Manifesto #5

I believe you are still “writing” your speech until you speak your first word.

Whenever I am asked how long does it take me to write a speech, I always respond… “When is the speech?”

Google tells me that either Mark Twain, Henry David Thoreau, or Blaise Pascal said something to the effect of, “I would have written a shorter letter, but I did not have the time.” Whoever it was, they were making the point that if they had more time, they could have condensed their words and more succinctly got to the point.

This is a wonderful philosophy when “writing” anything, particularly a speech. I use quotation marks around the word “writing” because I have clients that define writing a speech differently. Some could never imagine “writing” out a speech, instead preferring to use bullet points in their head to keep them on task. While others could never imagine not having their speech, or script in some cases, scrolling along a teleprompter. Some “write” their own speeches, while others have their speeches “written” for them. However, or whoever pens the actual words, it is ultimately up to the presenter, the speaker, YOU to perform it on stage. When speaking, it is not only about the words you say, but often how you say them that determines your connection with your audience. Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

The more time you have with your words, the better chance you have to make us feel the way you want us to. The only way you can truly connect with your audience is if you first make that connection with yourself. If you don’t believe the words coming out of your mouth, how can we?

Here are a few tips when “writing” your next speech.

For every speaking engagement you are called to deliver, you should create a custom "MAP", carefully considering your overall MESSAGE, the AUDIENCE’s goals and finally the PACE of your speech.

MESSAGE

To create a talk your audience will remember, you have got to be organized. “Writing” out your speech ahead of time will define the purpose and provide better tone and structure when supporting the main idea. Knowing your purpose, or what are you trying to accomplish with your speech, will result in a dramatically different outcome than just winging it.

AUDIENCE

By carefully considering your audience’s core interests and goals, you can align your talk with these and increase your power of persuasion. Knowing your audience will help you “write” your talk, both in terms of ideas and language. If you are speaking in front of a group of financial planners, you will not need to explain the importance of compounded interest. And if you’re speaking to a senior citizen action committee, you will want to watch dropping any F-bombs or using slang language.

PACE

Pace is critical when “writing” your speech and this starts by knowing the length. How much time you have will allow you to allocate the proper percentage to each supporting story of your main idea. Be careful not to underwhelm or overwhelm your audience. Ten minutes may not be enough time for a keynote address at your alma mater, but it’s probably too long this evening’s team dinner toast.

Don’t leave things up to chance. Your “writing” process will be much easier if you utilize all the time you have until your talk and create a MAP for it.

Need help “writing” your next speech?

Message me today for a complimentary 30-minute Effective Communication Strategy Session (via Zoom or phone), where we will:

? Develop clear goals

? Determine what’s holding you back

? Outline a 3-step road "MAP" that will make you the best possible presenter you can be

Get out of your comfort zone, reach new levels of communication effectiveness and start speaking like the corporate leader you are!!

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