Do Business Like Buffett

Public speaking is a vital skill, and luckily it can be learned

- Bronwyn Hesketh

​​​​​​Considered one of the most successful men in the world, legendary investor Warren Buffett told his biographer that the biggest step he ever took was signing up for a Dale Carnegie course in public speaking. He knew that if he didn’t, it would end his chance of having a career.

Warren Buffett, no less.

Interestingly, Dale Carnegie’s book How To Win Friends And Influence People is one of the first books I always recommend that my new speakers read. Written in 1937, it is – for me – the keystone upon which an entire industry of motivation was built; one which has grown and expanded to become a movement worth many billions of dollars every year, globally.

I agree with Buffett that effective public speaking is the greatest skill you need to boost your career.

Power in presence

Firstly, it takes balls of steel. Public speaking is still rated right up there as one of the most dreaded forms of communication on earth. I don’t think people fear it more than death, personally, but that’s generally the claim. My sentiments are, when you step up and into the limelight, whether on an actual stage or in a boardroom, you are displaying courage and leadership. People automatically give you respect, begrudgingly or not, whether your superior or peer. It’s always a good plan to be noticed by the powers-that-be. By combining courage with charisma you will be in a prime position to demonstrate your presence in the best light.

​​​​​​​Preparation and personality

I have seen speakers who have terrific, meaningful content simply flounder because they are mundane or – heaven forbid – boring speakers. Content may be king, but charisma is right up there, the heir to the throne, for sure.