Do I rewrite a speech every time? “No, but I do relive the speech every time”.
I am often asked, “Do you rewrite and develop a new speech every time you do a presentation?” Well, the answer is clearly no, as I would be spending my entire business writing. But, I do relive and revive the speech every time.
What I mean is, that I deliver it as if it’s the first time, every time. I do this because each audience is different from the last. With a different audience every time, you have a new speech every time. What one group laughs at, another might cry at. What one audience finds as the most important point, the next audience may have known that point.
Tip 1: Take the stage as if it’s the first time delivering that speech.
I will tweak though. The message may be the same, but the story I include might be different. If you speak to an audience of 50 accountants, they will want a story they can relate to. Compared to an audience of 100 who might be looking for a story to entertain them.
Tip 2: Prepare, ahead of time.
How do I keep the delivery fresh? I get to know the audience before I deliver the speech. I often go to the conference early to meet a couple of the attendees, or I listen to the speaker before me, so that I can pull on something they mentioned. I will also read up on their company or needs and include something interesting, which makes your audience think that this message is directly for them.
Tip 3: Be authentic, bring the characters and dialogue to life.
Most importantly, I tell the story or speech from a place of authenticity. It is so important to be authentic. You must tell the story that is true to your heart, adding dialogue and characters that you have connected with. These characters and connections are what brings the story or message alive. When I share my mom’s line, or words, it reminds me exactly of the day I was standing with her when she said it. It helps bring the story to life all over again.
Tip 4: Deliver the message for your audience. Connect with them in some way, change a thought, an idea, or a way so that your audience can be their best at whatever they do.
And finally, when reliving and reviving your presentation, try saying this before going on the stage, “This is the time to forget about myself, remember my message and touch my audience”. This message is not about you, it’s about your audience. Take time to deliver the message for your audience, to every person. This is for them, not for you. It really doesn’t matter how many times you deliver the same message, that particular audience is hearing it for the first time. They deserve your best.
Do I rewrite? No, I relive and revive my presentations. How do you bring the life back into your powerful presentations?