7 Key Characteristics of a Good Public Speaker to Inspire Perth Audiences
Introduction Ever stepped up to speak at a Perth event, your stomach knotting like you’re about to surf a wave at Trigg Beach, wondering if the crowd will care? I’m Nathan Baws and I’ve been there, nerves jangling. From wedding toasts with Cottesloe’s waves humming to corporate talks in the CBD’s buzz, I’ve chased the characteristics of a good public speaker through years of gigs. I’ve spoken at Fremantle’s lively markets, quiet Subiaco suppers, and packed conference halls, learning from stumbles and cheers. After countless talks, I’ve nailed down seven traits that make a good public speaker shine. These qualities will help you connect with any Perth audience, from a cozy dinner to a big bash. Let’s dive in and make your next talk a hit. Key Takeaways: Clear and Engaging Delivery Take It Easy One of the characteristics of a good public speaker is speaking slowly and clearly. Rushing makes your words fade like a Perth sunset. At a community event, I saw a speaker pause between points, keeping 230 people glued. I once hurried a talk and lost half the crowd. Slow down to let your words sink in. Keep It Simple Big words are like sand in your shoes—irritating. A good public speaker talks like they’re chatting over coffee in Leederville. At a Subiaco meeting, plain words hooked 150 folks, from kids to CEOs. Use clear language to keep your audience with you. Plan Your Flow A speech with no structure is like driving to Fremantle without a map. The characteristics of a good public speaker include a clear start, middle, and end. At a local fair, a tidy story about Perth’s history grabbed 300 listeners. Sketch an outline to guide your crowd smoothly. Practice Like a Mate Rehearsing makes you sound real, not stiff. A good public speaker goes over their talk until it flows. At a Scarborough wedding, a practiced toast moved 120 guests to tears. I run through my speeches until they feel like a yarn with mates. Confidence That Grabs Attention Stand Tall Confidence is a key part of a good public speaker. A strong stance shows you’re in charge. At a Joondalup school event, a speaker stood steady, keeping 200 kids focused. Standing tall calms my nerves. Hold your head high to own the stage. Handle Hiccups Smoothly Tech glitches or hecklers can throw you. A good public speaker stays calm. At a Northbridge art show, a speaker laughed off a mic failure, holding 250 guests. My projector once crashed mid-talk, but a quick joke kept the crowd with me. Stay cool to stay in control. Move with Warmth Stiff gestures push folks away. The characteristics of a good public speaker include natural movements and eye contact. At a Claremont fundraiser, a speaker’s warm gestures connected with 140 donors. Keep your moves relaxed to make your audience feel included. Believe Your Message If you don’t trust your words, no one will. A good public speaker knows their stuff cold. At a Perth business lunch, a confident speaker won over 160 clients. I prep hard to speak with heart and earn trust. Charm That Warms the Room Liven Up Your Voice A flat voice is like a grey day at Cottesloe—nobody’s thrilled. The characteristics of a good public speaker include a lively tone. At a Perth charity run, a vibrant speaker got 400 runners buzzing. I play with loud, soft, fast, and slow to keep the energy up. Crack a Joke A quick laugh breaks the ice. A good public speaker uses humour to connect. At a Leederville event, a quip about Perth’s coffee obsession got 90 folks chuckling. I once joked about Kwinana Freeway traffic, and it warmed up the room. Pick a local gag to spark smiles. Tie in Perth’s Vibe Generic talks don’t land here. The characteristics of a good public speaker include local references like Kings Park or Fremantle markets. At a festival, local nods warmed 310 hearts. Mentioning Perth makes your talk feel like a chat with a mate. Be Real Charm comes from being you. A good public speaker shares honest feelings. At a Subiaco seminar, a true story about a Perth sunset moved 170 people. Speak from the heart to build a real bond. Engaging Your Audience Read the Room The characteristics of a good public speaker include sensing the crowd’s mood. At a Burswood music night, a speaker matched 600 party-goers’ energy with a lively tone. I watch if my crowd’s buzzing or calm and tweak my style to keep them with me. Shape Your Talk to Fit Every Perth event has its own feel. A good public speaker tailors their words to match. At a Swan Valley retreat, a customised speech won over 130 executives. Fit your talk to the occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a conference. Speak to Everyone Perth crowds mix kids, families, and professionals. The characteristics of a good public speaker include inclusivity. At a Northbridge market, broad stories grabbed 400 shoppers. Use universal themes to pull everyone in. Roll with Surprises Venue shifts or surprises can pop up. A good public speaker adapts fast. At a Cottesloe wedding, rain moved us indoors, but a quick tweak kept 135 guests happy. Stay flexible to hold your audience’s attention. Building Emotional Bonds Know What Your Crowd Cares About A good public speaker taps into their audience’s values. At a Perth fundraiser, a speaker leaned into 250 guests’ love for community, boosting donations. Learn what matters to your crowd to make your talk resonate. Share a True Story Personal tales build trust. The characteristics of a good public speaker include sharing real moments. At a Leederville reunion, a story about fishing at Hillarys warmed 100 guests. I’ve found sharing a memory creates a bond that lasts. Watch Their Faces Reading your crowd’s reactions is a skill of a good public speaker. At a Subiaco conference, a speaker slowed down for 200 thoughtful faces, deepening the impact. Adjust your pace to connect









