Category Archives for "Content Strategies"

A Backstage Process to Propel Your Onstage Performance

Years ago I was asked to give a speech to a group of educators in Virginia. Right before I took the stage, I decided to change my speech in an attempt to connect quicker and deeper with this particular audience. Play the audio lesson below and hear what I did backstage before I got onstage. […]

You Shine by Making Your Audience Members the Stars (5 Tools)

When you connect with one audience member, it usually does wonders in helping you connect with the entire group. I believe this is because, by pointing out individuals in the group, the group begins to realize that you actually see them as individuals and not as one large group. That’s the basis for a deep […]

The Mistake I Made for Years As a Speaker

I’ve always prided myself in being a content-rich speaker so imagine my surprise when I had the following conversation after a speech. A couple ladies cornered me and said, “You had a lot of content in your speech.” I said, “Thank you.” They looked at me with concerned expressions and said, “That wasn’t a compliment. […]

7 Irresistible Public Speaking Hooks

If you don’t have hooks strategically sprinkled throughout your speech, chances are your audience will bail mentally if not physically. You have to find ways to keep hooking your audience in so THEY don’t want to let go. 7 Irresistible Hooks Below you’ll find 7 irresistible hooks (in no particular order) that get your audience […]

The Quickest Way to Connect with Your Audience is by using these 4 F-Words

People often ask me, “Craig, how do you connect with your audience?” I always tell them, “The quickest way to connect with your audience is by using the 4 F-words in speaking. They will help you connect with your audience and make them laugh. Listen to the following audio to pick up the first F-word […]

One Fun Way to Keep Your Audience Involved and Engaged

Three decades ago I remember watching the movie called “Lean On Me.” In one powerful scene, Joe Clark (the Principal of the school) said, “No involvement, no commitment.” I’ve never forgotten that. One of the best ways to get people to commit to something is to make them feel involved. In speaking, there are endless […]

The Key to Making Your Speech Memorable

As a speaker, when you are remembered and repeated, you get rehired. That’s a fantastic and organic way to build your successful speaking career. See the video below for a key that will definitely get you remembered and repeated years after each speech! Your Turn What are some of your best Foundational Phrases? Are your […]

Handling the Q&A Session – 8 Public Speaking Tools

A Q&A session can either deepen or damage the connection you have with your audience. Take a look at some Q&A sessions I held overseas and then read the following 8 keys to having an excellent Q&A session that builds your credibility and increases their confidence in you and your message. Key 1: Set expectations […]

A Fantastic Way to Open Your Speech

The callback is a fantastic way to open your speech. It will get you laughs, customize your speech, and immediately connect you with your audience. Watch the video and see how the callback works. YOUR TURN Have you used any part of the PEST Formula to do a callback in your speech? Feel free to […]

One Surefire Way to Keep the Attention and Interest of Your Audience

The Problem So often I watch speakers tell stories that sound like this: “I did this and I did that and then I did this and then I did that and then this happened to me and then I did that…” And then, at the end of the story, they turn to the audience and […]