In literature and public speaking, persona refers to the social face or character that a speaker or writer presents to their audience. It’s not necessarily who they are in private, but rather the role they play publicly, often to convey their message effectively.

A politician might adopt a persona of relatability and trustworthiness to connect with voters, even if their true values are less than noble.

A teacher may adopt a persona of authority and knowledge to gain the respect and attention of students.

As a speaker or thought leader, consider how your persona will influence how your message is received. Think about the traits you want to emphasize and how they align with the goals of your communication.

Will people think of you as an expert? A wizard or a witch? A mariner or a mountain climber?

Try experimenting with different personas to see which best suits your purpose and audience.