At some level, successful public speaking has nothing in common with the image of shouting out orders from a corner office. It’s more like piloting a sailboat through rough seas — trimming the sails, reading the wind, and keeping the crew aligned. And every call sends a wave outward. Clients stake their wars on your decisions and your squad looks to you for direction. The key? Flex necessary authority with requisite humility. Say ‘I was wrong’. Shout small victories loudly. When someone crushes case prep, throw in a line about how many cups of coffee they’re addicted to. Humor breaks down defenses; perfection paralyzes.
Public speaking? That’s your secret weapon. Picture a courtroom. You’re not listing off statutes but spinning a yarn. A dry contract dispute becomes a tale of broken promises. Legal jargon won’t bring a win for you in front of a jury — but turn that same story into a picture and you have them leaning closer. The same applies on every client pitch. Junk that jargon. Say ‘This is more than just some paperwork, it’s our armor’. Watch their eyebrows lift.
Even the most seasoned of attorneys can freeze when they need to present. Sweaty palms and slides that shake. The fix? Treat it like you’re preparing for trial. Shoot yourself and watch it back. Cringe at the ‘ums’ then axe them off. Substitute filler words with pauses. Silence isn’t awkward – it’s leverage. Think that you’re with a buddy over whiskey chatting. Nobody is interested in an automated stand-up comedian version of you.
Words come and go but leaders listen intently. Creature of habit? Yes. Dart from the confines of your office. Catching sight of juniors rolling eyes. Tell them “What’s the matter?” Maybe they are nailed to the wall with discovery docs. Share a few stories of your discovery days. “Once during a deposition I mixed up files of two clients. Mayhem. You will get through it.” Vulnerability can create fierce loyalty faster than anything on this planet except perhaps large bonuses.
While addressing a crowd, chuck the script. Write notes? Of course. But if your eyes are locked on the paper, you’re done. Begin with a hook – a stunning stat or a self-depreciating joke. ‘Raise your hand if you ever worked 80 hours a week? Now, everyone feel like sleeping?’ That’s where humor hits. Suddenly you went from robot to human.
Brilliant commanders can adapt to any terrain or market — and so can great leaders. Laws turn. Markets twist. Client’s crisis at 12? Pivot. Ditto for speech. Tech went down? So what. ‘Looks like we are paper ballin’ it today’. Audience restless? Change gears. ‘Let’s hop onto the elephant – how much is it costing you?’ Being plain and straight-forward defuses the tension.
Feedback bites but it cuts you into that perfect gem. So after a speech slip to a colleague/the bartender. ‘Where was the moment you got lost?’ Maybe you were tripping all over fiduciary duties. Trim the fat. During your leadership meets, muzzle the loudest mouth initially. The silent folks? Draw out secrets. ‘What does your gut say?’ Bam! They have words.
Add passion to purpose. Reason for leading? Or talking? Just aristocracy of the mind? It will fizzle eventually. Thus, if justice, if fixing broken systems drives you then that intertwined grit will drive you during wee hours and applause. Your voice is not just a tool; it’s a beacon. So, step up, lean forwards and clutch the complete scenario. The ball is now in your court. Be the star of this law-driven saga.