Being a great speaker doesn't mean sounding less like yourself. In fact, the best speakers tend to sound like naturally like themselves—calm, clear, and connected to what they’re saying. Whether you’re recording a podcast or speaking live at an event, the most impactful voices show up with a style that feels natural. Not scripted. Not robotic. Just… human.
Still, speaking naturally is harder than it sounds. Between nerves, corporate expectations, and the instinct to “perform,” many professionals end up sounding overly polished or not like themselves at all. We've put together our best tips to help you build a speaking style that sounds authentic to you.
Know what you actually sound like. Before you can build a natural speaking style, you have to know what your default is. Try this: record yourself answering a casual question, like “What’s your favorite thing to cook?” or “What’s something you’ve learned recently?” Don’t prep or overthink it—just talk. Then play it back. What do you notice? Do you speak fast or slow? Do you gesture? Do your words match how you feel? This isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about building self-awareness, so you can start anchoring your “on mic” or “on stage” voice in your real voice.
Ditch the full script — keep the structure. You don’t need to memorize every line to sound confident. In fact, scripting every word can flatten your delivery and pull you away from real-time connection. Instead, focus on creating a clear structure: a strong opening, two to three key points, and a close. By doing this, you’re sticking to your overall speaking platform or focus of said speaking or podcast opportunity.
Speak to your audience—not just at them. A natural speaking style isn’t just about how you talk—it’s also about who you’re talking to. Ask yourself: What does this audience care about? What tone will resonate? How can I meet them where they are without losing myself? It’s not about dumbing things down. It’s about connecting with intention. When you speak with your audience in mind, your message feels personal, not performative.
Don’t filter out your personality. The best talks often sound like a conversation, not a TED Talk. If you’re funny, let that shine. If you’re reflective, pause when it matters. If you’re passionate, don’t hide it.
It’s easy to feel like you need to code-switch into your public speaking self, but the more your voice reflects you, the more memorable and trustworthy you become. Building a speaking style that feels natural isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. When your voice sounds like you, your message hits harder. You don’t need to perform. You just need to connect.
If you would like to speak at more events and conferences in the future, get in touch! And if you want to stay up to date on other industry tips like this, subscribe to our newsletter.
