Glasgow Public Speaking Coach on: Making Your Message Clear

Make your Message Land in Public Speaking

Whether you're delivering a keynote at a conference or speaking up in a team meeting, the ability to make your message clear is a non-negotiable skill. Yet, so many speakers – both beginners and seasoned professionals – find themselves wondering afterwards: Did they really understand what I meant?

Clarity is more than grammar or vocabulary. It's the art of cutting through the noise, holding attention, and being remembered for the right reasons. And it’s one of the most common – and frustrating – challenges speakers face.

In this article, I’ll explore why clarity often slips through our fingers, how stage fright and poor structure sabotage us, and most importantly, how to overcome these obstacles using expert-backed strategies, practical exercises, and a bit of courage.

The Clarity Gap: Why Your Message Isn’t Landing

Imagine this:
Emma, a talented marketing executive from Glasgow, has been asked to present to the board. She knows her stuff, but five minutes into the presentation, she sees blank stares. Halfway through, someone interrupts to ask, “Sorry, what’s the main point here?”

Emma leaves the room deflated. She had a lot to say – why didn’t it come across?

The answer lies in a combination of factors:

• Nerves fogged her focus.

• She overstuffed the talk with detail.

• Her delivery lacked vocal emphasis and structure.

This isn’t just Emma’s problem. It’s one I see again and again in clients I coach.

Common Public Speaking Barriers to Clarity

Let’s look at the major culprits that prevent speakers from making their message clear.

1. Stage Fright: The Clarity Killer

When nerves hit, clarity often goes out the window. Your thoughts race. You speed up. You forget what comes next. You know what you want to say, but your audience hears a rushed blur of half-formed ideas.

Psychological Insight:

Stage fright triggers the fight-or-flight response. Blood rushes to the limbs, not the brain. You literally become less articulate.

Strategies to Overcome It:

• Breathwork. Before speaking, practise box breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4). This calms the nervous system.

• Reframe the nerves. Tell yourself: This energy means I care. I’m ready.

• Visualise success. Picture your audience leaning in, nodding, applauding. It’s cheesy – but effective.

Try This:

Stand in front of a mirror and deliver a 60-second summary of your topic. Focus only on slowing your breath and speaking with intention. Do this daily before a speaking engagement.

2. Poor Audience Engagement: Speaking at vs. Speaking with

Even the most well-structured speech falls flat if the speaker doesn't connect. Clarity isn’t just about what you say – it’s about how your audience receives it.

Real-Life Scenario:

I once worked with a tech entrepreneur whose content was brilliant – but she spoke in jargon-heavy blocks. Her audience felt lost, even intimidated.

Fixing the Disconnect:

• Know your audience. What do they care about? What frustrates them? Speak to those needs.

• Use inclusive language. “You might have noticed…” “We’ve all been there…” This builds rapport.

• Pause for effect. Silence gives your audience time to process and reflect.

Quick Exercise:

Record yourself explaining your topic to a friend who knows nothing about it. Then listen back. Where did you lose them? Where did you shine?

3. Lack of Vocal Variety: Monotone Equals Misunderstood

If your voice doesn’t reflect your message, it becomes harder to follow. Our brains are wired to tune out monotonous speech – even if the content is gold.

The Science:

Studies in linguistics and psychology show that changes in pitch, tone, and pace signal importance. When everything sounds the same, nothing sounds important.

How to Fix It:

• Mark up your script. Highlight where to slow down, raise pitch, or pause.

• Read aloud with exaggeration. Yes, even theatrically. You can always dial it back later.

• Use storytelling tones. If you're describing a problem, sound frustrated. If you're explaining a breakthrough, sound excited.

Vocal Drill:

Pick a short paragraph and read it out using three different emotions: joy, frustration, and curiosity. Record and analyse the difference in energy and clarity.

4. Ineffective Body Language: Mixed Signals Confuse the Message

Imagine a speaker saying, “I’m really passionate about this topic” with arms crossed, no eye contact, and a flat face. The words and body are at war.

What Research Shows:

Albert Mehrabian’s communication model suggests that how you say something (tone and body language) can carry more weight than the actual words.

Body Language Fixes:

• Stand tall. A relaxed but upright posture signals authority and calm.

• Gesture with purpose. Use your hands to outline, contrast, and emphasise.

• Eye contact. Connect with different sections of your audience, not just one person or your notes.

Instant Tip:

Record a 2-minute video of yourself speaking and watch with the sound off. What message does your body send?

5. Disorganised Speech Structure: Clarity Needs a Spine

Waffling. Tangents. Over-explaining. All symptoms of a talk that lacks backbone.

What Works:

Great speakers use structure to enhance clarity:

• Open with a hook.

• State the purpose.

• Outline the key points.

• Support each point with a story, fact, or metaphor.

• Close with a memorable takeaway.

Powerful Formats:

• Problem – Solution – Benefit

• Past – Present – Future

• Three-Point Argument

Action Plan:

Take your next talk and write just the headlines of your message. Do they tell a clear story? If not, revise before adding detail.

Why Clarity Is a Skill – Not a Gift

Clarity isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a learnable skill. And once mastered, it gives you:

• Greater confidence in your delivery.

• A stronger connection with your audience.

• The ability to persuade, influence, and inspire.

You don’t need to be a natural-born speaker. You need techniques, practice, and guidance.

Ready to Speak with Impact?

You’ve read about the pitfalls. You’ve seen the strategies. Now it’s time to apply them.

But let’s be honest: implementing change alone is hard. That’s where personalised coaching makes all the difference.

As a Glasgow-based public speaking coach, I help professionals, leaders, and aspiring speakers:

• Discover their authentic voice.

• Master speech structure and delivery.

• Build real-world confidence through tailored practice.

• Get honest, expert feedback that accelerates progress.

If you’re ready to stop fumbling through your message and start speaking with clarity, confidence, and conviction, I invite you to get in touch.

Together, we’ll turn fear into focus – and message into movement.

Take the First Step

Contact me today to book a discovery call.
Because your message matters. Let’s make sure the world hears it – clearly.

About the Author

Mark Westbrook is a Glasgow-based public speaking coach with over two decades of experience in communication, performance, and leadership training. A twice-qualified teacher and accredited coach, Mark has helped hundreds of professionals—from entrepreneurs to executives—speak with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Blending psychological insight with practical expertise, Mark’s coaching goes beyond presentation tips. He works with clients to uncover their authentic voice, craft compelling messages, and deliver them with impact. His approach is rooted in empathy, precision, and the belief that great communication is a skill anyone can master.

Whether you're preparing for a high-stakes keynote or simply want to speak up with greater influence at work, Mark provides tailored, actionable coaching to help you reach your goals.