So often we seem to forget that there’s more to public speaking than mechanics. I agree that it is useful to remove um’s and ah’s, to use expressive gestures, and to use variety in your voice. But, if you master the mechanics, will your speech be successful?
No. Not purely because of mechanics.
Yet another insightful post from Seth Godin on what it takes to be successful. Yet again it applies just as well to public speaking. Here’s the hierarchy:
- Attitude
- Approach
- Goals
- Strategy
- Tactics
- Execution
When you create your next speech, start with 1,2, and 3. Write down your goals, approach, and attitude. Refer to your answers while practicing your speech. Hand them to your evaluator and have them compare your speech with your goals. Share your approach. Exhude your attitude in your delivery.
No doubt execution, tactics, and strategy are important, but they do not make a speech. They polish it.
Make your next speech successful!
Posted under Public Speaking
This post was written by john on September 14, 2009
