Edition # 15

In this edition: 3 things we can do to become TED-like speakers | Tip of the week: Don't write it down | Resource of the week: 3 best books on public speaking

Hey Reader

“Presentation literacy” isn’t an option anymore, according to TED Talks curator Chris Anderson.

TED Talks are viewed and listened to over 3 billion times every year.

No wonder this event is the benchmark against which all speaking is measured!

Even in our daily work lives, there are so many ways in which we need to be effective speakers.

Whether it is to address your department or present your annual report to stake holders - it is the gravitas that we bring on stage that plays the most important role.

But how do we become a little bit more like TED speakers when we speak on stage?

In today's newsletter, I will talk about 3 simple yet effective secrets that you can borrow from the TED stage to become a confident and engaging.

Tip #1: Hook the audience

With the ever shrinking attention spans, think of the first 3 seconds as your window to pull the audience in.

Just 3 seconds! (This is not research backed but makes sense!)

Try this: Instead of a predictable greeting, why not start right in the middle of a story.

For example: My 3 yo son does this every day and it is interesting because.... (and then relate it back to the topic at hand)

Or try this: Dive straight into a question - the more intriguing the better!

So the next time you need to speak in a meeting or address an audience, think about how you can break predictable patterns of presenting.

Tip #2: Keep it simple

Even though TED Talks are delivered by experts who have advanced degrees in their field, they are simple enough for anyone to understand.

The number of views annually is a proof of that.

The corporate world is already mired in jargon. Do you want to spout some more of that?

Keep it simple!

Don't say "strategic challenges in the upcoming pipeline". Just say "problems in the sales process"

If you read my last newsletter, I recommended the book Smart Brevity.

It's a great resource on understanding how verbose we are and how to cut it down.

Tip #3: Connect with the audience

This means prioritising empathy over content. Engage emotionally instead of launching straight into numbers.

For example, using words like "you" and "us" makes it more personal.

You can bring it right into the hook from Tip #1 - Did you know that most of us are presenting the wrong way all our lives?

And you've got your audience hooked.

To sum up:

Tip #1: Hook the audience

Tip #2: Keep it simple

Tip #3: Connect with the audience

SUPER TIP OF THE WEEK

Don't write it down!

I've been listening to a community of entrepreneurs work on their elevator pitches.

And most of them have written it down - making it doubly hard to present it as a conversation.

Writing for the ear is an important skill that takes practice.

Once we write things down we tend to read, which botches up our delivery.

Try this instead: Make a list of pointers. Practice the unwritten parts impromptu to get a hang of how it'll all pan out.

When you've practised it enough times, you'll know what to say even without a script.

The bonus: You'll never get stuck for the next line in your script. You will be super clear about your structure through the points you've made.

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Since we are talking about public speaking, I'd like to share 3 books that are life-long text books to own.

I have mentioned some of these before but repetition and reminders never hurt anyone!

1. TED Talks by Chris Anderson

2. Talk like TED by Carmine Gallo

3. Confessions of a public speaker by Scot Berkun

Here is a video that talks more about each book - watch here

SNEAK PEAK INTO NEXT WEEK

What would you like me to write about next week? Hit reply and send in your suggestions. I want to create content around what YOU find the most valuable!

YOUR TURN...

Do you have any other suggestions or comments? Or even questions? Again, hit reply and talk to me!

Cheers

Suman

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Whenever you are ready:

​How to write an effective elevator pitch: Do you struggle to make a great first impression? How would you like a one-line template that'll help you introduce yourself - confidently and memorably every single time? Just 2o minutes can help you plan and write your elevator pitch!

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