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How to Speak Like a Pro and Get a Standing Ovation
Most people fear public speaking more than death.
But public speaking isn’t about being perfect—it’s about helping others.
In a recent conversation between Danny Leibrandt and Dennis Yu, they explored what separates forgettable speakers from impactful ones, and how using stories, emotional pacing, and simple techniques can move an audience to their feet.
It’s Not About You
The #1 mistake amateur speakers make is focusing on themselves.
They worry about what they look like, what to wear, how the slides will transition.
But Dennis reminds us: when you’re truly present, you’re not thinking about yourself.
You’re thinking about helping others. You’re telling stories. You’re teaching. You’re giving.
If you’re nervous, it’s because your focus is internal. Shift the spotlight to your audience, and the fear goes away.
“Fear of public speaking is actually selfish. You’re thinking about yourself. If you focus on the audience, there’s no fear.” — Dennis Yu
Authority Comes Built In
Worried you’re not qualified to speak?
You already have authority.
- The conference selected you.
- The emcee is hyping you up.
- The audience assumes you know what you’re talking about.
By the time you hit the stage, you’re already credible. Unless you blow it, the audience believes in you.
Dennis calls this the “Authority Stack.”
- You’re featured in the agenda.
- You’re introduced with praise.
- You’re standing on the stage.
- People assume you’re the expert.
You don’t need to prove it. Just provide value.
Speak at Industry Events, Not to Peers
If you’re trying to grow your business or get leads, don’t speak to other marketers.
Speak to industries that need what you do.
Danny recently crushed a presentation at the Swarm Mastermind, speaking to pest control professionals about SEO. Most of the audience had little SEO experience, which made his talk far more impactful.
Dennis has spoken to funeral directors, roofers, and even garage door professionals. In those rooms, you’re the only one who does what you do.
The more basic your content seems to you, the more valuable it probably is to the audience.
Forget the Slides—Focus on Connection
Dennis once had all AV fail on stage in Portugal. No slides, no backup visuals. Just him and a phone.
Instead of stalling, he showed the audience how easy it is to film a powerful 1-minute video using just a phone—and why doing so creates value, authority, and visibility.
The crowd loved it.
No one cared about the slides. They cared about the energy and engagement.
Open With a Story, Close With a Story
This is non-negotiable.
People remember stories. They feel them.
Dennis opens every talk with a personal story to build emotional connection. He ends with another to anchor the core message.
“People remember the beginning and end. Open with emotion, close with impact.” — Dennis Yu
Whether it’s Larry Kim talking about the PPC crisis, or John Yousaei showing one image of a boy on the beach to explain a global tragedy—you connect with one story, not a sea of stats.
Silence Is Power
Most speakers walk on stage and immediately throw away the most powerful moment:
The pause.
Don’t start with, “Thank you for having me.”
Walk up. Look out over the audience. Pause. Let them feel the anticipation.
Dennis learned this by accident during his first talk at the Epiphany Software Conference in front of 2,500 people. He forgot what to say and froze.
But the crowd didn’t see panic. They saw presence. Control.
That pause got him a standing ovation.
“You walk up in silence and survey the audience like a king. That’s how you own the room.” — Dennis Yu
Slow Down. Vary Your Volume. Whisper.
Fast talking loses people. Uniform volume bores them.
Instead:
- Slow down at key points.
- Use silence for effect.
- Whisper when you want people to lean in.
A pause can do more than a paragraph.
Use QR Codes to Extend the Impact
Don’t waste your final slide on “Thank you.”
Put up a giant QR code.
- Mention it at the start.
- Show what they’ll get (e.g. a 310-page guide).
- Reiterate at the end.
People are curious. Give them something concrete to scan. Make it visual. Make it easy. Give value.
“You want leads and loyalty? End with a QR code that delivers real value.” — Dennis Yu
Want a Standing Ovation? Build to It
Here’s the secret:
- End with emotion.
- Tell a story.
- Raise your voice.
- Then pause.
Stand there. Don’t move.
Look across the audience. Wait 15–20 seconds. Someone will stand. Then others follow.
“You don’t ask for the ovation. You expect it.” — Dennis Yu
Final Thought: Speaking Is Just Communication, Amplified
You don’t need to be a stage expert.
You just need to care. To communicate clearly. To tell stories that help.
Great public speaking isn’t separate from everything else. It’s the same as leading a team, teaching a client, or doing a Zoom call.
Start small. Tell one story. Help one person.
And if you do it well, you won’t just speak like a pro. You’ll get people on their feet.
Next Step: Apply What You’ve Learned
Save this guide.
Use one new tactic in your next presentation—whether it’s starting with a story, standing in silence, or ending with a QR code.
Watch what happens.
The difference between a forgettable talk and a standing ovation is usually just one powerful shift.
Use this article to make that shift.
Dylan Haugen
Dylan Haugen is a professional dunker, content creator, and editor at the Content Factory, where he transforms podcasts and interviews into strategic brand assets. He collaborates with Dennis Yu to support young entrepreneurs and business owners in building their personal brands through education, transparency, and effective content marketing. As the host of the Dunk Talk podcast and a dedicated advocate for establishing dunking as a recognized sport, Dylan combines athletic expertise, storytelling, and digital strategy to help elevate the next generation of creators.