Are you planning to speak at an event or conference soon? Are you worried your speech might bore your audience to death? I hear you. Being boring is one of the biggest sins. As one of my political friends says, a caustic chap who works in Westminster, “There is no greater sin than being dull.” He’s right, of course.
(If we work together, ask me what my biggest insult – in terms of speakers – is. Clue: It sounds like a truck manufacturer’s name.)
Fear not. You can transform from being a mere speaker or an average speaker into a captivating/inspiring/amazing storyteller with the right speaker coaching. (You also need a decent speech and a good reason to deliver it, give a damn about what you’re saying, and believe in it. I can’t work miracles!)
Think of it this way: your speech is like a dish that you’re cooking up for your guests. You can throw in all the ingredients you want (just like Googling ‘how to speak in public’), but if you don’t know how to put them together and how to deliver the end product, you’ll end up with a bland and forgettable meal…at best, worst case – it could be a disaster. Or just be dull.
That’s where event speaker coaching comes in. Just like a chef’s sous chef, a speaker coach can guide you on how to create a masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on your audience. Maybe even stir them into action. Or change their behaviour.
Storytelling is a piece of cake – kinda
Speaking of cooking, let’s use another analogy to illustrate the importance of storytelling coaching. Imagine you’re a baker who wants to make a cake for a special occasion. You have all the ingredients you need, but you’re not sure how to make them work together. A storytelling coach is almost like a recipe book that provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to mix the ingredients, how long to bake the cake, and how to decorate it. Except the author is there with you, helping you do it.
Similarly, this type of speaker coaching is all about helping you craft a narrative that will engage your audience from start to finish. Your opening is like the icing on the cake – it should be attention-grabbing and set the tone for the rest of your speech. A good speaker coach will help you come up with a compelling opening that will make your audience sit up and take notice.
Once you have their attention, it’s time to weave a story that will keep them hooked. The moreish, moist cake they can’t put down. Alright, alright, this analogy needs to have a lie-down.
Think of your speech as a journey that you’re taking your audience on. You need to have a clear and memorable storyline that will guide them from one point to the next. Your coach will help you map out this journey so that every step of the way is meaningful and engaging.
Another key ingredient is imagery and metaphor. Just like a pinch of salt can transform a dish, the right use of imagery and metaphor can bring your ideas to memorable life.
Do you really need speaker coaching?
But wait, you might be thinking, why do I even need to bother with all this? Can’t I just read off my PowerPoint slides and call it a day? Well, my friend, you could. That’s like serving your best client a TV dinner when you could take them out for a gourmet meal. Not very clever, is it? A good speech can do wonders for your reputation and your business. It can establish you as an authority in your field, inspire your audience to take action, and even lead to new opportunities.
On the other hand, a bad speech can be a disaster. It can make you look unprepared, unprofessional, and uninteresting. Incompetent even. It can also damage your brand and your relationships with potential clients or partners. That’s why it’s worth investing in speaker coaching for events – to ensure that your speech is the best it can be.
5 Quick Storytelling Tricks to Improve Any Speech
Okay, did I say you can overuse analogies and metaphors? Perhaps. So for those of us who skim-read articles, let’s dive into some very specific storytelling techniques that you can use to improve your speeches.
- Immerse your audience in a story. Take your audience on a journey by creating a vivid and engaging story. Use descriptive language and sensory details to paint a picture in their minds. This will help them connect with your message on a deeper level.
- Tell a personal story. People love hearing personal stories. It makes you more relatable and humanises your message. Share a personal experience that relates to your topic and use it to illustrate your point.
- Create suspense. Keep your audience on the edge of their seats by creating suspense. Use cliffhangers and unexpected twists to keep them engaged. This will make your message more memorable and impactful. (there are two specific words you should never, EVER use)
- Bring characters to life. Use characters and character development to illustrate your message. Give them personalities and backstories that your audience can relate to. This will help them connect with your message on an emotional level.
- Show, don’t tell. Use imagery and metaphor to bring your ideas to life. Instead of telling your audience what to think, show them through vivid descriptions and comparisons. This will make your message more memorable and impactful.
In conclusion, if you’re planning to speak at an event or conference, don’t just wing it. Invest in a speaker coach and learn how to transform your speech from a bland dish into a gourmet meal. With the right ingredients and guidance, you can become a captivating storyteller who leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
So go ahead, take the plunge. Head to my Calendly page to book a free intro call with me.