2-Minute Tip: Be Thankful

  As we begin Thanksgiving week here in the US, it's a good time to think about being thankful as speakers. And not just to the universe or deity(ies) of your choice. While speaki9ng may seem like a solitary activity where we are on stage or at the front of a conference room by ourselves, there are a lot of other people involved in our talks, including:  

• SMEs
• Editors
• Event/Meeting Organizers
• AV folks
• Event Hosts
• Family and Friends we inflict our practice upon
• Our Audience

    Take a moment before, during, or after your talk to thank the folks who contributed.  

Post Tip Discussion: Structure Your Talk

  Have you ever sat through a talk that just seemed to ramble on? It probably lacked structure. The structure of a talk is basically an intelligent outline. Start by defining your goal or Call To Action. Then identify the points or topics that support that goal. Then identify the points, evidence, and stories that support those main points.   There are 8 main reasons why structure matters:  

1. Structure makes it easier to build and review your content.
2. Structure makes it easier to balance your.
3. Structure makes it easier to find irrelevant content.
4. Structure makes it easier to judge timing.
5. Structure makes it easier to punt material.
6. Structure makes it easier to retain material.
7. Structure makes it easier for the audience to follow the talk.
8. Structure makes it easier to take action.

 

Call To Action:

 

• Develop the structure of each talk you give.
• Share your comments and thoughts on presentation structure below.
• Do you have a question about public speaking? Leave a voicemail at (650) TALK-TIP (650-825-5847).
• Share this episode with a friend, colleague, or relative and help them subscribe in their favorite podcast app.
• Don't get best...get better.