How to give a great 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 (and sometimes, 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 by Tom Asacker May 21, 2012
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