Public Speaking

Some have said my article on public speaking was too soft. While humor can be engaging, sarcasm often does more harm than good, even with a captive audience.

Consider these remarks:

• He was accepted into an exclusive club—but only because they needed someone to snub.
• He has delusions of adequacy.
• Failure has gone to his head.
• If they gave out medals for losing, he’d be valedictorian—meritissimus sobresaliente extra super summa cum laude.

While witty, such statements do not inspire or uplift. Public speaking should be about clarity, encouragement, and meaningful discourse, not belittling others.

Some believe that “winners deserve special privileges”—but true leadership is about responsibility, not entitlement. A great speaker leads by example, not by sarcasm.

Words have power—use them wisely.