A Last-Minute Speech Request
Imagine this scene:
You’re called into the office of your manager. She says, “I have a huge problem, and I need your help. Bill is sick. He can’t give his presentation to the Board tomorrow. I want you to step in and give a 30-minute talk.
“I know this is a lot to ask, but I also know that I can count on you. I trust you to get the job done!”
What are your immediate feelings?
When asked this question, most people answer with words like “anxiety” or “stress” or “terror!”
This is not unusual. Being asked to speak at the last minute can be a scary ordeal.
A Proven Speech Process Comes to the Rescue
But, it doesn’t have to be this way. What you need is a proven repeatable process. One that can minimize your stress level and maximize your speech impact.
If you’re ever in the situation, remember to:
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Step back
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Take a breath
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Consider these facts:
– You were specifically asked to do this because you are trustworthy and dependable.
– You have an expertise in this subject. Otherwise you wouldn’t have been asked to speak.
– You have the ability, even if you can’t see it.
Once you’ve calmed your mind, it’s time to get to work.
How do you craft an impactful speech in 24 hours?
Stick to the basics:
1. Begin with a Foundational concept.
This is a one sentence premise. It summarizes your entire presentation. For example, I may present to a sales team about storytelling. My theme could be ‘Double your sales with stories.’
All supporting material in this speech must support that main point. Otherwise, leave it out.
2. Plan around your timeframe.
Use the 10:1 Rule of Thumb. This determines how much support material to include. The rule states that for every 10 minutes of speaking time, use one supporting point. If, for example, I’m given 30 minutes to speak, I will use – at most – three supporting points.
Note: With this formula, remember to account for your opening and conclusion. Three is your maximum number of support points for a 30-minute talk. You might consider using only two.
For my “Double your sales with stories” presentation, my support points could be:
– Research that proves people are more likely to buy after hearing a story.
– Create curiosity and desire in your buyer with the most powerful storytelling formula
– My improved sales results from storytelling in my sales presentations
3. Determine how to best open your presentation.
Four excellent options are:
– Open with a startling statement. For instance, “You can double your number of sales in the next 90 days with no more effort.” This will get the attention of sales managers.
– Use a statistic. For example, “You may benefit from a recent study from the London School of Business. They discovered that people are 14 times more likely to remember your presentation when you tell stories.
– Start with a question. For example, “How much better would your life be if you doubled sales in the next 12 months?”
– Jump immediately into a story.
Opening with a story is my favorite method. Properly structured, it immediately engages the audience. In my case as a storytelling coach, it also proves my point about the power of stories.
4. Conclude your speech.
The conclusion is where you summarize what your listeners have heard. At this point, they should have a new perspective on your subject.
An excellent method of concluding is to review your supporting points. Use one sentence for each.
Next, circle back to your opening – whether you used a statement, statistic, question, or story. This is where your listener will see the opening in a new light.
Two important points to remember when concluding your speech. One, do not introduce new material at this point. This is certain to confuse your audience.
Two, don’t end with Questions and Answers (Q&A). If you’re going to allow Q&A, create a few minutes before your concluding statements.
The key to a strong conclusion is that “last words will be remembered – IF they’re memorable.” They should remind the audience of your main point.
If you’re asked to give a speech at the last minute, don’t sweat. Don’t panic. Don’t give up. You can do this.
Remember, you’ve been asked for a reason. Use the formula above. You’ll create a meaningful and memorable message. And, it will leave a positive impact on the audience.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Complementary Webinar: ‘How to Increase Your Impact, Influence & Sales with Business Storytelling‘
Want to become known as an EXPERT in your field?
How about creating more opportunities to QUICKLY ADVANCE your career or business?
Or is EARNING MORE MONEY and FREEING UP extra time more appealing to you?
Whatever drives you, mastering the art of business storytelling will get you there faster. Pick up the foundational tools to this skill in the FREE one-hour webinar ‘How to Increase Your Impact Influence & Sales With Business Storytelling.’
Tuesday November 7, 2017 at 9:00pm EST
To secure your seat, visit:
If you have questions, contact Michael Davis at mike@speakingcpr.com or 513.315.6825.
How to Create a Meaningful Speech in 24 Hours
ultima modifica: 2017-10-22T12:44:15-04:00
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Michael’s mission is to help leaders, managers and sales professionals communicate with more confidence, impact, and influence. This passion is born from his own communication difficulties early in his career.
Fortunately, he discovered that public speaking is like riding a bike, swimming or driving a car - it’s a learnable skill. Once he discovered this ‘secret’ he became a voracious student of the craft. He took courses, studied some of the world’s best speakers and storytellers and continues to study presentation and business storytelling skills.
He is hired by companies and organizations, leaders, managers and sales professionals, and TEDx speakers to help them become more confident, impactful and influential communicators.
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