Articulating Like a President
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How to speak with clarity, power, and presence
We’ve all met someone who immediately catches our attention—not necessarily because of what they say, but how they say it. Maybe it was a new colleague during your first week at work, a guest speaker at school, or even someone sharing thoughts on a podcast during a quiet spring walk home.
The truth is, the voice is a game-changer. It’s one of our most powerful tools to shape ideas, influence others, and connect deeply. In many cases, how we speak can be just as important as what we say.
Here are three practical strategies to improve your public speaking and start articulating like a leader—maybe even like a president.
1. Structure Your Thoughts Like a Storyteller
Whenever you enter a discussion or prepare for a presentation, take a moment to ask yourself:
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How do I want to begin?
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What is the core message I want to communicate?
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How will I wrap it up in a way that feels complete?
Having a clear structure—introduction, development, conclusion—is essential. It avoids confusion and gives your words rhythm and flow.
Imagine you're part of a debate in your IB school about increasing physical activity time. You might say:
“In today’s fast-paced world, students are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. Yet science shows us again and again that movement boosts focus, mental health, and long-term learning. By increasing physical activity time, we’re not taking away from academics—we’re investing in better academic performance. Let’s build a school culture that moves.”
Well-structured ideas make you sound confident and thoughtful. People will walk away thinking, “They really know what they’re talking about.”
Pro tip:
Reading helps, but writing is gold. Try journaling once a week. You’ll quickly spot areas where your ideas lack clarity—and that’s where growth begins.
2. Add Poetry (Yes, Poetry!) to Deepen Your Message
It might sound strange at first, but a well-placed poetic quote can elevate your speech in a way plain words can’t. Poetry connects logic with emotion—it makes your message memorable.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.”
– Rumi
Imagine quoting that during a talk on intercultural understanding. Suddenly, your audience isn’t just listening—they’re feeling. That’s what poetry does. You don’t need to overdo it—just one or two lines, thoughtfully placed, can add depth and warmth to your words.
And don’t forget: exploring poetry improves your vocabulary, helps with tone and rhythm, and makes your language more dynamic.
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| Morgan Freeman |
3. Be Fully Present: Eliminate Distractions
One of the most powerful public speaking skills doesn’t involve your voice at all—it’s about presence.
As a teacher, I’ve learned that you simply can’t deliver a meaningful class unless you’re fully in the moment. Students feel it when you’re present, and they switch on. The same goes for speaking in any context.
That means:
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Put the phone away.
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Maintain eye contact.
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Don’t just wait to speak—listen.
Even over the phone, people can tell when your mind is wandering. On the flip side, when you are 100% there, your words carry more weight. You become magnetic. And isn’t that what great speakers do?
“The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Being present isn’t just about respect—it strengthens your message.
Final Thoughts: Speak to Lead, Not Impress
Public speaking isn’t about sounding fancy or knowing big words. It’s about connecting with others, building trust, and sharing ideas that matter.
So next time you speak—whether in class, at a meeting, or in front of an audience—remember:
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Structure your message.
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Add a touch of soul with poetry or imagery.
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And most importantly, be truly present.
Great leaders don’t just deliver information. They inspire action.
And it all starts with the way they speak.
— Amin Sediqi