By Temitope Mark-Odigie
Introduction
As a speaker, entrepreneur, and broadcaster with a renowned voice, I’ve learnt that while what we say matters, our impact is determined by how we say it and how it affects others.
Emotional intelligence (EI), a skill that separates genuinely transformative communicators from those who are just good at it, is the foundation of that “how”. In our fast-paced, emotionally charged world, the speaker who can connect, resonate, and influence—across cultures and platforms—is the one who leads the narrative. At this point, emotional intelligence becomes not only beneficial but also necessary.
Understanding Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is knowing, valuing, managing, and applying feelings—our own and others’. Five key components of EI, according to Daniel Goleman, the psychologist, are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. In public speaking and broadcasting, these are the unseen tools behind each compelling performance, each dramatic pause, and each unforgettable moment.
A survey conducted by TalentSmart, which tested emotional intelligence in various industries, indicated that 90% of the best performers have high emotional intelligence and only 20% of low performers. This teaches us something very deep: your emotional literacy can be used to predict your success better than your technical skills.
In today’s interconnected media world, having emotional intelligence is absolutely essential for speakers and broadcasters. With audiences from different cultures, varying emotional landscapes, and immediate global feedback, we need to adapt our emotional skills to keep up. Take, for instance, a survey from Harvard Business Review that revealed emotionally intelligent leaders are twice as effective at managing diverse teams and engaging with global audiences. In the realm of public speaking, this means being able to tweak your tone, stories, and style to resonate with the emotions and context of your audience.
When I take the stage on international platforms, I steer clear of a generic script. Instead, I create an emotional map of my audience—taking into account cultural sensitivities, historical backgrounds, and the current emotional vibe. This adaptability, fuelled by emotional intelligence, ensures that my message isn’t just heard but truly felt.
The Power of Emotional Connection
I entered the broadcasting scene with the idea of strong content and confident delivery. I soon learnt that the camera, the microphone, and, above all, the audience reacted not just to content but to presence. That presence is emotional. The broadcasting scene introduced me to self-awareness—checking in with your feelings before you say something. My whole perspective shifted, and this impacted my career substantially. I was no longer just presenting messages—I was connecting with the people.
Self-regulation helped me to stay calm in difficult interviews or when emotions were flaring up on live TV. A typical example was a certain time on live TV when a viewer had me shamed for my dressing. With the right gauge of emotional intelligence, instead of losing my cool or balance, I was able to quote my grounds respectfully, such that other viewers commended how I handled the situation. Motivation kept me going through thick and thin and staying true to the harder messages, alongside empathy, which has been the foundation of every audience I’ve ever connected with all around the world.
Roadmap for Emotionally Intelligent Communication
To support more speakers to develop their emotional intelligence, I frequently provide a straightforward five-step system:
Growing Your Head to Grow Ahead
You can’t change a room’s emotional state if you don’t change your own. In celebrating my 5th-year anniversary in broadcasting, I partook in a neurolinguistic training, which poured emotional depth in me as a communicator engaging a diverse set of audiences. Activities like this alongside journaling, being more mindful in daily practice, accepting and integrating your emotional mind, and rehearsing with emotional intention can help speakers be more grounded and self-aware.
Read the Room (or the Airwaves)
Live or virtual, tap into the audience energy. Are they fidgety? Quiet? Heightened state of excitement? Adjust yourself to your findings. According to the University of California, audiences that are emotionally engaged retain even more—70% more!
Lead with Emotion, Not Just Facts
Again, data does matter—but stories move. Lead that storytelling with your own stories, or use analogies followed by inclusive language. Emotions are your anchors for memory.
Respond, Don’t React
Self-regulation allows you to respond to pushback or sensitive enquiries easily. Even when you disagree with views, you don’t have to attack, shame, or ridicule your audience. You owe professionalism the duty to listen and be diplomatic during discussions.
Feedback is Emotional Data
Don’t just gauge for applause; gauge for knowledge, feelings, and needs. What did the audience feel? What did they need to hear or see more of? Mood data is important to chart your impact over time.
Challenges and Growth
Broadcasting can be tough on a person emotionally. There’s a lot of pressure to perform, and the stress of being alive and worrying about what others think can really wear you out. A study from 2022 in the Journal of Media Psychology found that 67% of broadcasters deal with emotional exhaustion, often because they don’t have the right support. I’ve found that bouncing back in this line of work is more about handling your feelings than just your mindset. That’s why I think it’s important to have emotional routines—like talking things over after shows, setting limits, and keeping in touch with what drives you.
A Call to Global Speakers
Whether you are addressing a boardroom, speaking at a panel, or presenting in front of millions, always keep in mind this rule: people will forget everything that you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel. The emotional intelligence helps in making the bridge that connects intention and impact. This statement does not only remain a theory to me. It has been and is my experience.
The reason why I have shifted from local to international platforms is because of this. This is why my message carries weight far beyond mere words. To every speaker and seasoned voice reading this: emotionally intelligent communicators will dominate the future. So speak with clarity but lead with empathy, because no matter how powerful your message is, a heart always speaks louder than a mic.
Mrs. Temitope Mark-Odigie, a distinguished TEDx Speaker, Communication Expert, Business Strategist, and Real Estate Coach, has a proven track record of inspiring transformation through education, advocacy, and practical solutions.