by Sally Anders
Professional Member
As a long-standing NSA Wisconsin member, I love our programming, which often focuses the business of speaking – and that is certainly important. But I was excited to hear Lou Heckler speak on speaking – how to improve my skills as a speaker! I was not disappointed.
Lou began by defining the difference between a keynote and a training or facilitation. According to Lou, a keynote is more personal. It has more of you in it. It prompts thinking – “Here are some thoughts – take them and do something with them.” The interaction in a keynote takes place when your audience is engaged and thinking as you speak.
He went on to share:
- We – speakers – help people learn how to run their lives better. Yet, there are many of us speaking on the same topics – change – leadership – customer service – etc., etc. The difference each speaker brings is the fresh voice.
- Create a powerful theme statement around which your talk will revolve. It may not even be stated to the audience. A theme helps to keep you focused. Lou’s theme is always the same: ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Use examples – stories – that support your theme. But don’t borrow from the internet. Few stories from the internet will sound fresh or original. The audience wants to know what is true for you. That’s your voice. Because our memories are multi-sensory, include lots of senses in your stories. And remember that everything you say must be backed up by emotional truth.
- Two things a speaker must be: 1) Memorable 2) Repeatable – we want people repeating our stories at the water cooler
- Before constructing your keynote, you need to answer these questions:
- Who wants what you have to sell? Who are the people who really need to hear your message?
- Why should they buy it from you – instead of all of the others speakers who address your topic?
- Who wants what you have to sell? Who are the people who really need to hear your message?
- To find material for your speeches, Lou says to think in macro terms about micro events in your life. Ask, “What is this like? What universal truth does this represent?”
- Pay attention to those around you. Note some of the great things people say – use them to make your points with story.
- Use techniques other media use:
- Foreshadowing – plant ideas to use later. This could be a word you use again and again that makes your point and/or supports the theme.
- Anticipation – give the audience something to look forward to. Use “pauses” to give them a chance to think of what you may say next.
- Irony of style – sometimes when you tell a story you act in a different way from the story. Example: “She was so excited.” In a mundane voice.
- Show and don’t tell – play characters in the story – act it out!
- Foreshadowing – plant ideas to use later. This could be a word you use again and again that makes your point and/or supports the theme.
- Always speak to an audience of one. Everyone should feel that you are talking only to him or her. Speak as if you’re having a conversation.
- Always finish your speech when you feel it is done – no matter how much more material you have. If you tune in to your audience – you will know when to stop.
These are but a few of the wonderful insights Lou shared with us about crafting a memorable and repeatable keynote. Unfortunately for those who were not in the room, this report contains only a few insights and none of the humor or poignant stories that were the voice of Lou Heckler! A voice we are all anxious to hear again.
Recent Comments