by Rob Cottingham | Feb 14, 2019 | LCWRC, Podcast, Speaking, Speechwriting
You’ve probably always been told to project confidence and certainty when you’re speaking from the stage. But if you want to truly connect with your audience, a little vulnerability in your speech can go a long way. Links: Probably the best-known... 
by Rob Cottingham | Feb 12, 2019 | LCWRC, Podcast, Speaking, Speechwriting
We’ve talked about your speech’s one big story, the narrative arc. But running in tandem with it is something at least as important to your audience: the emotional arc. Music: “Upbeat” by Jon Luc Hefferman, used under a Creative Commons... 
by Rob Cottingham | Feb 7, 2019 | LCWRC, Podcast, Speaking, Speechwriting
There are almost as many ways to approach writing a speech as there are speeches. But each one boils down to a story — one where the audience can identify with the protagonist, and that pulls them forward to the conclusion. Here’s how to make your speech’s... 
by Rob Cottingham | Feb 5, 2019 | LCWRC, Podcast, Speaking, Speechwriting
Before you can move an audience to where you’d like them to be, you need to know them. And that means a lot more than a head count. Here’s what to look for, and where to find it — so you know exactly how to reach and move them. Music: “Upbeat”... 
by Rob Cottingham | Feb 5, 2019 | LCWRC, Podcast, Speaking, Speechwriting
The first thing you need to know before you start crafting a speech is this: what’s your goal? What do you want your audience to think, feel and do at the end of your speech? Everything else follows from that. Links: One of my favourite speechwriting books: Dr.... 
by Rob Cottingham | Dec 18, 2018 | Speaking, Speechwriting
You probably have the same instinct I do when you’re speaking to an audience. You want to make them feel at ease. Happy. Comfortable. That’s understandable. The most immediate sign that a speech is working is audience approval: nods, applause, even cheering. And we’re...
