November 16, 2025 • 18 mins
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Imagine walking into a pitch room knowing exactly how to connect hearts, satisfy minds, and earn trust—all in a few decisive minutes. That’s the edge we explore as we break down how debate and public speaking transform game leaders from competent to compelling, whether you’re asking for funding, rallying a team mid-production, or speaking to a skeptical community after a setback.
We share the skill tree of modern communication—pathos for emotional connection, logos for clear logic, and ethos for credibility—and show how to balance all three without feeling forced. You’ll hear why weak messaging derails good projects and how to avoid pitfalls like vague pitches, reactive statements, and tone-deaf updates. Then we get practical with 14 actionable steps: structure arguments like a debate, anticipate objections, practice short talks, refine nonverbal cues, distill complexity into three core points, and manage pressure through preparation. We map these tactics to real leadership scenarios: investor decks, internal town halls, conference panels, crisis comms, and live community Q&As.
Throughout, we emphasize ethical persuasion and authentic presence. Speak plainly, represent facts honestly, and align your message to your studio values. Adapt to context—more logos for investors, more ethos for dev teams under load, and more pathos for players who want to feel your passion. Build habits that stick: summarize decisions clearly each day, host debate-style workshops, gather feedback, and iterate like you iterate your game. Communication isn’t a side quest; it is leadership. Master these tools and you’ll move ideas faster, earn deeper trust, and build a culture that can weather any patch cycle.
If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teammate who needs a confidence boost, and leave a quick review to help more game leaders find these tools.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:38):
Hey there, Press Starters, and welcome to the
Press Start Leadership Podcast,the podcast about game-changing
leadership, teaching you how toget the most out of your product
and development team and becomethe leader you were meant to be.
Leadership coaching and trainingfor the international game
industry professional.
(00:59):
Now, let me introduce you toyour host, The Man, the Myth,
the Legend, Christopher MifsDude.
SPEAKER_01 (01:07):
Hey there, Press Starters, and welcome back to
another awesome edition of thePress Start Leadership Podcast.
On this week's episode, we'll bediscussing how debate and public
speaking skills strengthenleadership in the video game
industry.
Why video game industry leadersshould develop debate and public
speaking skills to inspireteams, influence stakeholders,
(01:28):
and build lasting credibility.
I recently had the privilege tospeak with young students who
were studying debate and publicspeaking.
Their curiosity and enthusiasmreminded me of my own
experiences learning theseskills as a student.
At the time, I had no idea howprofoundly they would shape my
future career.
Looking back now, I see clearlythat my ability to speak
(01:49):
confidently, think critically,and structure persuasive
arguments has been one of themost valuable assets of my
journey as a leader in the videogame industry.
The video game industry is aworld defined by creativity,
innovation, and constant change,but it is also an industry of
people, negotiations, andinfluence.
Whether you are pitching toinvestors, rallying a team
(02:11):
during production, negotiatingwith publishers, or addressing a
community of players, yourability to communicate
effectively can determinesuccess or failure.
This is where the practicalskills of debate and public
speaking come in.
They are not just academicexercises, they are foundational
leadership skills that help youarticulate vision, build trust,
and navigate conflict.
(02:33):
Why debate and public speakingmatter for video game industry
leaders?
Some leaders in the video gameindustry assume that talent,
creativity, or technicalexpertise alone will carry them
forward.
While these are essential, theyare not enough.
The ability to communicatepersuasively and clearly is the
bridge between ideas andexecution.
Here is why debate and publicspeaking matter so much for
(02:55):
leaders in the game industry.
Pitching and persuasion.
Whether to publishers,investors, or players, leaders
must make compelling cases fortheir projects.
Team leadership.
Public speaking skills allowleaders to inspire, motivate,
and align diverse teams.
Conflict resolution.
Debate teaches leaders to engagewith opposing viewpoints
(03:16):
constructively.
Industry influence.
Strong communication buildscredibility, visibility, and
influence at conferences,panels, and networking events.
Community trust.
Leaders who speak authenticallyto players foster stronger
relationships with theiraudiences.
In short, effectivecommunication multiplies the
impact of all your other skills.
(03:38):
The three pillars pathos, logos,ethos.
When teaching debate and publicspeaking, we often return to
three classical principles fromAristotle Pathos, Logos, and
Ethos.
These remain just as relevant inthe video game industry today.
Pathos, the power of emotion.
Pathos is about appealing toemotion.
(03:59):
In the game industry, pathoshelps leaders connect with
people on a human level.
When you speak with passionabout a project, share personal
stories, or express empathy foryour team's challenges, you
build emotional resonance.
For example, Studio Headdescribing their lifelong dream
to create a particular gameinspires belief not because of
raw logic, but because ofauthentic passion.
(04:20):
Logos, the strength of logic.
Logos is about appealing tologic and reason.
Leaders must present clear data,structured arguments, and
evidence-based decisions.
In the video game industry, thismight include market analysis,
project timelines, and orperformance metrics.
For example, an executivepitching to investors needs
logos to show why their gamefills a gap in the market,
(04:42):
supported by research andnumbers.
Ethos.
The weight of credibility.
Ethos is about credibility andtrustworthiness.
Leaders must demonstrateintegrity, competence, and
reliability.
Without ethos, even the bestarguments fall flat.
In the game industry, ethoscomes from experience,
reputation, and authenticity.
For example, when a respecteddeveloper speaks about the
(05:03):
challenges of crunch, theircredibility makes the audience
listen.
Together, pathos, logos, andethos create persuasive,
balanced communication thatresonates with adverse
audiences.
The dangers of neglecting debatein public speaking.
Some leaders underestimate theimportance of these skills.
The dangers of neglecting themare real.
Struggling to secure fundingbecause pitches lack clarity.
(05:26):
Losing team alignment becausevision is poorly communicated.
Mishandling conflicts withreactive rather than reason
responses.
Damaging community trust throughtone-deaf or defensive
communication.
These failures are not aboutlack of technical skills.
They stem from gaps in debateand public speaking competence.
Actionable step number one.
Practice structured thinkingthrough debate.
(05:48):
Debate teaches structuredthinking.
Instead of rambling orimprovising without direction,
debate forces leaders toorganize thoughts into clear
points supported by evidence.
Practical exercise for leaders.
Choose a relevant industryissue, such as are live service
models sustainable?
Write down your arguments forone side and anticipate
counterarguments.
Practice presenting both sidesto train flexibility.
(06:11):
This trains your ability torespond under pressure and
articulate complex ideas withclarity.
Actionable step number two.
Develop confidence throughpublic speaking.
Confidence is often the biggestbarrier for leaders who struggle
with communication.
Public speaking practice reducesfear by turning it into
familiarity.
How to build confidence.
Join local speaking groups orworkshops.
(06:34):
Practice short talks in front ofcolleagues or friends.
Record yourself and review tone,clarity, and body language.
Gradually scale from smallgroups to larger audiences.
Confidence grows throughrepetition and preparation, not
sudden leaps.
Actional step number three.
Learn to balance pathos, logos,and ethos.
Great leaders balance emotionalappeal, logical reasoning, and
(06:56):
credibility.
Too much pathos without logoscan seem manipulative.
Too much logos without pathoscan seem cold.
Too little ethos undermineseverything.
Practical method.
When preparing a pitch,explicitly include elements of
pathos, logos, and ethos.
Ask, am I showing authenticpassion?
Am I presenting data logically?
(07:17):
Am I establishing credibility?
Refine until all three arerepresented.
This balance ensures yourcommunication connects with both
hearts and minds.
Actual step number four.
Anticipate objections.
Debate teaches leaders toanticipate counterarguments.
This is invaluable in the videogame industry, where
stakeholders often raiseobjections to funding,
(07:37):
timelines, or creativedirection.
How to anticipate objections.
Before a meeting, list possibleobjections from the other party.
Prepare responses supported byboth logic and empathy.
Practice delivering thoseresponses without defensiveness.
Anticipation turns conflict intoopportunity for dialogue.
Actionable step number five.
(07:58):
Develop the habit of activelistening.
Public speaking often gets theattention, but debate teaches
the importance of listening.
Leaders must not only talk well,but also hear others clearly.
How to practice activelistening.
In meetings, paraphrase whatothers say to confirm
understanding.
Resist the urge to interrupt orimmediately counter.
Take notes and reflect beforeresponding.
(08:20):
Listening demonstrates respectand strengthens ethos.
Actionable step number six.
Use storytelling to buildpathos.
Storytelling is one of the mostpowerful tools of pathos.
Leaders who use stories connectabstract ideas to lived human
experiences.
Practical exercise.
Collect personal or team storiesthat illustrate your studio's
(08:40):
values.
Integrate these stories intopitches, presentations, or team
meetings.
Keep stories authentic andconcise.
Stories humanize leaders andinspire belief and vision.
The role of debate and publicspeaking in key leadership
scenarios.
Pitching to investors andpublishers.
Here, Logos is crucial,supported by ethos and pathos.
(09:02):
Clear data about marketpotential, development
timelines, and ROI must bebalanced with authentic passion
and credibility.
Leading internal teams.
Pathos and ethos dominate.
Teams want to feel inspired andtrust their leader.
Logic still matters, butemotional connection is what
motivates action.
Industry conferences and panels.
All three pillars are essential.
Pathos engages the audience,logos provides insight, and
(09:24):
ethos establishes authority.
Crisis Management.
In moments of controversy orsetback, ethos and logos are
key.
Leaders must remain calm,credible, and fact-based while
showing empathy.
Debate and public speaking givesleaders the tools to navigate
all these scenarios effectively.
Actual step number seven.
Refine nonverbal communication.
(09:45):
Debate and public speaking arenot only about words.
Body language, tone, and facialexpressions shape how your
message is received.
Leaders in the video gameindustry often overlook these
subtle elements, but they canstrengthen or undermine
credibility.
How to refine nonverbalcommunication.
Maintain eye contact duringpresentations to build trust.
Use open hand gestures to appearapproachable.
(10:08):
Vary your tone and pace toemphasize important points.
Record yourself to identifynervous habits like fidgeting or
pacing.
Nonverbal cues reinforce ethosand pathos, making your presence
as a leader more impactful.
Actionable step number eight.
Practice clarity and brevity.
Leaders often face situationswhere they must communicate
(10:28):
complex ideas quickly, such asinvestor pitches or team
updates.
Debate teaches clarity whilepublic speaking teaches the art
of brevity.
Practical methods.
Distill complex ideas into threecore points.
Use analogies that make abstractconcepts accessible.
Avoid jargon when addressingnon-technical audiences.
Clarity ensures your vision isunderstood, while brevity
(10:51):
respects time and keepsaudiences engaged.
Actual step number nine.
Manage pressure throughpreparation.
Debate and public speaking bothtrain leaders to perform under
pressure.
Video game industry is filledwith high-stakes situations.
Launch announcements, mediainterviews, crisis responses.
Leaders must remain calm andcredible under stress.
How to manage pressureproactively.
(11:12):
Overprepare for major talks byrehearsing until content feels
natural.
Use breathing techniques beforespeaking to steady nerves.
Visualize successful outcomes toreplace fear with confidence.
Break down big presentationsinto smaller, manageable
sections.
Preparation is the foundation ofconfidence.
Build ethical persuasion.
(11:34):
Debate can sometimes beassociated with winning at all
costs, but true leadershiprequires ethical persuasion.
Public speaking in leadership isnot about manipulation, but
about building trust.
Practical guidelines for ethicalpersuasion.
Always represent factstruthfully, even when they are
inconvenient.
Acknowledge opposing viewsrespectfully rather than
dismissively.
(11:54):
Align persuasion with studiovalues and mission.
Ethical persuasion strengthensethos, building credibility that
endures over time.
Examples of debate and publicspeaking in the game industry.
While many leaders develop theseskills informally, we can
observe examples whencommunication has shaped
outcomes.
Product reveals a well-deliveredannouncement inspires excitement
(12:15):
and trust in a new game.
Investor presentations.
Clear articulation of vision anddata can secure millions of
funding.
Team meetings.
Inspiring speeches can rallyteams during crunch or crisis.
Community engagement.
Transparent communication inlive streams or blogs
strengthens loyalty even duringsetbacks.
In all these examples, debateand public speaking skills
(12:35):
transform leaders fromfunctional to inspiring.
Integrating debate and publicspeaking into leadership growth.
Developing these skills is not aone-time project.
They must be integrated intocontinuous leadership growth.
Daily habits.
Summarize daily decisions inclear, structured language.
Practice active listening inevery meeting.
(12:56):
Reflect on communicationoutcomes.
What worked, what did not.
Monthly practices.
Participate in at least onepublic speaking opportunity per
month, such as an internalpresentation, community stream,
or industry event.
Host debate style workshopswithin the studio to build
critical thinking across teams.
Long-term growth.
Mentor younger staff andcommunication skills.
(13:17):
Seek opportunities to speak atconferences or industry panels.
Continuously refine yourpersonal speaking style based on
feedback.
Leadership growth is ongoing.
Communication skills growstronger the more they are used.
How debate and public speakingenhance core leadership
responsibilities.
Vision communication.
Leaders must articulate wherethe studio is heading and why.
(13:40):
Public speaking provides theclarity and presence to inspire.
Conflict resolution.
Debate trains leaders to seeboth sides, anticipate
objections, and seekconstructive compromise.
Negotiation.
Whether with publishers,platform holders, or
contractors, persuasive speakinggrounded in logos and ethos
strengthens your position.
Crisis management.
In moments of crisis, reactivestatements can damage
(14:02):
reputations.
Leaders trained in publicspeaking respond calmly,
transparently, andempathetically.
Team motivation.
Passionate, authentic speechescan transform morale, uniting
developers around a sharedpurpose.
Communication is not separatefrom leadership, it is
leadership.
Actionable step number 11.
Seek feedback and iterate.
Just as games improve throughiteration, so do speaking
(14:24):
skills.
Leaders must seek feedback fromtrusted peers, teams, and
mentors.
How to apply this step.
After presentations, askcolleagues for honest input.
Use surveys to gauge clarity andinspiration in team
communications.
Record talks and self-review forareas of improvement.
Feedback ensures progress ismeasurable rather than assumed.
Actual step number 12.
(14:45):
Adapt communication to context.
Not every audience is the same.
Debate and public speaking trainleaders to adapt tone, language,
and content.
Examples of adaptation in thevideo game industry.
For investors, emphasize logoswith data and market insights.
For developers, emphasize ethosby showing empathy and respect
for their workload.
(15:05):
For players, emphasize pathosthrough passion and
authenticity.
Adapting to context demonstratesrespect for the audience and
strengthens connection.
Actual step number 13.
Use debate structures formeetings.
Debate structures can makeleadership meetings more
productive.
Instead of endless discussion,structured formats lead to
faster decisions.
(15:27):
Practical structure.
Present an issue clearly.
Allow for opposing viewpointsand counterpoints.
Summarize arguments and movetoward resolution.
This format prevents circulardebates and ensures all voices
are heard.
Actual step 14.
Cultivate authentic presence.
The best public speakers are notnecessarily the most polished.
They are the most authentic.
(15:48):
In the video game industry,where players and staff value
transparency, authenticity iscritical.
How to cultivate authenticity.
Speak from personal experiencerather than rehearse cliches.
Acknowledge challenges honestlyrather than hiding them.
Share genuine passion forprojects and people.
Authenticity is the foundationof trust.
The long-term benefits of debateand public speaking for leaders.
(16:10):
Leaders who commit to theseskills reap long-term benefits
that extend beyond individualtalks or pitches.
Career growth.
Strong communicators are seen asnatural leaders.
Studio resilience.
Teams trust leaders whocommunicate clearly.
Investor confidence.
Funding flows more easily whenpitches are persuasive.
Community loyalty.
Players respect leaders whospeak openly and passionately.
(16:32):
Cultural influence.
Leaders who speak effectivelyshape the direction of the
industry.
These benefits compound,creating lasting impact for both
individuals and studios.
Final thoughts.
From young student to industryleader.
When I spoke with the youngstudents studying debate and
public speaking, I saw in themthe same skills that helped me
through my career.
(16:52):
Debate taught me to thinkcritically and anticipate
objections.
Public speaking taught me toinspire, persuade, and lead.
Together, these skills formed afoundation for leadership in the
complex, unpredictable world ofthe video game industry.
Every leader in the gameindustry, whether running a
small indie team or guiding aglobal studio, can benefit from
these skills.
They are not optional extras.
(17:14):
They are essential tools forbuilding trust, securing
opportunities, and navigatingchallenges.
The next time you prepare for apitch, lead a meeting, or speak
to your community, remember thethree pillars pathos, logos, and
ethos.
Balance emotion, logic, andcredibility.
Practice anticipation, clarity,and authenticity.
(17:34):
Build these skills into dailyhabits, and long-term growth.
Debate and public speaking arenot just about winning arguments
or performing on stage.
They are about becoming the kindof leader who can carry a vision
forward, inspire others to join,and communicate with empathy and
strength.
That is the kind of leader thevideo game industry needs today.
(17:55):
All right, and that's thisweek's episode of the Press
Start Leadership Podcast.
Thanks for listening, and asalways, thanks for being
awesome.
Hey there, Press Starters, and welcome to the
Press Start Leadership Podcast,the podcast about game-changing
leadership, teaching you how toget the most out of your product
and development team and becomethe leader you were meant to be.
Leadership coaching and trainingfor the international game
industry professional.
(00:59):
Now, let me introduce you toyour host, The Man, the Myth,
the Legend, Christopher MifsDude.
SPEAKER_01 (01:07):
Hey there, Press Starters, and welcome back to
another awesome edition of thePress Start Leadership Podcast.
On this week's episode, we'll bediscussing how debate and public
speaking skills strengthenleadership in the video game
industry.
Why video game industry leadersshould develop debate and public
speaking skills to inspireteams, influence stakeholders,
(01:28):
and build lasting credibility.
I recently had the privilege tospeak with young students who
were studying debate and publicspeaking.
Their curiosity and enthusiasmreminded me of my own
experiences learning theseskills as a student.
At the time, I had no idea howprofoundly they would shape my
future career.
Looking back now, I see clearlythat my ability to speak
(01:49):
confidently, think critically,and structure persuasive
arguments has been one of themost valuable assets of my
journey as a leader in the videogame industry.
The video game industry is aworld defined by creativity,
innovation, and constant change,but it is also an industry of
people, negotiations, andinfluence.
Whether you are pitching toinvestors, rallying a team
(02:11):
during production, negotiatingwith publishers, or addressing a
community of players, yourability to communicate
effectively can determinesuccess or failure.
This is where the practicalskills of debate and public
speaking come in.
They are not just academicexercises, they are foundational
leadership skills that help youarticulate vision, build trust,
and navigate conflict.
(02:33):
Why debate and public speakingmatter for video game industry
leaders?
Some leaders in the video gameindustry assume that talent,
creativity, or technicalexpertise alone will carry them
forward.
While these are essential, theyare not enough.
The ability to communicatepersuasively and clearly is the
bridge between ideas andexecution.
Here is why debate and publicspeaking matter so much for
(02:55):
leaders in the game industry.
Pitching and persuasion.
Whether to publishers,investors, or players, leaders
must make compelling cases fortheir projects.
Team leadership.
Public speaking skills allowleaders to inspire, motivate,
and align diverse teams.
Conflict resolution.
Debate teaches leaders to engagewith opposing viewpoints
(03:16):
constructively.
Industry influence.
Strong communication buildscredibility, visibility, and
influence at conferences,panels, and networking events.
Community trust.
Leaders who speak authenticallyto players foster stronger
relationships with theiraudiences.
In short, effectivecommunication multiplies the
impact of all your other skills.
(03:38):
The three pillars pathos, logos,ethos.
When teaching debate and publicspeaking, we often return to
three classical principles fromAristotle Pathos, Logos, and
Ethos.
These remain just as relevant inthe video game industry today.
Pathos, the power of emotion.
Pathos is about appealing toemotion.
(03:59):
In the game industry, pathoshelps leaders connect with
people on a human level.
When you speak with passionabout a project, share personal
stories, or express empathy foryour team's challenges, you
build emotional resonance.
For example, Studio Headdescribing their lifelong dream
to create a particular gameinspires belief not because of
raw logic, but because ofauthentic passion.
(04:20):
Logos, the strength of logic.
Logos is about appealing tologic and reason.
Leaders must present clear data,structured arguments, and
evidence-based decisions.
In the video game industry, thismight include market analysis,
project timelines, and orperformance metrics.
For example, an executivepitching to investors needs
logos to show why their gamefills a gap in the market,
(04:42):
supported by research andnumbers.
Ethos.
The weight of credibility.
Ethos is about credibility andtrustworthiness.
Leaders must demonstrateintegrity, competence, and
reliability.
Without ethos, even the bestarguments fall flat.
In the game industry, ethoscomes from experience,
reputation, and authenticity.
For example, when a respecteddeveloper speaks about the
(05:03):
challenges of crunch, theircredibility makes the audience
listen.
Together, pathos, logos, andethos create persuasive,
balanced communication thatresonates with adverse
audiences.
The dangers of neglecting debatein public speaking.
Some leaders underestimate theimportance of these skills.
The dangers of neglecting themare real.
Struggling to secure fundingbecause pitches lack clarity.
(05:26):
Losing team alignment becausevision is poorly communicated.
Mishandling conflicts withreactive rather than reason
responses.
Damaging community trust throughtone-deaf or defensive
communication.
These failures are not aboutlack of technical skills.
They stem from gaps in debateand public speaking competence.
Actionable step number one.
Practice structured thinkingthrough debate.
(05:48):
Debate teaches structuredthinking.
Instead of rambling orimprovising without direction,
debate forces leaders toorganize thoughts into clear
points supported by evidence.
Practical exercise for leaders.
Choose a relevant industryissue, such as are live service
models sustainable?
Write down your arguments forone side and anticipate
counterarguments.
Practice presenting both sidesto train flexibility.
(06:11):
This trains your ability torespond under pressure and
articulate complex ideas withclarity.
Actionable step number two.
Develop confidence throughpublic speaking.
Confidence is often the biggestbarrier for leaders who struggle
with communication.
Public speaking practice reducesfear by turning it into
familiarity.
How to build confidence.
Join local speaking groups orworkshops.
(06:34):
Practice short talks in front ofcolleagues or friends.
Record yourself and review tone,clarity, and body language.
Gradually scale from smallgroups to larger audiences.
Confidence grows throughrepetition and preparation, not
sudden leaps.
Actional step number three.
Learn to balance pathos, logos,and ethos.
Great leaders balance emotionalappeal, logical reasoning, and
(06:56):
credibility.
Too much pathos without logoscan seem manipulative.
Too much logos without pathoscan seem cold.
Too little ethos undermineseverything.
Practical method.
When preparing a pitch,explicitly include elements of
pathos, logos, and ethos.
Ask, am I showing authenticpassion?
Am I presenting data logically?
(07:17):
Am I establishing credibility?
Refine until all three arerepresented.
This balance ensures yourcommunication connects with both
hearts and minds.
Actual step number four.
Anticipate objections.
Debate teaches leaders toanticipate counterarguments.
This is invaluable in the videogame industry, where
stakeholders often raiseobjections to funding,
(07:37):
timelines, or creativedirection.
How to anticipate objections.
Before a meeting, list possibleobjections from the other party.
Prepare responses supported byboth logic and empathy.
Practice delivering thoseresponses without defensiveness.
Anticipation turns conflict intoopportunity for dialogue.
Actionable step number five.
(07:58):
Develop the habit of activelistening.
Public speaking often gets theattention, but debate teaches
the importance of listening.
Leaders must not only talk well,but also hear others clearly.
How to practice activelistening.
In meetings, paraphrase whatothers say to confirm
understanding.
Resist the urge to interrupt orimmediately counter.
Take notes and reflect beforeresponding.
(08:20):
Listening demonstrates respectand strengthens ethos.
Actionable step number six.
Use storytelling to buildpathos.
Storytelling is one of the mostpowerful tools of pathos.
Leaders who use stories connectabstract ideas to lived human
experiences.
Practical exercise.
Collect personal or team storiesthat illustrate your studio's
(08:40):
values.
Integrate these stories intopitches, presentations, or team
meetings.
Keep stories authentic andconcise.
Stories humanize leaders andinspire belief and vision.
The role of debate and publicspeaking in key leadership
scenarios.
Pitching to investors andpublishers.
Here, Logos is crucial,supported by ethos and pathos.
(09:02):
Clear data about marketpotential, development
timelines, and ROI must bebalanced with authentic passion
and credibility.
Leading internal teams.
Pathos and ethos dominate.
Teams want to feel inspired andtrust their leader.
Logic still matters, butemotional connection is what
motivates action.
Industry conferences and panels.
All three pillars are essential.
Pathos engages the audience,logos provides insight, and
(09:24):
ethos establishes authority.
Crisis Management.
In moments of controversy orsetback, ethos and logos are
key.
Leaders must remain calm,credible, and fact-based while
showing empathy.
Debate and public speaking givesleaders the tools to navigate
all these scenarios effectively.
Actual step number seven.
Refine nonverbal communication.
(09:45):
Debate and public speaking arenot only about words.
Body language, tone, and facialexpressions shape how your
message is received.
Leaders in the video gameindustry often overlook these
subtle elements, but they canstrengthen or undermine
credibility.
How to refine nonverbalcommunication.
Maintain eye contact duringpresentations to build trust.
Use open hand gestures to appearapproachable.
(10:08):
Vary your tone and pace toemphasize important points.
Record yourself to identifynervous habits like fidgeting or
pacing.
Nonverbal cues reinforce ethosand pathos, making your presence
as a leader more impactful.
Actionable step number eight.
Practice clarity and brevity.
Leaders often face situationswhere they must communicate
(10:28):
complex ideas quickly, such asinvestor pitches or team
updates.
Debate teaches clarity whilepublic speaking teaches the art
of brevity.
Practical methods.
Distill complex ideas into threecore points.
Use analogies that make abstractconcepts accessible.
Avoid jargon when addressingnon-technical audiences.
Clarity ensures your vision isunderstood, while brevity
(10:51):
respects time and keepsaudiences engaged.
Actual step number nine.
Manage pressure throughpreparation.
Debate and public speaking bothtrain leaders to perform under
pressure.
Video game industry is filledwith high-stakes situations.
Launch announcements, mediainterviews, crisis responses.
Leaders must remain calm andcredible under stress.
How to manage pressureproactively.
(11:12):
Overprepare for major talks byrehearsing until content feels
natural.
Use breathing techniques beforespeaking to steady nerves.
Visualize successful outcomes toreplace fear with confidence.
Break down big presentationsinto smaller, manageable
sections.
Preparation is the foundation ofconfidence.
Build ethical persuasion.
(11:34):
Debate can sometimes beassociated with winning at all
costs, but true leadershiprequires ethical persuasion.
Public speaking in leadership isnot about manipulation, but
about building trust.
Practical guidelines for ethicalpersuasion.
Always represent factstruthfully, even when they are
inconvenient.
Acknowledge opposing viewsrespectfully rather than
dismissively.
(11:54):
Align persuasion with studiovalues and mission.
Ethical persuasion strengthensethos, building credibility that
endures over time.
Examples of debate and publicspeaking in the game industry.
While many leaders develop theseskills informally, we can
observe examples whencommunication has shaped
outcomes.
Product reveals a well-deliveredannouncement inspires excitement
(12:15):
and trust in a new game.
Investor presentations.
Clear articulation of vision anddata can secure millions of
funding.
Team meetings.
Inspiring speeches can rallyteams during crunch or crisis.
Community engagement.
Transparent communication inlive streams or blogs
strengthens loyalty even duringsetbacks.
In all these examples, debateand public speaking skills
(12:35):
transform leaders fromfunctional to inspiring.
Integrating debate and publicspeaking into leadership growth.
Developing these skills is not aone-time project.
They must be integrated intocontinuous leadership growth.
Daily habits.
Summarize daily decisions inclear, structured language.
Practice active listening inevery meeting.
(12:56):
Reflect on communicationoutcomes.
What worked, what did not.
Monthly practices.
Participate in at least onepublic speaking opportunity per
month, such as an internalpresentation, community stream,
or industry event.
Host debate style workshopswithin the studio to build
critical thinking across teams.
Long-term growth.
Mentor younger staff andcommunication skills.
(13:17):
Seek opportunities to speak atconferences or industry panels.
Continuously refine yourpersonal speaking style based on
feedback.
Leadership growth is ongoing.
Communication skills growstronger the more they are used.
How debate and public speakingenhance core leadership
responsibilities.
Vision communication.
Leaders must articulate wherethe studio is heading and why.
(13:40):
Public speaking provides theclarity and presence to inspire.
Conflict resolution.
Debate trains leaders to seeboth sides, anticipate
objections, and seekconstructive compromise.
Negotiation.
Whether with publishers,platform holders, or
contractors, persuasive speakinggrounded in logos and ethos
strengthens your position.
Crisis management.
In moments of crisis, reactivestatements can damage
(14:02):
reputations.
Leaders trained in publicspeaking respond calmly,
transparently, andempathetically.
Team motivation.
Passionate, authentic speechescan transform morale, uniting
developers around a sharedpurpose.
Communication is not separatefrom leadership, it is
leadership.
Actionable step number 11.
Seek feedback and iterate.
Just as games improve throughiteration, so do speaking
(14:24):
skills.
Leaders must seek feedback fromtrusted peers, teams, and
mentors.
How to apply this step.
After presentations, askcolleagues for honest input.
Use surveys to gauge clarity andinspiration in team
communications.
Record talks and self-review forareas of improvement.
Feedback ensures progress ismeasurable rather than assumed.
Actual step number 12.
(14:45):
Adapt communication to context.
Not every audience is the same.
Debate and public speaking trainleaders to adapt tone, language,
and content.
Examples of adaptation in thevideo game industry.
For investors, emphasize logoswith data and market insights.
For developers, emphasize ethosby showing empathy and respect
for their workload.
(15:05):
For players, emphasize pathosthrough passion and
authenticity.
Adapting to context demonstratesrespect for the audience and
strengthens connection.
Actual step number 13.
Use debate structures formeetings.
Debate structures can makeleadership meetings more
productive.
Instead of endless discussion,structured formats lead to
faster decisions.
(15:27):
Practical structure.
Present an issue clearly.
Allow for opposing viewpointsand counterpoints.
Summarize arguments and movetoward resolution.
This format prevents circulardebates and ensures all voices
are heard.
Actual step 14.
Cultivate authentic presence.
The best public speakers are notnecessarily the most polished.
They are the most authentic.
(15:48):
In the video game industry,where players and staff value
transparency, authenticity iscritical.
How to cultivate authenticity.
Speak from personal experiencerather than rehearse cliches.
Acknowledge challenges honestlyrather than hiding them.
Share genuine passion forprojects and people.
Authenticity is the foundationof trust.
The long-term benefits of debateand public speaking for leaders.
(16:10):
Leaders who commit to theseskills reap long-term benefits
that extend beyond individualtalks or pitches.
Career growth.
Strong communicators are seen asnatural leaders.
Studio resilience.
Teams trust leaders whocommunicate clearly.
Investor confidence.
Funding flows more easily whenpitches are persuasive.
Community loyalty.
Players respect leaders whospeak openly and passionately.
(16:32):
Cultural influence.
Leaders who speak effectivelyshape the direction of the
industry.
These benefits compound,creating lasting impact for both
individuals and studios.
Final thoughts.
From young student to industryleader.
When I spoke with the youngstudents studying debate and
public speaking, I saw in themthe same skills that helped me
through my career.
(16:52):
Debate taught me to thinkcritically and anticipate
objections.
Public speaking taught me toinspire, persuade, and lead.
Together, these skills formed afoundation for leadership in the
complex, unpredictable world ofthe video game industry.
Every leader in the gameindustry, whether running a
small indie team or guiding aglobal studio, can benefit from
these skills.
They are not optional extras.
(17:14):
They are essential tools forbuilding trust, securing
opportunities, and navigatingchallenges.
The next time you prepare for apitch, lead a meeting, or speak
to your community, remember thethree pillars pathos, logos, and
ethos.
Balance emotion, logic, andcredibility.
Practice anticipation, clarity,and authenticity.
(17:34):
Build these skills into dailyhabits, and long-term growth.
Debate and public speaking arenot just about winning arguments
or performing on stage.
They are about becoming the kindof leader who can carry a vision
forward, inspire others to join,and communicate with empathy and
strength.
That is the kind of leader thevideo game industry needs today.
(17:55):
All right, and that's thisweek's episode of the Press
Start Leadership Podcast.
Thanks for listening, and asalways, thanks for being
awesome.
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