April, 2008

Outstanding Openings Over-rule Ordinary Ones!

1. A Rhetorical Question
   
   "YOU" is the most powerful word in a speech because it brings the audience to you. It taps into the audience's own life experiences and gets them thinking and engaged right away. By connecting with them and inviting them in, they will want to journey with you. Focus on them BEFORE getting into the body of your presentation. Remember, it's all about THEM….. NOT YOU!
   
   For example: "Have you ever...?" "What degree of fear did you feel when …?" "When was the last time you...?" "If you are a parent, were you aware that…?"
   
   These types of questions get their attention by instilling curiosity, interest and excitement in your audience.
   



2. An Interesting Original Story
   
   You may be familiar with (speaker) Bill Gove's expression: "Tell a story, make a point." or another expression: "Facts Tell, Stories Sell." A well-crafted, well-told personal story which conveys the underlying message of your speech is an excellent way to begin a presentation as it establishes your credibility instantly, captures the audience's attention and connects you with them. Connection results when the audience views you as similar to them after listening to a vignette from your own life in which you faced some adversity and learned a process that helped you overcome it. Such stories trigger universal emotions such as: happiness, sadness, surprise, disgust, fear or anger. People are moved by emotions. We all experience the same emotions though we have different stories. Personal stories also help you speak in a natural, conversational manner.
   
   Mark Brown, 1995 W.C. P.S. says: "Nobody but you can tell your story, and nobody can tell your story the way you can."
   
   Create a Story File and store it for future reference. Add to it as new stories arise. A word of warning: Avoid boasting about yourself, appearing superior or placing yourself on a pedestal as that will alienate you from your audience.
   



3. A Powerful Quotation
   
   If you choose to use a quotation, use one that proves or supports your message. In the opening, try to avoid using an over used or well known one. You know what you think when you hear an over used quotation: "Oh no, not this again!" Remember to keep your opening interesting, unique and fresh for your audience, so they will be interested and intrigued. Consider using a quotation made by a family member, a boss, or a friend, one you repeatedly heard from which you"ve learned a life lesson that you want to share with others. A quotation is also a great tool to tie your presentation together and give you direction.
   
   Another word of warning: Remember to give the source and the exact wording! If you cannot remember either of the above, do not use the quotation as you will definitely lose credibility with your audience.
   



4. An Interesting Statistic
   
   If you decide to use a known fact or interesting statistic, make it 'You Focused' right at the start. For example, "It may interest you to know that according to …"or "You may have thought that …… but what this survey states is……"or "Did you realize that Stats Canada has discovered that… …?"
   
   Engage the audience's thoughts right away by bringing them in with a 'YOU Focus.'
   
   To re-enforce the statistic, you may anchor it with a story that stirs their emotions or you can use the facts of the statistic in a personal story format. Remember that people are not moved by facts; they are moved by emotions. They need to hear and feel your pain in facing your adversity, what process you learned, how you learned it in order to succeed, and most importantly, how they too can achieve similar success.
   



5. Manner of Delivery
   
   All too often, speakers start off with an energy that does not match the audience's energy and this loses them. You can access the audience's energy level by watching them during others speakers" sessions and during the activator's introduction of you. Check their energy level, match it and then take them to where you want them to go. Craig Valentine 1999 WCPS calls this method: "Pacing and Leading."
   
   I encourage you to be creative in your opening of your presentations. Speaking is about connection which must be established at the outset of your presentation, since first impressions are lasting ones. Good luck in creating lasting impressions!
   
   I invite you to join us next month when we examine 2 letters, "P & Q" as in "Mind you P's & Q's" with a special educational audio session by Mark Brown, 1995 W.C.P.S.
   

In this audio program, you'll learn from World Champions Craig Valentine (1999), Ed Tate (2000), Darren LaCroix (2001),and Kathryn MacKenzie as they demonstrate how to go from Panic to Power on the Platform!		Craig Valentine, 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking, shares with you practical tools for powerful presentations.

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