Page 247 - Duct Tape Marketing

Duct Tape Marketing

your information, then don’t hold back; let people be attracted to that
passion. If, however, your position requires you to present informa-
tion that may be useful, but doesn’t exactly capture your imagination,
then your job is to inject something you are passionate about into
your presentation. Let’s say you are talking about network security,
but what you really love is World of Warcraft, music, or baseball. I
believe you will be a much more compelling speaker when you find a
way to weave topics you are passionate about into your presentations.

Become a TEDhead. If you’re not familiar with TED (www.ted
.com/), then I am thrilled to be the one to introduce it to you. TED
is a small nonprofit devoted to “ideas worth spreading.” It started out
(in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds:
technology, entertainment, and design. It has grown to be a worldwide
phenomenon and one of the best places for you to learn how to be a
better speaker.

TED speakers are chosen because they are fascinating and have
passion for a big idea. The format challenges them to present that
idea within 18 minutes, and most use very little in the way of slides
or media. Every TED talk is recorded and housed on the site. Make
this your classroom and you will have access to a tremendous col-
lection of speakers that will inspire you and teach you how to a be
better speaker. Watch everything they do. (Start with Dan Pink on
the surprising science of motivation at www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/
dan_pink_on_motivation.html.)

Shoot your free throws. Legend has it that Larry Bird, the great
NBA star, shot a hundred free throws every day, even after he became
a superstar. He also led the league in successful free throw shooting
year after year. In order to be a better speaker, you’ve got to practice.
You may choose to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror, going
over your presentation, but I suggest you get in some pickup games
pretty quickly too.

Hunt down a Toastmasters chapter in your area, and start forcing

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