At its core, public speaking is about connecting with your audience.

Whether you’re speaking to a small group or a large crowd, your ability to engage and communicate effectively is often determined by how genuine you appear.

If you’re pretending to be someone you’re not or using a speaking style that feels forced, it’s likely to create a barrier – audiences can sense inauthenticity from a mile away . On the other hand, when you’re authentic, your audience can relate to you on a deeper, more personal level.

Being yourself allows your unique personality and perspective to come through, which is often what people remember most after a speech. Think about some of the most memorable speakers—whether in politics, business, or entertainment—chances are their success was rooted in their ability to be true to themselves. They spoke from the heart, shared their real experiences, and weren’t afraid to show their vulnerability. This is how trust is built. Audiences are more likely to believe and follow speakers who come across as real, transparent, and genuine.

Building Trust and Credibility

Authenticity fosters trust, and trust is essential when you want to be a credible speaker. When you’re authentic, your audience believes that you’re speaking the truth, not just reciting memorised lines or trying to impress. People can sense when you’re speaking from experience or when you’re merely repeating what you think people want to hear. Trust is built when you speak honestly, openly, and from a place of real understanding or experience.

In public speaking, there is often an expectation for speakers to present themselves in a polished or professional manner. While this can be important, authenticity doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. In fact, sometimes imperfections can be endearing. If you make a mistake or stumble over your words, embracing that moment with humour or grace can make you more relatable to your audience. Instead of diminishing your credibility, it humanises you, making you seem more approachable and trustworthy.

Confidence Through Authenticity

One of the biggest challenges in public speaking is finding the confidence to speak in front of others. This is where authenticity plays a vital role. When you’re authentic, you’re not pretending to be someone you’re not, which takes away a lot of the pressure. You don’t have to worry about mimicking someone else’s style or worrying about what others think of you. Authenticity allows you to focus on your message and your delivery, rather than on trying to conform to a set of external expectations.

Moreover, being true to yourself gives you the courage to be vulnerable. Vulnerability in public speaking doesn’t mean weakness; in fact, it’s often a source of strength. When you share personal stories, struggles, or lessons learned, your audience is more likely to empathise with you. This vulnerability creates a deeper connection, making your message resonate long after the speech is over. Authentic speakers are able to embrace their individuality, which is often the source of their most powerful presentations.

Authenticity Enhances Persuasion

One of the primary goals of public speaking is to persuade or influence others, whether you’re trying to sell an idea, inspire action or motivate change. Authenticity plays a critical role in this process. When you’re authentic, your message carries more weight. You are more likely to persuade your audience because they perceive you as credible, relatable, and sincere.

For example, when speakers share their personal experiences or insights, it adds authenticity to their arguments. When you tell a story from your own life or explain why you care deeply about a particular issue, your passion shines through. Passion is contagious. When people see that you genuinely care about what you’re saying, they are more likely to be moved by your words and act on them. Authenticity not only makes your message more compelling, but it also ensures that your audience remains engaged and attentive throughout your speech.

Authenticity and Vulnerability Go Hand in Hand

Many people shy away from being vulnerable in public speaking. There’s a fear that showing vulnerability might make them appear weak or unprepared. However, true authenticity often requires vulnerability. Vulnerability in public speaking means sharing your challenges, acknowledging mistakes, and showing your human side. Far from detracting from your message, vulnerability makes you more approachable and relatable.

For instance, if you’re giving a speech about overcoming adversity, being open about your own struggles can make your message more powerful. It shows that you’re not just telling people what they should do; you’re sharing real-world experiences that back up your words. This type of honesty invites the audience to trust you and feel as though they’re having a genuine conversation with you, not just listening to a speech. In turn, this creates an emotional bond with your audience, which makes your message far more memorable.

Public speaking can be a daunting experience for many, but it’s also one of the most powerful tools for communication. Whether you’re delivering a presentation, sharing a story, or persuading an audience, the way you present yourself can significantly impact how your message is received.

By Simon Coleman, co-founder of communications business 1948

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