The head counts, but so does the heart

Blog by Milou Dijkman

human being possesses masculine and feminine qualities, ratio and feeling, yin & yang. Who we are as individuals comes out best when there is a balance between that masculine and feminine energy. This is no different for public speaking.

Nevertheless, in presentations you still see a large focus on the more 'masculine' elements; the analytical, substantive, goal-oriented story, told mainly from the head.

The most impressive speeches and presentations are those where we are touched in our hearts, and where we feel a connection with the person behind the speaker. Of course, as a speaker, it is important that you serve the brain of your audience with a clear and well-thought-out story. But just as important is that you serve the hearts of your audience. How do you do that? Here are three golden rules:

1.Connect
Think less about transferring knowledge and plugging your message, and more about connecting with your audience. In her acclaimed speech at the 2016 Democratic Convention, Michelle Obama began by expressing her concerns about her daughters' future. In doing so, she made an emotional connection with her audience, who identified with this.

.Speak from your heart
Let your audience feel that you truly believe in your message, and why you think it is important. Speak with passion, like Meryl Streep did at the Golden Globes this January. In her emotional speech, she fiercely lashed out at Donald Trump, emphasizing the power of the free press, and freedom of speech.

Make yourself vulnerable
Show not just what you know, but who you are. Anno 2017, the person behind the speaker is an indispensable figure on stage! So make your story personal, for example using storytelling. In his May 4 speech (2013), former Armed Forces Commander Peter van Uhm spoke impressively about his father who fought in World War II, and about his son Dennis, who died in Afghanistan.