Why Credibility is a Must-Have in Public Speaking
Danny Riley
3 min read
What you’ll learn:
- Why credibility is essential in public speaking.
- How to avoid the “Curse of Cassandra.”
- Tips for maintaining credibility as a speaker.
Why Credibility is Crucial for Public Speakers
As a public speaker, one of the most vital qualities you need is credibility. Without it, even the most well-researched content will fall flat. Your audience must trust you, believe in your expertise, and feel that you’re the right person to deliver the message.
Many new speakers experience the “Curse of Cassandra” – a phenomenon where you know the truth but struggle to convince others.
To combat this, you need to communicate your message with clarity, confidence, and supporting evidence.
What Is the "Curse of Cassandra"?
In Greek mythology, Cassandra had the gift of prophecy but was cursed by Apollo – no one believed her predictions. Many speakers today face a modern version of this curse when they feel they have valuable insights, but fail to convey their ideas in a way that resonates with their audience.
To avoid this, your speech, body language, and message must align perfectly. Here are a few ways you might inadvertently lose credibility:
- Not fully explaining your topic due to insecurity and nerves.
- Cutting your message short, even though you know there’s more to say.
- Displaying nervous body language that undermines your message.
Along with over-use of filler words and other public speaking bad habits, we call these “credibility killers” – because left unchecked, they can completely undermine your message.
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Avoiding the "Credibility Curse"
The key to credible public speaking is preparation and practice. Research your subject thoroughly and ensure your content is supported by reliable, peer-reviewed sources. Cite evidence to back up your claims and use real-world examples or case studies from your own experience.
It’s not only data that builds credibility, a short personal story or anecdote can be equally powerful in terms of building trust.
Remember, using someone else’s words or ideas without proper citation can harm your credibility. Always attribute quotes or statistics to the appropriate source to remain credible as a speaker.
Tips for Maintaining Credibility as a Speaker
- Know your content deeply. When you’re confident in your material, it’s easier to present it in a way that earns your audience’s trust – and not to falter if questioned on it.
- Speak clearly and confidently. Your delivery should match your message — don’t let nervousness or uncertainty undermine your authority.
- Engage your audience. Ask questions, listen to their responses, and adapt your message to address their concerns. Interaction builds trust.
If you’re struggling to maintain credibility when speaking or presenting, one of the surest fixes is to invest in public speaking training.
We work with professionals and business leaders, and offer a range of training options from 1-1 coaching, to group courses, and corporate team training days.
Credibility when speaking is essential, and we’ll help you quickly get there.
To your speaking success,
Danny