Speech Lesson From a Networking Event
Recently I was attending a networking event. The facilitator announced a group activity, gave us three simple instructions, and divided us into groups of four.
As the activity began, two people in my group started a discussion about something completely unrelated to the task at hand. Five minutes into the 10-minute activity, nothing that was assigned had been completed.
Normally, I interject and attempt to get a group on task. However, this time, I said nothing because in the middle of the exercise, I had a hunch: โThis happens most of the time. People who donโt succeed donโt listen. And this is the perfect example.โย
I said nothing; this is usually what happens in these types of events. And itโs one reason most people donโt succeed. They either donโt listen, or are so desperate to be heard, they grab the first possible opportunity to talk about whatโs on their minds.
As a speech coach, Iโm blessed to work with individuals who take the tools and processes they learn and use them the way theyโre taught. They follow the instructions given them. If youโre familiar with the old singing game where the ball bounces across the screen above the word youโre supposed to sing, youโre familiar with the phrase โfollow the bouncing ball.โ
Succeeding in any endeavor is really that simple. Itโs not always easy, but if you follow the prescribed steps, youโll succeed most of the time.
Please donโt misunderstand, I don’t applaud my clients because they implemented ideas I gave them. Iโm simply passing on wisdom learned from the best speakers and storytellers.
They deserve applause because theyโre taking the smartest, simplest route to improvement.ย They follow the instructions theyโre given. They donโt reinvent the wheel, they follow the path that has worked for others.
Does this mean you give up your own style? Absolutely not. Learn the basics, then add your personality to create a unique perspective for your audience.
How does this apply to presenting a speech?ย There are foundational concepts which, if you follow, will enable you to connect with most audiences and have an impact:
- Create a one-sentence Foundational Phrase. This sentence is the essence of your message
- Develops stories, metaphors, activities or acronyms which support your foundational concept
- Open with a Bang – as a question, make a startling statement, or quote someone. Your best opening is typically to dive right into your story. Ensure that your opening is relevant to your foundational idea.
- Conclude in a way that reinforces your foundational concept. Remember that your last words linger, tie them around that one sentence you want the audience to remember.
- Use your face and voice to โsellโ the emotion of your stories. Nonverbal communication can be more impactful than your words
- Use silence to enable your audience to feel your key points and experience your humor.
Thatโs it. Easy? No. The greatest presenters in the world put in thousands of hours to be great. But the formula is simple.
If youโre willing to listen to instructions and follow the bouncing ball, you too, can Stand Up to speak and Stand OUT from the crowd.
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Michaelโs 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 - itโs a learnable skill. Once he discovered this โsecretโ he became a voracious student of the craft. He took courses, studied some of the worldโs 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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