| Public Speaking |
| Written by Brian James | |
|
Public Speaking It’s not about YOU. When it comes to public speaking, most people think about themselves first; - their nerves, lack of confidence and the undermining 'mind games' – everything except what they should be focusing on. You have to turn the equation around and take YOU out of the picture – at least to start with. It’s about THEM Speaking in public – whether to 5 or 5000 is about your audience. What will they get from your presentation? You are their servant. More than Information What you deliver must be of value. It’s about content of course.It’s about information and it’s not about information! Let me explain. Words, humour, pathos and emotion move people. Life is short; an audience is giving up their valuable time for you. It’s a privilege to address an audience. What About Your Audience Researching the audience is vital. How do they take in information? Are they all left brain analytical types, or are they 'right brainers,' carers or movers and shakers who relate to stories rather than linear information download. Categorising your audience will determine much about your presentation and how to present your message. Let’s not call it a presentation; let’s call it an opportunity to move people to take ACTION. BIG responsibility on you hey? Here’s how it works, when you know your audience and know your stuff (content), how are you going to deliver it? Are you going to bludgeon an audience with PowerPoint where their attention is on the screen not you? Will you jump about the stage or will you stick to the safety of a lectern, where the audience only sees half your body? Bad idea! Not Always about the Sizzle One of the best speakers I have seen is Jim Rohn (he’s got to be close to 80 years young). He appeared on stage with a pot plant! He was wearing a brown suit, fawn shirt and brown paisley tie, if you please; he’s no fashion plate and he makes Woody Allen seem handsome! Jim is short and wiry, he strolls onto the stage. He won’t mind me saying this, but he’s unspectacular, an almost forgettable presence on stage, that is until he speaks. The power of Jim’s words is that he moulds stories around them. His message is tied up in the anecdotes. They are humorous, sad and inspiring. You get the message, even though you may not be aware of it because Jim has engaged you and especially your emotions. Emotional content via stories is not always going to be appropriate, but when it is, it is very powerful. You have provoked your audience's feelings, rather than simply giving cerebral information. Sometimes Simplicity Sells An Australian forester was invited to Las Vegas with 300 other foresters.The presentations were spectacular. Horses and Camels on stage, trapeze artists flying through the air,holograms, dancing girls, literally the whole box and dice. Be Memorable Know your Audience. Know your Stuff .Stand and Deliver Energy Of course there are exceptions and we can’t all be like Jim Rohn. The young Texan speaker Johnny Wimbrey is full of energy, but when he feels the audience is not responding, he lowers his energy, moves into the audience and re - establishes a rapport and adjusts his message. You can’t do that if you aren’t flexible. By the way, Johnny, like another legendary speaker Dr Wayne Dyer, spends most of the breaks at a conference mixing with his audience and being available to ‘press the flesh’. They make everyone feel special - through Johnny’s energy or Wayne’s quiet sincere listening. Message Your ‘Bottom Line’ is always, what is my message, how best can I get it across and is it going to make people TAKE ACTION or change their behavior.You really are a salesperson selling your message. Audiences often like solutions to their problems. Why not start your presentation with an opening line or ‘bait’ to capture attention. For example.. "95% of you will sadly go home the same people you came in." Identify the PROBLEM. “The problem is unless you are feeling pain or unsatisfied about your life and desperately want change, nothing will happen, outside those doors. Offer the SOLUTION "What you must realize is that change, as Johnny Wimbrey says, "is a door that opens from the inside”. You must release your need to make changes" What will the PAYOFF be? "When you are committed to take action your payoff will be……." Make a Call to ACTION "Dedicate your self to change. Make yourself an example for others. The first step starts now; come and talk to me and my team about how we can get you to take the second, third a fourth steps on your success journey. The first step starts now when you leave your seat and walk over to the table." Best wishes using your presentation to engage your audience and move people to TAKE ACTION and remember be MEMORABLE |
Media Presentation
Media PresentationWhen you have attracted the media's attention with your story, via a media release, letter, email or phone call, you have a chance to shine and be memorable. Here's how you do it. Read more...
Free Publicity Report!
This has to be the definitive report that explains the A to Z of how to draw a flood of publicity to yourself, your product, and your service. Can't wait? Read more...Public Speaking
Public SpeakingIt’s not about YOU.
When it comes to public speaking, most people think about themselves first; - their nerves, lack of confidence and the undermining 'mind games' – everything except what they should be focusing on. Read more...