Public Speaking: The Journalistic Way
CNN international anchor Kristie Lu Stout delivered a public speaking talk on “How to deliver an effective speech” at the University of Hong Kong on 4th November.
A bunch of aspiring journalists stopped by to hear wise words from the renowned broadcaster, who started out at Stanford, then went to Beijing to learn Mandarin, wrote for few magazines and newspapers until becoming the CNN News stream anchor. Kristie also works on features once in a while.
Kristie started out her talk by sharing her personal experience when it comes to public speaking, saying as an extroverted introvert, she neither liked public speaking nor did she have talent.“I’m going to be honest. I dreamed of becoming a librarian as a little girl, not an international broadcaster.”
However, acknowledging public speaking is important early, Kristie spent hours trying to hone these skills as a child. In her career, off work, she also spent time practicing public speaking.
Kristie has long believed speeches can both make impacts and change lives, quoting Michelle Obama as an excellent example. An early technology speech she was invited to changed her life, as she has become one of the top news anchors in the journalism industry.
Kristie divided her talk into three parts; how one can craft an effective speech, deliver the speech just as effectively and getting over fear factors.
Quoting Mark Twain, Kristie said it actually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech. She emphasized the importance of understanding the audience’s needs in the speech, giving journalists four key points to note; quantity, quality, relevance and manner.
“You’ve got to be informative as required and as journalists; you’ve got to back up what you say with evidence. Relevance is importance, as much as manner. In other words, avoiding obscurity and ambiguity.”
However, major focus of the talk was put on delivery. In delivering a message, she emphasizes the importance of preparation. “There’s no such thing as being over-prepared.” She said during the Q&A session
Body language plays an important role in delivery, she said, bringing up recent Presidential Debates as solid evidence. “Body language experts can actually tell who won the debate through the use of posture and gestures alone.” She said
“You’ll notice Hillary remained confident, and in the second debate specifically, when questions from the American citizens were asked, she came to Trump’s territory and he didn’t have any choice but to roam around.”
“People Magazine actually reported Hillary had practiced her “listening face” before the sessions. Trump was comparatively more nervous, seen pacing around and drinking water.”
In delivery, there’s also a need to establish your comfort zone when you speech. It’s important to build a relationship with your audience on your own comfort level through knowing where your audience is going to be, whether you’re going to be sitting or standing, and whether or not you’re going to have a microphone with you.
Kristie quoted a common example seen among news anchors “You’ll notice some news anchors tend to hold papers at their news desks, which they never look at when they’re on TV. It’s because these news anchors feel comfortable holding papers while speaking on camera.”
Going into verbal skills, Kristie mentioned being mindful of articulation, putting stress on certain words while taking note of intonation and resonance. Not to mention, she recommends a useful tip in the practice phase; videotaping yourself. “I’ve spent 15 years at CNN international, and I still watch videotapes of myself on TV. These tapes really help you identify areas for improvement.”
Finally, the fear factor.
Power posing has been a useful tool for many in getting over the fear factor before important speeches, but Kristie recommends a different approach; getting pumped. “I remember hearing Obama was seen listening to the Eminem song “Lose Yourself” before his recent DNC speech, which I believe got him pumped for that excellent speech.” she said
Dress for success is an important tool, she reminded journalists, emphasizing the focus should be on one’s presentation. Quoting an example during the Occupy movements, she said understanding the psychology of colour becomes an important tool in different scenarios. “I remember one of my colleagues at CNN was covering the Umbrella Movement two years back, and she showed up at work wearing a yellow blouse.”
“You might have all guessed. We told her to change her shirt.”
She also recalled scenarios in which journalists should remember a green dress doesn’t work when you’re going on a green screen.
Ending on a more personal note, Kristie’s main takeaway to budding journalists was the importance of keeping things conversational, while acknowledging the star is the news, not you.
“The main difference between public speaking as an anchor and normal speeches is the fact that you have an audience that gives you constant dynamic feedback when you’re delivering a speech. As an anchor, you’ve only got a camera, and it’s up to you to turn that sort-of unnatural situation into a more natural conversation with your audience.”
Kristie brought up an interesting personal tip about how she makes things more conversational. “I look down the camera, and imagine I’m speaking to someone. That really helps make things a lot more natural.”
The final tip she shared was believing in the message you’re giving out. Telling the journalists a personal backstory of what she tells herself before going on air everyday; “News is the star, I am only here to serve. This is the amazing rundown my team and I have put together, and I am going to deliver it in the most compelling way possible for my audience.”
To young, aspiring public speakers out there, she encourages all to try their best, because public speaking is possible for everyone. “Believe in yourself, and you’ll be able to do it!” she says
