HOW TO BE A BETTER SPEAKER (May 22, 2018)

International Speaker, Business Author and Innovation Strategist Douglas Kruger shared some insights into being a better speaker at the recent Global Speakers Summit in Auckland.

“We don’t naturally think in numbers,” Mr Kruger told the audience – a fact that may come as a mild shock to some Interface Financial newsletter readers. “We think in stories.”

Research backs up Mr Kruger’s assertion. Numerous studies show that stories are easy to remember, they enable vicarious learning and they build a connection with the audience. But not just any story will do.

Firstly, make sure that your story makes an important point in the message you’re trying to communicate, then make them the hero.

“You also want to make the audience the hero of the story, and it’s them you want to take on a journey.”

By that, Mr Kruger means address the audience directly with lines like, “Imagine yourself…” or “You are standing at the top of Mount Everest, and below you everything is covered in water…”

He says a good speaker also wants to engage the audience at a visceral level with strong visual images.

“Paint the dream, or the nightmare.”

For example, “Imagine you are seated in the warm caramel leather of a Mercedes Benz S Class, before you lies a landscape of snow and stone for as far as the eye can see…”

Finally, use a healthy dose of humour.

Research shows that humour cause a chemical reaction in the body, and is shown to reduce stress, boost your immune system and think creatively. In essence, humour breaks down barriers and is a shortcut to connecting with your audience.

Everyone one can be funny. Depreciation or humour formulas – Google them – such as the Rule of Three can help. For example, Woody Allen uses the Rule of Three here: “…By love, of course, I refer to romantic love – the love between man and woman, or a boy and his dog, or two head waiters”.

And there you have it. Make your audience the hero of the story, paint pictures and make them laugh.