When a rocket takes off from the Launchpad, it needs a major boost of energy to get started. Without it, it never leaves the Earth.
The same can be said for your stories. Without energy, they won’t grab and keep the attention of your listeners.
Regarding stories, what is energy??
It’s the passion and enthusiasm with which you present. Some professional speakers believe this accounts, for at least half of the influence of your presentation.
Imagine This Scenario
You’re sitting in an auditorium with 350 other people. For weeks, you’ve eagerly anticipated hearing the featured speaker. He’s an expert in his field. You’ve enjoyed reading his articles and books.
He’s introduced. As he walks onstage, you join the rest of the audience in welcoming him with enthusiastic applause. He settles behind the lectern, and…
He fumbles with his papers, and begins to speak in a monotonous, barely audible voice…
“Um, good morning. I’m very happy to, err, be here this morning… I’m sorry, umm, this afternoon. It’s always a great, ummm, pleasure to speak about the future of AI in business. Today, I’m going to discuss the, uh . . . . ”
Excuse me??
You don’t sound, or look happy to be here, Mr. Speaker. If you’re SO happy to be here, why don’t you tell your body, your voice, and your face?
Perhaps you could also add a dash of enthusiasm and personality!
Ten seconds into the speech you’ve been eager to hear, how do you feel??
Let down?
Discouraged?
Angry?
Perhaps you’re thinking “Here goes an hour of my life I’ll never get back!”
No matter how much knowledge the speaker has or how well the speech was structured, without energy, the presentation is forgettable.
Unfortunately, the above scenario plays out every day.
Energy, The Difference Maker
If this presenter would’ve had energy and enthusiasm, the talk might have been a positive and memorable event.
When I evaluate a speech, one of the first questions I ask is, ‘Does this speaker care about what she’s saying?’
If she doesn’t care, why should I?
When that person shows concern and passion for the subject, I’m pulled in. I might not like, or agree with everything she says, but if she’s presenting with energy, I’m more inclined to listen to her point of view.
Note that energy does not mean the stereotypical standing up, yelling and leading a wildly enthusiastic crowd, a la Tony Robbins. There’s nothing wrong with this type of presentations, but not everybody is an ultra-extroverted ball of energy like Mr. Robbins. In fact, no one is like Tony.
Know Thyself
It’s important to know your personality and how you best communicate. If you’re more analytical and introverted, jumping on chairs and encouraging high-fives in your audience will make you look ridiculous, because it’s not your style.
However, you can bring a “quiet passion” to the front of the room that will engage your audience.
For the speaker mentioned above, your reaction would’ve been different if he had stepped to the lectern with a smile on his face and a confident voice, and said,
“Artificial intelligence may not be the hot topic around your dinner table every night. Yet it’s impact on your life is increasing at a dramatic rate.
When you leave here t this afternoon you’ll understand it’s importance in your day-to-day life. You’ll also appreciate how AI can make your life more enjoyable and fulfilling.
I should know, because the study of this fascinating topic has been my life’s work…”
That type of opening conveys an energy which the audience feels and compels them to want to hear more.
Energy. It can make or break your presentation, as well as your reputation. When your present with enthusiasm and energy, you are halfway to giving your audience an impactful message that they will long remember.
What are your experiences with speakers who present with great energy?
RECOMMENDED RESOURCE
Discovering the Gold in Your Stories is Hard. Why Do It Alone?
The biggest challenge to writing stories is you usually cannot see the power or the message in your own experiences because you’re too close to them. You lived those through those events and it’s difficult to see how they can positively impact others.
Even world-class speakers have coaches to help them see the gold in their stories.
If you’d like to talk with Michael about your story, schedule a 15-minute call to determine how he can help you.
Schedule your no-cost & no-obligation ZOOM call: https://calendly.com/speaker017/15-minute-call
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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