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Presenters, Pull Out Your Duct Tape - Second!
- By Darren LaCroix
- Published 06/26/2008
- Public Speaking
- Unrated
Darren LaCroix
In 2001, Darren LaCroix, The World Champion of Public Speaking,
outspoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to win that title. Since
that victory, Darren has traveled the world demystifying the process of
creating a powerful speech.
Co-author of the latest multi-media step-by-step Public Speaking Course Get Applause Now!
Check out the facts by clicking here and “Eliminate Your Fear of Public Speaking Forever...Then Easily Deliver A Dazzling Presentation"
View all articles by Darren LaCroix
What's your first step when creating a presentation? What's your second?
OK, so I'm traveling in New England visiting family and celebrating my nephew's graduation. As I helped my sister prepare for the party, I found my self sweeping and hosing the pollen off the patio in preparation for the party.
I put on my headphones to listen to my iPod. Instead of music, I decide to listen to a new audio book I recently purchased.
As I was sweeping and listening, I stopped dead in my tracks and thought of you. Yes, you. I said to myself, "I have GOT to write about this! It is brilliant!"
It's not often that I'll take up a whole newsletter article just to suggest you go out and buy a book... but that's what I'm doing today. I get nothing from this, except for the satisfaction of knowing you'll keep improving your presentations -- and because I'm reading (or listening to) the same book, you'll know that you'll continue to get good content from me, too!
The book (Audio Book) is titled: Made to Stick written by Chip and Dan Heath. The brothers Heath dissect messages that stick and are easily repeatable. In the very first part of the book, they even talk about the emotions we all share. This definitely jumped out at me! It's as if they were talking about one of David Brooks' lessons, when he talks about the seven emotions we all share as human beings. The authors discuss why Urban Legends are so easily repeatable and spread like viruses. They also cover why we so easily forget certain messages in subjects that are important to us.
In a nutshell, my simple advice when you are creating a presentation is to ask yourself:
Once you're crystal clear on that (and ONLY when you are)...
Step #2:
"How can I make my message stick?"
Then pull out the duct tape and make your message stick!
Do you remember my winning speech? Did it stand out? If you haven't seen Lance Miller's winning speech, it sticks. All day long, people who attended the contest were walking around saying: "Cha Ching!"
Why? He used duct tape!
You don't have to win, but if your message matters, you must make it memorable!
OK, so I'm traveling in New England visiting family and celebrating my nephew's graduation. As I helped my sister prepare for the party, I found my self sweeping and hosing the pollen off the patio in preparation for the party.
I put on my headphones to listen to my iPod. Instead of music, I decide to listen to a new audio book I recently purchased.
As I was sweeping and listening, I stopped dead in my tracks and thought of you. Yes, you. I said to myself, "I have GOT to write about this! It is brilliant!"
It's not often that I'll take up a whole newsletter article just to suggest you go out and buy a book... but that's what I'm doing today. I get nothing from this, except for the satisfaction of knowing you'll keep improving your presentations -- and because I'm reading (or listening to) the same book, you'll know that you'll continue to get good content from me, too!
The book (Audio Book) is titled: Made to Stick written by Chip and Dan Heath. The brothers Heath dissect messages that stick and are easily repeatable. In the very first part of the book, they even talk about the emotions we all share. This definitely jumped out at me! It's as if they were talking about one of David Brooks' lessons, when he talks about the seven emotions we all share as human beings. The authors discuss why Urban Legends are so easily repeatable and spread like viruses. They also cover why we so easily forget certain messages in subjects that are important to us.
In a nutshell, my simple advice when you are creating a presentation is to ask yourself:
Step #1:
"What do I want my audience to think about differently when I'm done?"
"What do I want my audience to think about differently when I'm done?"
Step #2:
"How can I make my message stick?"
Then pull out the duct tape and make your message stick!
Do you remember my winning speech? Did it stand out? If you haven't seen Lance Miller's winning speech, it sticks. All day long, people who attended the contest were walking around saying: "Cha Ching!"
Why? He used duct tape!
You don't have to win, but if your message matters, you must make it memorable!
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