Public Speaking for Impact by Ms. Smriti Irani

The students of IIM Bodh Gaya, after a long day of classes, witnessed a prolific masterclass with Mrs. Smriti Irani. Mrs. Irani, as we all know, is a former TV star turned politician who left a lasting impression on the students by teaching them how to be leaders, carry themselves with poise, and remain resilient in tricky and difficult situations. She seamlessly connected her actions—such as tripping while entering the jam-packed auditorium—to examples of how one can draw attention, build credibility, and deliver powerful messages to any crowd.

What made her so impactful? Mrs. Smriti Irani demonstrated that every action has a purpose. From her light-hearted humour to her dynamic engagement with the crowd, she set examples by commanding attention through voice modulation or sudden shift in physicality. She built credibility by sharing personal experiences that resonated deeply with the audience.

She emphasised some key principles: why we speak—to share stories, acquire information, be valued, or to inspire. She reminded everyone of the judgemental nature of the audience, and how conduct and speech determine the extent to which one is remembered. She also highlighted that no one in the room should be underestimated.

Through anecdotes, such as failing at Khuda Gawah but succeeding with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Mrs. Irani underscored the importance of resilience. The takeaway? Failure is not final; it’s a stepping stone.

Her insights into mastering public speaking were clear and actionable. She stressed the need to establish attention and authority early on, adjust tone and delivery based on the audience, and understand both oneself and the audience through thorough research. She underlined the importance of wit but cautioned against using it at the expense of oneself or others.

The session wasn’t just about speaking—it was about leadership, empathy, and staying resilient in the face of challenges. It was about learning to inspire others while remaining grounded.

For the students of IIM Bodh Gaya, this wasn’t just a lecture. It was a performance, a lesson, and an experience they won’t soon forget.

Authors: Rahul Sridhar and Pariyul Jain

About the author: Students of MBA 10

#PublicSpeakingMastery                                #IIMBodhGaya                                  #LifeLessons

#EmpathyAndLeadership                               #ResilienceInAction                           #SmritiIrani

#JudgmentAndCredibility                              #StorytellingSkills                               #iimbg

#ConfidenceInAdversity                                #AttentionToAction