Why most public speaking advice is wrong—and how to finally overcome anxiety | Tristan de Montebello

Why most public speaking advice is wrong—and how to finally overcome anxiety | Tristan de Montebello

The Transformation of Public Speaking

Introduction to Public Speaking Dynamics

  • People often shift into a "public speaking voice" when asked to present, which differs from their normal conversational tone.
  • This transformation can lead to a more professional demeanor but may hinder authentic connection; speaking conversationally is encouraged for effectiveness.

Guest Introduction: Tristan de Montebello

  • Tristan de Montebello, co-Creator of Ultraspeaking, is introduced as an expert in public speaking workshops.
  • He became the fastest competitor to reach the finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2017 and developed unique courses aimed at improving public speaking skills.

Importance of Becoming a Better Speaker

  • Improving public speaking skills can significantly accelerate one's professional life.
  • The episode will explore various tactics and misconceptions about public speaking while engaging in live exercises from Tristan's course.

Personal Experiences with Public Speaking

Overcoming Fear and Dread

  • The host shares personal struggles with public speaking, expressing that it remains a source of anxiety despite appearing confident.
  • Tristan’s approach has helped him feel more comfortable, highlighting the effectiveness of his methods.

Interactive Learning Approach

  • The podcast aims to provide tactical advice for listeners on becoming better speakers through interactive exercises used in Tristan's classes.

Sponsorship Messages

Eppo: A/B Testing Platform

  • Eppo is introduced as an advanced A/B testing platform designed for growth teams, emphasizing its ease of use and deep analytical capabilities.

Command AI: AI Support Toolkit

  • Command AI is presented as an innovative toolkit that enhances user support experiences by providing useful answers and reducing unnecessary pop-ups.

Misconceptions About Public Speaking

Common Misunderstandings

The Transformative Power of Speaking

The Concept of Meta Skills

  • Speaking is described as a meta skill, meaning improvement in this area positively impacts various aspects of life.
  • Just like fitness enhances physical health and energy levels, improving speaking skills can lead to increased confidence and overall life satisfaction.
  • Breakthroughs in speaking can transform feelings in different social contexts, including work, friendships, and family interactions.

Overcoming Self-Consciousness

  • Many individuals experience self-consciousness when speaking, which leads to overthinking and anxiety.
  • Despite these challenges, everyone possesses the innate ability to speak; it’s about debugging the "software" that hinders effective communication.
  • Recognizing that we have evolved for communication helps us understand our potential; we just need to upgrade our skills.

Enjoyment as a Barometer for Effective Speaking

  • Enjoyment during speaking is crucial; if one does not enjoy it, they are likely doing something wrong.
  • Enjoyment serves as an indicator that one is on the right track with their communication approach.

Natural Communication vs. Pressure Situations

  • In comfortable environments (e.g., with friends or family), communication feels natural and enjoyable.
  • However, pressure situations (like business settings) can cause individuals to feel less authentic and more anxious about their speech.

The Importance of Practice

  • Effective practice should also be enjoyable; otherwise, individuals may abandon their efforts after a short time due to lack of motivation.

How to Become a Better Public Speaker

Understanding the Flow State in Speaking

  • The speaker emphasizes that understanding speaking as a subconscious flow-oriented process transformed their approach, moving away from conscious tactics.
  • They highlight that effective speaking occurs when one is not consciously thinking about the act of speaking but is fully engaged with the message being conveyed.
  • Achieving and maintaining a flow state throughout the presentation is crucial for effective communication and mindset change regarding public speaking.

Addressing Root Causes of Speaking Issues

  • Instead of focusing on symptoms like filler words, it's essential to identify root causes such as discomfort with pausing or slowing down during speech.
  • A lack of comfort can lead to racing thoughts and filler words; addressing these underlying issues can enhance clarity and confidence in delivery.
  • Monotony in speech often stems from fear of emotional expression under pressure; overcoming this fear allows for more dynamic presentations.

Upgrading Speaking Habits

  • The goal is to replace bad habits with new ones that support staying in a flow state while speaking, enhancing overall performance.
  • This involves layering new habits over old ones, effectively upgrading one's "software" for better public speaking outcomes.

Practical Tips for Immediate Improvement

1. Enhancing Visual Confidence

  • One simple yet impactful tip is to maintain eye contact by looking up rather than down while gathering thoughts, which conveys confidence.
  • Looking thoughtful by directing gaze upwards reduces interruptions and enhances perceived confidence during presentations.

2. Ending Strongly

  • To sound more confident, speakers should focus on ending their statements strongly instead of trailing off weakly at the end.

How to End Your Speech Strongly

The Importance of a Strong Ending

  • A common issue in speaking is tapering off at the end or expressing doubts, which can negatively impact audience perception.
  • This uncertainty forces the audience to view the entire response through a lens of doubt, overshadowing any positive aspects of the message.
  • To counter this, speakers should anticipate self-awareness and uncertainties as they conclude and focus on delivering a strong ending.
  • Techniques like using summary prompts (e.g., "To wrap up...") can help solidify conclusions and maintain confidence throughout the speech.
  • It's crucial not to lose momentum at the end; maintaining energy until the final moment ensures a lasting impression.

Staying in Character While Speaking

  • Staying in character enhances speaker confidence and helps avoid self-sabotage during presentations.
  • Speakers often become hyper-aware of their performance, leading to insecurities that may manifest as nervousness or rambling.
  • Audiences cannot perceive internal insecurities; thus, it’s vital for speakers to project confidence regardless of personal feelings.
  • Sharing insecurities with an audience can create unnecessary doubt; it's better to maintain composure and stay focused on delivering content effectively.
  • An analogy comparing a pilot's announcement about potential issues mid-flight illustrates how sharing doubts can lead audiences to worry unnecessarily.

Conclusion: Confidence Through Consistency

  • Maintaining character from start to finish reinforces credibility; any leaks of insecurity can undermine authority and clarity in communication.
  • Just as passengers would react negatively to uncertain announcements from pilots, audiences will question a speaker's competence if they express doubts.

Understanding Confidence in Public Speaking

The Importance of Staying in Character

  • Emphasizes the need to maintain character during public speaking, suggesting that staying in character can help manage discomfort and anxiety.
  • Highlights a reinforcing cycle where appearing confident leads to feeling more confident, which further enhances performance.
  • Observes that most people appear confident by default, even if they are nervous internally; this realization can shift one's perspective on public speaking.

Perceptions of Nervousness

  • Discusses the common tendency for speakers to acknowledge their discomfort, believing it makes them relatable but ultimately detracts from their confidence.
  • Compares this behavior to stand-up comedy, where acknowledging a failed joke draws attention to it rather than allowing the audience to move on.

Managing Audience Attention

  • Explains how speakers often believe audiences notice every mistake; however, most are preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings.
  • Uses an analogy of driving a train: if something goes wrong (like a crash), it's better for the speaker to keep moving forward rather than stopping to address it.

The Peak-End Rule

  • Introduces the concept that audiences remember the end of experiences more vividly than the beginning; thus, ending strong is crucial for lasting impressions.
  • Notes that when speakers draw attention to their mistakes, they disrupt audience engagement and create unnecessary focus on perceived failures.

Building Confidence Through Practice

  • Encourages maintaining confidence and leading discussions without breaking down due to minor issues; this approach fosters self-reinforcement.

The Role of Games in Learning Public Speaking

Engaging Methods for Improvement

  • Introduces live games as practical tools for enhancing public speaking skills through active participation rather than passive learning methods.

The Necessity of Practice

  • Stresses that improvement in speaking requires actual practice—akin to cooking—where reading alone is insufficient for mastery.
  • Points out that many individuals avoid practicing due to fear or lack of opportunities, leading them instead towards theoretical knowledge without application.

Commitment to Growth

How to Overcome the Fear of Speaking?

The Importance of Practice

  • To improve speaking skills, consistent practice is essential. The initial fear often dissipates once one begins speaking, leading to rewarding experiences.
  • Intrinsic rewards are crucial; if practice isn't enjoyable, individuals are likely to abandon it.

Game-Based Learning Approach

  • Ultraspeaking games focus on short, deliberate practice sessions that include immediate feedback and repetition.
  • Initial coaching involved observing participants struggle with their thoughts before speaking. This led to a method of prompting immediate responses to reduce anxiety.

Development of Speaking Games

  • Techniques evolved into word association games where participants quickly respond to prompts without overthinking.
  • The realization that these methods resembled game mechanics sparked the creation of "Speak Before You Think," a card game designed for those who overthink.

Transitioning Online

  • With the onset of COVID-19, the games were adapted for online platforms, maintaining their core principles: short reps and immediate feedback.

Personal Experience with Games

  • After taking a course on these techniques, an individual shared their positive experience with family in L.A., highlighting how engaging and fun the games were.
  • Family members expressed interest in continuing public speaking practices after enjoying the games together.

Introduction to Specific Games

  • Discussion shifts towards specific games like "Conductor," which involves responding to random titles while adjusting energy levels based on displayed numbers.

Mechanics of Conductor Game

  • In "Conductor," players see random numbers representing different energy levels they must match while speaking about given topics.

Personal Growth and Emotional Blockers

Struggles with Adulthood

  • The speaker reflects on their feelings of immaturity despite being an adult with significant responsibilities, including raising two children.
  • They express a desire to overcome emotional blockers by hiring a coach to help them grow and become free from past constraints.

The Greatest Puzzle: Life Choices

  • The speaker introduces the concept of life as a puzzle, initially believing it was difficult to figure out what to do with their life.
  • They reveal that they have known since childhood that they wanted to be a software engineer, which contrasts with the complexity of their career path.
  • Reflecting on their journey, they describe how various career experiences contributed pieces to the overall puzzle of their life.

Mindset and Playing the Game

  • A discussion arises about focusing too much on performance rather than enjoying the process; participants are encouraged to adopt a playful mindset.
  • Emphasis is placed on letting go of perfectionism and embracing failure as part of learning and growth.

Cultural Integration in Parenting

Navigating Cultural Backgrounds

  • The speaker shares insights about parenting in a multicultural family, considering how both parents' cultures influence their child's upbringing.
  • They reflect on ensuring that their child receives balanced exposure to both cultural backgrounds without forcing any direction.

Creating Turbulence for Growth

  • The conversation shifts towards using turbulence as a metaphor for personal development; challenges are seen as opportunities for growth.
  • Flight simulation is used as an analogy where pilots must navigate unexpected situations, paralleling how individuals should prepare for life's unpredictability.

Learning from Mistakes

Insights from Conductor and the Creator Cohort

Key Takeaways from the Experience

  • The speaker reflects on their experience with Conductor and the Creator Cohort, noting that two main insights have stuck with them.
  • A metaphor of mental "file folders" is introduced, where different energy levels (from low to high) unlock various insights, memories, and stories.
  • Slowing down to a lower energy level can lead to new thoughts emerging, emphasizing the importance of relaxation in creative processes.
  • Engaging in challenging tasks at low stakes fosters confidence; practicing speaking spontaneously about random topics becomes easier over time.
  • The speaker emphasizes that understanding one's subconscious power allows for taking more risks while reducing self-doubt during creative exercises.

The Power of Energy and Emotion

  • Over seven years, the speaker has learned that their brain's potential is immense; they focus on eliminating bad habits to enhance creativity.
  • Trusting oneself to fill in gaps when starting sentences becomes easier with practice; repetition builds confidence in one’s cognitive abilities.
  • The concept of energy leading to emotion is discussed: tapping into specific emotional states can naturally guide word choice and storytelling.
  • By adjusting energy levels intentionally, individuals can influence their conviction and content delivery during communication exercises.
  • Playing games at low stakes reveals personal potential; participants realize how they can access different emotional states freely without pressure.

Understanding Personal Strengths

  • Participants often discover whether they are more comfortable expressing themselves at high or low energy levels through interactive games.
  • Self-awareness is enhanced by recognizing comfort zones within energetic extremes; this reflection serves as a mirror for personal growth.
  • The speaker shares an insight about their own strengths—initially believing they would be better at lower energies but finding strength in higher energies instead.
  • Engaging with friends during these exercises provides immediate feedback on comfort levels across different energetic expressions.

Understanding the Importance of Introspection in Communication

The Need for Introspection

  • Slowing down in communication requires a willingness to take up space and be introspective, even when it feels uncomfortable.
  • Reflecting on what one wants to convey is crucial; struggling with this can indicate deeper issues with self-expression.

Engaging Games to Enhance Focus

  • Introduction of "Triple Step," a game designed for individuals who struggle with maintaining focus during conversations or presentations.
  • The game helps participants integrate random words into their speech, promoting adaptability and concentration.

The Mechanics of the Triple Step Game

Game Structure and Objectives

  • Participants must speak on a given topic while seamlessly incorporating six randomly generated words within one minute.
  • Success in the game means listeners should find it challenging to identify which words were added spontaneously.

Personal Reflection Through Metaphors

  • The speaker uses personal anecdotes, likening themselves to a Labrador due to their enthusiastic nature and tendency to get easily distracted.
  • This metaphor illustrates both the joys and challenges of being easily excitable, highlighting the need for balance between enthusiasm and focus.

Building Resilience Through Distraction Management

Strategies for Staying Grounded

  • Emphasizes the importance of being like a tree in a storm—grounded yet flexible—to handle distractions effectively.
  • Staying focused on a clear direction allows participants to better manage unexpected interruptions during communication.

Benefits Beyond Public Speaking

  • Engaging in games like Triple Step builds resilience by training individuals to remain composed under pressure.
  • These exercises are beneficial as warm-ups before high-stakes situations such as interviews or presentations, enhancing overall cognitive readiness.

The Value of Targeted Practice in Public Speaking

Specific Skill Development

  • Traditional methods of improving public speaking through mere practice may not address specific skill sets needed for effective communication.

The Importance of Expanding Communication Skills

Overcoming Limitations in Communication

  • The speaker emphasizes the need for practice beyond just memorizing or performing set routines, likening it to learning choreography without understanding how to improvise.
  • Encouragement is given to trust one's natural ability to communicate rather than relying solely on memorized phrases or thoughts.
  • The metaphor of being "stuck in a box" illustrates how restrictive communication can feel; expanding this range allows for greater freedom and comfort in expression.
  • Engaging with various tools and techniques helps individuals feel more at ease, unlocking their inherent communication skills.

Embracing Challenges as Growth Opportunities

  • The speaker introduces the idea that facing fears often leads to personal growth, quoting, "The cave you fear contains the treasure you seek."
  • Personal anecdotes are shared about overcoming discomfort (e.g., eating blue cheese or parenting challenges), highlighting that pain can lead to joy and fulfillment.

Navigating Social Dynamics and Information Overload

Reflections on Social Distancing

  • The discussion reflects on social distancing during the pandemic, questioning its necessity and impact on human connection.
  • A metaphorical comparison is made between engaging with news and social interactions, illustrating the push-pull dynamic of wanting connection versus needing solitude.

Learning Through Turbulence

  • The importance of challenging experiences is emphasized; true learning occurs when one feels an edge or discomfort during practice.

Empowerment Through Speaking

Overcoming Initial Hesitations

  • The speaker reflects on their journey, noting that participating in spontaneous discussions is a significant milestone for them, indicating personal growth and comfort with public speaking.
  • They express the initial fear of having to speak on random topics but highlight the empowering nature of overcoming this fear and embracing the challenge.

The Addictive Nature of High-Performance Skills

  • Engaging in high-performance skills like speaking can be addictive; as one improves, it becomes energizing and exciting, similar to mastering sports or other disciplines.
  • The speaker emphasizes that humans have an innate ability to communicate, which allows for rapid improvement and positive reinforcement when engaging in speaking exercises.

Learning Through Challenges

  • Tackling difficult exercises enhances overall speaking abilities; once one masters challenging tasks, regular talks become significantly easier by comparison.
  • Different games (like Triple Step and Conductor) serve as mirrors reflecting individual strengths and weaknesses, helping participants identify areas for growth.

Unlocking Personal Barriers

  • Understanding struggles within these games can reveal underlying barriers affecting other life areas; addressing these challenges leads to broader personal development.
  • The speaker shares their experience of internalizing lessons about performance perception, emphasizing the importance of not leaking negative feelings about one's performance.

Building Habits for Improvement

  • Developing habits through practice helps reduce self-doubt over time; consistent reinforcement from external feedback can help diminish critical inner voices during performances.
  • Just like athletes rely on muscle memory during routines, speakers should aim to internalize skills so they can focus on being present rather than consciously thinking about every detail.

Feedback Mechanisms During Speaking

  • A "listener" mechanism operates subconsciously while speaking—alerting the speaker if they are rambling or unclear—allowing for real-time adjustments without losing flow.
  • Positive audience feedback reinforces confidence and reduces self-critical thoughts after performances, contributing to a healthier mindset towards public speaking.

Conclusion: Preparing for Final Games

Executive Presence and Conviction in Communication

The Importance of Conviction

  • The speaker introduces a game that involves completing prompts to enhance speaking skills, similar to the "Triple Step" exercise.
  • Emphasizes that conviction in speech is crucial for executive presence; people with gravitas often convey strong belief in their words.
  • Notes that while some individuals may need to question their statements, most people lack true conviction, which affects how their ideas are received.

Saying No as an Entrepreneur

  • The speaker reflects on the importance of saying no, particularly regarding exciting projects that distract from focus.
  • Shares personal experience as an entrepreneur where reducing commitments led to increased productivity and effectiveness.
  • Highlights the transformative impact of focusing on fewer tasks, leading to greater accomplishments despite reduced activity.

Integrating Prompts into Speech

  • Lists phrases used during the speaking exercise: "This matters a ton," "I genuinely believe that every idea is awesome," and "Game changer."
  • Encourages listeners to try integrating prompts into their own speeches for practice and self-discovery of conviction in communication.

Advocating for Space Exploration

  • Introduces the topic of space exploration as vital for humanity's future and potential discoveries beyond Earth.
  • Argues against skepticism about investing in space exploration by emphasizing its inspirational value and benefits for life on Earth.
  • Concludes with a call to recognize the significance of space exploration through personal stories from astronauts, reinforcing its life-changing impact.

Insights Gained Through Speaking Exercises

Understanding the Power of Conversational Speaking

The Role of Problems in Insight Development

  • Engaging with problems can help individuals articulate their thoughts and insights, moving ideas from their minds into verbal expression.
  • A common challenge in public speaking is transitioning from casual conversation to a more formal speaking style; this shift often alters one's natural voice.

Emphasizing Conversational Communication

  • Speaking conversationally is more effective than adopting a professional persona; it fosters connection and authenticity.
  • Naval Ravikant's perspective on communication highlights the importance of discovering words simultaneously with the audience, reinforcing the value of thinking out loud.

Overcoming Fear of Bullshitting

  • Concerns about sounding insincere or like a "bullshitter" can hinder authentic communication; it's crucial to recognize that self-awareness prevents one from becoming disingenuous.
  • The fear of being perceived as a bullshitter can create an internal conflict, leading individuals to retreat into safer communication styles.

Building Authentic Communication Skills

  • Developing strong communication skills involves balancing confidence with genuine content; it's essential to have substance behind one's delivery.
  • Practicing these skills helps mitigate fears associated with public speaking while enhancing overall communicative effectiveness.

Techniques for Improving Public Speaking

  • Various techniques and games can be employed to enhance public speaking abilities, focusing on practical applications rather than theoretical knowledge.

Revolutionizing Speaking Preparation

The Need for a New Approach

  • The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparing for speaking engagements, noting that while spontaneous speaking constitutes about 80% of communication, there are critical situations requiring preparation.
  • Criticism is directed at traditional methods of preparation, which involve dumping ideas onto paper and rearranging them, leading to confusion and inefficiency.

Limitations of Traditional Methods

  • The old method results in an overwhelming number of notes that complicate the process rather than clarify it.
  • Transitioning from written notes to memorization is highlighted as a painful process; humans struggle with memorization compared to machines.

Introduction to the Accordion Method

  • The Accordion Method proposes a shift from writing to speaking as a means of preparation, focusing on clarity and essence.
  • An analogy is drawn between redecorating a living room and organizing thoughts: removing unnecessary elements leads to clarity in design.

Steps in the Accordion Method

  • Initial brainstorming can be done through writing but should transition quickly into spoken practice without relying on scripts.
  • Time constraints are introduced as a tool for refining content; starting with three minutes allows speakers to express their ideas freely.

Refinement Process

  • After each timed session (3 minutes), speakers reflect on what worked or didn’t before reducing their time incrementally down to 30 seconds.
  • This iterative process helps distill content down to essential points, akin to selecting key furniture pieces in home decor.

Finalizing the Talk

Accordion Method for Effective Speech Preparation

Understanding the Accordion Method

  • The accordion method allows speakers to condense their talks into essential points, making it easier to expand or contract the content based on time constraints.
  • This method promotes internalization of the speech rather than rote memorization, leading to a more natural delivery.
  • By using this technique, speakers can adapt their presentations fluidly across different time frames (1, 2, 3, or 5 minutes).
  • The focus is on clarity and intentionality in structuring the talk, ensuring that key messages are retained and effectively communicated.

Practical Application of the Accordion Method

  • When preparing for a presentation (e.g., an all-hands meeting), it's beneficial to start organizing thoughts about a week in advance if familiar with the content.
  • It’s suggested to outline foundational pillars or bookmarks instead of writing a full script; this aids in remembering core ideas during delivery.
  • A day before or even on the morning of the presentation is ideal for quick rehearsals once you have internalized your main points.

Structuring Your Talk

  • Having bullet points as reminders during your talk can be helpful. For instance, having four key takeaways can guide your discussion without relying heavily on notes.
  • An example structure includes identifying one main takeaway and three supporting pillars that encapsulate your message effectively.

Insights from Using the Accordion Method

  • The accordion method encourages deeper insights by forcing speakers to distill their messages into impactful nuggets while eliminating unnecessary details.
  • This approach proves particularly useful when faced with unexpected speaking opportunities, allowing for rapid preparation and effective communication.

Versatility of the Accordion Method

Accordion Method and Bow and Arrow Technique

Understanding the Accordion Method

  • The accordion method serves as a brainstorming tool, allowing individuals to clarify their thoughts on a specific topic. It can take varying amounts of time, from 15 minutes to just a few seconds, depending on personal constraints.
  • This technique encourages participants to condense lengthy presentations into shorter formats, such as summarizing a 20-minute talk into three minutes, enhancing clarity and focus.
  • A self-paced course on the accordion method is available through Ultra Speaking for around $30. While some resources are free, this particular one requires payment.
  • Additional resources include a free email course that covers various speaking techniques like the accordion method and bow and arrow approach. More information can be found at ultraspeaking.com/Lenny.

Introduction to the Bow and Arrow Technique

  • The bow and arrow technique emphasizes shifting focus from what speakers want to say towards what they want their audience to remember. This mindset change is crucial for effective communication.
  • Most audiences tend to remember only one key takeaway from talks or presentations. Identifying this "one thing" becomes essential in structuring impactful messages.
  • The "arrow" represents the single sentence that encapsulates the main message of the talk. Crafting this statement provides clarity for both the speaker and audience.

Enhancing Impact with Weight

  • To give more impact to the arrow (main message), speakers should add weight through anecdotes or data points that support their key idea, making it more memorable.
  • The process involves iterating between refining the arrow (main message) and identifying supporting elements (the bow). This back-and-forth helps simplify thoughts while ensuring coherence in messaging.

Practical Application of Techniques

  • As speakers develop their content using these methods, they should continuously refine both their main message (arrow) and supporting details (bow), leading to greater clarity in presentation structure.

How to Improve Your Presentation Skills

The Importance of Clarity in Presentations

  • Presenters often overload slides with information due to uncertainty about which data point is most important, leading to audience disengagement.
  • To enhance clarity, presenters should focus on a single key takeaway per slide and explicitly state what they want the audience to learn.

Transformational Power of Speaking

  • Engaging in public speaking can be a transformational experience; the more constrained one feels, the greater the potential for personal growth.
  • Practicing speaking can lead to feelings of exhilaration and empowerment, encouraging individuals to take that first step towards improvement.

Recommended Resources

  • A highly recommended book is "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks, which discusses self-sabotage linked to success and happiness.
  • The concept of "wild poppy syndrome" illustrates how societal pressures can inhibit individual success and happiness.

Personal Favorites and Insights

  • The speaker expresses admiration for the TV show "Peaky Blinders," calling it a masterpiece, alongside enjoying comedies like "The Nice Guys."
  • An Ember Mug is highlighted as a favorite product for its ability to keep beverages at desired temperatures through an app.

Life Philosophy and Reflections

  • A life motto shared is “these are the good old days,” emphasizing the importance of appreciating current moments rather than always looking ahead.

The Journey to the Semifinals of Public Speaking

Overcoming Challenges Before the Semifinals

  • The speaker reflects on their journey, emphasizing hard work as a key factor in their success. They qualified for the semifinals two and a half months prior but felt overwhelmed by the pressure.
  • With only six days left before the semifinals, they struggled to finalize their speech, realizing that both speeches needed to be world-class.
  • An opportunity arose to present in front of 50 people, allowing them to test their speech. They filmed every performance for feedback purposes.
  • Despite feeling emotionally connected to their original speech, they noticed audience disengagement during its most impactful moment, leading to self-doubt about its quality.
  • After receiving generic positive feedback from peers, anxiety set in; they discarded their initial speech and rebuilt a new one within five days.

Crafting a Winning Speech

  • The speaker practiced delivering the new speech alone in a plaza while memorizing it and preparing for nerves before performing in front of an audience.
  • During a practice run with one person (the district director at Toastmasters), emotional validation occurred when she cried during the speech and encouraged them with affirmations.
  • This experience reinforced their belief that all previous efforts were worthwhile; winning the semifinals validated their ability to create impactful content quickly.

Reflections on Success and Future Opportunities

  • Upon entering the finals, they felt victorious regardless of the outcome due to overcoming significant challenges leading up to this point.
  • The host expresses interest in learning more about public speaking championships and thanks Tristan for sharing his story.
  • Tristan shares resources available at Ultraspeaking.com/Lenny for those interested in improving public speaking skills through various games and exercises.

Engaging with Audiences

  • Tristan encourages listeners to apply what they've learned by practicing speaking skills with others and sharing experiences related to Ultraspeaking's methods.
  • He emphasizes that personal growth comes from actively engaging in speaking opportunities rather than avoiding them.
Video description

Tristan de Montebello is the co-creator of Ultraspeaking, the most effective method I’ve come across for rapidly improving communication and presentation skills. In 2017, Tristan became the fastest person ever to reach the finals of the World Championship of Public Speaking, achieving this feat in just seven months with no prior experience. In our conversation, we discuss: • Why public speaking is a meta skill that can transform your life • Practical games and exercises to improve your speaking skills • The “Accordion Method” for preparing talks without memorization • The “Bow and Arrow Technique” for crafting memorable presentations • Tristan’s journey to the World Championship of Public Speaking finals • Lenny doing some of the exercises live on-screen Tristan is offering a limited-time discount to Ultraspeaking. Both codes are valid until November 14, 2024. Sign up here: https://ultraspeaking.com/ → $500 off an Unlimited Membership with code UNLIMITEDLENNY500 → $200 off a Rapid Tier pass for a single cohort with code RAPIDLENNY200 — Brought to you by: • Eppo—Run reliable, impactful experiments: https://www.geteppo.com/ • Command AI—AI-powered user assistance for modern products and impatient users: https://www.command.ai/lenny • Brave Search—A smarter way to search: https://brave.com/lenny Find the transcript at: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/master-public-speaking-tristan-de-montebello Where to find Tristan de Montebello: • X: https://x.com/Montebello • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristandemontebello/ • Website: https://ultraspeaking.com • Free email course: https://ultraspeaking.com/lenny/ Where to find Lenny: • Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com • X: https://twitter.com/lennysan • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/ In this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction to Tristan de Montebello and Ultraspeaking (01:42) Personal experiences with public speaking (05:35) Misconceptions and meta skills in public speaking (08:56) Enjoyment as a barometer for effective speaking (15:30) Tactical tips for public speaking (29:15) The importance of practice and games (34:50) Game 1: The Conductor (Accessing different emotional states) (45:54) Mindset shift: playing the game (51:07) Game 2: Triple Step (Staying focused amid distractions) (01:07:51) Quieting the noise (01:09:46) Game 3: Conviction Prompts (Building executive presence) (01:17:27) The Accordion Method explained (01:37:57) The Bow and Arrow technique (01:43:43) Final thoughts and encouragement (01:44:55) Lightning round Referenced: • Michael Gendler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgendler • Alienor playing Conductor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmholFWwHro • Triple Step: https://ultraspeaking.com/triple-step-game/ • Rapid Fire Analogies: https://ultraspeaking.com/rapid-fire-game/ • Joe Rogan Experience #1309 — Naval Ravikant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qHkcs3kG44 • The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Leap-Conquer-Hidden-Level/dp/0061735361 • Tall poppy syndrome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tall_poppy_syndrome • Peaky Blinders on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80002479 • The Nice Guys on Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/Nice-Guys-Russell-Crowe/dp/B01FV1GLR8 • Ember temperature control smart mug: https://www.amazon.com/Ember-Temperature-Control-1-5-hr-Battery/dp/B07NQRM6ML • How I got to the World Championships of Public Speaking in 7 months: https://medium.com/the-mission/3000-people-staring-c2cbd14c6d6c Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com. Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed.