What is Your Main Goal When Speaking?
After you are doneย speaking, what is the reaction you want to receive from your audience:
A. Polite applause, and then they rush out the door?
B. Enthusiastic applause, and then they stay around after to tell you the impact of your talk on them?
C. A standing ovation, and then they walk out the door?
Before you respond, keep in mind there is no right answer. This question will help you determine the best outcome for each presentation.
When I speak, my preference is always ‘B.’
Why You Shouldn’t Care About Standing Ovations When Speaking
Not choosing ‘A’ should be obvious. You never want people to walk out with no response, feeling like you made no impact.
I don’t choose ‘C’ย because standing ovations are one of the most overratedย aspectsย ofย speaking. It feels as if theyโve become obligatory, no matter the quality of the speech.
Standing ovations serve one purpose more thanย any other – to feed the ego of the speaker. I write this as someone who has received more than one standing ovation.
When you receive a standing ovation, you often don’t know why. If the audience walks out immediately after, the good feeling may quickly fade. Were they being polite, or feel obligated to stand?ย What part of your speech — if any — resonated at a deep level?
The Power of Audience Feedback AFTER Speakingย 
Iโve experienced ‘B’ much more often than ‘C.’ Itย is a more insightful and rewarding experience.
One of my coaches — Craig Valentine — has great insight into this topic. Hesays, โYou should always speak for standing invitations, not standing ovations.โ
What does he mean?
When you speak, one of your goals should be an invitation to speak again in the future. You have one best opportunity to make this happen — provide value to the group.
Whenever I speak, I’m usually approached by several attendees afterwards. They often have something nice to say.ย I appreciate these kind words, yet, they typically donโt give insight. They don’t tell me the specific benefit I’ve provided. Phrases like โNice job!โ or โThat was great!โ or โThat was a good speechโ are niceties.
Please donโt misunderstand, kindness is always appreciated. But if I don’t dig deeper, I donโt know the value of my talks. And I can’t improve. I miss an opportunity to better understand how to repeat the best parts of my message for future audiences.
The Secret To Capturing Your Best Feedback
If you want to capture the ‘gold’ in your message, use this simple technique every time you speak. After you conclude, don’t turn off your recorder. (I know you record EVERY speech, don’t you?)
The recorder will capture your conversations with audience members.ย When they say โI really like your speech” — or some variation — ask themย a question:
“What part in particular helped you the most?” Or, “What part did you hear that you can immediately put to use?”
This requires the other person to think about what they’ve just heard and how it applies to her. She’ll then tell you what was most valuable. Now, you have specific feedback about what part of your speech most resonates.
This is how your audience helps you adjust the material in your speech. They tell youย which parts are most important and meaningful.
This will increase your impact with future audiences.
The great speaker Patricia Fripp says “Itโs not what we say, itโs what they hear.” There is no better proof of this than the post-speech conversation with your audience.
As you prepare your next speech, and envisionย your impact on the audience, don’t focus on receiving an ovation that makes you feel good. Focus on crafting a message that provides value and benefit to them.ย Thatย will greatly enhance your talk, and increase your odds of being invited back.
Recommended Resource
โImprove Your Speeches with Secrets from World Class Speakersโ
Have you ever sat in awe of a speaker who held an audience in rapt attention, keeping them on the edge of their seats?ย
Have you ever wishedย youย could do that when speaking?ย
Guess what?ย
You can!ย Contrary to popular belief, great speakers are not born, they are made.
Since 2001, Michael has studied and worked with World Champion and Hall of Fame speakers, individuals who now serve as his mentors. They have taught him how to create and deliver world class caliber speeches.
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Invest in this program, and youโll quickly develop the skills that make you:
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