How Speech Spelunking Leads To Clarity

If you are an entrepreneur, professional or innovator, you live in the deep waters of your work, your ideas, vision and details. When someone asks, “what do you do?” – you may find yourself at a loss for words.

Add an audience – whether it’s a job interview, investors, or a potential client considering your company for their project, and your tongue tie gets more tangled.

A common question: How do I tell my business story?

This is where Speech Spelunking skills help. The two photos below are examples of my inquiry process with clients. If you are preparing a public presentation: from a report to your board to a keynote address, this is the place to start formulating your presentation.
TALK TIP
You’ll find this full inquiry system in my book, How To Make A Speech in Chapter 1: Discover Your Message. An “in-person session” with clients includes a white board, colored pens, and a guided inquiry that results in a visual map, clarity of ideas and a bird’s eye view of the presentation content. Most clients say, “now I know where to start and where I’m going.”

    Here’s 3 of 7 key questions to consider.

Key Question 1 – Who is listening?

  • You are giving this presentation because you believe your message has value for your listeners.
  • You want them to see the value.
  • Ask yourself: Why do they care about this topic? How will it help or benefit them?

Key Question 2 – What is your core idea or message?

  • Your core message unifies your speech from beginning to end.
  • What is the one essential idea or message you wish to impart to your audience?

Key Question 3 – What do you want your audience to feel?

  • Are you wanting to impart assurance and confidence to your team?
  • To heed your call to action, does your audience need to feel inspired and excited?

By capturing the emotional tone you wish to express, you’ll be more likely to motivate your audience to act on your call to action and for your presentation to be distinctive and unforgettable.