Public Speaking Strategies Warren Buffett Learned Even If Speaking Itself Makes Him Physically Ill

By Moon Harper

Jun 11, 2024 05:23 AM EDT

Each year, before the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting, crowds gather outside the CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha, Nebraska, eager to listen to Warren Buffett's address. Some seek investment insights, while others are interested in Buffett's personal wisdom, as highlighted in a recent report by CNBC Make It.

However, despite his esteemed reputation, Buffett did not always possess natural speaking abilities. The idea of public speaking even made him physically ill, and he deliberately selected college courses to avoid speaking in front of a class, as he revealed during an interview with author Gillian Zoe Segal for her 2015 book, "Getting There: A Book of Mentors."

Following his graduation from Columbia Business School in 1951, Buffett made a firm decision to conquer his fear of public speaking and enrolled in a $100 public speaking course at Dale Carnegie Training, an institute named after the influential speaker and author of How to Win Friends and Influence People and other bestselling books. Buffett shared with Segal that the class significantly impacted his later achievements, emphasizing that even a slight enhancement in communication skills could substantially impact future earning potential and various other facets of life.

Dale Carnegie CEO Joe Hart shared with CNBC in 2019 that professionals can still derive valuable insights from the strategies Buffett acquired during his public speaking course:

You Have to Learn as Much as You Can

Carnegie emphasized the importance of speaking about a topic one is knowledgeable and confident about. He advised against hurriedly preparing a talk, suggesting to invest considerable time, possibly even years, in thorough preparation.

Being an active learner like Buffett, particularly in the realm of public speaking, can, for several reasons, facilitate the expansion and deepening of knowledge across various subjects. This attribute has been instrumental in Buffett's considerable success.

You Have to Share Your Own Experiences

Personalizing a speech is the most effective method for gaining people's favor. Buffett frequently employs this strategy in his speeches, incorporating anecdotes from his life and career to illustrate key points.

Carnegie advises carrying a sheet of paper with you for a few weeks and jotting down any subjects that come to mind based on personal experiences that you are prepared to speak about.

You Have to Jot Down Notes, Not A Draft

When Buffett delivers a speech, he seldom refers to notes. One of Carnegie's fundamental principles is that a good speech is not fully scripted in advance.

Carnegie recommended using brief notes instead of a script, cautioning that reading from a script could hinder one's presence and that relying on a script might lead to attempts to recall what was written, preventing natural and engaging speech delivery.

You Have to Get Excited About The Topic

Hart emphasized the importance of smiling, maintaining positive energy, and projecting confidence, which can significantly impact communication effectiveness. Buffett developed a passion for investing, wealth, and attaining success from a young age. This lasting enthusiasm is evident in his speeches and interviews.

Carnegie noted that even individuals with average speaking skills can still deliver outstanding speeches if they discuss something that deeply moves them.