Many people fear speaking in front of others. In one survey, nearly 64% of college students reported that public speaking made them nervous. Buddy Burke was once one of them. He wasn’t always a strong speaker. He says he used to “crash and burn” every time he stood in front of people. His mind went empty, his confidence disappeared, and his message didn’t connect. But instead of giving up, he decided to learn. His biggest improvement came when he volunteered at the Commonwealth Club. There, he watched great speakers up close and learned how they talked, paused, and connected with people. This guide explains the key lessons Buddy learned and how you can use them too.
Who is Buddy Burke?
Buddy Burke is an entrepreneur and a certified World Class Speaking Coach. He now teaches public speaking and pitch communication for companies, universities, and startups around the world. Based in California, he runs his own coaching business, leads workshops, and mentors innovators and founders.
Buddy Burke’s Three Lessons for Public Speaking
Over time, Buddy discovered three techniques that changed everything for him.
Hook Your Audience from the Start
Buddy’s insight:
“Focus on understanding people’s minds and hearts. You want them to empathize with you. You need that engaging hook so they want to be part of whatever you’re talking about.”
Before people listen, they need a reason to care. A good connection at the beginning helps your message make sense.
How to do this:
- Ask a simple, relatable question. “Have you ever struggled to say the right thing in an important moment?”
- Tell a short, personal story. A brief, personal moment draws empathy faster than statistics.
- Show that you understand their feelings, struggles, or goals.
Focus on How You Speak, Not Just What You Say
Buddy’s insight:
“People often concentrate on the words rather than the delivery.”
The way you speak affects how people hear your message. Tone, speed, and pauses matter just as much as the words.
Try these tips:
- Pitch: Change your tone to match the idea—higher for excitement, lower for serious points.
- Pace: Slow down when something is important.
- Pause: A short pause helps your message sink in.
If you watch a great TED Talk, you’ll notice speakers don’t rush. Their timing helps the message feel stronger.
Make Sure Your Message Has a Purpose
Buddy’s insight:
“Words must land somewhere. It’s like shooting a basketball; you can’t just practice shooting without a goal.”
A good message stays with your audience long after the talk ends. Knowing your goal guides your entire speech.
Ask yourself:
- What is the main idea I want them to remember?
- What do I want them to think or do afterward?
- How will my message help them?
How to Apply Buddy Burke’s Approach
You don’t need to be a professional speaker to apply these ideas. They work in meetings, school, work, or everyday life.
- Practice with Purpose
Practice often, but don’t try to be perfect. Focus on connecting. Record yourself and notice your tone, pacing, and facial expressions.
- Learn from Good Speakers
Watch people who speak naturally. Notice their pauses, gestures, humor, and calm style. Use what fits you.
- Use Emotion
Choose the feeling you want to create (curiosity, hope, excitement) and start your speech with that energy.
- Keep Improving
After every speech or meeting, ask someone what they remembered most. That helps you see whether your message worked.
- Think About Your Audience
Speaking is not about showing off. It’s about helping others understand. When you focus on your listeners, speaking becomes much easier.
Closing Thought
Public speaking isn’t about being perfect. It’s about building a connection. Buddy Burke grew confident by practicing with purpose and speaking with empathy—and you can too. When your words connect, people don’t just hear you. They remember you.
