Elocution Lesson with Prince William

This is the third edition in the Elocution Lessons With Royals series, where I analyse Prince William's short speech in Cape Town (2024).

What Worked Well

Three elements were particularly strong: the introduction, the conclusion, and his overall presence.

What stood out to me the most was the way William approached the stage: with a measured pace and clear confidence. Many public speakers rush on, which can signal nervousness—and often amplifies it. By contrast, a calm, unhurried walk helps set the tone, giving the speaker a moment to collect their thoughts and establish presence from the outset.

That’s exactly what happened here. William began by greeting the audience in several African languages, and that was met with genuine enthusiasm. It’s a simple but powerful technique in public speaking —especially for international audiences. Taking the time to learn even a basic greeting in your audience’s languages can immediately build rapport and create a strong, memorable opening.

His commanding presence was further elevated by masterful eye contact and resonant voice projection.

William used rhetorical devices (repetition, alliteration) and the rule of three to enhance his speech:

“People dedicated their time, talent and vision”

“When they succeed - we all succeed, when they thrive - we all thrive, when they win - we all win”

He closed his speech by offering farewells in several African languages, rekindling the audience’s enthusiasm.

What He Could Have Done Differently

• For most of his speech, Prince William stood with arms crossed in front of his body.

It is his signature gesture. It projects composure and restraint in informal or observational settings. It can signal thoughtfulness, control, and a certain self-assured poise. However, in the context of public speaking, the same gesture can work against the speaker’s objectives.

An arms-crossed posture is often read, consciously or not, as closed or defensive. It creates a subtle barrier between the speaker and the audience, limiting openness and connection. Open gestures, by contrast, signal confidence, transparency, and engagement. There’s also a physical limitation. A constrained posture can therefore make delivery feel less dynamic and less persuasive.

For a speaker of Prince William’s stature, whose presence already carries authority, adopting a more open stance—relaxed arms, purposeful gestures, and grounded posture—would enhance warmth and relatability without sacrificing gravitas.

The body of his speech was marked by extended, densely constructed sentences, with little use of pause. This made the delivery harder to follow and risked diminishing audience engagement over time.

In public speaking, shorter sentences combined with deliberate pauses work better. Pauses, in particular, give the audience time to absorb and reflect, ensuring that each message is fully received before moving on to the next.

Public speakers can master phrases with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause (iOS/Android).

In my next speech, I will be analysing a speech of another member of the British Royal family.

Warmly

Olga Smith

Elocution Lessons With Prince Harry

Prince Harry delivered a powerful speech in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine — the capital of my motherland.

The content of his speech, the way it was written, and its delivery are impressive. I have decided to analyse it, and this analysis is the start of my new series, Elocution Lessons with Prince Harry.

Content

As a half-Russian and half-Ukrainian who was born in the Soviet Union, I can say that Harry’s speech was well researched.

Harry immediately connects with the audience by saying that he speaks to people as a former soldier of the Afghan war. He further strengthens this bond by saying, “I will not be speaking about Ukraine; I will be speaking directly to you.”

He uses rhetorical devices right from the start and throughout his speech.

• Alliterations that help the audience remember what is said:

“difficult to describe”

“courage over caution”

"commitment with consistency"

"decisive actions delivered quickly"

• The Rule of Three:

“strength, dignity and purpose”

“silence, delay and lack of accountability”

“actively, consistently and collectively”

“Ukraine earned respect through its leadership, through its resilience and through its conduct”

• Repetition and the power of three make the message stand out and become more memorable:

“clarity of what matters, clarity of what is at stake, and clarity of who is carrying this burden”,

“still standing, still fighting, and still leading”,

“shared mission and shared responsibility”.

• Contrasts multiply the depth and impact of what is being said:

“not in speeches but in action”

“not strength in arms but strength in unity”

“not just resilience but innovation under fire”

“not just survival but purpose”

“Strength is not measured by how loudly we speak, but by how consistently we stand for the values we hold dear”

Speech Delivery

Harry was reading the speech, yet he looked at the audience consistently and maintained good eye contact.

He emphasises key words and uses pauses effectively — allowing important ideas to land.

The pace of his speech was easy to follow, neither rushed nor slow.

What Harry could have done better

Three things stood out to me:

• Uneven audience engagement

Harry often directed his gaze to the right side of the audience. A more balanced distribution of attention would have strengthened the connection across the room.

• Posture

One shoulder appeared slightly raised — a small detail, but posture influences perceived confidence and authority.

• Limited use of gestures

His hands remained mostly behind the lectern. Visible, controlled gestures could have reinforced key messages. At moments, slight awkward hand movement suggested some nervousness.

In my next edition, I will continue elocution lessons with Prince Harry

Stay tuned

Warmly

Olga Smith

How to Develop Confident Business English Speech?

In order to develop confidence when speaking English in business, practise business vocabulary with Received Pronunciation, good vocal variety and English intonation patterns:

Start with the book Get Rid of your Accent for Business, Part Three

and an accompanying app Business English Speech (iOS/Android)

About the book:

Get Rid of Your Accent for Business, Part 3 is a groundbreaking first of its kind — the only book on the market that combines Received Pronunciation training with contemporary business vocabulary to communicate with authority in the workplace.

This book is based on the material we prepared for our elocution lessons and accent-reduction courses for diplomats and professionals. Below is what our clients told us before they mastered their speech:

"If I don't speak clearly, I will just remain a junior IT guy making peanuts who is staring at the computer all day and never even allowed to go to meetings." — Yago, IT Consultant

"My boss told me: If I don't lose my accent, I will lose my job." — Gulnara, Financial Advisor

"In our company, we have two bosses: a Japanese one who does everything, and an English one who does very little apart from talking, but makes more money as he has great speech and presentation skills!" — Judy, Marketing Firm

The book covers:

• 🔤 Long vowels, short vowels, diphthongs and consonants — with clear speech organ positioning guides for every target sound

• 💼 Contemporary business words and expressions used in today's professional world

• ✍️ Quotes and proverbs that make learning both effective and enjoyable

• 🔗 Contractions, silent letters and French expressions used by educated English speakers

• 🗣️ Warm-up articulation exercises to build crisp, dynamic speech from day one

 

The Method

As with our previous books, the approach is rooted in drama-school technique:

• Understand the precise positioning of lips, tongue and jaw for each sound

• Build muscle memory through words, phrases, sentences, verses and tongue-twisters — 10% theory, 90% practice.

• All exercises are supported by audio tracks recorded by professional actors, available on Audible and through the companion app Business English Speech

 

Get Rid of Your Accent for Business is the definitive guide for any professional who understands that how you speak can be just as important as what you say.

👉 Available on Amazon and in UK Flagship book stores such Foyles and Waterstones.

308. The Power of Great Communication: Lessons from Exceptional Leaders

Whether we are leading a team, pitching an idea, or navigating change, our ability to communicate often defines our success. Everybody is unique and has their own communication style. At the same time, we can learn from the best practices of top leaders.

Lesson 1: The Power of Vision and Emotion

Martin Luther King's speeches, especially his iconic “I Have a Dream, " prove how an emotional connection can inspire action. He didn’t just share ideas, he painted a vision people could feel and believe in.

Lesson 2: Simplicity Wins

Steve Jobs was a master of simplifying complex ideas. Whether unveiling a new product or explaining innovation, he made technology accessible and exciting. If you can’t explain it in simple terms, you don’t understand it well enough.

3. Lesson 3: Authentic Connection

Oprah Winfrey's success is her ability to connect deeply with people. She listens with compassion, responds with empathy, and creates space for open, meaningful conversations.

A Personal Reflection

I’ve discovered that my strengths are storytelling and my confident presence. My weakness: my speech can become rushed when I’m emotional.

Self-awareness is the first step to becoming a better communicator.

Do you know your communication strengths and weaknesses? Share them in the comments. I read every response.

Warmly

Olga Smith

307. The Day I Recorded Myself and Got a Shock

I was confident. I thought my English was excellent.

I had a linguistics degree, an MBA, and I had been living and working in London for years. I genuinely believed I communicated well.

Then one day I recorded myself.

I played it back and I was shocked. I could not understand some of the words I was saying. Not because my vocabulary was wrong or my grammar was poor — but because my sounds were unclear, my speech very quiet, and what felt clear inside my head was actually quite difficult to follow from the outside.

That recording changed everything.

Not because it embarrassed me. But because it fascinated me. As a linguist I immediately wanted to understand the gap between how we sound in our own heads and how we actually sound to others.

That gap, I discovered, is where some communication problems live.

Here is what I found after years of research and teaching:

The professionals who struggle most are rarely struggling because of where they are from. They are struggling because of unclear sounds, rushed speech, swallowed endings and hesitant delivery.

These are technical problems. With technical solutions.

I know because I solved them myself — systematically, as a linguist. And that process became the Get Rid of Your Accent series — books, apps and video courses now used by international professionals in over 40 countries.

The recording feature in our apps exists for exactly this reason.

Because you cannot fix what you cannot hear. And most people — just like me — have never actually listened to themselves properly.

Try this today: Record yourself for 60 seconds talking about your work. Play it back. Listen not as yourself — but as a stranger hearing you for the first time.

What do you notice?

That moment of honest listening — however uncomfortable — is where transformation begins.

I'd love to know — have you ever recorded yourself and been surprised by what you heard? Share in the comments below.

Warmly, Olga Smith

301. Mini 1-Minute Public Speaking Challenge

What if you could become a more confident speaker in just 60 seconds a day?

Public speaking doesn’t require a stage, a big audience, or hours of preparation. It starts with consistency—and small, intentional practice.

Here’s a simple challenge you can start today:

⏱ The 1-Minute Speaking Habit

Every day, pick a topic and speak about it for one minute. That’s it.

No scripts. No overthinking. Just speak.

How it works:

• Choose any topic (your day, an idea, a news story, a lesson learned)

• Set a timer for 60 seconds

• Speak out loud—ideally record yourself

• Don’t stop, even if you stumble

Why this works:

• Builds clarity of thought

• Reduces fear of speaking

• Improves articulation and confidence

• Trains you to think on your feet

Want to level up? Try this:

• Day 1–3: Speak freely

• Day 4–7: Add structure (beginning, middle, end)

• Week 2: Focus on tone, pauses, and body language

• Week 3: Challenge yourself with tougher topics

I do this exercise every day, I love it and it has become a habit for me. I can always find one minute a day to have fun and do something useful at the same time.

Your turn:
What will you speak about today?

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

295. What Creating My First 1-Minute Instagram Video Taught Me

I had been dreading this for years. Finally, I decided to do it—create a 1-minute Instagram video. I even told myself: I wouldn’t do anything else until I got it done. Here’s what I learned:

• Creating a 1-minute video takes far more strategy than I expected.

• It’s surprisingly hard to make something that is both attention-grabbing and meaningful in such a short time.

What Worked Well 

 1. I started with a clear idea: explaining how the /t/ sound is created and how to master it.

2. I had a clear structure: a beginning, middle, and end.

3. I used a microphone—audio quality was strong

4. I rehearsed the video content 3 times

5. I spoke clearly and stayed authentic to my style

6. I avoided filler words

7. I used good natural light and faced the window

8. The content was valuable and useful

Mistakes I Made

Mistake #1: No hook

I didn’t think about the first 3 seconds.

Attention spans are short—if you don’t grab interest immediately, people scroll.

Instead of a strong hook, I just greeted the audience.

A simple structure I should have followed:

1. 0–3 sec: Hook. Strong hooks include:  a bold statement (“You’ve been doing this wrong…”)  or a question that sparks curiosity

2. 3–45 sec: Main content

3. 45–60 sec: Conclusion + CTA

Mistake #2: Not visually engaging

The video lacked movement and variation to keep attention.

Mistake #3: No captions or text

I didn’t use text to:

• Highlight key points

• Reinforce the message

• Guide viewers

Many people watch without sound—this was a missed opportunity.

Mistake #4: No call to action

I ended with: “I hope you enjoyed the video.”

Instead, I could have said:

• “Follow for more tips”

• “Save this for later”

A CTA turns viewers into engaged followers.

Creating a great 1-minute Instagram video is about clarity, energy, and connection. I had clarity and energy. But I missed a connection with my audience—at the start (no hook) and at the end (no CTA).

I’ll keep experimenting.

And who knows - maybe the next one will be better.

Olga Smith
www.batcsglobal.com

290. Do You Speak Too Fast?

Why Do People Speak Too Fast?

There are several reasons why someone might speak quickly:

1. Nervousness or anxiety – When we’re nervous, our body goes into “fight or flight” mode, and talking fast is a natural response.

2. Excitement – Sharing something you’re passionate about can make words pour out rapidly.

3. Time pressure – Feeling rushed often makes us speed up, thinking we need to fit everything into a limited timeframe.

4. Habit – Some people have simply always spoken quickly, and it becomes their default pace.

While speaking fast can sometimes convey enthusiasm or urgency, it often comes with downsides:

• Listeners may miss key points or misunderstand your message, and feel tired of trying to keep up with a rapid speaker

• Speaking too fast can make you appear nervous rather than confident.

How to Slow Down

1. I’ve noticed that some people don’t filter their speech; they say whatever comes to mind. This often results in narratives that lack structure, logic and meaning.

On the other hand, some people speak very little, but every word they choose carries weight and significance. Their speech is deliberate, meaningful, and easy to follow.

Thinking about what, why and how to say something is a great way to slow down your speech.

2. Furthermore, the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause, can be a wonderful tool to master your speech to create a lasting impact and learn the foundations of public speaking. You will see how our pace is connected to our pitch and the power of our voice, and how effective the use of pause is.

3. Slowing down your speech doesn’t happen automatically - it requires conscious effort. Deliberately practising slower speech, pausing between thoughts, emphasising key points, and controlling your pace helps retrain your brain and body. With consistent practice over 1–3 months, measured and purposeful speaking can become a natural part of how you communicate.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

287. The N1 Mistake in Public Speaking

When people speak in public, they often focus too much on themselves:

• Am I speaking correctly?

• Is my accent good enough?

• Will people judge me?

• Do I sound clever?”

• Am I impressive?

This self-focus creates tension. The speaker tries hard, looks stiff, the voice tightens, and the message becomes less clear.

Ironically, the audience is usually not judging the speaker as harshly as the speaker imagines.

In my experience as a public speaker and a member of a public speaking club, the number one mistake in public speaking is something much simpler:

Trying to sound perfect instead of trying to communicate.

Connection and communication are not about sounding perfect. It’s about being understood and understanding others.

Try these simple tricks:

1. Instead of speaking to a crowd, imagine you are talking to one person and trying to explain your ideas.

Look at one listener for a moment, then another. Speak as if you are having a conversation.

 This makes your delivery more natural and helps the audience feel included.

2. Use Simple Language 

Many speakers think complex language makes them sound intelligent. In reality, simple language makes your message clearer. Short sentences and familiar words help the audience understand you quickly. Communication is about clarity, not complexity.

 3. Show That You Care About the Audience 

A strong speaker always thinks about the listener. Ask yourself: 

•  What problem does my audience have?

•  What idea will help them?

•  What do I want them to remember?

 When the audience feels that the speaker is helping them, a connection naturally happens.

  4. Use Pauses

 Many speakers talk too fast because they are nervous.

 Pauses are powerful because they:

• Give the audience time to understand

•  Make your message sound more confident

•  Allow important ideas to stand out

Learn how to use pauses effectively with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause .

5. Use Repetitions

• Memorise your key ideas by heart and repeat them throughout your speech.

• Make your voice louder when you say your key messages.

When you focus on helping your audience rather than impressing them, communication becomes much easier.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

281. Executive Presence (4/4): Your Body Speaks

Executive presence is reinforced or weakened by nonverbal signals. Posture. Eye contact. Movement. Facial expression. Energy. Below are the most common nonverbal patterns that quietly undermine leadership presence — and what to replace them with.

1️⃣ Bad Posture

Rounded shoulders, lowered head, hunched back, uneven shoulders, lifted shoulders. - this signals hesitation or tension.

Instead:
Stand and sit upright. Open your chest. Ground your feet. Physical expansion creates psychological authority — both for you and for your audience. You can find posture and supporting breathing exercises in the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause.

2️⃣ Avoiding Eye Contact

Looking down. Looking at notes excessively. Scanning the room nervously. This signals insecurity.

Instead:
Hold steady eye contact for a full sentence. When speaking to a group, anchor key messages by looking at one person at a time.

Eye contact equals ownership and reinforces your credibility.

3️⃣ Excessive or Nervous Movement

Fidgeting. Touching your face or constantly improving your hair. Adjusting clothing repeatedly. Shifting weight constantly. Movement without intention weakens presence.

Instead:
Move with purpose. Pause physically when making an important point.
Stillness is power.

4️⃣ Inconsistent Facial Expressions

Smiling when delivering serious information.
Showing visible frustration.
Blank expression when enthusiasm is required.

Your face must match your message.

Leadership requires emotional control — not emotional suppression, but alignment.

5️⃣ Open Gestures & Owning Your Space

Confident leaders take up space — physically and energetically.

People who lack confidence often shrink themselves. They cross their arms, keep gestures small and tight, pull their shoulders inward, or make themselves physically smaller in the room.

This sends a subtle but powerful signal: I do not deserve to take up space. I am unsure of myself.

Instead:
Use open gestures. Keep your arms relaxed and visible. Allow your hands to move naturally to support your message. Stand grounded, with a balanced posture. Sit fully in your chair — don’t perch on the edge.

Owning your space is not arrogance. It is a visible sign of self-assurance.

Executive presence happens when:

• Your words are clear.

• Your voice is controlled.

• Your body reinforces the message.

  When all three align, authority becomes natural — not forced.

This concludes the Executive Presence series. If you had to improve just one element — speech, voice, or body language which would create the biggest shift in your leadership impact?

Look forward to your comments

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

280. Decoding Other People’s Messages

One of the most challenging aspects of communication isn’t expressing ourselves — it’s decoding others.

Every message we receive carries more than words. It reflects a person’s upbringing, culture, experiences, and personality. The same sentence can mean very different things depending on who’s sending it and the context behind it.

In our globalised world, where we collaborate across countries, cultures, and time zones, this skill matters more than ever. Misunderstandings don’t always come from bad intentions — they often come from different frames of reference.

That’s why suspending judgment is so important. Instead of reacting quickly or filling in the gaps with our own assumptions, we can pause, ask questions, and truly listen. Curiosity over judgment changes the quality of our conversations.

This is also what inspired me to build Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause — an app designed to help people become more intentional communicators. Not just in what we say, but how we say it: our power, our pitch, our pace, and our pauses. Because better communication starts with awareness — of ourselves and of others.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

279. Executive Presence (2/4): The Signs of Weakness

Often, what not to do is more important than what to do. In the second edition of the Executive Presence series, I focus on what gets in the way of projecting authority and leadership.

Below are the most common patterns we observe during our elucution lessons that undermine confidence and are unconsciously perceived as signs of weakness:

1. Over-explaining.

2. Seeking approval

3. Avoiding discomfort

4. Rushing, multitasking, reacting to everything

5. Projecting low energy

What can you substitute it with?

1. Instead of over-explaining, focus on the key message, key goal, unless you want to lose the plot in the sea of unnecessary words

2. Instead of seeking approval, be open to the fact that what you say will not be liked

3. Instead of avoiding discomfort, thrive on it and use it as a growth tool

4. Instead of rushing, multitasking, and reacting to everything, develop calm and structure. Identify key priorities for the day, week, etc. and focus on priorities. Do not react to noise. This is particularly difficult in our era of information overload and constant notifications. They are true time and focus thieves.

5. Make energy management your strategy. Often, people say that our most important resource is time; I disagree. I believe energy matters more than time. Without energy, even unlimited time won’t take us far in achieving goals or leading others.

In the next edition, I focus on the speech and voice to assert a strong presence.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

278. Executive Presence (3/4): Speech & Voice

In the third edition of my Executive Presence series, I’ll break down the features of executive language—and what undermines it. We’ll look at what to say, what to avoid, and how to speak with authority and a strong presence.

Words That Weaken Your Presence

• Softening statements with “just,” “maybe,” or “I’m not sure”.

Instead of them, use definite verbs and deadlines, for example: “let’s get this done by 2 pm”, “I need this report on my desk by 4 pm today”.

• Swear words and rude words.

Be careful and pause, select words carefully. If you cannot find an appropriate word, feel frustrated, pause.

• Filler words such as "eeh, uh, like, basically, you know", etc.

Substitute them with pauses.

Executive Language Features

• Concision. Executive language is clear and economical. “Brevity is the soul of wit.” — William Shakespeare.

Instead of: “I just wanted to quickly touch base and kind of go over a few thoughts I had regarding the project.”

Say: “Let’s review the key points of the project.”

• Specific words. Executive language avoids vague expressions and replaces them with precise, measurable terms.

Instead of: “We need to improve results.” Say: “We need to increase revenue by 10% this quarter.”

Instead of: “There are some issues.” Say: “We’re facing delays in delivery and a 5% budget overrun.”

Specific language communicates control, direction, and leadership.

How to Say It

1. Stress key messages and use optimistic and uplifting intonation. Download the app Fluent English Speech to master sentence stress and intonation.

2. Use pitch and pace strategically to enhance clarity and authority. Download the app Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause and have a few elocution lessons to master the 4Ps of public speaking.

3. Articulate clearly and precisely. Strong articulation reinforces credibility and presence. You can master it with the app Get Rid of your Accent.

In the final edition of this series, I will focus on the body language and nonverbal cues that complete executive presence.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

277. Executive Presence (1/4): The Components

In our elocution lessons, we don’t focus only on speech and accent. We also help students develop a stronger presence and greater confidence overall.

This is something many of our students actively want to work on — what is often called executive presence.

With this article, I’m starting an Executive Presence series based on more than 20 years of teaching and coaching top-level professionals and diplomats.

In this edition, I’ll walk you through five core components of executive presence, explain why they matter, and show how they work together.

You can think of executive presence much like a good golf swing. It isn’t built on one single movement, but on several elements working together — posture, balance, timing, and follow-through. If one part is off, the entire swing suffers. Executive presence works the same way.

The five core components are:

1. Authenticity: the ability to act as your true self without pretence

2. Physical presence: energy level, dress code, fitness level

3. Confidence: ability to act decisively

4. Body language: eye contact, gestures, posture

5. Speech and voice: pronunciation, articulation, voice modulation and use of pauses

The key point is this: to look and feel truly confident, a person must be authentic. Confidence is communicated through actions and body language — gestures, eye contact, and tone of voice. Clear speech and good articulation further strengthen executive presence and how others perceive you. In just a few seconds, your physical presence communicates a great deal about you, including energy level and overall status. All these components send signals about who you are and determine how people treat you.

In the next editions of this series, I’ll share practical techniques you can use to build executive presence and show you how to remove the obstacles that often get in the way.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

276. Why Some Speeches Go Viral—and Most Don’t

I’ve spent years watching some speeches go viral—and just as many disappear.

At first, I thought it was about confidence. Or charisma. Or luck.

It isn’t. Over time, patterns became impossible to ignore. The speeches that travel aren’t just “good.” They’re built to resonate in a world that moves fast. Here’s what I’ve learned.

1️⃣ One Clear Idea

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” , or Abram Lincoln's “By the people, for the people…” - these messages still travel decades later because it collapses into a single idea people can repeat. When a message can’t be summarized in one sentence, it rarely spreads.

2️⃣ Emotion Beats Information

Greta Thunberg’s “How dare you” speech went viral not because it introduced new data, but because it voiced collective anger and urgency. Emotion is what pushes people to share.

3️⃣ Authenticity Matters More Than Polish

When I watch Malala Yousafzai’s UN speech, what stands out isn’t technical perfection—it’s sincerity. The calm delivery, the real pauses, the sense that every word mattered. Audiences trust speakers who sound human, not rehearsed.

4️⃣ Stories Travel Further Than Explanations

For example, Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement address is remembered because it was built around three personal stories. Stories create images, and images move faster than arguments.

5️⃣ Timing Is Everything

Jacinda Ardern’s speeches after the Christchurch attacks resonated globally because they met the emotional moment exactly. The right words at the wrong time don’t travel.

6️⃣ Memorable Language Creates Momentum

Barack Obama’s “Yes We Can” worked because it was short, rhythmic, and repeatable. Lines that can be quoted without explanation are made for sharing.

7️⃣ Delivery Is Precision, Not Performance

Viral speeches aren’t loud or theatrical—they’re controlled:

• Power - to command attention

• Pitch - to avoid monotony

• Pause - to let meaning lan

• Pace - to guide understanding

Watching talks like Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why”, it’s clear delivery amplifies the idea. That insight inspired me to build Power, Pitch, Pause, Pace app, helping speakers practise fundamentals so their delivery supports the message.

Equally important are intonation and sentence stress. Where the voice rises or falls, and which words carry emphasis, determine whether a message lands—especially in short clips. That’s why I also built Fluent English Speech app, to help speakers, especially non-native ones, sound clear, expressive, and globally understandable.

8️⃣ Designed for the Clip Era

Michelle Obama’s convention speeches work in 30 seconds because they have clear emotional peaks, intentional pauses, and precise vocal choices. Viral moments today often live in short clips—and delivery is what makes them survive.

My biggest takeaway:

Virality isn’t the goal. Resonance is.

275. Why Some Messages Go Viral While Others Are Ignored

In a world flooded with information, some messages catch fire while others vanish into the noise. Here’s why:

1. Emotion Drives Action. Content that makes people feel strong emotions (joy, surprise, anger, awe) gets shared. People share what moves them.

2. Keep It Simple. Clear, concise messages travel faster. If your audience has to think too hard, they won’t share.

3. Relatability Matters. Messages that reflect identity, values, or experiences earn social currency. People share what makes them look smart, funny, or “in the know.

4. Timing Is Everything. Ride trends and tap into current events. Context can make or break a message.

5. Novelty Captures Attention. Surprising or unusual content stands out in a sea of sameness.

6. Platform & Format Count. Match your message to the platform. Videos work on TikTok/Instagram; text threads thrive on LinkedIn/Twitter.

7. Easy to Share. Reduce friction—make it simple to forward, tag, or repost. Shareable content spreads faster.

💡 Bottom line: Virality isn’t random. It’s about emotion, clarity, relevance, timing, and ease. Create content that moves, resonates, and travels—and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of being seen.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.barcsglobal.com

261. Contained Energy: The Missing Skill in Communication

For a long time, I thought my rushed speech was just part of my personality. I’m enthusiastic. I get excited about ideas. I like forward motion. So when I spoke quickly or acted fast, I assumed that was a feature, not a bug. 

Even a speech tutor who has known me for 20 years once told me I needed to “remove the attack” from my voice. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant. Now I do. That comment makes perfect sense in the context of how my pace and intensity can unintentionally create pressure for others. 

But over time, I started noticing a pattern that was harder to ignore: when I felt excited—or when I wanted something—people tensed up.

• Not because the idea was bad.

• Not because the request was unreasonable.

• But because my pace carried urgency.

 And urgency, even when well-intentioned, often feels like pressure. The real issue wasn’t speed — it was velocity. What finally clicked for me is this: 

Trying to “talk slower” doesn’t work if your nervous system is still in move-this-forward-now mode. 

When we’re excited or motivated: 

•  Our speech compresses

•  Our breathing shortens

•  Our bodies lean forward

•  Our ideas stack on top of each other

 To us, it feels like clarity and momentum. To others, it often feels like being pushed. So the work isn’t reducing energy. It’s learning how to separate excitement from urgency.

 A simple reframe that changed everything: 

 I don’t need momentum. I need permission. Permission comes from safety, space, and choice — not speed. When I slow down enough to give people room, conversations become easier, not harder.

I learned that small changes make an immediate difference:

1. I slow the start, not the whole conversation.

The first 10 seconds set the emotional tone.

Starting slower than feels natural creates safety.

I can always speed up later.

 2. I pause after the headline. Instead of explaining everything at once, I separate it: 

•  One clear headline

•  A pause

•  Then the details

 That pause signals confidence and respect.

 3. I add an explicit release valve when I’m asking for something.

Simple phrases like:

• “No rush - just wanted to float it.”

•  “If this isn’t a fit, totally fine.”

•  “Think about it and let me know.”

 Choice lowers tension instantly.

 4. I ground my body before speaking

• Feet flat on the floor.

• One full exhale.

• Jaw and shoulders relaxed.

 Stillness in the body creates stillness in timing.

 5. I delay the ask by 20–30 seconds. Connection first. Ask second. People are far more open when they don’t feel hunted.

In leadership, collaboration, sales, and communication in general, intensity without space creates resistance. Calm doesn’t mean low energy. It means contained energy. 

And contained energy is: 

•  Easier to trust

•  Easier to follow

•  Easier to say yes to

 Urgency narrows people. Calm expands them.

I’m still practising this — especially when I care a lot. But every time I slow the pace, I notice: 

•  Better conversations

•  Less resistance

•  More genuine engagement

 The skill is learning how to let that motivation land gently.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

260. Own Your Space - Use Your Arms with Confidence

We have been running elocution lessons since 2007 and have helped hundreds of people become confident and effective public speakers.

What we have noticed is that most students are unsure how to use their arms and hands while speaking in public. This uncertainty often results in gestures that reduce the impact of a presentation and make the speaker appear tense or awkward.

Some of the most common distracting hand and arm habits include:

• Putting hands behind the back

• Creating a “chicken-wing” effect by holding the upper arms too close to the body

• Crossing the hands over the stomach

• Keeping hands in pockets

• Tight, clumsy-looking fingers

These gestures often signal a lack of confidence and suggest that the speaker is tense.

I experienced something similar when I started belly dancing. Being in control of my arms was one of my biggest challenges:

1. I tended to keep my upper arms too close to my body, making my hands look stiff and awkward (the chicken wing effect). My teacher told me that I needed to own my space and allow my arms to move freely and move them away from my body.

2. My fingers were spread awkwardly.

   In dance, fingers frame the movement; when used correctly, they elevate the dancer to something magnificent.

That advice applies just as powerfully to public speaking. Confident speakers are not afraid to use open, expansive arm gestures and to fully own the space they are in.

As a member of a public speaking club, I have noticed that even the most experienced public speakers can sometimes overdo their arm movements. The fact is that:

• too much movement,

• overly exaggerated gestures,

• constantly repeated gestures, or

• gestures that don’t match the words - can distract the audience rather than enhance the message.

Here are some strategies to get it right:

1. Be mindful, not mechanical

Plan your gestures to align with key points in your speech, but don’t force them on every sentence. Natural, purposeful movements have more impact than constant motion.

2. Own your space

Stand with a stable posture and allow your arms to move within your personal space. Avoid collapsing them close to your body, putting them in pockets, or hiding them behind your back. Confident speakers use open gestures to “claim” the stage.

3. Match gestures to words

Gestures should complement what you’re saying. For example, when enumerating points, show them on your fingers; when speaking about growth, use upward hand motions. This reinforces your message visually.

4. Practice restraint and rhythm

Less is often more. Overuse of gestures can feel chaotic. Practice your speech and notice where gestures feel natural. Pausing occasionally with hands at rest can make the gestures you do use stand out.

5. Record and review

Video yourself during practice sessions. Seeing how your arm movements look from an audience perspective helps identify distracting habits and improve flow.

6. Draw inspiration from other disciplines

Activities like dance, acting, or even martial arts teach spatial awareness and fluid arm movements. These skills can help you move with purpose rather than randomly.

When used with intention, gestures become quiet poetry, infusing your presence with elegance and grace and making beauty felt in both movement and sound.

In our elocution lessons, we record students’ speeches in both audio and video formats to help them develop strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills. To book a lesson, email: oriana_r@hotmail.com.

Warmly

Olga Smith

www.batcsglobal.com

255. Listening Is Wiser Than Speaking

Have you noticed that most people prefer talking rather than listening to others? Why is that? Because their own world and their own life feel more important to them than anyone else’s.

Most of us think we’re listening, but often we’re:

•  Mentally crafting our reply

•  Rushing to jump in with our own story 

When we do not listen, we tend to overtalk, and when we overtalk, we often:

•  Say things we later regret

•  Overshare without meaning to

•  Come across as scattered or self-focused

•  Miss valuable insights from the other side

•  Dilute the impact of what does matter

 And here’s the core truth:

When we say little and measure our words, those words carry weight. Choosing our words carefully gives them power.

When we say too much, the essence gets lost in a sea of unnecessary noise.

 A few small changes can transform how we switch from talking too much to listening to others:

•  Pause before responding

•  Ask clarifying questions

•  Focus on understanding, not replying

•  Let silence exist for a moment—it creates clarity

 People who speak less often leave a stronger impression. Not because they’re quiet, but because they’re intentional. Their words aren’t drowned out—they stand out. 

254. Anatomy of Success That Shapes Our Path

99% of our students are already high achievers—or well on their way to becoming powerful, influential people. We help them master their speech, and during our elocution lessons, many of them inspired me to write this newsletter.

There is a powerful factor we often overlook.

It can guide us toward success… or quietly hold us back.

It speaks long before someone hears our ideas

It's sensed...

What is it?

It is our presence, or the way we look, move, and speak.

Let’s break down the signs that help us project confidence and the habits that can get in our way. We’ll explore two simple areas: physical signs and speech patterns.

Posture: Straight and Grounded

• A straight posture doesn’t just look confident—it creates confidence.

• Standing tall with shoulders back signals readiness, authority, and openness. A slouched posture communicates hesitation, insecurity, or withdrawal.

• Power signal: Upright, aligned, and grounded posture

• Failure pattern: Hunched shoulders, shifting weight, or shrinking into yourself

Pace and Rhythm: Measured, Not Rushed

• When our movements are rushed or scattered, we signal anxiety or lack of control.

• Measured rhythm—walking with intention and moving with purpose—creates an aura of stability.

• Power signal: Smooth, controlled pace, no micromovement of improving hair, clothes. etc. No rush

• Failure pattern: Fast, rushed, abrupt, jittery movements or inconsistent rhythm

Peace: The Energy of Calm Confidence

• Power is not loud or frantic; it’s calm.

• A peaceful presence shows emotional stability and inner security. Others read this as leadership.

• Power signal: A calm, unhurried demeanour

• Failure pattern: Restlessness, fidgeting, or visible tension

Eye Contact: Direct Yet Respectful

• Looking directly at others demonstrates clarity and honesty. It shows that you are present, engaged, and unafraid.

• Power signal: Clear, steady eye contact

• Failure pattern: Avoiding eyes, darting glances, or looking downward

Speech patterns can amplify or diminish our authority in seconds. What are the speech patterns that signal power?

Pace: Measured and Intentional

• Speaking too quickly can make your message feel rushed or chaotic. A measured pace helps your words land with impact. It signals thoughtfulness and control.

• Power signal: Steady, intentional pacing

• Failure pattern: Rapid, breathless speaking or trailing off

Pause: The Secret Ingredient of Power

• Silence, when used appropriately, is powerful.

• A pause gives weight to your message. It lets listeners absorb your words. It communicates certainty rather than desperation to fill space.

• Power signal: Purposeful pauses to emphasise meaning

• Failure pattern: Rambling, fillers, or talking nonstop

Power Is a Habit, Not a Talent. The anatomy of success lies in our presence.

You can start empowering yourself with the app 4Ps, Power, Pitch, Pace, Pause