According to the Harvard Business Review, the ability to inspire and motivate others is the most important skill for leaders and managers at every level.

In order to do that, you’ll need to be able to captivate your audience and inject energy into it. In this article, we’ll tell you exactly how to do that.

Read on to find out how to improve your inspirational speaking skills.

How to Improve Your Inspirational Speaking

1. Know Your Message

In order for your public speaking to have an impact, it needs to have a clear message. If you’re not sure what that is yet, it’s time to get brainstorming.

If there’s one thing that you want people to take away from your speech, what is it? Once you define what that message is, you can work on delivering it in the most effective way possible.

2. Practice Improvising

When you’re trying to give a compelling speech, reading off a script or reeling off memorized lines just won’t do.

There will inevitably be moments when your mind goes blank or a wrench is thrown into the works, sending you off your usual course. When that happens, you’ll need to come up with something on the spot.

This requires improvisational skills.

Hone your improv skills, and you won’t have to worry about being caught off-guard. One great way to do this is by trying out some stand-up comedy.

It can even make you a better leader!

If you can handle hecklers, you can handle anything. Besides, it helps to get all the extra stage practice you can, no matter what you’re doing while you’re up there.

3. Be Passionate

Your audience won’t believe your words unless you do. That’s why passion is important for public speaking.

Emotion is what will make your speech captivating, drawing people in so that they hang on your every word. It could come through in body language, tone or just quality of storytelling.

However you do it, make sure it’s authentic.

4. Adapt to Your Audience

Your inspirational speaking approach should differ depending on the type of audience receiving it. You can’t talk to every group of people in the same way.

Try your best to get to know as much as you can about your audience before an event. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to gear your speech towards their tastes, wants and needs.

That way, they’ll be able to relate to what you’re saying, and your words will have a bigger impact.

Be Better at Business

With these tips, you can become a great public speaker. As well as improving your business and making you a better leader, it could also turn into a lucrative side gig. If you’re really good, you could even become a professional inspirational speaker.

Work hard enough, and you’ll find that people will come to you, offering to pay you to speak at their events.

To find out more, read our post on 5 tips on becoming a paid international speaker.