Becoming a "1% Super Speaker!"

Maybe you want to give a jaw-dropping, eye-popping TEDx talk or a winning sales presentation for a big deal against ultra-tough competitors. Or, perhaps you want to deliver a standing ovation quality keynote speech or business presentation that rocks the house. Then, the following checklist will get you started or rolling further along (going from good-to-great) toward the elite, transcendent top one percent of being the best.

If you want many more valuable details, techniques, ideas and strategies to significantly ramp up your presentation game, then please check out my book, Innovative Presentations For Dummies (Wiley), available in bookstores and in Amazon.

Strut Your Stuff!

The whole goal is for you to set yourself apart and above other speakers. That means you need to give a different type of talk and a vastly superior one. If you become a 1% Speaker, your audiences will be mesmerized, enthralled, captivated and riveted to every moment you are up there speaking. They will be absolutely compelled to take action on what you recommend, ask or advocate for them to do. You and your speech or presentation will be remembered long after they leave. And your career will get a shot of powerful adrenalin. It probably won’t hurt your bank account, either! 

Here’s What a Game-Changing, Super-Impressive 1% Speaker Does:

• Excels in every aspect of communication in the speech. Remember that “information is giving out, but communication is getting through.”
• Does a detailed audience analysis to understand how best to give people what they need and want.
• Knows the specific presentation objectives to achieve at the end of the session — what the audience should believe, think, feel, do and experience.
• Makes a riveting, attention-grabbing introduction and spellbinding, memorable conclusion.
• Focuses heavily on the priorities of the speech that will reach the objectives and works at being a “grand strategist” in communication.
• Effectively and efficiently tailors and customizes the speech to each particular audience.
• Develops quick, strong rapport with the audience and earns their trust and respect.
• Radiates a professional, in-charge “Command Presence Leadership” aura and image.
• Builds professional credibility of one’s self and information right from the start.
• Is flexible... and dynamically adapts and modifies the presentation to meet changing audience needs and preferences.
• Makes the speech or presentation entertaining or at least highly interesting and enjoyable. Late night talk show host Johnny Carson rightfully said, “People will pay more to be entertained than informed.”
• Makes the key presentation (or speech) points and messages “snap, crackle and pop!”
• Uses “cool props” selectively and for focused impact and reinforcement on the key messages.
• Knows how to pull the heartstrings of people in the group to impact them emotionally as well as intellectually to motivate, inspire and galvanize them to action.
• Takes complex and difficult-to-understand topics and elegantly simplifies them for ease of understanding and appreciation.
• Displays superb use of body language (posture, movement, gestures, eye contact, facial expressions) and vocal techniques (volume, rate, inflection, pauses) to captivate the attention of people.
• Employs relevant, tasteful and appropriate humor to both entertain and reinforce key points.
• Smartly uses various ways to repeat key messages and critical information to make it stick in the minds and hearts of people.
• Tells great stories that supplement the straight information and makes the subject vividly come alive in convincing and compelling ways. 
• Applies technology in smart ways to amplify communication points.
• Speaks with authority and but in a warm, natural, sincere and conversational way.
• Looks (outstanding grooming, dress and overall appearance) and acts like the quintessential professional.
• Knows how to best use all types of microphones (headsets, lavaliers, handhelds) and public address (PA) systems.
• Exhibits polish, poise and power through showing charisma and impressive stage presence.
• Displays expert knowledge of the topic of the speech or presentation.
• Skilled in the art of answering questions and dealing with comments from the audience.
• Carefully watches and listens to the audience to detect clues as to how people are reacting to the presentation and then appropriately responds to meet his or her objectives.
• Marvelous use of creativity and showmanship to spice up the speech.
• Excellent design and masterful use of stunning multimedia (videos, animations, photos, illustrations, charts) for the presentation visuals instead of “death-by-bullet” slides.
• Engages and interacts with the audience — and even “plays with them” (when appropriate) to get their participation and lock in their attention.
• Doesn’t just speak extremely well, but “performs” superbly. Has fun up there (on stage or in front). Shows that he or she is not only comfortable, but enjoying it!
• Not ruffled by hostile or aggressive audience members. Doesn’t get unhinged or defensive and, instead is “controlled and cool under fire.”

There are other areas you might include that contribute to the reality of a masterful, exceptional 1% Speaker, but these really comprise the main ones. All the best to you as you move up the speaking ladder. You will be amazed at how it will change your career and life! 

About the Author

Ray Anthony has helped thousands of people in numerous companies and industries to be powerful business presenters and public speakers. He is the author of 9 books (4 books on presentation techniques and strategies) and over 100 articles on organization change, innovation, leadership, creativity, and other strategic business topics. His latest unique vanguard book is Innovative Presentations for Dummies (Wiley Publishing). Ray is an executive coach, corporate trainer, videographer, producer and dynamic keynote speaker himself who has worked with Fortune 500 corporations and elite government agencies to help improve their operational and financial performance and boost their innovation. He can be reached at [email protected] or office: 281-364-7739 or cell: 832-594-4747.