The hottest Public Speaking Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Education Topics

A Hopeless Introvert's Guide to Hopeful Public Speaking

Unmapped Storylands with Elif Shafak • 8650 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Public Speaking
  1. Perception matters. If you view public speaking as a burden, it will feel heavy to you. But seeing it as a chance to connect can change everything.
  2. Being imperfect is okay. People come to listen to your stories, not to see a perfect image. Your genuine self is what really matters.
  3. Remember, the audience is part of the conversation too. We all share this confusing world, so it's important to connect and share our questions together.

The Stump Speech

Points And Figures • 586 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Speaking
  1. Local offices like school boards and library boards matter, so more people should consider running instead of sitting out.
  2. Prepare three or four short stump speeches for different time limits and practice them until they feel performative, not like you’re reading notes.
  3. Be authentic and use brief personal, verifiable stories to connect with voters. In a very short pitch, clearly say your name, the office, your website, one reason you’re running, and ask for their vote.

How to Get a Standing Ovation

Remarkable People • 319 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🚌 Education Public Speaking
  1. Make sure you have something meaningful to say in your speech. Think about what your audience needs to hear instead of just what you want to say.
  2. Know your audience really well. Conduct research or polls to understand what messages will resonate with them and tailor your speech accordingly.
  3. Engage your audience with personal stories and humor. This makes your speech more relatable and keeps people interested.

Things Worth Remembering: The Empathy of J.K. Rowling

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 6969 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Public Speaking
  1. J.K. Rowling reminded everyone how powerful imagination can be during her speech at Harvard. It's a great reminder of the importance of creativity in our lives.
  2. Rowling is praised for being a brilliant and successful writer, despite facing controversy in recent years. Her talent and impact on literature shouldn't be overlooked.
  3. It's essential to appreciate remarkable people like Rowling while they are still alive. We often wait too long to celebrate the contributions of influential figures.
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Gavin Newsom as the Adult in the Room.

Breaking the News • 2231 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Speaking
  1. High-stakes public speeches can show how leaders should communicate in times of uncertainty. They need to connect emotionally and intellectually with the audience.
  2. A successful speech often feels conversational, as if the speaker is talking directly to the audience rather than delivering a formal address. This can help make important points feel more relatable and urgent.
  3. Effective speeches are concise and free of unnecessary details. They focus on clear, simple language to convey the message directly.

Things Worth Remembering: The Freedom to Offend

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3246 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Public Speaking
  1. Christopher Hitchens was known for his formidable skills as a public speaker and debater, with some believing he spoke better than he wrote.
  2. Hitch's reputation as a speaker was so esteemed that one should never speak before, with, or after him, according to advice given to Douglas Murray.
  3. Even before achieving peak celebrity status, Hitchens was recognized for his speaking prowess, particularly evident in his renowned book 'God Is Not Great.'

On Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and the curse of charisma

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 784 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Public Speaking
  1. Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock create their comedy in different ways, which shows in their performances. Chappelle is known for his powerful speaking that draws people in.
  2. Chappelle has strong oratory skills that put him on par with great speakers like MLK and Obama. His ability to captivate an audience is exceptional.
  3. Despite his charisma, there can be downsides to being such a compelling speaker. It raises questions about how that might affect him as a performer.

The Audacity of Ambition

The Ruffian • 503 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🎭️ Culture Public Speaking
  1. Timothée Chalamet is openly striving for greatness in his career, which is unusual in today's culture. Most people don't talk about wanting to be the best, but he is bold enough to express that ambition.
  2. Chalamet has devoted a huge amount of time and effort to his craft, even going as far as shutting off his phone for months to fully immerse himself in his roles. This shows how dedicated he is to his work.
  3. His speech about ambition was met with mixed reactions, highlighting a cultural tension where many people are hesitant to celebrate individual success. Chalamet's honesty about his goals challenges that idea.

'Against The Machine': the countdown

The Abbey of Misrule • 169 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
📚 Literature Public Speaking
  1. A new book called 'Against The Machine' is set to be published on September 23rd, and there are special pre-order discounts available at Waterstones.
  2. There will be a US book tour and new podcast series called 'The Machine Sessions' starting in August, which will explore themes from the book.
  3. Aside from book promotions, readers can look forward to travel stories, essays, and discussions on other interesting topics.

High-school debate: Pro

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🚌 Education Public Speaking
  1. High school debate encourages students to think critically and understand both sides of an argument. This helps them learn how to engage in respectful discussions.
  2. Judging a debate focuses on the quality of arguments and how well teams respond to each other's points. This process is designed to improve speaking skills and critical thinking.
  3. AI could potentially be used to judge debates fairly by evaluating arguments based on set criteria. It seems feasible to train AI to understand the nuances of debate.

Zelensky Tour de Force

Diane Francis • 619 implied HN points • 02 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Speaking
  1. Zelensky delivered an emotional address that resonates with many. It encourages viewers to feel moved and connected to his message.
  2. The message is aimed at inspiring hope and resilience as we head into the new year. It highlights the importance of unity and strength during tough times.
  3. The acknowledgment of Zelensky as an exceptional leader shows admiration for his leadership qualities. It suggests that his efforts are making a significant impact.

7 valuable life lessons from successful people.

Jon’s Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 27 Nov 22
🚌 Education Public Speaking
  1. Failure is part of life and can teach us valuable lessons. Embracing failure helps us grow stronger and more determined.
  2. Having a vision or plan for your life is important. It helps guide your decisions and keeps you in control of your journey.
  3. It's okay to take risks and follow your passions, even if it means leaving a secure job. Sometimes taking chances leads to great rewards.

Two End-of-Year Talks: bell hooks' Labors of Love and the Power of the Humanities

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 15 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Public Speaking
  1. bell hooks emphasized the importance of love as a transformative force in social justice movements, but faced skepticism, especially from younger audiences.
  2. Upcoming presentations will focus on bell hooks' contributions to feminist thought and the power of humanities in understanding existential priorities.
  3. The talks will be open to the public, offer insights into human oppression, and emphasize the value of humanities in shaping our perspectives on living well.

Upcoming Events: NYC, Phoenix, Nashville, DC

Bet On It • 55 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Speaking
  1. There are several upcoming events in different cities, like New York City, Phoenix, Nashville, and DC. These events will be open to the public and offer opportunities to meet up.
  2. Each event will feature discussions on topics like immigration and education, with guest speakers and the chance for Q&A sessions. It's a good way to learn and engage with new ideas.
  3. People interested in attending are encouraged to express their interest in meet-ups, and organizers will try to arrange these if there's enough demand.

💎 Friday Gems #20 (Bias in AI, Slowness, Public speaking)

Low Fidelity • 39 implied HN points • 24 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Public Speaking
  1. It's important to be aware of bias in AI systems and work towards creating more equitable and accountable technologies.
  2. Reconsider the negative connotations associated with being 'slow' and embrace it as something nourishing and thoughtful in our lives.
  3. Building public speaking skills through practice and preparation can help you become a confident speaker and share your ideas effectively.

Celebrating wins

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 21 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Public Speaking
  1. Celebrating your wins helps boost your energy and motivation. It's important to take a moment to enjoy your achievements instead of just focusing on what to improve.
  2. Public speaking can be challenging, but overcoming that fear can lead to great personal growth and satisfaction. It feels rewarding to push through and succeed in something you once dreaded.
  3. Having a positive mindset about your journey can inspire you to keep improving. Working with a coach can help elevate your skills and spread a good message about mental health and performance.

April Event Round-Up and Public Speaking

Resilient Cyber • 39 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Public Speaking
  1. There are several public speaking events related to security and compliance happening in April. These focus on topics like Software as a Service (SaaS) security and building secure programs.
  2. One important event will discuss how to create a compliance program for federal services, emphasizing the balance between development speed and security. This is crucial for companies navigating these challenges.
  3. Another key topic is Software Transparency and how to secure the software supply chain. This issue is becoming more important as many businesses rely on software solutions, and it's something experts are starting to address more.

Book Review: “Do You Talk Funny?” by David Nihill 4/5

Poczwardowski Notes • 19 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
📚 Literature Public Speaking
  1. Emperor penguins are the tallest and heaviest penguins but are not as tall as imagined, at around 110 centimetres high.
  2. Children see the world with everything seemingly too big; having reference points helps understand size.
  3. The book 'Do You Talk Funny?' by David Nihill is practical, humorous, and emphasizes storytelling for memorable public speaking.

One year of Talks

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 18 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Speaking
  1. Public speaking can be daunting, but sharing your experiences can build confidence. Starting with small talks can help you find your voice.
  2. It's important to prioritize nutrition and sleep for better performance in work and sports. Managing energy makes a big difference in success.
  3. Reflecting on your journey can help you realize the value of your experiences. Sharing those lessons can inspire and help others in their own challenges.

Questions Your Audience is Asking

DruGroup • 39 implied HN points • 20 Jan 22
🚌 Education Public Speaking
  1. Your audience wants to know if they should care about what you say. Connecting with them emotionally can help keep their interest.
  2. People in the audience are looking for new information. Make sure to share ideas that feel fresh and interesting to keep them engaged.
  3. Your audience is curious if they can interact or contribute during your talk. Encouraging participation helps make your message feel more personal and relevant.

Public Speaking vs. Arrogance

Muslim Musings • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Public Speaking
  1. In the heart of every Muslim, arrogance is seen as a great sin, challenging one's belief and sincerity.
  2. There is a conflict between humility and public speaking, as the act of speaking in front of others can feel contradictory for those trying to remain humble.
  3. The resolution to the dilemma lies in externalizing the 'teacher role' when speaking, attributing the status to the role itself and not to the individual occupying it.

Revisited: The girl with long hair

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 6 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Public Speaking
  1. The speaker shared his experience of speaking at a live event without much preparation, which made him more nervous than usual. It shows that sometimes, being spontaneous can lead to interesting outcomes.
  2. He felt uncomfortable discussing personal topics, especially when the theme was about 'Reunion' and love. This highlights how sharing emotions can be challenging for many people.
  3. Despite the nerves, the speaker’s talk was well-received, leading to an invitation to speak again. It shows that taking risks, even when we feel unprepared, can sometimes lead to positive opportunities.

Learnings Re: Marketing

As beautiful as it seems • 2 HN points • 07 Jun 23
💼 Business Public Speaking
  1. Marketing your own creation can be fun, challenging, and rewarding, requiring creativity and courage.
  2. Effective marketing strategies include building in public, unique marketing stunts, guerrilla marketing, and personal PR efforts.
  3. Key learnings include the importance of reviews, the value of experimentation, and the significance of seeking help and support from others.

Networking as a Superpower

Perspectives • 6 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
💼 Business Public Speaking
  1. Networking is an investment that yields dividends - it's about connecting with like-minded individuals, not just transactional relationships.
  2. Building a network requires effort, but starting with small habits, finding like-minded communities, and being helpful can make it easier and enjoyable.
  3. Practicing thought leadership, embracing public speaking, and building communities are effective ways to grow your network and create a self-sustaining networking flywheel.

Use Simple Language

Rational Dino’s Substack • 2 HN points • 26 Mar 24
🚌 Education Public Speaking
  1. Using simple language helps people understand you better. When we use complicated words and sentences, many might not get what we're saying.
  2. Many successful publications and companies use simple language. This makes it easier for everyone to read and enjoy their content, which leads to more people engaging with it.
  3. Improving communication skills takes practice. Using readability tools can help you simplify what you write, making it clearer and more accessible for others.

Reflections on the “Don’t Eat Anything With a Face” Debate, Part 1: Overall Impressions and Lessons

Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 19 implied HN points • 07 Dec 13
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Speaking
  1. In a debate, it's crucial to make the strongest points first and assert more influence over the topics being discussed.
  2. Being prepared to think on your feet in a live debate is essential as it requires a different skill set than public speaking or writing.
  3. When debating, make sure to deliver key arguments effectively and utilize opportunities to steer the discussion towards important topics.

GRANTED: November newsletter on work and psychology

Granted • 0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 14
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Speaking
  1. The Benjamin Franklin Effect describes how someone turned a hater into a fan through giving, backed by psychological research.
  2. Social media affects our friendships and social interactions, impacting how many true friends we can have.
  3. Empathy is a crucial quality often misunderstood by leaders, leading to broken relationships and communication breakdowns.

🤡 Newsletter #26: public speaking, faking a command, make mistakes, learn to code with Tumblr

Women On Rails Newsletter - International Version • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Public Speaking
  1. Learning to speak in public is a skill that can be developed, even if it causes anxiety. Resources like Lara Hogan's book can help overcome fears and improve presentation style.
  2. Using the --dry-run option in commands allows for testing without actual execution, useful for tasks like cleanup to preview actions before committing.
  3. Women developers have found inspiration in coding through platforms like Tumblr, starting by tweaking designs and gradually transitioning to becoming engineers.