Photo: Peter George: A Transformative Voice in Public Speaking
Unlocking The Secrets To Engaging Presentations And Transformative Speaking Experiences
Peter George shares insights on public speaking, emphasising audience connection, overcoming fears, and utilising his AMP’D Framework for impactful presentations.
P eter George stands as an emblem of resilience and transformation in the realm of public speaking. His journey is a remarkable testament to the power of communication, as he emerged from the challenges of childhood speech impediments into a celebrated speaker, author, and coach. With over 37 years of experience, Peter has captivated audiences ranging from local talents to Fortune 10 leaders, empowering them to master the art of engaging presentations.
His acclaimed book, The Captivating Public Speaker: Engage, Impact, and Inspire Your Audience Every Time, has earned six prestigious awards, solidifying his voice in the literary landscape. Through his innovative AMP’D Framework™, Peter provides a blueprint that shifts the focus from self to audience, encouraging speakers and authors alike to craft messages that resonate deeply. This philosophy is reflected in his commitment to ensuring that the act of speaking is not about impressing, but about empowering and transforming lives.
In our interview, Peter shares insights from his vast experience, revealing how he has helped authors overcome their fears and embrace their unique narratives. His guidance has transformed countless professionals, enabling them to view speaking not as a daunting task, but as an opportunity to connect and serve their audiences.
Peter George is a transformative speaker and coach, empowering countless individuals to communicate with confidence and engagement.
As we delve into Peter’s thoughts on the art and science of public speaking, one cannot help but feel inspired by his unwavering dedication to helping others find their voice. Join us in exploring the wisdom of a true master, as he invites us to consider not just how we speak, but the profound impact our words can have on those who listen.
Your site mentions the AMP’D Framework™ — how did you develop that model, and what’s the “A” you believe authors must master?
AMP’D is an acronym for Audience – Message – Presentation – Delivery. The Framework is the roadmap I developed, helping speakers systematically create talks that resonate with their audiences because they are based on their audiences.
The Framework evolved from years of watching speakers fail because they made their talks about themselves rather than their audience. You see, too many speakers — writers included — think their job is to discuss facts, information, and subjects that matter to them, when really they need to focus on how their message transforms the people in the room. Authors, in particular, can struggle with this because they’re so close to their work. Focusing first on the “A” when crafting a talk teaches speakers to start by answering such questions as “What does this particular audience want and need to know?” and “How will my audience be different when I’m done speaking?”
Please keep in mind that, although the AMP’D Framework™ is a system, it does not result in every talk sounding formulaic. Instead, it focuses the speaker on developing talks that are tailored to a specific audience and not one-size-fits-all.
Many authors dread public speaking or book launches — what’s been the biggest fear you’ve helped an author overcome, and how did you do it?
I believe that confidence comes from competence and that once you harness the various skills we refer to as public speaking skills, one is capable of so much more than they had believed.
For example, I worked with a first-time author who was literally shaking before her first book event. We shifted her focus from “speaking in front of people” to “serving her readers”, which is a familiar mindset. To accomplish this, we didn’t talk about speaking. We followed the Framework and developed a compelling narrative on paper, again something that felt natural to her.
I then asked how she would convey each section of her talk if she were having a conversation with a dear friend. So, instead of envisioning speaking to one hundred people, she saw it as having a conversation with a friend. The transformation was remarkable. She went from terrified to genuinely excited about having each audience member think, “She was speaking directly to me.”
When working with executives, attorneys, or other professionals on public speaking, do you use different strategies for authors versus business leaders?
Absolutely. Business leaders often need to unlearn corporate speak and embrace storytelling. Authors typically have the opposite problem. They’re often great storytellers, but, when thinking about delivering a talk, forget about structure and clear takeaways—something that is second nature for them when writing. Generally, with executives, I focus on helping them be more engaging, while with authors, I focus on helping them be more strategic.
What’s a “turning point” story in your own journey — a moment when your speaking or coaching career shifted dramatically?
My turning point came when I bombed spectacularly at a conference many years ago. I was so focused on impressing the audience with my credentials that I lost them completely. Afterward, a woman approached me and said, “I came here hoping to learn something that would help my daughter become a more confident speaker. Instead, I learned about you.” That feedback devastated me, but it also gave birth to my audience-first philosophy.
How do you balance the “art” and the “science” of public speaking (the inspiring vs. the technical)?
This is where magic happens. The science gives you structure, timing, and technique. Much of it is based on how the human brain reacts to conscious and unconscious messages. The conscious is the message—the words. The unconscious is how you use your voice and body language to deliver the message — the performance, if you will.
An engaging, transformative talk is art based on science. Without structure, emotion becomes chaos. Without emotion, structure becomes boring.
In your coaching, what is the one underrated “skill” people tend to underestimate when preparing for a talk or keynote?
This is an easy one—listening, even when you’re the one speaking. Great speakers are constantly reading the room, adjusting in real-time based on audience energy, engagement, and understanding. Most people are so focused on delivering their prepared content that they miss crucial feedback happening right in front of them. This is where an old acting adage fits so well. “Amateurs practice until they get it right. Professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.” Know your content so well that you don’t have to concentrate on it—that it flows out of you. Once you do, you can focus on engaging the audience members.
What mistakes do authors most commonly make when presenting their work (e.g. at book events, panels, interviews)?
Authors all too often believe their personal writing journey is fascinating to strangers. Although this might occasionally be the case, it usually resonates only when the author’s story has an obvious benefit for the listeners.
With virtual events and hybrid formats now mainstream, how have you adapted your approach to speaking training and coaching?
Virtual adaptation has been fascinating. Is it equal to speaking to people in person? No. I don’t believe so. But that doesn’t mean you can’t resonate with people and transform them virtually. The Framework doesn’t change. You still build your talk as you would otherwise. It’s the delivery that changes. And, if you use technology in your talks, a genuinely engaging and dynamic presentation requires additional steps and practice.
Looking ahead, which trends in public speaking, author branding, or content delivery excite you most — and why?
Exciting trends include the rise of concise, impactful presentations that can be easily repurposed across various platforms. Also, audiences are craving more authentic, unpolished moments. The perfectly rehearsed keynote is giving way to more conversational, interactive experiences. Think of it this way. The way we approach addressing groups has evolved from oration to speeches to presentations to talks to conversations.
For fellow authors: If you were giving one key piece of advice to writers who wish to become compelling speakers or presenters, what would it be — and how should they start putting it into practice?
Speaking is not about you; it’s about the audience…ALWAYS! You will actually be calm, confident, and credible when you develop and deliver talks that resonate with your audiences because they are based on your audiences. Remember…your goal isn’t to impress; it’s to serve and transform.
