A group of 25 emerging leaders on the evening of Tuesday, October 27th in the discussion of this question.
Communication
Making a connection: Most great speeches are characterized by a moment when the speaker demonstrates a real ability to connect with the audience. This is best done through an honest observation or genuine call to action – but keep it real, people can tell when they are being sold.
Physical stance: Before a speaker even opens his mouth, the audience is reacting to his/her stance. Is it open or closed? Relaxed or uptight? When speaking, most people tend to go to one extreme or another, coming off as too passive or aggressive. Keeping your hands open and moving in the waist region conveys an “openness” that will make the audience more receptive to your message.
Structural frameworks: A successful speech must contain a “so what?” There are several structural frameworks that can introduce the main message. There is the direct approach – problem/solution/action – which is appropriate when an expert is making a recommendation. An alternate approach often used when speaking to a broad audience is fact/care/do, which can be useful in making implications personal to a group of people.
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