Archive for April, 2010
Brand Yourself: One Way -
Have a Signature Closing!
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I have a ‘Challenge – and a Prediction’ for You!
If you’re a fan of Zig Ziglar, the famous motivational speaker from Yazoo City, Mississippi (he mentioned it often, and sadly, the location of a recent deadly tornado) you’re familiar with his signature close. It was always, “And I will see You At the Top!”
This was the title of Zig’s first book, and something he was always able to tie in with his speeches. Because they were motivational and self-help in nature, this Signature Close made sense to his audiences.
It was always the final statement in a great speech, and left the attendees feeling that, yes, they too, can ‘Make it to the Top!’
Bottom line, if you hear the phrase, “See you at the Top!”, you think of Zig Ziglar. Great job of branding!
When I was in Toastmasters, and after delivering many speeches, I developed the signature close that Read More→
Speech Content – Part #5
The Conclusion
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Two Elements Here:
Tell them what you told them.
Close your speech.
One of the ways to reinforce a message with the goal of the audience ‘Getting It!’ is to repeat that message.
This is why the first part of the Conclusion is to ‘Tell them what you told them.” Restate, in a slightly different manner, the main points of the message you want the audience to take away.
Repetition is one of the best ways to Read More→
Speech Content – Part #1
The Title
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Think of your Speech Title as if it were the Title of a Book;
displayed on a shelf at
Barnes & Noble.
When someone is eyeing the selection on the shelves in the section where they have an interest, yours should jump out at them!
The Title should jump out so much that the person actually takes the book from the shelf, reads the back cover, and opens it to read the front and back flaps.
After “investigating” the book (i.e., your speech) because the title grabbed their attention, they “buy” it; that is, they come to see you speak because they want to learn more!
Unless you’ve given this lots and lots of thought, pencil the title to your speech in. Remember, this must Read More→
EVERYTHING Must Be In SYNC!
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If You Want Your Audience to “Get It!”,
EVERYTHING Must Deliver the
Same Message.
Otherwise, you’re sending mixed messages.
The audience will be confused, and they won’t receive the information you’re presenting the way you intended.
If there is a disconnect between the words spoken and the way the speech is delivered, it will be the message delivered via Read More→
Verbal Communication Element # 5 –
Pause
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Silence is Golden!
And an important element of Speaking!
The last element of good verbal communication is the Pause.
It’s the last element of our verbal communication skills discussion, but it should be the first thing you do when reaching the lectern, or center stage, after the Master of Ceremonies introduces you.
Standing in silence before the audience and looking out and scanning the crowd conveys an aura of authority and confidence. Pause, almost so long the audience might start thinking something is wrong. (In fact, it’s a great time for a Read More→
