Why Knowing Your Learning Style is

Key to Confident Speaking

Why Knowing Your Learning Style is Key to Confident Speaking

When it comes to public speaking, confidence doesn’t start when you step in front of your audience, it starts in how you prepare…and effective preparation begins with self-awareness.

We each absorb, retain, and express information differently. Some of us need to feel our way through it, while others need to write it down, step by step.

These aren’t just quirks—they’re clues to your natural speaking strengths.

Models like Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (1984), Honey & Mumford’s Learner Types (1986), Felder-Silverman’s Learning Style Model (1988), and Fleming & Mills’ VARK model (1992) offer powerful frameworks that help us understand how people learn, and just as importantly, how they communicate. When these models are translated into public speaking preparation, we create an approach that helps us show up in ways that feel aligned, authentic, and sustainable.

Here are seven learning and communication styles that can shape how you prepare to speak. You will likely resonate with more than one. Most of us are a blend, but recognizing your dominant styles can help you align your preparation with how you naturally think, learn, and express yourself.

1. Visual Communicator: You Think in Pictures

You process ideas best when you can see them. Charts, diagrams, and visual outlines help you make sense of what you’re saying. Your presentations are often organized and visually appealing. But when you rely too much on slides, you risk overwhelming your audience or losing your flow.

 Try this:
• Map out your ideas with visual tools like mind maps or flowcharts.
• Turn complex concepts into simple images or analogies.
• Practice recalling points using mental imagery instead of reading slides.

2. Auditory Communicator: You Find Flow in Sound and Story

Speaking out loud helps you process ideas. You might find written outlines or visual cues less helpful, and your thoughts may feel scattered unless spoken.

Try this:
• Record yourself practicing and listen back for flow.
• Use metaphors and stories in your delivery.
• Talk through your ideas aloud to organize them before writing.

3. Kinesthetic Communicator: You think best when you’re in motion.

You learn by doing, and your energy often shines through physical presence such as gestures, movement, and interaction. Sitting still to plan or rehearse might leave you feeling restless or unfocused.

Try this:
• Rehearse your talk while going for a walk
• Add props or demonstrations to stay physically engaged.
• Practice in a space similar to your speaking environment.

4. Thoughtful Communicator: You Process Deeply Before You Speak

You think before you speak and value clarity, intention, and meaning. You likely prefer time to prepare in quiet, low-pressure environments. Fast-paced or spontaneous situations may feel overwhelming unless you’ve had a chance to mentally rehearse.

Try this:
• Set aside solo time to organize your thoughts without distractions.
• Practice out loud in a safe space to build confidence gradually.
• Give yourself full permission to pause or breathe while speaking—it’s not a flaw, it’s a strength.

5. Dynamic Communicator: You Think on Your Feet

You’re spontaneous and often come alive when you’re in the moment. You shine in high-energy situations and when improvising. Too much structure might feel restrictive. Sometimes, though, your mind moves faster than your mouth, and you may skip over key points or get lost in the energy.

Try this:
• Use flexible outlines instead of detailed scripts.
• Take time to ground before you start to speak.
• Add tactile or interactive tools to help stay focused.

6. Analytical Communicator: You Lead with Logic
You feel confident when your ideas are organized and well-supported. You likely excel at presenting data, explaining complex topics, and staying focused. You might risk overwhelming your audience or sounding too technical.

Try this:
• Practice turning written content into natural, conversational speech.
• Use stories or analogies to bring data to life.
• Get clear about your overall intention and the impact you want to make.

7. Relational Communicator: You Speak with Feeling and Connection

You’re intuitive, emotionally aware, and attuned to your audience. You speak best when you feel connected to the people you’re speaking with, whether through stories, emotion, or interaction. Under pressure, you may lose your train of thought or take on others’ energy.

Try this:
• Choose one core message you want your audience to feel, not just hear.
• Use a brief personal story to emotionally ground your message.
• Create a pre-speaking ritual that reconnects you to your “why” before you present.

Putting It All Together

You don’t have to become someone else to be a great speaker. You don’t need to “fix” your personality, energy level, or working style. Instead, the goal is to work with your brain and body, not against them. That’s when speaking becomes less about pushing through fear, and more about showing up with clarity and conviction.

So, which of these learning styles or speaking strengths feels most like you?

How might your next presentation feel different if your prep matched the way you work best?

I would love to hear your insights in the comments.

References:

• Kolb, D.A. (1984). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development.
• Honey, P. & Mumford, A. (1986). The Manual of Learning Styles.
• Felder, R.M., & Silverman, L.K. (1988). Learning and Teaching Styles in Engineering Education.
• Fleming, N.D. & Mills, C. (1992). Not Another Inventory, Rather a Catalyst for Reflection.

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