What Speakers Can Learn From Caitlin Clark

 Speakers can learn from Caitlin Clark.

"Sometimes as a shooter, you can overthink when things aren't going your way. I knew I was going to break through at some point, and it was good to see them go in, but in my head, just telling myself to let it fly. Don't hold onto it, don't aim it, just shoot it." ~ Caitlin Clark, WNBA's Indiana Fever

One of the biggest mistakes speakers make is abandoning the fundamentals the moment things feel off.

A joke misses. The audience looks distracted. You lose your place.
It's understandable - your confidence takes a hit.

Do you stop speaking naturally? Aiming every sentence, overthinking every transition, trying to sound perfect instead of sounding real and land that perfect laugh, the perfect thoughtful silence, or that mid-speech applause?

The best speakers trust their reps.
They trust their preparation.
They trust their stories, their message, and return to the fundamentals.

They return to:
• Eye contact
• Clear ideas
• Intentional pauses
• Strong stories
• Genuine connection

That’s what makes your audience lean in, restoring your confidence in the process.

You're going to have rough moments on stage. The key is not panicking when they happen. Keep speaking anyway. Eventually, you break through. Not because you forced it, but because you trusted what you already know how to do.

You've got to hashtag#SpeakAnyway on stage to hashtag#WinAnyway as a speaker!
Need some help? Email me at rich@richhopkins.com!