I Write (and rewrite) Speeches and Presentations for Company Leaders and Thought Leaders, Employees Who Want to Rise up, and I Coach on Performance.
Here is #2 of what's missing in most of them and why I step in to help
Poor Direction: Say What?
I want to talk to you about the importance of having clear direction in your speech or presentation.
Have you ever been in a situation where you listened to a speaker or watched a presentation, but you couldn't quite understand what their message was?
Or perhaps you've given a presentation yourself and received confused looks from your audience? The reason for this confusion is often poor direction.
When you give a speech or presentation, it's essential to have a clear direction in mind.
This means knowing what your main message is, what points you want to make, and how you will support them.
Without clear direction, you risk losing your audience's attention, leaving them unsure of what you're trying to say, and ultimately failing to achieve your goal.
So, what are some of the benefits of having clear direction?
Firstly, it ensures that you're communicating effectively with your audience. When you know where you're going, it's easier to take your audience on the journey with you.
You can use clear, concise language, and your supporting points will make sense in context, rather than seeming random or confusing.
Secondly, clear direction can make your speech or presentation more memorable.
When you have a well-defined message, your audience is more likely to remember it. This can be especially important when you're trying to convey an important point or persuade your audience to take action.
Thirdly, having clear direction can boost your confidence as a speaker.
When you know exactly what you're trying to achieve, you can focus on delivering your message with conviction and enthusiasm. This, in turn, will help to build your credibility and authority in the eyes of your audience.
There are many great talks that demonstrate clear direction and effective communication. Here are a few examples:
"The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown - In this talk, Brown clearly communicates her message about the importance of vulnerability in human connections. She uses personal stories and research to support her points and keeps her audience engaged throughout.
"The Puzzle of Motivation" by Dan Pink - Pink has a clear message about what motivates people and he uses research to support his points. He also gives clear examples and practical tips for applying his ideas in the workplace.
"Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy - Cuddy's talk has a clear direction focused on the connection between body language and confidence. She uses personal anecdotes and scientific research to support her message, and provides practical tips for the audience to apply in their own lives.
"The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - Adichie has a clear message about the power of storytelling and the importance of recognizing and embracing diverse perspectives. She uses personal anecdotes and examples to support her message, and encourages the audience to challenge their own assumptions.
"How Great Leaders Inspire Action" by Simon Sinek - Sinek's talk has a clear direction focused on the importance of starting with "why" in leadership and communication. He uses examples and analogies to illustrate his points and provides a simple yet powerful framework for the audience to apply in their own lives.
These are just a few examples of great talks that have clear direction and effective communication. I encourage you to check them out and learn from some of the best speakers in the world!
Remember, having clear direction is vital for anyone who wants to give an effective speech or presentation.
It helps you communicate more effectively, makes your message more memorable, and boosts your confidence as a speaker.
So, the next time you're preparing a presentation or speech, take the time to think carefully about your direction. Trust me, your audience will thank you for it.
Feel free to reach out if you want to learn more about how you can make your next speech or presentation your best one yet.