Mastering Public Speaking: Insights from Brian Wong at the AAPI Leaders Gathering

At a recent gathering of AAPI leaders in New York City, attendees were treated to a masterclass in public speaking delivered by Brian Wong, the founder of Kiip, Partner at BW Growth Ventures, and author of The Cheat Code, published by Crown, Penguin Randomhouse. Wong’s presentation was more than just a speech; it was a comprehensive guide to effective communication, infused with wisdom drawn from his own experiences and success.

From the outset, Brian Wong demonstrated his expertise in connecting with an audience by employing a technique he described as "self-deprecation." Rather than beginning with a formal introduction, Wong chose to disarm the audience with a humorous remark about his own physical appearance. "When I first started speaking publicly, I was so skinny that people thought I would blow away in a large gust of wind," he said, eliciting a wave of laughter. This approach immediately set a tone of relatability, allowing the audience to feel at ease and open to the insights he would share.

Wong’s choice to begin with self-deprecation was not merely an attempt at humor. It was a deliberate strategy to bridge the gap between speaker and audience. By acknowledging his own perceived flaws, he made himself more approachable and human, a move that resonated deeply with the AAPI audience. In a community where physical appearance and cultural identity often play a significant role in professional interactions, Wong’s approach underscored the power of humility in effective communication.

The Centrality of Self-Belief

Transitioning from humor to a more serious note, Brian Wong emphasized the critical importance of self-belief in public speaking. "If you truly believe you can do it, it's half the battle," he asserted, his tone conveying the weight of his conviction. Wong explained that confidence is not just an abstract quality but a tangible energy that can influence others. He illustrated this point by sharing his own experiences, highlighting how his unwavering belief in his ideas and abilities has been a cornerstone of his success.

Wong’s discussion of self-belief was not merely motivational rhetoric; it was a profound reflection on the role of confidence in leadership. "Confidence creates magnetism," he stated. "It draws people to you, creating an environment where your message can truly resonate." His insights were grounded in personal anecdotes, lending credibility to his message and reinforcing the idea that confidence is an essential component of effective public speaking.

The Strategic Use of Pauses and Surprises

One of the most compelling aspects of Brian Wong’s presentation was his mastery of pacing and timing, elements he identified as crucial to maintaining an audience’s engagement. Wong spoke at length about the importance of pauses in public speaking, demonstrating this technique with deliberate pauses throughout his own speech. "Don’t fill the silence with ‘uh’s’ and ‘ah’s’," Wong advised. "Use pauses to gather your thoughts, emphasize key points, and create a sense of anticipation."

Wong also discussed the impact of surprises in maintaining audience interest. By varying his volume and tone, he was able to keep the audience attentive and engaged. "Introducing an unexpected element, even something as small as a change in tone or a well-placed exclamation, can re-energize the room," he explained. This strategic use of pauses and surprises was a testament to Wong’s deep understanding of the dynamics of public speaking.

The Importance of Cadence and Movement

In addition to verbal techniques, Brian Wong highlighted the significance of physical movement during a speech. "Cadence is not just about how you speak, but also how you move," Wong noted. He encouraged speakers to avoid remaining stationary, instead advocating for purposeful movement around the room. "When you move, you engage different parts of the audience, ensuring that everyone remains focused on your message," he said.

Wong’s own movements on stage were deliberate and controlled, exemplifying the kind of physical cadence he was advocating. By moving around the room, he was able to create a dynamic interaction with the audience, making them feel involved in the presentation. This emphasis on movement was not just about holding attention; it was about leading the audience through the narrative of the speech, ensuring that they remained engaged from start to finish.

The Power of Storytelling

A recurring theme in Brian Wong’s presentation was the power of storytelling in public speaking. "Tie your topics to stories," he advised, underscoring the importance of narratives in making a speech memorable. Wong shared a personal story about how his mother used to drive him to speaking classes in North Vancouver to help him overcome a potential Chinese accent. This anecdote was more than just a personal reflection; it was a powerful example of how stories can be used to convey complex ideas and emotions.

Wong’s story was deeply moving, illustrating the sacrifices and efforts that have shaped his journey. "This gift of being able to speak in front of audiences super comfortably," he said, his voice tinged with emotion, "was the best I could have asked for as a big contributor to my success in America." The audience was visibly affected by this story, a testament to the power of personal narratives in creating a connection between speaker and audience. 

Structuring a Speech: The Importance of an Outline

Brian Wong’s speech was not just a series of disconnected tips; it was a carefully structured presentation, emphasizing the importance of having a clear outline. "An outline is your roadmap," Wong explained. "It ensures that your speech is coherent and that your audience can follow your points easily." He used his own presentation as an example, pointing out how he had announced at the beginning that there would be eight points to cover, giving the audience a framework to follow.

This structured approach was highly effective, as it allowed the audience to track the progress of the speech and anticipate its conclusion. "Nothing is more painful than a speech with no defined ending," Wong warned, highlighting the importance of providing the audience with clear signals about the structure of the speech. This attention to structure not only made the speech more engaging but also demonstrated Wong’s commitment to delivering a clear and concise message.

Connecting with the Audience Through Popular Culture

In a final strategic move, Brian Wong demonstrated his ability to connect with the audience by referencing popular culture. He made a brief comment about Kamala Harris’s speaking style, which drew appreciative nods from the audience. "Relating to popular culture shows that you are in tune with the world around you," Wong explained. This ability to weave current events and cultural references into a speech not only makes the content more relatable but also enhances the speaker’s credibility.

A Call for More AAPI Leaders to Share Their Wisdom

As the session drew to a close, it was clear that Brian Wong’s presentation had left a profound impact on the audience. His insights into public speaking were not just practical tips but a call to action for other AAPI leaders. "We need more leaders to share their handbooks, their cheat codes to success," Wong concluded. His speech was a reminder of the importance of knowledge sharing within the community, particularly in areas like public speaking, raising capital, and investing.

Brian Wong’s presentation at the AAPI leaders gathering was more than just a speech; it was an inspiring demonstration of leadership in action. His ability to blend humor, confidence, and storytelling into a cohesive and powerful narrative underscored his expertise in public speaking. As the audience left the room, there was a palpable sense of inspiration, a belief that with the right tools and strategies, they too could achieve their own success. Brian Wong’s contributions to the AAPI community, both as a speaker and a leader, continue to resonate, inspiring others to share their own paths to success.