The Ideal Communicator

What is the ideal communicator? While it is impossible to deliver the perfect speech, it is possible to give the ideal speech. The ideal communicator presents themselves as calm, cool, and collective. They are well-prepared, knowledgeable on their subject, and can easily adapt to audience feedback in any situation. There are a countless amount of highly regarded speech makers, both past and present, which can be idolized for their delivery techniques. Once an individual researches other speech presentations and learns how to develop their own unique style, they too can become an ideal communicator.

There are many traits and characteristics one must possess to be considered near perfect. Public speaking is an intimidating feat for many. Stage fright should not be factor that takes away from a speech. The ideal communicator accepts their nervousness and uses it to their advantage. Another way to conquer nervousness is to thoroughly prepare; a presenter who is comfortable and extremely knowledgeable on their particular topic shows how passionate they are about their message. Effective gestures and strong eye contact also contribute to the ideal speech.

Personally, I look to two public speakers from completely different ends of the spectrum as role models. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a civil rights activist, a Baptist minister, and a very powerful public speaker. His "I Have a Dream" speech is still reviewed today as one of the best of all time. He has a distinctive drawl that intensifies his message. Comedienne Chelsea Handler is unconventional, unpredictable, raunchy, and hilarious. She is witty, clever and quick on her feet. On-the-spot questions make me nervous; Chelsea Handler, on the other hand, handles impromptu situations with equanimity and of course, biting humor.

I can incorporate speech delivery methods that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Chelsea Handler use into my own presentation. Like MLK, I can use my voice expressively. A strong tone of voice conveys poise and confidence. In writing, humor has always been my favorite compositional risk. Just as Chelsea Handler does, I can interject humor into my speeches to keep the audience amused and attentive. Technical, straight-to-the-point presentations can be boring and can cause the audience to lose focus. My objective is to always adapt to the feedback the audience relays; regardless of the subject, I never want to deliver a dull speech.

Overall, it is not easy but it is possible to become the ideal communicator. The ideal communicator must physically appear poised and at ease; if they are nervous, it should not be visible. Additionally, they should be able to maintain eye contact throughout the speech. Special techniques I would like to use in my own speeches are humor and an effective tone of voice, just as Chelsea Handler and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. do in their respective industries. I aspire to become the ideal communicator.