Women’s evolution in society has come a long way. Women were allowed to vote since the first ever election started in 1951-52 in India, but faced countless other obstacles to their independence and their ability to grow, at least in a professional sense. Even in the speaking industry, female motivational speakers, consultants and coaches have been considered inferior at one time or another.
Thankfully, most of these barriers have faded since then, although there is more to be done. There’s never been a better time for women to advance their speaking careers. Though, new opportunities introduce new challenges. To be one of the best women speakers, you need to be aware of how to present yourself in front of the audience and deliver your message. Additionally, you also need an array of top-notch qualities, both personally and professionally.
Keeping that in mind, let us go through some exceptional qualities that the best female speakers in today’s world possess.
- They are exceptional storytellers
Most successful female speakers have mastered the art of storytelling. Being one of the most crucial parts of speaking, the ability of storytelling can persuade audiences to act, compel them to change their views or educate them on complex topics while still making them memorable. In other words, if they’re able to build suspense through their storytelling and maintain the audience’s attention, they’re more likely to convey the message and make their presentation inspirational and worth remembering.
- They are passionate about their message
Successful women motivation speakers are always passionate about the message they convey. Apart from being a necessary component of a good speech, passion is also a tricky line to walk.
Speakers need to consider a few questions while preparing for their speeches. How can they show passion and energy without being overexcited? How to share the arguments that they’re passionate about without being argumentative or pushy? How to communicate why they’ve been passionate about the message for a long time?
It is also important that they tie their answers with their storytelling aspects and authenticity. In this way, the audience will be able to visualise a clear path from who they are and what they believe.
- They know what they’re saying
In addition to passion, successful female speakers can also back up their oratory with examples and evidence. Similar to arguing in a debate, the best speeches incorporate evidence from at least one or two sources to back them. One of these sources can be credentials. While each female motivational speakers have a unique approach to public speaking, it can be sometimes hard to compare speakers and harder to argue who is better than the other.
Credentials come in handy in these situations. There are multiple speaking associations and industry organisations that provide certifications to speakers, helping them stand out from the crowd. The Certified Speaking Professionals (CSP) and Council of Peers Award for Excellence (CPAE) from the National Speakers Association are among the most common credentials offered to speakers.
- They are not afraid to be empathetic
Another trait you will notice among female speakers is empathy. For new speakers, it might be tempting to lean into a ‘persona’ of speaking. Types of persona may include ‘drill sergeant’, who represents the message bluntly and in less time. On the other hand, there is ‘educator’, whose speeches are like lectures, long and time taking.
No matter what persona a speaker chooses for herself, it’s important to include an element of humanity. Always remember that a good speech doesn’t have to be full of commands and instructions. Instead, it is about how the speaker can relate to the hardship their audience may be experiencing. In this way, the audience will know that they are being listened to by the speaker like they are listening to her.
- They praise those who inspire them
The best female speakers are humble in nature. We might all have witnessed some speakers who are too focused on themselves. On the other side, ideal speakers are the one who balances their credentials and experiences with humility. They also include the ones that show them at a point of weakness, along with admitting that they’re still working to improve. Ideal speakers also give credit to the people who helped them get where they are.
Wrapping It Up
Ultimately, it is hard to pin down all the defining qualities of great women motivational speakers. After all, each one of them is different and possesses unique attributes.
Hopefully, this guide gives you a general knowledge of the exceptional qualities of female speakers. If you too, want to invite professional female speakers to your event, check out our list of the best female keynote speakers on the London Speakers Bureau website. You can also call us for any information.