Have you ever had an upcoming talk and been confused about how to best prepare?
A friend Darius Johnson called yesterday and we discussed strategy for his upcoming presentation on career advice.
The theme of the event is “The Way To Be”. It’s actually at my high school alma mater.
We affirmed his plan of three sections:
1. Personal Story.
2. Anti-Examples. Ways not to be.
3. Call To Action.
How to actually be “The Way To Be”.
We also discussed throughline – how to link all components within the talk. The title of the event can actually be the central throughline with his talk. I see speakers saying their throughline 5-6 times within a single talk, and encouraged him to do the same.
It’s never a bad idea for someone to remember exactly what your presentation was about. Throughline reiteration helps this.
I want to emphasize the way to start a talk this like – IT HAS TO BE A STORY!!!!
Stories are the best way to capture attention so that you can be captivating and clear in your communication. Make sure you read the blog post about how to be a good storyteller.
Stories release chemicals in the brain that help us focus, activate more regions of the brain that facts and figures, and can even transfer emotion. Any level of suspense leads to a dopamine release, empathy leads to oxycontin, and laughing at yourself makes other people laugh like an endorphin transfer.
For example, if Darius tells a story of a time he had high anxiety about choosing the wrong career path or hating what you do for work. Everyone can relate, and we as humans can share emotions through just stories. It’s amazing.
In case you are afraid of public speaking, learn some tips on how to overcome the fear of public speaking here.
In summary, break up your next presentation into chapters of the talk.
What are you trying to achieve within each chapter?
How can you reach your audience with a story so their response is “Wow me too”.
Make sure to tell stories, and have an actionable finale – a call to action.
Can’t wait to hear how it goes Darius, thank you!
More speaking tips at www.speakerangel.com/blog
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