How Public Speaking Can Make You the Go-To Expert in Your Field

By Victoria Lioznyansky, M.S., M.A.

As an executive or manager, your ability to lead, inspire, and make an impact is at the heart of your success.

But here’s something many people overlook: public speaking. It’s not just a skill—it’s a game-changer.

Public speaking has the power to elevate your career, build your reputation, and establish you as the go-to authority in your organization and industry. It’s your chance to connect, share your expertise, and leave a lasting impression.

In this blog post, I’ll dive into why public speaking is such a powerful tool for career growth and how it can help you build trust, gain influence, and open doors to exciting new opportunities.

Ready to step into the spotlight? Let’s get started.

1. Visibility builds leadership credibility

In the corporate world, your credibility as a leader isn’t just about how much you know—it’s about how much others trust and believe in your ability to lead and make an impact.

Leadership credibility grows from trust, expertise, and influence, but here’s the challenge: these qualities often go unnoticed unless you actively make your voice heard. Have you noticed this?

And the answer is simple.

Public speaking is one of the most powerful ways to amplify your presence and show others exactly what you bring to the table.

It gives you the chance to step into the spotlight, share your perspective, and establish yourself as a trusted, credible leader both within your organization and across your industry.

Visibility signals leadership potential

When you present at meetings, speak at conferences, or lead workshops, you’re doing more than delivering information—you’re showcasing your ability to think strategically, communicate clearly, and inspire others to take action.

These moments of visibility send a clear message to decision-makers: you’re confident, capable, and ready for greater leadership responsibilities.

Think about it: executives who regularly step up to speak are often seen as natural candidates for promotions or leadership roles. Why? Because they’re not just doing their jobs; they’re making an impression.

Take, for example, a manager who frequently volunteers to present quarterly updates to senior leadership. Each presentation gives them the chance to highlight their expertise, represent their team’s efforts, and build trust with key decision-makers.

By showing up and delivering value, they set themselves apart from peers who shy away from similar opportunities.

Public speaking bridges the gap between leaders and teams

One of the most underrated benefits of public speaking is how it strengthens the connection between leaders and their teams.

When you address your team or organization in a way that feels authentic and relatable, you show them that you’re more than a leader—you’re someone who genuinely cares about their success.

For example, a department head who shares updates in regular town halls not only keeps their team informed but also demonstrates transparency and commitment. This kind of open communication fosters trust and builds a culture where employees feel valued and included.

Speaking up isn’t just about delivering information; it’s about making your team feel seen, heard, and supported. That’s what turns good leaders into great ones.

Visibility encourages collaboration and mentorship

The more visible you are, the more opportunities you’ll have to collaborate, mentor, and lead in meaningful ways.

When you consistently show up and share your perspective, people start seeing you as a go-to resource for advice and guidance.

Picture this: an executive delivers a compelling presentation on leading through organizational change. Afterward, they’re approached by colleagues looking for insights and junior employees seeking mentorship.

Suddenly, their influence extends beyond their immediate role, opening the door to new connections and leadership opportunities.

Public speaking isn’t just about being heard—it’s about creating relationships that help you and others grow.

Building visibility in high-stakes settings

When it comes to high-stakes environments, like presenting to the board of directors or pitching to investors, visibility plays an even bigger role in shaping your credibility.

These moments are your chance to shine, demonstrating poise, clarity, and confidence when it matters most.

For example, a CFO presenting a financial strategy to investors isn’t just sharing numbers—they’re instilling confidence in the company’s future.

By clearly articulating the vision and showing how the plan will drive results, they reinforce both their own leadership and the organization’s direction.

Moments like these are opportunities to lead under pressure and earn the trust of key stakeholders.

2. Speaking positions you as a strategic thinker

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, executives and managers are expected to do more than just execute tasks—they’re relied upon to think ahead, innovate, and lead with clarity and purpose.

That’s where public speaking comes in. It’s not just about sharing updates or explaining processes; it’s about showing the world (or at least your organization) that you’re a strategic thinker who can tackle complex challenges and inspire progress.

Public speaking is your chance to highlight your ability to see the bigger picture, connect the dots, and guide your organization toward long-term success. Here’s how speaking can help you shine as a strategic thinker:

Anticipating and addressing challenges

Strategic thinkers don’t shy away from obstacles—they address them head-on. Public speaking gives you a platform to show that you’ve thought through the potential hurdles and have a solid plan to tackle them.

For instance, imagine an operations manager proposing a supply chain optimization strategy. Instead of avoiding the topic of supplier delays, they openly discuss the risks, outline contingency plans, and explain why the strategy still makes sense.

This kind of preparation doesn’t just highlight their expertise—it builds trust and confidence in their leadership.

Connecting individual contributions to organizational goals

The best strategic thinkers know how to align individual and team efforts with the broader mission of the organization. Public speaking is a powerful way to bridge the gap between day-to-day work and big-picture objectives.

Picture this: you’re leading a quarterly review meeting, and instead of just sharing metrics and updates, you take the time to explain how each team’s accomplishments contribute to the company’s overall goals.

By making those connections clear, you’re showing that you understand not only the details but also how every piece fits into the larger puzzle. That’s the kind of leadership that inspires teams and earns respect.

Inspiring confidence in your vision

As a leader, one of your biggest responsibilities is to inspire confidence in your ideas. Whether you’re pitching a bold new initiative or rallying your team around a challenging project, public speaking allows you to articulate your vision and get people on board.

Consider a marketing director unveiling a rebranding initiative. Through a well-structured presentation, they explain how the new brand aligns with market trends, meets customer needs, and positions the company for growth.

By clearly laying out the “why” behind the decision, they don’t just inform their audience—they inspire confidence in the plan and their ability to execute it.

Showing big-picture thinking

One of the best things about public speaking is that it allows you to take a step back from the day-to-day and focus on the bigger picture.

By sharing insights about industry trends, competitive landscapes, or long-term opportunities, you can show that you’re not just reacting to today’s challenges—you’re preparing for the future.

Imagine an HR executive presenting on workforce development. By tying training programs to broader trends like AI-driven skills or the rise of remote work, they position themselves as a forward-thinking leader who understands how global shifts affect the organization’s long-term success.

3. Public speaking helps you influence decisions

As an executive or manager, one of your most important responsibilities is helping your team or organization make decisions that drive meaningful progress. And let’s be honest—this isn’t always easy.

Whether you’re proposing a new initiative, defending a strategy, or trying to gain buy-in from diverse stakeholders, effective communication can be the difference between a decision that moves forward and one that stalls.

That’s where public speaking comes in. It’s not just about presenting facts and figures—it’s about creating a compelling case, addressing concerns, and inspiring confidence.

Here’s how public speaking helps you influence decisions and get the green light when it matters most:

Articulating a clear vision

Let’s face it: decisions are easier to make when people understand where they’re headed.

Public speaking gives you the platform to share your vision in a way that resonates. When you paint a clear, compelling picture of the future, you help others see why your proposal is worth supporting and what it can achieve.

For example, imagine a CEO proposing a digital transformation strategy. Instead of overwhelming their audience with jargon and technical details, they tell a story about how the initiative will transform customer experiences, boost efficiency, and position the company as an industry leader.

By framing the proposal within a bigger-picture narrative, they not only inform their audience but inspire them to act.

Addressing concerns proactively

Let’s be real—every decision comes with a few raised eyebrows. Whether it’s concerns about costs, timelines, or resources, addressing objections early can make a world of difference.

Public speaking gives you the chance to tackle these worries head-on and turn skeptics into supporters.

Picture an operations director proposing a supplier change. Instead of waiting for questions about cost increases, they come prepared with a detailed cost-benefit analysis that highlights long-term savings.

By addressing potential pushback before it even arises, they pave the way for a smoother decision-making process.

Creating emotional buy-in

While data and logic are important, let’s not forget the power of emotion.

Decisions are often influenced by how people feel, and public speaking gives you the opportunity to create that emotional connection.

Take a sustainability officer advocating for green initiatives. By sharing a story about how the company’s efforts could positively impact local communities, they tap into their audience’s values and inspire them to support the initiative.

This emotional connection can be a powerful motivator for action.

Inspiring confidence in the plan

People are far more likely to support a proposal when they feel confident in the person presenting it.

Public speaking gives you the chance to project that confidence, reassuring your audience that you have the skills, determination, and vision to see the plan through.

Consider a marketing executive presenting a new campaign strategy. By speaking with enthusiasm about the creative direction, sharing detailed plans for execution, and answering questions with clarity, they inspire confidence in their ability to deliver results.

This level of assurance goes a long way in gaining buy-in from stakeholders.

4. Public speaking differentiates you from your peers

In today’s competitive corporate world, there’s no shortage of talented, hardworking professionals with impressive technical skills.

But what separates the good from the great? It’s often the ability to communicate effectively and stand out as a thought leader.

Public speaking is a powerful way to differentiate yourself, showcasing your expertise, leadership potential, and willingness to step into the spotlight.

Demonstrating initiative and confidence

Let’s be honest—many professionals avoid public speaking because it feels intimidating.

But stepping up to speak demonstrates something special: initiative and courage.

When you volunteer to lead presentations, address your team, or represent your organization at external events, you’re showing that you’re not just capable—you’re ready to lead.

Imagine this: two managers are equally qualified for a promotion. One regularly speaks at meetings, shares ideas confidently, and represents their team in key discussions.

The other stays behind the scenes, doing great work but avoiding the spotlight. Which one do you think will stand out to decision-makers?

Taking the mic sends a clear signal: you’re willing to step up, share your voice, and lead the way.

Becoming a recognized voice in your organization

When you consistently speak up—whether it’s during meetings, town halls, or team discussions—you become known for your contributions.

Over time, your voice becomes synonymous with insight and expertise. Colleagues and senior leaders begin to recognize you as someone who offers solutions and drives progress.

For example, think about a manager who regularly presents solutions to organizational challenges during leadership meetings.

Their ability to articulate ideas and propose strategies positions them as a forward-thinking leader. This kind of visibility doesn’t just build credibility; it creates opportunities for growth.

Showcasing unique expertise

Public speaking gives you the chance to highlight what makes you, well, you. It’s your platform to showcase your knowledge, share fresh perspectives, and demonstrate how you approach challenges.

Imagine an IT director presenting at a technology conference. By sharing their innovative take on cybersecurity, they’re not just showcasing their expertise—they’re also positioning their organization as a leader in the field.

This kind of visibility sets them apart from peers who may have similar knowledge but haven’t taken the opportunity to step forward and share it.

Building influence across departments

Public speaking isn’t just about standing in front of a crowd; it’s about creating connections and expanding your influence.

In many organizations, professionals are siloed within their teams or departments. Speaking in cross-departmental meetings or company-wide forums helps you break down those barriers.

For instance, a finance manager explaining budget strategies to multiple departments bridges the gap between finance and other teams.

By showing how their work impacts organizational goals, they’re not only increasing understanding but also positioning themselves as a trusted, go-to leader.

Your Next Step

You don’t have to be a perfect speaker to get started, but you do have to start. Public speaking is a skill that grows with time and practice. By stepping up and sharing your expertise, you’re not just making an impression—you’re building a reputation as the go-to expert in your field.

If you’re ready to build unshakable confidence and take your speaking skills to the next level, I’d love to offer you a complimentary 30-minute public speaking strategy session.

During our call, we'll discuss what might be holding you back and map out strategic steps to help you speak with the confidence of the leader and expert you already are.

Click here to schedule the strategy session and begin your journey towards becoming a true leader and expert in your field.