How to TRULY Inspire an Audience!
"How do you inspire an audience" was a question I recently received via LinkedIn While there are many excellent resources on the technical points of speaking, here are my thoughts on standing out from the crowd.
First - "FAKE IT".
Many motivational speakers, preachers, salesmen, etc.
do it everyday.
You can practice and prepare to the point where your delivery, style, and stage presence will inspire your audience to do almost anything.
Their methods, and success, may be duplicated - but you will never be them.
Besides, it requires way too much effort and time.
I have read dozens of "how to" books on presentation skills, speaking, and training from dozens of experts.
All good information, but do you really want to be one of a million "speakers" still quoting Zig Ziglar.
Second - "LIVE IT".
Even the most unrefined, amateur speaker can inspire a nation.
Look at the accident victims, heroes, etc.
who travel the country telling their personal stories of triumph.
Look at Mother Teresa, her simple words inspired the world.
Muhammad Ali's greatest impact was AFTER he lost some of his ability to speak.
Do you want to inspire an audience? Find your authentic, genuine message.
Refine it, practice it, and share it with all the passion and conviction you can muster.
No one will ever be able to duplicate YOU or YOUR life experiences.
Third - "MASTER IT".
There are three or four stories that I can tell like no one else.
I have told them all over the country to many audiences.
I don't worry about them being stolen by other speakers or audience members.
Why?Because I have chosen stories that work in a variety of settings and I have mastered telling them.
Most importantly, I believe in the message the stories deliver, so my sincerity shines through.
People love good stories.
Find your "master" stories and people will be inspired by the message you deliver through them.
Fourth - "SHOW IT".
Want to stand out from 90% of all trainers, speakers, etc.
Substitute the standard PowerPoint slides (I can read them for myself - duh) for a brief video, picture, etc.
that drives your point home.
I recently attended a church service where the graphics on the screen were more memorable than the sermon.
A few pictures captured that moment better than any words.
In my trainings I show humorous videos to clarify my points versus the standard dry corporate training films.
Remember, "a picture speaks a thousand words".
Fifth - "ENJOY IT".
While I have done it, it is never advisable to speak on a topic in which you are not knowledgeable or don't enjoy.
Just say "no".
Again, unless you are an expert faker, the "pain of preparation" will be evident in your presentation.
I have filled in for a colleague who could not fulfill a workshop commitment.
While I was somewhat knowledgeable about the subject, it was a topic that I did not personally enjoy.
I gave the workshop 110% and it was a success, but I did not enjoy any of it.
Enthusiasm, energy, and excitement are contagious - just ask a successful network marketer or televangelist.
Speak on things you are excited about and your audience can't help but latch on for the ride.
Albert Einstein once said, "Try not to be a man of success, but a man of value.
"
First - "FAKE IT".
Many motivational speakers, preachers, salesmen, etc.
do it everyday.
You can practice and prepare to the point where your delivery, style, and stage presence will inspire your audience to do almost anything.
Their methods, and success, may be duplicated - but you will never be them.
Besides, it requires way too much effort and time.
I have read dozens of "how to" books on presentation skills, speaking, and training from dozens of experts.
All good information, but do you really want to be one of a million "speakers" still quoting Zig Ziglar.
Second - "LIVE IT".
Even the most unrefined, amateur speaker can inspire a nation.
Look at the accident victims, heroes, etc.
who travel the country telling their personal stories of triumph.
Look at Mother Teresa, her simple words inspired the world.
Muhammad Ali's greatest impact was AFTER he lost some of his ability to speak.
Do you want to inspire an audience? Find your authentic, genuine message.
Refine it, practice it, and share it with all the passion and conviction you can muster.
No one will ever be able to duplicate YOU or YOUR life experiences.
Third - "MASTER IT".
There are three or four stories that I can tell like no one else.
I have told them all over the country to many audiences.
I don't worry about them being stolen by other speakers or audience members.
Why?Because I have chosen stories that work in a variety of settings and I have mastered telling them.
Most importantly, I believe in the message the stories deliver, so my sincerity shines through.
People love good stories.
Find your "master" stories and people will be inspired by the message you deliver through them.
Fourth - "SHOW IT".
Want to stand out from 90% of all trainers, speakers, etc.
Substitute the standard PowerPoint slides (I can read them for myself - duh) for a brief video, picture, etc.
that drives your point home.
I recently attended a church service where the graphics on the screen were more memorable than the sermon.
A few pictures captured that moment better than any words.
In my trainings I show humorous videos to clarify my points versus the standard dry corporate training films.
Remember, "a picture speaks a thousand words".
Fifth - "ENJOY IT".
While I have done it, it is never advisable to speak on a topic in which you are not knowledgeable or don't enjoy.
Just say "no".
Again, unless you are an expert faker, the "pain of preparation" will be evident in your presentation.
I have filled in for a colleague who could not fulfill a workshop commitment.
While I was somewhat knowledgeable about the subject, it was a topic that I did not personally enjoy.
I gave the workshop 110% and it was a success, but I did not enjoy any of it.
Enthusiasm, energy, and excitement are contagious - just ask a successful network marketer or televangelist.
Speak on things you are excited about and your audience can't help but latch on for the ride.
Albert Einstein once said, "Try not to be a man of success, but a man of value.
"
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