Public speakers are thought leaders who captivate listeners with original and thought-provoking content. They inspire people to put significant effort toward realizing their dreams and ambitions, dispelling uncertainty and fear. For their audience, these word wizards are reliable sources of information.

These individuals use their skills to educate and inspire audiences on various social issues. Through a combination of spoken word and physical gestures, they captivate their audiences. They carefully analyze the thoughts and emotions of their listeners and then craft a presentation that genuinely resonates with them and addresses their concerns.

Maxwell Nee, the Managing Partner of BlackMountain Capital, is an inspiring public speaker who began his career as a teacher, where he gained mastery over public speaking. He is an expert at every tactic to get speaking engagements and become a great public speaker. He is the embodiment of optimism and tenacity, encouraging others to persevere in the face of overwhelming adversity. Maxwell’s outstanding communication abilities enable him to engage his audience and convey his intended ideas.

He believes the keys to success are addressing one’s weaknesses and pursuing one’s passion. Many esteemed awards and recognitions have been bestowed upon him due to his devotion, diligence, vision, and strategies.

Instead of delivering a speech like a lecturer, he weaves stories for his audience to engage them in the conversation. In order to use the power of words to change society, Maxwell inspires his listeners and aspiring public speakers.

The Knowledge Review had the privilege of interviewing Maxwell to learn more about BlackMountain Capital and his wisdom and strategies.

Below are the excerpts from the interview:

Kindly elaborate a brief overview of your journey that led you to become a public speaker.

Previously, I was the CEO of a training and coaching business I founded called High-Performing Coach. We expanded to have a team of 23 members and more than 1,000 clients within three years. As part of that business, I was the key person of influence to build the brand and business as a public speaker and training facilitator. Since then, I’ve been speaking on stages and podcasts to make whichever business I’ve been focused on.

Can you share the mission and vision of you and your organization?

Black Mountain Capital (BMC) aims to unlock the potential and invest in people and enterprises that aim to change the world. Through this purpose, we responsibly generate returns for our investors and partners by funding innovation and supporting entrepreneurs and their start-ups.

At BMC, the relationship between us, the general partners, and the start-up is not purely financial. We often provide advice, recruitment options or ideas, strategic planning, and our network to align the start-up on the road to a successful outcome.

Can you share some challenges you’ve faced as a public speaker?

The biggest challenge of any speaker is to win more speaking gigs—ideally, the paid ones. Without doing more, your business won’t build, and you won’t grow. It would be best if you kept the momentum going.

How did you overcome the challenges?

Building up slowly, everything can be accelerated with money and investment into getting more speaking gigs. However, to build a prosperous career, it takes time!

How do you handle unexpected situations during a live speaking engagement?

I might be a little different, but I enjoy unexpected situations in live speaking engagements. I thrive in chaos.

Can you share any specific techniques or tools you use to engage your audience during speaking events?

Learn coaching if you want to be a better speaker. Coaching teaches you to be highly present and empathetic, the most powerful communication tool. Public speaking is precisely that: communication.

How does effective communication inspire and encourage individuals in professional and personal settings?

Effective communication is everything because you could have the best ideas and intentions, but they will die within you if you can’t communicate them. The opposite is also true; if you’re a great communicator of a bad idea, you can sway people into thinking that that isn’t necessarily good for them.

Can you highlight a memorable speaking engagement that significantly impacted your audience and what made it stand out?

Yes, I was speaking at the Hyatt Hotel in Sydney on Alternative Investments, and I sat outside the podium and spoke with stories rather than reading from a PowerPoint. This had a much more significant impact because it was more engaging as storytelling as if the audience were immersed in a movie than listening to a lecture.

What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to become a public speaker?

My advice would be to jump in the deep end and practice as much as you can. Work with a mentor, free if you need to.

What plans are your personal and professional growth plans in 2024 and beyond?

I am investing in my coaching and development. I now have one that I identified will help me with my weakness. Be vigorous with working on your weaknesses and going for what you want.