored
at all times.

5. Consensus. Testimonials, or first person reports on experience with a product or

service, can be highly persuasive. People often look to each other when making a
decision, and the herd mentality is a powerful force across humanity. Leverage
testimonials from clients or other people to attract more clients by making them part of
your team. The principle of consensus involves the tendency of the individual to follow
the lead of the group or peers.

6. Liking. We tend to be attracted to people who communicate to us that they like us,
and who make us feel good about ourselves. Given a choice, these are the people
with whom we are likely to associate. The principle of liking involves the perception of
safety and belonging in communication.

To summarize, a persuasive message/communication can succeed through the

principles of reciprocity, scarcity, authority, commitment and consistency,
consensus, and liking, thus essential in powerful communication.