The Oscars As Your Public Speaking Classroom
When you watch the Oscars, it's not just about the red carpet and the golden trophies. In fact, you can learn the art of public speaking from the Oscars. The Oscars—glamorous, high-stakes, and incredibly entertaining. This star-studded event could be your masterclass in public speaking! I am diving into Ellen DeGeneres' memorable 2014 Oscars hosting gig to unearth some valuable public speaking tips you can use.
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." ~ Oscar Wilde
Your 30-Second Trailer
Can you feel the excitement in Ellen's Oscar trailer below? Think of your introduction as your trailer—a snapshot of what's to come. Capture attention and build anticipation right from the start.
Two Pillars of Public Speaking: Knowing Your Material and Audience Connection
~ Ellen's Masterful Preparation ~
Ellen's performance was a beautiful blend of preparation and execution. She knew her material inside and out, rehearsed it, and delivered it with effortless confidence.
~ Teleprompter Who? ~
Ellen's confidence shone through because she was well-prepared. If there was a teleprompter, it was so seamless that we couldn't tell. The takeaway? Practice makes perfect.
TIP: Your key to confidence is being well-prepared. Know your material, practice it, and deliver it naturally.
Engaging with Your Audience: Ellen’s Playbook
~ Do Your Homework ~
Ellen's entire Oscars act centered around the audience. How did she do it? Through meticulous audience research. Whether you're addressing a room full of familiar faces or newcomers, doing your homework pays off.
~ The Power of Questions ~
Ellen kept her audience engaged by asking questions. Remember when she asked who wants pizza? The audience was stunned. They didn't know if she was serious or not and she was. She had them serving it! Asking questions not only keeps your audience engaged but also makes your presentation relatable and interactive.
~ The Conversationalist Approach ~
Ellen made speaking to a room full of Hollywood's finest seem like a casual conversation among friends. Your speaking style doesn't have to be grandiose; sometimes, simple and conversational works wonders.
~ The Smile Factor ~
Ellen's smile was infectious, and it elevated her connection with the audience. A genuine smile can do wonders for audience engagement.
~ Light Moments and Self-Deprecation ~
Remember when Ellen hilariously made sure to walk the line markers on the stage? Humor and self-deprecation can be your allies in establishing a bond with your audience.
~ The Willingness to Be Vulnerable ~
When Ellen dressed as Glinda from "The Wizard of Oz," she showed us the power of vulnerability in capturing hearts and minds.
~ Audience Involvement: The Epic Selfie Moment ~
Ellen took audience engagement to a new level with that epic selfie, involving stars like Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt. Watch the video below to see how Ellen slyly gets all these A-listers together for a group selfie and then posts it on twitter. As of 2023, this tweet has gotten over 2.8 million shares. Click here for a link to the tweet.
"Speak in such a way that others love to listen to you.
Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you." ~ Unknown
Final Thoughts: Your Public Speaking Masterclass
If you’re looking to improve your public speaking skills, sometimes the best classroom is in the most unexpected of places. So, the next time you watch the Oscars or any other large-scale event, take notes. There may be some golden public speaking nuggets just waiting to be discovered!
What have you learned from watching major entertainers? Comment below, and share what you've gained.