You’ll find out what I’ve learned over three decades of speechwriting, speaking and communications strategy. And you’ll meet some guests with their own wisdom to share on reaching audiences with powerful messages.
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Ep. 9. Suspense!
One of the most effective ways a speech can hold an audience’s attention is suspense. And withholding a little information can whet their appetite for the answer to the question, “What happens next?”
Ep. 8: Consider all of your audiences
The folks in the room are just one of the audiences your speech is going to reach. Here’s how to think through who else may be listening in… and how you’ll account for them when you’re writing your speech.
Ep. 7. Use plain language… but not just plain language
Plain language can make your speech a lot clearer. But there are times when speechwriters and speakers want to reach for the more complex words… and even use (gasp!) jargon.
Ep. 6. Defend your narrative arc
Between “helpful” suggestions from others and your own creativity, it often isn’t easy keeping a speech on topic and on track. Here are some tools for sticking to the path.
Ep. 5. Get vulnerable
Confidence isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. If you want to truly connect with your audience, a little vulnerability in your speech can go a long way.
Ep. 4. Plot Your Emotional Arc
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.
Ep. 3. Tell one big story… with your audience as the hero.
No matter how you write your speech, it boils down to a story where the audience can identify with the protagonist — one that pulls them forward to the conclusion. Here’s how to make your speech’s story powerful and compelling.
Ep. 2. Know your audience
Before you can move an audience to where you’d like them to be, you need to know them. Here’s what to look for, and where to find it — so you know exactly how to reach and move them.
Ep. 1: Know what you want to accomplish
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?