Finding Your Voice: Mihail Kossev on Public Speaking and Owning Your Ideas
Public speaking may seem intimidating, but for Mihail Kossev, who spoke at our workshop this fall, it is a skill anyone can grow with the right mindset and preparation. With years of experience as a journalist, educator, and performer, Mihail understands what it takes to connect with an audience. In this interview, he shares his simple rituals, what he focuses on while presenting, and his advice for anyone looking to improve their speaking - or even give a TEDx talk.
What is something that you do before a speech/before you present? Do you have a ritual for being nervous?
M.K.: I think a little bit of makeup helps. Or even just doing your hair or brushing your teeth - anything in front of the bathroom mirror. It sounds weird, but it gives me confidence. Public speaking is basically performing - you’re getting on a stage, so you kind of need to get into the role.
What do you think about when you present?
M.K.: Making sure that the people are looking engaged and interested. That’s my number one priority; and that they look in a good mood.
Is there something you learned from your practice with public speaking that you wish you knew earlier?
M.K.: No, because it is a learning curve, so the more you do it, the better you get at it, and the less preparation you need. You always have that feeling of nerves beforehand, but for me those nerves go away almost immediately now.
What is your advice to people who are starting to present or practice public speaking?
M.K.: Know your stuff. If you really know what you are talking about, the audience will see that. There is really no better savior than knowing your stuff and having a Q&A session. That’s because public speaking is all about having a dialogue with the audience, even if it’s just commenting on people’s reactions or on the vibe of the room. Try to find conversations.
What advice would you give someone who wants to give a TEDx talk, but feels like their idea is not “big enough”?
M.K.: The more niche you go, the more you grow, and that’s the case with a lot of things today. What I mean by niche is making it original and what I mean by original is making it personal, because technically the most original thing you can produce is yourself and your unique point of view. So, as long as everything comes from your unique point of view, and you are placing yourself as the main character, then I think no idea is too small. In fact, the smaller and more specific your idea is, the more likely it is to stick in people’s minds. The ones that are more general, the “big ideas”, are the ones that kind of fade away after time, because they are too big. It is always about finding something really small and kind of personal, but also so personal that it does a full circle and becomes universal.
Mihail Kossev’s approach to public speaking shows that confidence comes from authenticity, preparation, and genuine connection with the audience. His advice reminds us that great presentations don’t require a “big idea,” but a personal one - something real and meaningful. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for a TEDx stage, Mihail’s insights offer a simple reminder: your voice, your story, and your point of view are more powerful than you think.