Speaking to grow your business

There's a style of song in musical theater called patter. A patter song is characterized by rapid lyrics that go by well above the rate of normal speech. Patter songs can reveal a lot of information very quickly, and are often humorous with fun wordplay and internal rhymes. They're also often showstoppers, because the vocal virtuosity required to pull off such a song is really exciting to watch.

Essentially, patter song is one of the most effective ways to disseminate exposition and story to the audience, because they're likely to remember it. And in the world of a story, patter song is a great way for a character to get others on board with them.

"The Music Man" is a classic American musical with book, music, and lyrics by Meredith Willson. It premiered on Broadway in 1957 and has since become a staple of musical theater. Set in the small fictional town of River City, Iowa, in the early 20th century, the show centers around Professor Harold Hill, a charming con man who poses as a boys' band organizer and leader.

The story begins with Harold Hill arriving in River City with the intent to scam the townspeople by selling them instruments and uniforms for a boys' band. He convinces them that he will form and lead the band, but he has no musical knowledge or intention of doing so.

How does he do it? He sings Ya Got Trouble, a patter song that serves as Harold Hill’s introduction to the townspeople and his method of gaining their trust and stirring up concern. Hill’s goal is to convince the townspeople that they need a boys' band to save their children from the moral decay he claims the new pool table in town will cause. He uses Ya Got Trouble to play on the fears and insecurities of the townspeople. By creating a sense of panic about the influence of the pool table, he positions himself as the solution to their problem, thereby setting the stage for his scheme to sell band instruments and uniforms.

Check out Hugh Jackman singing the song here.

Now, I'm not suggesting you get on stage and scam people like Professor Harold Hill. But this song has a good lesson we can take back to our business: words are powerful, and when used correctly, they can move people to take massive action. That goes for the people in River City, and it also goes for your potential clients.

Speaking to grow your business

Whether you speak virtually or in person, a one-to-many conversation on a stage (no matter the size) is the most effective way to meet prospects. You get to share a great story, they get to know you, and you leave them with something of value. Simply put, speaking from the stage is like a first date - one where they get to feel out if your work and message is right for them.

If you leave your audience with a great message and a way to stay connected (like a lead magnet, so they sign up for your mailing list), you have an impactful way to build your pipeline of leads.

Sounds great, but how do I find great speaking opportunities?

Well, I can help! Please join me for a webinar this coming Tuesday, June 11th, at noon Eastern Time. I'll be joined by Dolores Hirschmann, FRACTIONAL CMO , as we'll be discussing how to leverage speaking to grow your business.

Discover proven strategies, tips, and techniques tailored for professional service providers. Elevate your brand, attract clients, and boost your revenue. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your business through powerful speaking!

You'll learn:

-Easy-to-follow steps to get on stages.

-Insider tips from industry experts.

-Strategies to overcome challenges in getting a YES from a stage.

-The 3 tools you need to convert audiences into paying clients.

-Bonus tips for advanced success.

SIGN UP HERE to join me and I'll send you a Zoom link. (And if you can't make it, sign up and I'll send you the recording afterward.)

And I promise - no patter songs during the webinar!

I'll see you on Tuesday - I can't wait to share strategies with you.