*Inspired by MasterClass on better public speaking
Coaches speak constantly - to players, coaches, families, media, communities. Share the wisdom of great communicators. Better thinking and communication make leaders. The skills pertain whether speaking to small groups or large audiences.
I heard a speaker say that preparation time to speaking time was 30:1 !
What makes a great speech? Great speeches activate people. Doris Kearns Goodwin shares FDR's speech "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." He changed the mood of the country. On a smaller scale, we change the attitude of our team or our workplace.
Know your audience. 'Communicate don't lecture' says Neil Degrasse Tyson. He seeks details about the school and its students before giving commencement speeches. Tyson says tailor speeches to the students.
Keep the audience engaged says restaurant maven Roy Choi. Bill Clinton says to "make the audience believe you are speaking to them." Make it conversational. That respects them, shows interest in them. Remember than nonverbal communication is critical. LeVar Burton reminds speakers to make eye contact with people in the audience. Robin Roberts advises to find someone who's looking at you.
Tell stories. Malala says that stories humanize situations, carrying emotions and feelings. Practice how you tell the story and imagine how others will react asserts former President Clinton.
Use humor. Make the message entertaining. People want to smile and laugh, says Tyson. Judd Apatow says "just open up and have an interesting conversation." The second President George Bush says Bushisms weren't contrived, they just happened.
Be persuasive. Dan Pink reminds us that when you have the facts strongly on your side, ask questions. He uses the example of candidate Ronald Reagan asking, "are you better off than you were four years ago?" That didn't work for Mitt Romney in 2012, because the financial crisis four years early had scarred Americans.
Be prepared. George Stephanopolous reminds us that you have to know what you're talking about. Robin Roberts suggests having a small card with bullet points to emphasize.
Practice. Practice. Practice. Practice your talks, even in front of a mirror. Everything and anything can go wrong. Ru Paul says to own a room, "walk in with your energy." He adds, "it's your life's work to shine."
Take a breath. You got this.
Summary:
- Know your audience.
- Keep them engaged.
- Use humor.
- Tell stories.
- Use nonverbal communication.
- Be persuasive.
- Be prepared.
- Practice.Practice. Practice.
- Take a breath.
Lagniappe. Bogdan off the bounce.