Becoming a public speaker is a rewarding journey that anyone can embark upon with dedication and practice.
1. Tell us more about what you do and what led you to speak on this platform.
I'm an author, editor, John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach, TEDx Speaker, and social entrepreneur. My path has been shaped by over 20 years of experience in education, entrepreneurship, and training.
One of the key reasons I speak on platforms like this is my passion for communication, personal growth, mindset shift, and women empowerment. I've seen the transformative power of these areas in both my own life and in the lives of others.
In essence, my journey is about empowering individuals, especially women and young leaders, to realize their potential and make a positive impact on their communities. Speaking on platforms like this allows me to share my experiences and insights to inspire and guide others on their own journeys of growth and empowerment.
2. How do you choose and prepare for a talk?
The top three ways I choose and prepare for a talk:
Audience-Centric Approach: The first step is to understand my audience thoroughly. I prioritize their needs, interests, and expectations. This involves researching their demographics, prior knowledge on the topic, and any specific challenges they might be facing. By tailoring my talk to meet their needs, I can create a more meaningful and engaging experience.
In-Depth Research: I believe in the power of knowledge and ensure that my content is well-researched. This includes studying the latest literature, industry trends, and relevant case studies. I dig deep to gather valuable insights that can enrich my talk and provide a fresh perspective to the audience.
Structured Preparation: I follow a structured approach to preparing my talk. This involves creating a clear outline with key points, subtopics, and a logical flow. I also incorporate real-life stories, examples, and visuals to illustrate my points effectively. Practice and rehearsal are essential to ensure a smooth delivery and manage time effectively.
By combining these three strategies—audience-centricity, in-depth research, and structured preparation—I can confidently deliver talks that resonate with my audience, provide valuable insights, and leave a lasting impact.
3. How can one become a public speaker?
Becoming a public speaker is a rewarding journey that anyone can embark upon with dedication and practice. The top 3 tips to help you become a successful public speaker:
- Identify Your Passion and Expertise: Start by identifying your passion or an area in which you have expertise and a genuine interest. Your enthusiasm for the topic will shine through in your speeches and engage your audience.
- Practice Regularly: Public speaking is a skill that improves with practice. Start by speaking in front of a mirror or recording yourself. Gradually progress to speaking in front of friends or family and then to larger audiences.
- Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback is crucial for improvement. Ask for feedback from mentors, peers, or audience members after your speeches. Take their suggestions seriously and use them to refine your skills.
4. Can motivational speaking become a full-time career?
Absolutely, if you believe that you have a message that is worth sharing. Motivational speakers are highly paid and sought after. So, if you believe you have it in you, then go for it.
5. Which is your favorite talk ever and how did it change your life?
Certainly, Kiran! Simon Sinek's talk, "Start with the Why: How Great Leaders Inspire," had a profound impact on me and continues to shape my philosophy in both my roles as a communication coach and the founder of Give Back to Community. This talk was a game-changer because it shifted my perspective on leadership and communication.
Sinek's idea that great leaders inspire by starting with the "why" struck a chord with me. Before encountering this talk, I had often been caught up in discussing the "what" and the "how" of my work – what we do and how we do it. However, "Start with the Why" made me realize that true inspiration and change come from understanding and communicating the "why" behind our actions.
This realization was transformative for me. It made me reevaluate my approach to communication and leadership. Today, I focus on the "why" behind everything I do, whether it's coaching emerging leaders or running Give Back to Community. I believe that understanding and articulating the purpose, the driving force and the core values behind our actions is what truly connects with people and inspires them to join our cause.
As a communication coach, I emphasize the importance of leading with the "why" to my clients, helping them craft messages that resonate deeply with their audiences. As the founder of Give Back to Community, this philosophy has become the foundation of our organization's mission. We are not just about the "what" and the "how" of education; we are driven by the "why" – the belief that education empowers individuals and transforms communities.
In essence, Simon Sinek's talk redefined my approach to leadership, communication, and the work I do. It reinforced the idea that the "why" is the driving force behind meaningful change, and I am grateful for the lasting impact it has had on my life and my mission to make a positive difference in the world.
6. What are the best public speaking tips that have worked for you?
Certainly, Kiran! Public speaking is a vital skill, and I'm happy to share the top three tips that have worked wonders for me and that I practice religiously:
- Prepare with the Audience in Mind: One of the most crucial aspects of successful public speaking is preparing your speech with a deep understanding of your audience. I always start by asking myself, "What's in it for the audience?" This helps me structure my content in a way that resonates with their needs, interests, and expectations. It's about creating a message that connects with the audience on a personal level, addressing their pain points, and providing valuable insights or solutions.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: There's no substitute for practice when it comes to public speaking. I believe in rehearsing my speech until I know it like the back of my hand. This not only helps me become more confident but also ensures that I can deliver my message smoothly and without stumbling. Additionally, practice allows me to refine my delivery, work on my tone and pace, and make necessary adjustments based on feedback.
- Visualize Success: Visualization is a powerful technique that I employ before stepping onto the podium. I take a moment to close my eyes and vividly picture the impact my speech will have on the audience. I envision them engaged, inspired, and motivated to make positive changes in their lives. This mental rehearsal not only boosts my confidence but also sets a positive intention for the speech. It helps me channel nervous energy into enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a difference through my words.
These three tips have been instrumental in my public speaking journey. They not only enhance the quality of my speeches but also enable me to connect with my audience on a deeper level and leave a lasting impact.
7. What impact do you want to make in the world?
My passion for education drives my vision for the impact I want to make in the world. I firmly believe that education is the great equalizer of opportunities. It has the power to transform lives, bridge gaps, and empower individuals to unlock their hidden potential.
My mission is to leave a lasting legacy by creating a tribe of courageous leaders who understand the significance of their voices. I want to inspire individuals to recognize that their unique perspectives and ideas matter, and they should speak up to be heard. This empowerment goes beyond just education; it's about instilling the confidence and belief that every person has a valuable contribution to make.
Through my work as an educator, author, leadership coach, and social entrepreneur, I strive to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I want to foster a culture of continuous learning, personal growth, and leadership development.
Ultimately, I aspire to see a world where people from all walks of life have the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams, create positive change, and lead with purpose. I believe that by nurturing this tribe of courageous leaders, we can collectively make a profound impact on society, creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
8. Which is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is "Mindset" by Carol Dweck. I read this book in 2020 during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This book had a profound impact on me, especially during those months when we were all confined to our homes.
What I loved most about "Mindset" is how it illuminated the concept of mindset itself. It made me realize that many of the obstacles I faced in my personal and professional life were not external but were internal barriers I had unknowingly created. Carol Dweck's distinction between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset was eye-opening.
I realized that I had often approached challenges with a fixed mindset, believing that certain things should be done in specific ways, and this limited my growth. However, "Mindset" taught me to embrace a growth mindset, which opened my eyes to the opportunities hidden within setbacks and difficulties. It encouraged me to view challenges as chances for personal and professional development.
So, in a nutshell, "Mindset" was a game-changer for me, helping me shift my perspective and break down those self-imposed barriers to my growth. It's a book that I would recommend to anyone looking to unleash their full potential and overcome obstacles in life.
Bio:
Kiran Deep Sandhu is an accomplished author, editor, John Maxwell Certified Leadership Coach, a TEDx Speaker, and a social entrepreneur.
Kiran has previously worked as an editor on several book projects, including three with reputable publishers like Routledge of the Taylor & Francis Group as well as other self-publishing houses.
Currently, she is the Managing Partner of Leadership K.A.R.D, a Leadership/Training Organization where she helps emerging leaders in their self-leadership journey, with a focus on communication, personal growth, and leadership development. She is also the host of a podcast called ‘Leadership Talks for Emerging Leaders’, where leaders are invited to share their leadership journey. For more information, contact Kiran at kiran@leadershipkard.com
Interviewed By - Himanshi Ahuja Edited By - Aarya Gode
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