Advanced Level Survey

Section 1: Self-Perception vs Reality

1. How do you define a "successful" talk / Presentation?

2. Do you receive feedback after a talk?

From friends & colleague

The audience applauds — that's enough

I sometimes get professional speaking coach

I don't really need it

3. When was the last time someone gave you critical feedback that actually stung a little — but helped?

Recently

I can't remember

Never — people always say it was "great"

4. Do you think your speaking ability is still improving, or has it reached perfection?

I constantly push myself to improve

I have reached a professional level

I don't think about it

5. If someone muted your talk, would your gestures, movement, and body still tell the story?

Definitely

Not really

I either stand still or pace up and down the stage

Section 2: Content Quality & Craft

6. Do you write and read from notes, or do you create a story with a natural flow and experience that requires no notes?

I outline loosely and then I talk from memory

I write a carefully crafted speech and then I read from notes

I am comfortable speaking. I don't need to prepare, I just get on stage and speak

7. How do you ensure your message sticks with the audience days or weeks later?

8. What techniques do you use to create suspense, tension, or curiosity throughout your talk?

I plan those moments

I just go with energy in the room

I don't need to use techniques like this

9. How often do you update your content with new stories, data, or trends?

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely — I stick with what works

10. What is the emotional arc of your talk (what do you want people to feel, and remember)?

Section 3: Delivery Skills & Technique

11. How often do you record and review your own talks to improve your technique?

Every time

Occasionally

I don't have the time

I don't need to watch a replay of my talks

12. How would you describe your vocal presence?

Dynamic

Loud and Clear

Calm and Slow paced

13. Do you use silence or pacing as a deliberate tool?

I tend to avoid silence

Yes — strategically

No – I don't need to use silence

14. How much of your body language is intentional (vs automatic or habitual)?

I move with purpose

Mixed

I enjoy pacing up and down and controlling the stage

I haven't thought about it

15. When you tell a story, do you try to add humour, and does it make the audience laugh, reflect, or lean in?

Yes

Sometimes

No

Section 4: Audience Connection

16. How do you research or adapt your talk to suit each specific audience?

I tailor every time

I tweak a few lines

I give the same talk to all groups

17. When people say "great talk," do they explain why — or just say it was good?

They name specific takeaways

Mostly just polite compliments

18. What do you do if the audience looks bored, confused, or disengaged mid-talk?

I respond and adapt

I keep going

I try to add humour

19. Do you build moments for interaction, reflection, or tension — or just deliver content?

Yes, intentionally

Sometimes

Not really

20. What's something you've recently learned from your audience that made you rethink how you present your talk?

Section 5: Coaching, Ego & Growth Mindset

21. Have you ever hired a professional speaking coach or worked with a performance expert?

Yes

No — I don't think I need one

I've considered it, but haven't reached out

22. What do you think separates a good speaker from a world-class speaker?

23. Would you be open to receiving specific feedback from a coach or peer?

Absolutely

If I trusted them

I prefer to figure it out alone

24. What would you do differently if a TED or major conference booked you next month?

I'd invest in prep/coaching

I'd tweak my slides and rehearse

I'd just do what I always do

25. On a scale of 1-10, how interested would you be about becoming not just a speaker — but an unforgettable one?

8-10

5-7

1-4