Speech Lesson From a Pup
Before reading this speech lesson, please click here to watch a brief (16-second) video.
If youโre a frequent reader, youโve seen this pup. Sheโs Sky, our chihuahua. This clip shows her reacting to a video of cats making odd noises.
If youโve ever had a dog, you know what her reaction means – sheโs curious. She has this physical reaction when hearing odd noises.
Curiosity keeps her interest. She wants to know whatโs going on.
The Key to Keeping Interest in Your Speech
Curiosity is also the key to a meaningful and memorable story. If you want you audience to stay engaged throughout, your story must create curiosity.
How do you do this?
One way not to do it is to follow the old speaking mantra of โTell โem what youโre going to tell โem. Tell โem. Tell โem what you told โem.โย The problem with this saying is that it gives away your ending too soon.
Imagine sitting down to watch a movie, and knowing how it ends. For example, consider the movie Titanic. The key question through the movie was โDid Rose and Jack live? Do they get to be together?โย
If you knew the answer in the beginning, would you have still watched?
Maybe, but the experience wouldnโt have been as good because you knew what was coming.
How to Create Curiosity in Your Speech
What should you do to create curiosity?
Ask questions.
Offer teasing statements.
Questions that orient to your main message create interest. I have a story called โTouch The Future.โ It begins with a question. โHave you ever overheard a conversation that changed the way you thought about your job?โ
That question challenges the audience to think about their experiences. It also sets them up for a story about an encounter my Dad had at a restaurant that gave me insight into my role as a speaker.
A teasing statement is one that can startle or change the way they think. For example, in my story โFull Throttle,โ I open with a statement. โIf youโre having trouble breaking through a personal barrier, may I suggest you do it at 154.1 miles per hour?โ
This is not a typical question the audience hears. It also isnโt an experience they have every day. It creates questions.
โWhat does he mean by โdoing it at 154.1 miles per hour?โย
โDoes he mean drive that fast?โ
โHow can I possibly go that speed?โ
I donโt care which questions they ask themselves, as long as theyโre engaged and want to know more. I want to capture their attention. I can then dive into my story that discusses breaking though my own personal barriers.
Sprinkle Curiosity Through Your Speech
Curiosity statements arenโt just for your opening. Sprinkle them throughout your talk to keep interest.
In my story โLaunching Pad,โ I relive a scene where my manager give me feedback on a presentation. I could narrate the scene and give away the endโ by saying โhe gave me an ultimatum that led me to the world of speaking.โ
In a word, that is โboring.โ
Instead, what I say is โHe looked at me and said four words that changed the course of my life.โ I then pause long enough for the audience to wonder:
โWhat did the manager say?โ
โHow did it change Michaelโs life?โ
I then answer their questions by telling them he said โFix this, or else!โ
I follow that with the story of how the fear of losing my job led me toย Toastmasters, then investing in speaking courses, then becoming a professional speaker and coach.
With just one line, and a well-executed pause, they’re curious.
You Don’t Need Them to Act Like Pups
It’s not necessaryย compel your audience to twist their necks at a 90-degree angle like young Sky. You should insert enough teasing statements and questions that keep them wanting more.
That’s how you keep โem curious.
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