20 Dec The Phony Speaker
Audiences can tell if you are trying to be something you’re not. Personally, I’m turned off by motivational speakers. They seem phony. Their gestures are often exaggerated. I’m not sure what they really believe. Because their delivery sounds canned and rote, it’s obvious this talk is a repeat.
To be a persuasive speaker, engage with the audience by allowing moments of insight and inspiration to emerge. Be present. Strive to come across as connected to your topic and the audience, as opposed to reciting, memorizing or reading your material. Take active steps to break the “fourth wall,” the imagined barrier between the speaker and the audience. You can do this by crossing downstage (moving at an angle toward the audience), asking a question, or interacting with audience members.
Women often tell me they feel inadequate because motivational speakers sound polished. So I ask them, “Did that speaker move you? Did he tailor his talk to you? Was the speaker genuine?” If the answer to any of these questions is “No,” then don’t waste your time trying to emulate that individual.
“The Phony Speaker” is an excerpt from my new book, Out Front: How Women Can Become Engaging, Memorable and Fearless Speakers. You can pre-order your copy of Out Front here.
No Comments