[VIDEO] Our Top 5 Fictional Speakers - Between 2 Speakers
You can learn a lot from fictional characters.
Randy and I are in the midst of conference season, and both of us love to work with other speakers and learn from them.
And we also love to learn from fictional people. We love us some pop culture. We believe television shows, movies, and books can teach us useful “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to public speaking.
Watch below for Part 1 of “Our Favorite Fictional Speakers,” and see why we love them and what we learned from each character (including what not to do).
Watch Part 2 Below, and see who we agree is the #1 Fictional Public Speaker. (Impatient? Scroll down and read about our #1 pick.)
Or, just read below to see whom we love (and some of their speeches we hate):
Randy & Mare’s Top 5 Fictional Public Speakers:
Number 5 - David Brent - The Office (U.K.)
David Brent thinks he owns the room even when he very, very obviously doesn’t. Channel some David Brent next time you present.
Do: Appear Confident. David Brent is confident - even when he has no reason to be. Bring the confidence, even if you don’t feel confident.
Don’t: Neglect self awareness: Read the room! If you’re trying to joke around and everyone looks bored, it’s probably time to take a break. Or wrap it up and call it a night.
Number 4 - Albus Dumbledore - Harry Potter
We love Albus Dumbledore because he shares only what needs to be shared. And his word choice can not be beaten: “…before we all become too befuddled by our excellent feast.” I’m using that at my next dinner party.
And by the way, Albus Dumbledore is a great example of someone who is reserved and still maintains a commanding presence - and is an excellent speaker.
Do: Edit yourself and be reserved. Share only what needs to be shared - not every single thing you know.
Don’t: Go for the “yuk yuk” joke. Dumbledore has a sense of humor, but he lets it steep into his speeches naturally; he doesn’t plant a joke.
Randy appreciates the way Dumbledore is “all about being your authentic self.” Pro tip from Randy: “If you’re not somebody who brings David Brent level energy or Albus Dumbledore flair in your daily life, then it’s not going to translate well when you’re at the podium.”
Number 3 - Issa Dee - Insecure
In Season 1 of HBO’s “Insecure,” Issa is a sometimes-reluctant Youth Director for We Got Y’All. In tricky speaking situations, Issa remains her professional - yet authentic - self.
Do: Keep your cool in difficult situations. When challenged by a room of grade-schoolers, Issa holds it together (even though you know she wants to scream).
Don’t: Try to please everyone. As a speaker, it’s important to think about what’s important to your audience. But at the same time, it’s unrealistic to think about pleasing every single person in the room.
Number 2 - CJ Cregg - The West Wing
The fast-talking-and-walking fictional Press Secretary can give a restrained verbal smackdown without batting an eyelash. Ah, if we only had our own real-life CJ.
Do: Take the opportunities to receive audience feedback and learn from it. If they're questioning what you're saying, or maybe they’re not sold, stay cool and see what you can learn.
Don’t: Let your passion become sanctimony. This is very much a TV thing, but it can happen in real life. Randy says, “This doesn’t translate in real life.” Mare agrees: “No one wants to be lectured.”
Number 1 - Leslie Knope - Parks & Recreation
Randy & Mare were unanimous in this decision, and it doesn’t hurt that George Takei says Leslie Knope is the Ultimate Role Model. This is a person who brings passion, preparation, and energy to every speech she makes - even when she’s ill or pissed off.
Do: Bring your A Game, no matter what’s going on. Leslie did just that, when she had the flu.*
Don’t: Miss an opportunity to take control of the room. If you get a negative comment (as Leslie does in many town halls) use that as an opportunity to reframe the story or situation. Every question or comment is an opportunity to control your response.
*We do not recommend giving a speech when you have the flu. It’s okay to cancel or reschedule, really. Especially these days.
“If you’re not somebody who brings David Brent-level energy or Albus Dumbledore-flair in your daily life, then it’s not going to translate well when you’re at the podium”
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I make the process of public speaking easier for my clients. I help with everything from preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with strength and confidence.