That idea has had a profound impact on me, and I now always prepare a talk thinking about what would I want people to remember a week later. And more importantly, what would they have used. Think about the last time you saw someone speak … and now think about what you remembered from that, and what you have used. Scary, huh?
My current speaking mentor, Matt Church, says something remarkable similar - You don’t matter, they don’t care and nobody’s listening. (And he calls himself a motivational speaker!)
If we want to have an impact we have to understand what we are speaking into – an audience with a million things already going on, and already experiencing information overload. To get through that, and to make a difference, takes something special.
Matt taught me that to do that, and to be a world class presenter is about great content and great delivery.
If you are a thought leader, or a leader within an organisation, speaking is just part of the job. May as well make it effective, and shoot for world class.
Love to hear your thoughts – how do you go about speaking for effect? You can leave them below.
