Three
Secrets of Master Speakers
Dear
Associate,
Are
you a speaking sponge? Do you soak up from the experiences
of master speakers? Are you absorbing from the growth and
expansion of novices?
If
you want to get good at speaking, you can get there faster
by sponging off other speakers. For instance, I watch young
professionals who are hungry for success. They realize the
one important skill that will help satisfy that hunger is
mastering the art of public speaking.
One
speaker in particular stood out from this pack...
April
captured my attention from beginning to end. Her topic about
freedom resonated with the entire audience. She led us to
think about what freedom means from different angles—yet
gave us the power to decide for ourselves.
I
was simply in awe.
She
wasn't flashy or dramatic. She wasn't a diva seeking praise
from the crowd. She told us a simple, heart-warming story
from a mother's point of view.
She
was absolutely delightful. I knew I had to watch her again.
I wanted to soak up more from her speaking style.
Which
is why I suspect you're reading this article...
If
you want to become a master speaker, think about gravitating
toward those whom you admire. No matter what their age or
experience. And when you come across your April—latch
on for as long as you can.
Let's
examine three compelling keys that make April a master speaker:
1)
She dropped us directly into the scene. She did this by
having a dialogue with her daughters. This bypasses the long
and lengthy set up... which, in most cases, may be construed
as filler.
For
example:
Instead
of saying, "It was 70 degrees outside on a bright sunny
morning. The birds were singing and chirping away. I walked
into the den with my cup of coffee. All of a sudden, the phone
rang."
Just
say, "(Ring.) Hello?"
This
drops your audience right into the middle of the scene. They
don't have to second-guess where you're leading them. They're
already on the edge of their seats asking themselves who's
calling, what do they want, and the reason for the call.
2)
She used tentacles. Experienced speakers know about connecting
the close to the opening. This wraps the speech into a tight
package. The close becomes a tentacle of the opening.
An
advanced speaker will have tentacles throughout her speech.
Something in her body is a tentacle of her opening. Something
from her third story is a tentacle of her first story. Something
in one of her transitions is a tentacle of her introduction.
Using
tentacles strengthens and fortifies your speech. It adds depth
and dimension. It increases believability by recalling, repeating
and restating what was previously said.
3)
She painted pictures. Imagine your speech as the canvas
with you being the artist. You have been granted unlimited
power in what you want your audience to see, hear and feel.
And if you're a virtuoso, you could have them tasting, touching
and smelling from your vast tapestry of experiences.
You
create magic with your words. You use everything you can get
your hands on to paint that picture. What picture? The picture
you want your audience to see.
The
picture you paint can have an audience feeling joy or sadness.
Anger or anxiety. Pain or relief. Or the many other combinations
that make up a rich tapestry.
Get
it?
Becoming
a master speaker isn't that hard, but it takes practice and
stage time. And if you do find your April, she can help you
shortcut that time. Begin now by becoming a speaking sponge.
Warm
regards,
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Tommy Yan helps business owners and entrepreneurs make more
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