Ep. 1: Know what you want to accomplish
The first thing you need to know before you start crafting a speech is this: what’s your goal? What do you want your audience to think, feel and do at the end of your speech?
Tidings of discomfort and joy
You probably have the same instinct I do when you’re speaking to an audience. You want to make them feel at ease. Happy. Comfortable. That’s understandable. The most immediate sign that a speech is working is audience approval: nods, applause, even cheering. And we’re...
My four watchwords for positive on-stage vulnerability
One of the most powerful ways a speaker can connect with their audience is to show a little vulnerability. Letting your guard down can assure your audience that they’re seeing the real you. It may help them relate to you and your story, and it builds a bridge of...
Vulnerability is your speech’s hidden strength
So you delivered your speech with grace and style, even a little humour. Your body language was relaxed, the material was useful, and everyone stayed engaged. Heck, they even clapped at the end. And you were confident — super confident — and sure of everything. But...
Stop warming up on-stage
I had a massive “aha” moment about speaker coaching earlier today when I discovered a client likes to spend a few minutes at the beginning of a speech getting comfortable “and warming the crowd up.” I realized abruptly that he isn’t...
Media training shouldn’t make you “fake.”
Say the words “media training” to someone, and chances are good they’ll have pretty much the same reaction musical artist Grimes did: tried media training on last cycle and it just made me sad and bored. wud rather b unedited and get in trouble and meet...
Why, yes — I’d LOVE to speak at your event
Public speaking and speechwriting: the essential guides
Looking for advice on public speaking, speechwriting and leadership communications? Here are some of my most comprehensive posts, on topics that people ask me about most often.
