One of the ways you can get brought back (re-hired) time and time again is through customization. Your audience wants to know that you know who you’re speaking to and that it’s not canned but fresh.
Click the video below to see a lesson on one easy way to customize your program through what I call the Puzzle Piece approach.
Sample Speaking Secret
It’s about more than just names and places
Keep in mind this is not simply a technique of using someone’s name or location. With these puzzle pieces, it’s about finding something about them that stands out. For example, I once followed a contest where the speakers tried to gross each other out with their speeches. Click the audio below and listen to what I said in that same exact spot in my speech:
Same Spot, Different Words
In that same exact section of my speech, I have used the following lines based on something specific about my audience.
The stem was, “He doesn’t know that one day I’d wake up and speak…”
- …in my ultimate destination, Elko
- …to a wonderful group but WAY too early in the morning
- …in a room that feels like a frozen tundra
The point is, you can use anything about them or the situation that is interesting or noticeable.
Your Turn
Do you have a place in your speech that can be customized every single time with a word or sentence? Feel free to share it here or simply comment on this approach. I look forward to hearing from you.
Craig,
Great enthusiasm and I learn every time I listen to or watch your segments. Thank you for what you do and how you do it. John Gross Minnesota. December 4th 2015
I really like that this tip makes it so easy to quickly customize the speech, each time you give it.
In my latest post, I’ve shared a link to this post, as well as to your post about having a “failure file”.
Check it out! I’d be fascinated to hear your thoughts on my own tips, too.