The typical measure of success in public speaking is the immediate reaction. That could be positive, like cheers, applause, or finger snapping. Sometimes the measure is a negative one, for trolls and provocateurs.
But influence isn’t always gained that way. It is possible to succeed as a public speaker simply by registering thoughts and feelings with the audience. You can “win” in a public debate or by giving a speech without anyone clapping.
The truth of public speaking is that people are listening. A good public speaker works in the backs of people’s heads. While the people talking are occupied with talking the listeners are freed up to really take in context and tone.
The only correct definition of good public speaking is that it accomplishes the speaker’s intent, which is to deliver a message. The better the receipt of that message, the better the public speaking. Recognition can be gamed, but other people genuinely hearing you out cannot.
A good public speaker stands on a particular hill and fortifies it. They slam a standard down. The best public speaking comes from the heart. The speaker’s sense of confidence and belief in what they’re saying bleeds through their tone of voice and body language. It cannot be faked for too long, to too many people.
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