477: Why Everything You Know About Public Speaking Is Wrong—And What You Should Be Doing Instead
Aug 26, 2024
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In this engaging conversation, communication experts Deborah Shames and David Booth, co-founders of Eloqui, share their insights on public speaking. They emphasize the importance of audience-centric storytelling using the OSB framework to create memorable narratives. The duo discusses the power of dramatic tension and vivid imagery in presentations to captivate audiences. Listeners will discover actionable tips for authentic communication, commanding attention in meetings, and overcoming stage fright while connecting genuinely with their audience.
Effective communication hinges on prioritizing client needs over personal promotion, creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances pitch success.
Storytelling using the OSB template engages audiences and illustrates solutions effectively, making presentations memorable and relevant to their experiences.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding Client Needs
A significant aspect of effective selling involves prioritizing the needs of the client over self-promotion. Instead of beginning a pitch with personal or company history, it is crucial to engage the client by addressing their pain points immediately. The focus should be to demonstrate how your services can alleviate their specific challenges. By initiating a dialogue centered on the client's needs, the pitch creates a collaborative atmosphere, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Utilizing Storytelling in Pitches
Incorporating storytelling into presentations is an effective method for engaging clients and illustrating solutions. The OSB (Obstacle, Solution, Benefit) template guides this process, where the storyteller presents an obstacle faced by a previous client, the solution implemented, and the benefits achieved. This technique not only captivates the audience but also helps them relate better as stories are easier to remember and connect with. Moreover, it's vital to keep stories concise and tailored to the client’s situation to maintain interest and relevance.
The Role of Personal Authenticity
Authenticity plays a crucial role in communication, especially during pitches and presentations. Being genuine and allowing personal traits to shine through creates a connection with the audience, making them more likely to trust the speaker. Sharing personal anecdotes or insights can add depth to the message and engage listeners effectively. It’s important, however, to balance authenticity with professionalism, as overly polished or rehearsed presentations may come off as insincere.
Strategies to Overcome Stage Fright
Stage fright is a common challenge faced by many speakers, but it can be managed by embracing the nerves and reframing them as excitement. Preparation is key, and understanding that everyone experiences some level of anxiety can help ease the pressure. Practicing in lower-stakes environments and focusing on clear intentions can build confidence and create a more engaging presentation. Additionally, feedback and support from coaches and peers can provide valuable insights for improving presentation skills.
Welcome to Strategy Skills episode 477, an interview with Hollywood insiders and the authors of Briefly Speaking, Deborah Shames and David Booth.
In this episode, we discuss effective communication and presentation strategies for individuals and business professionals. With their extensive experience coaching executives, celebrities, and leaders, Deborah and David share invaluable insights about different topics including the power of storytelling in business communication using the OSB (Obstacle-Solution-Benefit) template, practical tips for leaders to command attention in meetings and presentations, how to showcase your unique attributes and differentiators, how to present yourself authentically, and how you can engage audiences through visual language, novelty, and genuine enthusiasm.
This episode offers actionable advice to help you connect with audiences, win pitches, and advance your career through more impactful speaking and presenting.
Deborah and David are co-founders of Eloqui, a business communication and presentation training firm based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They have translated performance techniques from the entertainment industry for the business professional. Eloqui training utilizes the latest research from neuroscience on how to be memorable. They also draw upon impression management from the field of psychology.