How often have you heard a keynote or a presentation that you cannot remember much if anything of after the event. Their was no doubt about the speaker’s expertise, but they spoke to their dot points and omitted the most powerful communication tool they have, their personal stories. If you want to shine from the stage, become an orator.
Doing a TEDx talk
What you teach yourself doing a TEDx talk
Seven years ago, a business friend and I were celebrating completing a business accelerator program and discussing what next.
She leant over the table and said, ’I challenge us to do a TEDx talk.’ I distinctly remember looking at her as if she was hallucinating.
Two years later, at the end of another business course, we were given a remarkable opportunity— to do a talk in front of Jon Yeo, the TEDx Melbourne convenor. I had a story to tell —we all do.
Recalling the challenge I wrote it, practised like mad, and, without expectation, nervously delivered it.
Just over five years ago, I stood on the TEDx stage and delivered Tell Your Story, Save a Life to a standing ovation. The experience lives large.
Jon is an exacting coach. I’m a willing student. I absorbed everything he told me about building anticipation, impacts, poise, pauses and delivering an idea worth sharing.
I’d do it differently today—but remain forever grateful for the challenge and the opportunity, to Jon, and to me —that early speaker. She taught me it was possible.
I’ve practised the craft and learned what works, what doesn’t; the power of story; what moves people; the cadence of a good talk; the minutae of language; the details of truth; the patience of endless practise until you’re so bored you can play.
Everything that’s Inside A Big Talk (a keynote, a TEDx talk, or a major presentation) I’d be delighted to share with you. Just give me a call and let’s see how I can help.
Delivering a powerful presentation
How will you fare when you are asked to do a presentation?
A young man working in a large professional services organisation was asked to do a presentation to his peers on a technical aspect of new legislation affecting superannuation.
Most of his audience would be senior in age and position. Although he was considered expert in the area, he was daunted by it.
I couldn’t pretend to comprehend the convolutions of this small but impactful change, but recognised it had consequences.
Where there are consequences there are always stories that involve a result, ramification, or repercussion.
Here’s how story works in a presentation
A wide body of scientifically validated research shows that stories release neurochemicals in our brains. One focuses attention, the other, if the story is emotionally charged and character driven will invoke trust and a willingness to co-operate. That’s how we learn.
To engage his audience’s attention and persuade them of his knowledge, he needed to tell stories.
Even the most obscure, legal minefield, houses stories. It wasn’t hard to find them. A personal story on how he had become so knowledgeable was a good start. Stories of how it had impacted a peer and a client, a logical follow up.
Telling these contextualised stories helped him to reflect his expertise in his presentation with confidence.
If you want to deliver a powerful presentation that your audience remembers, I’d love to help you. Give me a call.
When you have to do a professional presentation
Inside a professional presentation
A young man working in a large professional services organisation was asked to do a presentation to his peers on a technical aspect of new legislation affecting superannuation.
Most of his audience would be senior in age and position. Although he was considered expert in the area, he was daunted by it.
I couldn’t pretend to comprehend the convolutions of this small but impactful change, but recognised it had consequences.
Where there are consequences there are always stories that involve a result, ramification, or repercussion.
Here’s the thing about story in a professional presentation.
A wide body of scientifically validated research shows that stories release neurochemicals in our brains. One focuses attention, the other, if the story is emotionally charged and character driven will invoke trust and a willingness to co-operate. That’s how we learn.
To engage his audience’s attention and persuade them of his knowledge, he needed to tell stories.
Even the most obscure, legal minefield, houses stories. It wasn’t hard to find them. A personal story on how he had become so knowledgeable was a good start. Stories of how it had impacted a peer and a client, a logical follow up.
Telling these contextualised stories helped him to reflect his expertise with confidence.
Sandy McDonald
Sandy McDonald