I’ve just finished a fascinating project, one which ran for several months.
It involved writing a big set piece speech, for a major London conference, then coaching the speaker in how to deliver it.
I’m pleased to say it’s all gone beautifully, so I thought I would share the learning as it could be useful.
So here are my five foundations for a splendid speech or powerful presentation:
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Start work on the presentation immediately
The more time you give yourself, the better the results will be.
It’s a simple as that.
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With this speech, we started work pretty much as soon as we got notification it was happening.
Initially, deciding on the narrative, then working up the structure, the light and shade, how it would start and end.
After that, various edits and iterations.
Finally, working one-on-one with the executive on tricks of delivery, the real TED talk level stuff to make sure the address went down a storm.
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The whole process took around three months, which meant we were very happy with the content and delivery by the end.
Most importantly: for the speaker, going on stage, knowing they're well prepared, is such a powerful feeling.
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The narrative of a speech
This often comes as a surprise, particularly given we had around 20 minutes to speak for.
But that still meant one single clear narrative thread, and one only. Just one message, no more.
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Even in in speeches I’ve worked on which have lasted more than an hour, it’s still been one single message.
One clear simple narrative.
People can’t take too much in, and you get the danger of mixed messages if you try to include other points, no matter how tempting.
Decide on your narrative, stick to it, and it will serve you well.
Look at some of the great speeches. And notice: all have only one message to convey.
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Character charms and captivates
This is far easier said than done, but don’t just deliver a talk full of information.
Give us a sense of your character as well.
The parts which make you passionate. Those which make you laugh, even those which make you cry.
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People relate to people. If you want to connect with an audience, let your character come out.
In the speech I've just finished, one of the highlights was a big laugh from the audience when the executive cracked a joke.
It really lifted the atmosphere and - more importantly - made his message far more memorable.
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Brevity in presentations
I have never, ever seen anyone come out of a presentation saying:
- I wish that went on for longer.
Whereas the reverse is far too often the case. Far too often!
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Say what you need and stop.
If you’ve got half an hour, and you don’t need it all, pull up at 20 minutes. Even earlier if that works.
Audiences painfully quickly rumble if you’re waffling or filling. They start fidgeting, zone out and switch off.
Whereas a tightly crafted narrative, saying only what you need, no more and no less, holds the attention and helps the message land.
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Storytelling in public speaking and presentations
Lastly, the secret sauce, and my favourite feature of a powerful presentation.
Tell stories. Whether they're about your experiences, those you've worked with, or anecdotes you've heard…
- Just tell stories.
They make an emotional connection with an audience, and are always a highlight of a presentation.
In the speech I’ve just finished, we told three brief success stories based around people the organisation had worked with.
The audience savoured every second.
These were the moments that counted, the insights that would be remembered.
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In every speech I work on, I look to include at least one, and usually more stories.
If they take up half the content, as they did in this case, I’m happy. They're worth it.
Presenters can get fixated on facts and figures.
But they often just drift idly over the heads of an audience.
Whereas stories…
Stories stick in the mind.
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Finally, here’s the payback for harvesting my thoughts:
If you need support with a presentation, or a speech, just get in touch via the contact form.
I do enjoy creating a stormer of a speech, so I'll be very happy to help.
