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All too often speakers assume that since the audience is looking at them, that they are emotionally and intellectually engaged, interested and journeying with the speaker. Making assumptions may result in audiences asking themselves:
How can I remember your message if you don’t:
- ANCHOR your message in either one of 4 A's?… an anecdote (story), an acronym (i.e. T.E.A. which could represent Tenacity, Enthusiasm, Attitude), an analogy (comparing one thing to another i.e.tornadic disruption to my life), or an activity (which mentally and physically engages us). In a longer speech, a variety of anchors keep the audience mentally engaged as the speaker uses variety in methodology) Try to avoid: story/point, story/point, story/point or even worse: lecture. lecture, lecture...talking AT them!
How can I learn and hear my own inner voice if you don’t:
- AFFECT our thoughts and feelings by touching base with us at times during the speech? You can ask us questions and pause, so we can reflect, then connect and you affect. Doing this involves us mentally and emotionally as we can relate the thought to our own lives. Rather than sounding 'preachy' by saying: “We all experience pressure/frustration/anger etc when…” or “The best way to overcome…is to…”
Instead of telling them, ask them:
“Why do we sometimes feel pressure/frustration/anger etc when…..?” or
“What kind of feeling or emotion do you feel when…?” or
“What have you done in the past to overcome…?”or
"Who is someone you recall that....?"
How can I follow up and commit to a call to action if you don’t:
- ACQUAINT us with a tangible, doable technique to accelerate our understanding of your message. So often, speakers are great in telling listeners why they should do something but neglect to provide them with a technique or example on how to do it with examples.
ie If you're promoting more positivity in lives, suggest they avoid negative people, negative thoughts that lead to negative language.
or If you're promoting more joy in lives, suggest they write down their thoughts of a perfect day.
Trying these 3 simple A tips will ensure that your listeners are with you throughout and that your message is being understood, remembered and acted upon.
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