The secret to becoming a world class Speaker is to serve your audience, not your ego. And today, I want to dive into this topic which I have found to be one of the most powerful lessons in speaking. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this message is worth its weight in gold.
Exceptional Speakers Serve Their Audience, Not Their Ego
What do I mean by that? Well, let me explain. I’ve seen a lot of speakers over the years, and many of them fall into a trap—making the presentation all about themselves. They turn up, deliver the same speech, never tweak or adjust it to fit the room or the audience, and they’re caught up in the allure of being on stage. It’s easy to do. Speaking can be glamorous. I’ve experienced it myself. I’ve pulled up in limos, had crowds cheering, and even once had a stage stormed by 600 people after presenting in Iran.
Sounds exciting, right? The photos, the champagne, the first-class flights—it’s all part of the speaker world. But here’s the truth: none of that actually matters.
The Real Secret of Extraordinary Speakers
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that truly exceptional speakers don’t let the glitz and glamour distract them from their purpose. They know that their primary role is to serve the audience in front of them, not to look impressive or bask in the spotlight.
It’s about humility, recognising that being paid to stand in front of a room full of people and share your message is an incredible privilege. And that means making adjustments—customising your presentation to fit the people in the room, speaking to them at their level, and delivering something that makes a genuine impact on their lives.
It’s All About the Audience
Every time I step onto a stage, my final thought before I begin is always the same: “I’m here to serve.” I remind myself that my job is to help the people in front of me, to give them something valuable, and to make a difference in their lives. It’s not about making them laugh or impressing them with how clever I can be. It’s about serving them, not my ego.
I encourage anyone who is a speaker or who is thinking about becoming one to really reflect on this. It’s the thing that matters the most. When your goal is to serve, you automatically elevate yourself to the next level.
Thank you for reading, and remember the secret to becoming a world class Speaker is to serve your audience, not your ego.
Andrew Griffiths
