We filmed these videos before and after coaching each speaker.
Their subject matter is diverse: from an internal business update to a heartfelt eulogy. But the similarities are stark. At the heart of each is clearer, punchier and more relevant content. This enables each speaker to deliver with better pace, more confidence and greater impact.
Video: Business Speech
Video: Client Briefing
Video: Eulogy
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A few observations on these videos
These clips were not intended to demonstrate the perfect speech. They simply show how easy it is to transform your impact by adhering to some simple principles. As ever, we worked on two key areas in conjunction:
CONTENT
Whether it is a business presentation or a best man speech, speakers often fall into the trap of trying to say too much. This lends itself to detailed, impersonal content. We suggest writing down all your thoughts as ‘notes’ and then stepping away to ask some vital questions. What will your audience really want to hear? What do they already know? What will make them laugh? What’s likely to be the mood in the room when you start? What do you want it to be when you finish? Is there a theme you can use to draw these together in a memorable, engaging way?
That creates your brief. It’s now possible to look back at your original set of notes and begin to judge where they will actually add value, and how they will best work in conjunction. The aim is to be crisp, original and relevant. In each of these videos, there is a clear switch towards these.
DELIVERY
Unless your content works, it is hard to believe in it. Without that confidence, compelling delivery is next to impossible. That’s why we always suggest starting with content. Writing it in a punchy, effective way will make it sound more impactful. There are, of course, a number of ways to get the most out of it. Watch how each speaker looks up ‘after’ their coaching session. Eye contact is vital. They also smile now and then – humanising their delivery! In every case they also speak slower, emphasizing key words. They are still reading their text (which was only re-written minutes beforehand!), but the slower pace enables them to glance at the next soundbite before delivering it to the audience.
We will write specific pieces on lessons to learn from each of these videos. But the overall lesson is clear: think first about the audience; make what you say relevant, and then deliver it slowly and with real meaning. Simple!
For further commentary on these videos take a look at our blog piece.
