If you’ve been studying my materials, then you already know not to end your speech with the questions and answers section. Instead, if you’re going to have a Q&A, do it before you wrap up in your own powerful way. However, there is also something else that must be done before you close your speech […]
Continue readingUsing two stories back-to-back is often a very effective way to influence your audience, especially if one story represents a “don’t” and the other story represents a “do.” Why? It’s because the contrast in the stories helps to make the “right way” decision clear. In this video, I use two stories back-to-back to make one clear […]
Continue readingThe following is an excerpt from The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking book, which I wrote in 2005. It includes a 4-step formula you can use to make your messages stick and shine. I used this formula for several years and many of my students still use it with great success. State – Illustrate […]
Continue readingI’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.” Then they said, “We mean you had too much content.” At first I […]
Continue readingIf the most important word in speaking is ‘you,’ the most important number in speaking is three. The Rule of 3 manifests in many ways. It helps make your speech more humorous, clearer, and more memorable. Use it For Humor Let’s start with the humor. The Rule of Three applies when you have three examples that […]
Continue readingYOU! The word YOU is the most important word in speaking but it is not used enough. One great place to use it is at the beginning of your speech when you set up the structure. Most speakers say, “I would like to share with you 3 strategies to help you do this or that.” […]
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