Learning Public Speaking is Not Enough for Success

Analyzing numerous speeches and biographies, I noticed one interesting pattern: the most influential and compelling speeches belonged to people who knew more than they needed to know. Moreover, these people systematically developed in other directions besides their main interest.

For example, Margaret Thatcher had the ambitions of a researcher, studying chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford from 1943 to 1947 under the supervision of the distinguished X-ray crystallographer Dorothy Hodgkin, who would later win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Only after finishing her studies did Thatcher seriously become interested in history and politics. But it was precisely the study of chemistry—a direction different from politics and history—that allowed her to look at society more broadly and find constructive solutions to issues. Her scientific background proved particularly valuable when making decisions about science policy, where her firsthand experience as a working researcher gave her unique insights that other ministers lacked.

Winston Churchill became fascinated with painting and literary activity during a career hiatus in 1915, eventually creating over 500 paintings throughout his lifetime. He later received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values." Churchill's life experience showed how diverse interests reinforced each other—he was first established in politics and military service, and painting became his refuge during difficult periods, helping him combat what he called his "Black Dog" of depression.

Mahatma Gandhi could have become a monk – he received extensive religious education at home in the Vaishnava Hindu tradition. But he also graduated from law school at the Inner Temple in London from 1888 to 1891 and studied religion, history, and literature from multiple traditions. During his time in South Africa, he read over 80 books on spiritual subjects in his first year alone, including texts from Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and various Hindu philosophies. This comprehensive approach to learning from different religious and philosophical traditions informed his unique approach to nonviolent resistance.

Why does broad knowledge make speakers stronger?

Such diverse interests and broad knowledge exist in all influential people who have left a mark on the world, particularly thanks to their speeches and oratorical art. Therefore, it's so important to deeply study your professional topic, understand it more broadly than you need to, and also explore completely different directions, particularly those that belong to art and other disciplines. And practice them as well.

After all, a motivational speech that inspires is art, and all directions of art are closely connected and live by the same rules. Having understood one type of art in practice, you will more easily master and understand another, for example, such as the art of public speaking. When Thatcher approached political problems, her scientific training provided analytical frameworks that pure political study might not have offered. When Churchill delivered his wartime speeches, his artistic sensibility contributed to the vivid imagery and emotional resonance that made them so memorable.

How to build comprehensive development?

At home, I have two particularly packed bookshelves. One is devoted to rhetoric, words, biographies, encyclopedic knowledge. And the other—to art: visual, plastic and cinematographic, as well as fashion, graphics, and music. These two shelves are nothing other than two parts of our brain.

Only this way can we develop, comprehensively and complexly understand the patterns of everything that happens around us. The patterns of everything that we as people have learned and mastered. To draw conclusions. To use this knowledge in our practice and improve this world for our future.

That’s why I read on a schedule every day.

Reading like this develops our brain, as well as intelligence, including emotional intelligence. But reading is not enough. As I already gave examples above, strong people also practiced various disciplines beyond their main field. It is precisely then that different parts of our brain develop, which are so necessary for us to create something new, for development and moving forward.

Why does diverse practice change consciousness?

When we engage in disciplines outside our main field, we enter different rhythms of thinking. This helps us feel and act without being guided by usual logic or algorithms from our primary domain. At this moment, our consciousness opens up and expands the boundaries of rationality, objectivity, and reality. Discoveries happen.

I draw, fantasize, create plots and write. Every day. Practically all the time. The only thing that dampens my emotions is the current impossibility of realizing and showing everything to people. I have to go step by step, do everything in my power and wait for my time for everything we ignite. This is the most difficult task.

But it's so important. After all, if we have big goals, then we need to have patience and stability as great as our goals are.

Therefore, I wish you strength for development and moving forward – until the time comes for fulfilling everything that is in your power.

Mykola Ovcharov