From Train Rides to TED Talks: How 3 Hours (and Bill Gates) Made Me a Better Speaker

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Last year, I hopped on a 3-hour train from New York City to Maryland for the Society of Actuaries’ biggest conference, ImpACT.

Before stepping onto that train, I made myself a promise:

"When I get off this train, I'll be a much better public speaker."

For the entire journey, I dove into YouTube videos - free, powerful lessons from top public speaking experts. My phone’s notes section quickly filled with common themes and key takeaways.

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By the time I stepped off the train, I’d unlocked something every actuary needs: the power to make people listen.

Sound dramatic? It’s not. Bill Gates does this twice a year.

The whole experience reminded me of Bill Gates’ famous "Think Week." Twice a year, Gates retreats to a secluded cabin, completely disconnects, and immerses himself in books and research. His strategic breakthroughs often emerge during these quiet, focused weeks. His “Think Weeks” built Microsoft’s best strategies. My train ride? It taught me this: focused learning changes everything.

My train ride was like a mini "Think Week." And what I discovered could transform many actuaries I know.

Why Actuaries Need This Now

Actuaries are exceptional at analytics and problem-solving. Yet, too often, communication and public speaking are overlooked. Imagine pairing actuarial brilliance with strong, confident speaking skills.

Here's what I learned about becoming a compelling speaker:

1. Pause to Connect – Short pauses help your words land. They show confidence and allow the audience to absorb your message.

2. Be Authentic – People sense authenticity instantly. Speak from the heart, not from a script.

3. Show Up to Give, Not Take – Great speakers never focus on what they can gain. Instead, they passionately share insights to enrich their audience.

4. Express Emotion and Vary Your Tone – Monotone is forgettable. Bring excitement, curiosity, or urgency into your voice to keep listeners engaged.

5. Tell Stories – Stories resonate deeply. Facts inform, but stories inspire action.

6. Know Your Topic – Confidence comes from deep understanding. Know your subject so well that speaking about it feels natural.

7. Practice Regularly – Practice makes perfect. Record yourself on your phone or laptop for just 3 minutes every day. Watching your recordings acts like a mirror, allowing you to see exactly where you can improve. You'll notice dramatic improvements after just a few weeks.

The next time you're on a long trip or even have a few free hours, consider your own "Think Week" moment. Pick something specific to learn. Dive deep. Take notes. Emerge transformed.

Actuarial skills combined with compelling public speaking can make you unstoppable.

Your Turn

Next time you’re prepping a presentation, ask:

• Am I giving or taking?

• Where can I swap jargon for a story?

• Would I pay attention to me?

Actuaries shape the future with numbers. But if you can’t make people feel those numbers? You’re leaving impact on the table.

Final Thought: What skill will you master on your next train ride?

P.S. The best part? You don’t need a cabin in the woods. Just 3 hours, YouTube, and a Notes app. Start today.

Give it a try. Your future audiences will thank you.

Want to share your public speaking win (or disaster)? Hit reply. We’ll anonymize the best stories for the next issue.