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Communication Matters Newsletter
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Five Ways to Make a Speech Worthy of the Hall of Fame
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I recently attended the baseball Hall of Fame (HOF) Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, NY. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event, even if I did have to pay $20 to park in some random farmer's field and still had to walk to the ceremony.
The event had two basic parts (notwithstanding the superfluous infrastructure and the MLB network commercial delays, which drew boos from the audience). First, every living member of the Hall of Fame is invited back. Thirty-eight chose to attend this year, including some of the biggest names I remember as a kid (Sandy Koufax! Rollie Fingers! Johnny Bench! Rod Carew!). Each one was introduced to applause. About 1 in 100 professional players make the Hall (and only about 1 in 200 varsity high school players get drafted to the minors, and only about 1 in 30 minor leaguers makes the MLB). This is the cr�me de la cr�me; almost one-in-a-million. That segment last about 40 minutes.
Then each HOF inductee gives a speech. This year, fourth-ballot Mike Piazza
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(@MikePiazza31) and first-ballot Ken Griffey, Jr. (@KidGriffeyJr) were the only two inductees. It struck me that they were probably as nervous about speaking as I would be about trying to hit a 95 mph fastball. I assume they got (speech) coaching - they each spoke of how coaching helped them become the players they were.
It's hard to envision a player making a bad HOF speech. The fans - decked out in the players' jerseys by the thousands, cheered almost every word and memory. They will forgive most any indiscretion. And yet it's an intensely personal and emotional moment. I can't imagine the thoughts and memories that flood their minds during this time. Both players got choked up, especially when talking about their fathers and the influence they had. For us commoners, a eulogy is probably a very similar moment.
Here are some observations and remembrances for high-stakes speeches that could apply to any situation.
- Keep it short. No one will mind if you end earlier than expected. And (only because they love you) they might overlook a little length. But it was 90+ degrees in the shade for an event that spanned two-plus hours. Brevity is always appreciated. "Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated." Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- When you get emotional, stop. Collect yourself. Find the core message. Get it out best you can. And move on. You'll regain control eventually. It's not as big a deal to the audience as it is to the speaker (and there is no need to apologize or acknowledge it.) Just move on.
- Notes are almost always required. You'll forget too much without them. But prose is hard to read from, especially when you get emotional and have to look away. Both speakers got words reversed and mixed up. We'll examine notes in a future newsletter. But there is no real need to have every word typed out. Find a method that works to help you remember and use it.
- The most important part of any speech is likely to be the connection to the audience. Personal/acceptance speeches are a danger zone here. It's tempting to think this is your time, and I suppose that it is. But Rule #1 ("It's not about you!") is still in effect. But telling stories and acknowledging individuals that only a few know about alienates the rest. Find common ground through memories/stories that everyone can relate to.
- Graciousness never goes out of style. Mike Piazza opened with a comment honoring Ken Griffey, Jr. and the HOF staff that runs the induction. It was a nice gesture and a great way to start strong when you know that emotions are likely to come later in the talk.
These are good tips for acceptance speeches and any other speaking engagement as well. Learn from the pros. Make your next speech HOF-worthy (side note: my nickname as a kid was "Hof" - I didn't know what the abbreviation meant then.)
Communication matters. What are YOU saying?
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Are you a Professional Speaker?
The Key5 Speaker's Conference is a half day event designed for professional speakers. If you're a paid professional speaker looking for a complete, high quality video marketing library to promote your business then this conference is for you. You'll walk away with 10+ marketing videos and still shots taken in front of a live audience in an upscale venue by a professional video crew with 5+ cameras and professional audio and lighting.
To prepare for the event, you'll also have access to personal coaching from our team at MillsWyck Communications. We will be providing intensive support for all 20 speakers before and during the event. Currently, there are nine speaker spots left. If you'd like to grab one of those spots to catapult your speaking business, check out the details here.
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Presentation Sin
This month's Speaking Tip taken from my book, Presentation Sin, addresses a sin related to gestures I call "arm-flapping."
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Upcoming Speaking Events
NCPMI Annual Conference
August 22, 2016 Raleigh, NC
Alan's topic will be Winning Communication: Strategies to Connect and Convince.
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If you need a speaker for your next corporate meeting, professional organization, or conference, contact us at info@millswyck.com. See a list of Alan Hoffler's keynotes or contact us about customizing a presentation or workshop for your group.
Now booking for Fall 2016!
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Upcoming Workshops
Raleigh, NC Aug 8-9
Sept 26-27 (Early Bird Rate Ends 8/31!)
Nov 7-8
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Join us for two days that will change your life in our Powerful, Persuasive Speaking Workshop! 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.
Here's a sneak peek at what a public speaking skills workshop from MillsWyck Communications is really like:
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Alan will once again be offering his two-day intensive speaker training at the University of Richmond (VA) October 10-11, 2016. Monitor the Continuing Education Studies website for updates to register (supposedly live in "early August"). This training is through the Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies. But don't forget, we are always available to do our speaker training workshops on-site at your organization!
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MillsWyck Communications
Communication matters. What are YOU saying?
Alan Hoffler, Philorator (Teacher & Lover of Speaking)
(919) 386-9238
email: info@millswyck.com
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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.
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