How to Give a Great Speech

Speech I get a kick out of the counsel that flows from the web. I find myself frequently smiling and shaking my head as I read expert rules for this or that, which inevitably conflict with other experts’ sage advice.

One authority declares, “Never use more than ten slides in a presentation,” while another spouts, “Kill PowerPoint!” The passionate management guru and professional speaker Tom Peters employs more than a slide a minute (by the way, so do I).

So what should you do? Split the difference?

Here’s what to do: Ignore the experts. Think about your audience -- What’s on their minds? How are they feeling? What do they value? What’s important to them? -- and bring your ideas to life for their benefit:

  1. Be captivating – What can you say that will inspire your audience, and how can you say it so they’ll stay engaged and hopeful?
  2. Be desirable – Bring your main point, your passion, to life in a way that’s reflective of their passions and that feeds their immediate and long-term hungers.
  3. Be real – Character influences more than arguments. Tell your audience why you do what you do. Make your words vivid through anecdotes and examples, and speak clearly and from the heart.

Don’t become confused by the din of the web. The answers to all of your questions lie with your audience, and within you.

P.S. This isn’t really a post about giving a speech.

Posted July 8, 2010
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Comments

Lois Kelly

Tom: Agree this is more than how to write a speech. This is great career advice. Inspire others to achieve what they desire by being passionate and sharing your personal story. Love it.

The noisy buzz of the Web makes people think that the answers are "out there" with others, but they're really right here within each of us.

Bravo.

Posted by: Lois Kelly | July 09, 2010 at 09:50 AM

Tom Asacker

Thanks Lois. IMO, too much clever thinking and not enough passionate and compassionate feeling and doing today.

Posted by: Tom Asacker | July 09, 2010 at 01:15 PM

Beth Harte

Perfect Tom! I really like the simplicity and honesty of this post -- it's rock solid.

The answers have always been with the audience (i.e. customers). And ourselves too...we know what is inherently right, for the most part. ;-)

Have a great weekend!

Beth Harte
Serengeti Communications
@bethharte

Posted by: Beth Harte | July 09, 2010 at 03:17 PM

Tom Asacker

Thank you Beth. Indeed, the questions within -- if examined honestly -- will lead us to the answers.

Posted by: Tom Asacker | July 09, 2010 at 05:20 PM

Francis

This is a very informative article and will no doubt help alot of people,…..I have recently written an article on this subject which should be of great value to your readers

Posted by: Francis | July 19, 2010 at 04:23 AM

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