Have you ever wondered why some speakers leave you on the edge of your seat, while others have you reaching for your cell phone as a distraction from the boredom? It can be the same event, same stage, and even the same topic, yet some speakers just seem to have “it”, while others do not.
As an experienced speaker and trainer, I can tell you that “it” is nothing more than a person choosing to speak from the heart.
It is like watching magic. There’s passion, warmth, and humour.
Here are eight important lessons I’ve learned throughout my years as a trainer and event facilitator:
1. Know your audience
2. Speak from your heart
3. Focus on One Idea Worth Sharing, Not Many
4. Give Generously, don’t pitch yourself
5. Accept the fear, and put it to work for you
6. Craft a speech that incorporates all three types of learning styles, auditory, visual, and kinesthetic
7. Be authentic
8. Be bold and Just do it!
The best way to improve is to get out there and start speaking. Whether it’s volunteering to deliver a speech at work, offering to give a toast at an upcoming event, delivering a training, or joining a local Toast Masters club. The sooner you get up on that stage, the sooner you’ll have the audience on the edge of their seats.