Public speaking in difficult times
juli 2023
Public speaking can be a real delight. If you know the subject by heart and you feel comfortable on stage, you can shine as your authentic self and make a real connection with your audience. With at the end, when the stars align, a standing ovation. Not all topics are suitable for this kind of party on stage. Maybe your audience isn’t in the party mood. Maybe you have bad news to share with your audience. Still, whether you have good or bad news to share, the same rules apply. Be yourself and make a real connection with your audience.
It’s not easy
Minutes before entering the stage with your bad news, you feel the eyes on you. The pressure is on, more than when you have a simple story with a positive approach. The response you get from your audience can also be different than expected. Some have an immediate, emotional response, while others may need to chew on your message a little longer. These are all things that can trigger emotion on your side and that you should take into account when delivering bad news.
“Not communicating is also communicating”
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“Not communicating is also communicating” Paul Watzlawick. When Van Moof’s bankruptcy was declared in the beginning of 2023, the Amsterdam bicycle manufacturer remained very quiet. The bankruptcy was communicated in an internal email. Van Moof’s employees, the press and the customers were all informed in this impersonal way. The lack of personal communication has caused quite an angry reaction. Although Van Moof probably thought they had found the best way, it turned out that people still need some more text and explanation.
The resignation of the Dutch government was also a bad example of delivering bad news. The politicians did not take any responsibility, pointed fingers and used evasive terms such as ‘lack of chemistry’ that provided no explanation at all. This did not contribute to the confidence of the Dutch in politics.
This is key!
- Transparency
- Taking responsibility
- Consistency in your message
By communicating honestly and openly and be willing to take responsibility for mistakes, you build trust with your audience. This way you will create a safe space where they are much more willing to listen carefully to what you have to say.
The most important consideration
The most important consideration when delivering bad news is: are you playing the role or are you owning the role? If you play the role of a spinning politician, you can stay far away from all emotions and feelings. If you own the role of a leader? You will take real responsibility and show true humanity. By allowing appropriate emotions – such as ‘not knowing yet’ or doubt – into your speech, you come closer to the other person. After all, if you as a public speaker don’t feel anything, how is your audience supposed to feel anything.