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Communication Matters Newsletter

I have a speech coming up and I don't know what to say.  What should I do?

 

In last month's Communication Matter's newsletter, we looked at the most often asked question of us here: "Can you make me a confident speaker?" This month, we look at the second most common query: "I have a speech coming up and I don't know what to say.  What should I do?"

 

In speaking circles, an often-issued phrase is "Content is King".  Those who take our workshops know we aren't ready to crown Content King (we also give high position to the skills a speaker brings to the stage and the ability to draw an audience in with visuals, questions, stories, and interaction).  But let's face it: without something powerful to say and said well, your audience is going to leave disappointed.  Good content can make up for bad delivery (sometimes), but I'm just not convinced.  Or as my writing instructor in high school told me: "You are technically correct in all your writing.  You just don't have anything to write about."  When I found my passion later in life and got an article published in a national magazine, I sent it to her with a note: "You were right!"

 

But passion alone cannot rule the day when it comes to content.  In fact, passionate people often drone on and on with lots of details only they care about.  Finding what subset of your passion to share, how to organize it, and what containers to put around the meat of the content is not trivial.

 

But there is hope.  And help.  We teach a method we call "Mad Libs for Presenters."  Based on the old children's word game, it is a template that so far has worked for every situation we've been called in to help.  Clients frequently say, "How do you do that?" when we take their material and turn it into an organized and succinct message.  But it's not magic.  It's a reproducible method that anyone can copy.

 

Our method is not unique, and may not even be the best.  But like dieting, most any method, when followed, will work.  Find a method and make it work.  But throwing content into PowerPoint and hoping people will like it is not a great way to produce a message. 

 

If you'd like to learn our easy-to-follow, systematic formula for creating ANY talk you need to give, sign up for our Creating Powerful, Persuasive Presentation Content Workshop on March 17th.  As a special offer for newsletter subscribers, use discount code "CMnewsletter" and get $50 off your registration fee!

 



The best and worst of 2014


Last year we wrote a Blog about lessons learned from Decker
Communication's annual list of the best and worst communicators of 2013. Decker's new list for 2014 is now out.  It usually is taken from the biggest stories and personalities and their presence.  It's always an entertaining trip down memory lane from the perspective of a speech coach.  This year's list gives us a look at why some of the train wrecks from the past year were that way and reminds us of how words done well can inspire and move us.  It's worth your read.  See the 2014 list. 
 

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March 2015
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Two days that will change your life!  This highly interactive, hands-on workshop gives you the skills to face an audience and deliver content in a clear, concise, and compelling manner. Close that deal, give that career-changing presentation, or motivate your audience to action. Speak with confidence, power, and ease. Limited seating.

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If you need a speaker for your next corporate meeting or professional organization, contact us at nfo@millswyck.com. Check out our keynotes or have us customize a presentation or workshop for your group.

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Find out more about our public workshops, corporate training, private coaching, and keynote speaking at www.millswyck.com. 
MillsWyck Communications
Communication  matters.  What  are  YOU saying?
  
Alan Hoffler, Philorator (Teacher & Lover of Speaking)
(919) 386-9238 
email:  info@millswyck.com

Alan Hoffler is the Executive Director and Principal Trainer at MillsWyck Communications.  He is a Trainer, Speaker, Author, and Coach who passionately moves others to effective and engaging communication.Follow me on Twitter