To understand how persuasive content is made and what presentation skills are required in order to give a speech that’s effective, it helps to be curious. You will find books that teach you how to present and write speeches in libraries. There are books about tennis and golf in libraries. The truth is that theory does not tell the whole story of how to speak effectively.
Scott Berkun’s new book, The confessions of a public speakerThe inside story of one man’s experience speaking to people around the globe about innovation is told in. You won’t find such an open and honest review of life as a professional speaker outside of a late-night conversation at the bar at a National Speakers Association Convention.
Account opening for the first person
Berkun shares his story and what it took to be a captivating public speaker. The bulk of his first-person story is a collection of stories about daily life and the income he makes. He also shares the embarrassing moments of missing important talks and the frustration of not being there on time. You will find his stories interesting, instructive, and entertaining if that’s what you want. The book was enjoyable for me personally.
Berkun’s stories resonate. In the same way, Berkun’s stories can be instructive for speakers who are willing to take risks and tell personal stories during their talks. This allows them to use their own material in order inform and connect with audiences.
Valuable lessons
Berkun tells us about his early morning journeys from Starbucks at the airport to backstage, where presenters eat doughnuts before taking to the stage. His difficulties with equipment and the difficulty of speaking English to his audience are things we sympathize. What do we also learn?
- How to handle 45 people who show up at a auditorium with 2,000 seats. Ask them to group in the front row.
- Here are some ways to handle persistent hecklers. These people should be addressed and moved on.
- What to do if you are afraid of speaking. Find a way that you can enjoy being on stage.
- How to stop a wardrobe failure. (“Remove all nipple piercings.”)
Berkun’s humor is unique, as this last example shows. You will learn things about being a public speaker, whether you love him or not.
Good advice
Berkun is sound in his basic advice. It is founded on only a few principles.
- Practice makes perfect.
- Prioritize the needs of others before yours.
- Be there early and finish your conversation early.
- Learning from past mistakes is key.
- Do not be seduced into believing that style is more important than substance. “It is possible to become an eloquent speaker, who makes beautiful slides and has a great vocabulary and perfect diction, without having much to say.”
Berkun is a man who is passionate about helping others. He is a champion for his audience and does not settle for the average corporate speech.
Be authentic and persuasive
Berkun expects speakers to sound authentic. Executives who spend too much time prepping a speech can offend Berkun. They also waste hundreds of hours on the audience’s time. He encourages us to set higher goals: Instead of presenting bad slides or boring detail, spend time on the content and practice the delivery so that the speaker can communicate his message clearly and with confidence.
He says that most speakers these days can record themselves practicing, but he laments that not many people have the technology. “it’s just too scary for them to watch.”Berkun agrees. “If you’re too scared to watch yourself speak, how can you expect your audience to watch you?”
Berkun encourages speakers to share compelling stories and arouse curiosity. It is powerful to get the audience involved, even if it’s just a simple handshake asking whether the pace is too fast or slow. He says that speakers should give simple insights rather than hiding behind abstract facts or abstract knowledge.
The confessions of a public speakerPresenters and those who assist executives giving presentations have a wealth of inspiration to help improve the presentation’s content and delivery.