As someone who has spent countless hours on both sides of a microphone, I’ve realized something profound: there isn’t a speaker out there who doesn’t have something to teach me. Yet, the paradox is that I haven’t learned from every speaker I’ve heard. The gap between potential learning and actual takeaway lies not in the speaker’s abilities alone but also in our own willingness to observe, reflect, and apply.
Lessons from a Misstep: A Case Study in Delivery
Once, I attended a presentation by a speaker with a compelling message and deep expertise in her field. Her knowledge was undeniable, and her content was carefully structured. Yet the delivery faltered—a scripted delivery in a monotone voice and unnatural gestures that were overused.
I sat there thinking how much more impactful she could be if she devoted as much time to honing her delivery skills as she had to mastering her subject matter. This wasn’t just a critique; it was a lesson for me. Communication is a skill, just like any other. A great message without great delivery is creates at best 50% of success.
Observing the Good and the Bad
Every speaker is a teacher—whether they intend to be or not. The trick lies in how we observe. A speaker with excellent stage presence, for instance, can teach us the power of commanding attention. A presenter with poor visual aids might remind us to design slides that enhance rather than distract. From energy levels to storytelling techniques, every element offers clues to effective communication—or warnings about pitfalls to avoid.
It’s not just about seeing what works; it’s about identifying what doesn’t and understanding why. The mistake some people make is dismissing a poor speaker outright. The truth is, the missteps of others often provide the richest insights.
Learning Isn’t Automatic
The fact that we can learn from every speaker doesn’t mean we always do. Learning requires intentionality. Do we reflect on what we’ve observed? Do we make note of behaviors and techniques to emulate—or avoid? And most importantly, do we apply these lessons in our own lives?
This is where the responsibility shifts to us. It’s easy to passively consume a presentation and move on. The harder—and more rewarding—path is to actively process what we’ve experienced.
Applying the Lessons
To make the most of every speaking engagement, I’ve developed a simple habit: After every presentation I hear, I ask myself three questions:
1. What did this speaker do well that I can incorporate into my own presentations?
2. What did this speaker do that is an example of what not to do?
3. What would I have done differently, and why?
Answering these questions doesn’t just make me a better speaker; it makes me a better listener, learner, and leader.
The Takeaway
Whether a speaker dazzles with brilliance or stumbles awkwardly through their time on stage, they leave us with something valuable: a lesson. It’s up to us to extract it. We don’t just learn by hearing; we learn by observing, reflecting, and applying. Every speaker is an opportunity—if we choose to see it.
