7 critical steps for powerful speaking

Carol Merlo M.Ed.

The First Seven Seconds

Seven seconds is the average length of time you have to make a first impression.

If your first impression is not good you won' t get another good chance with that person.

It takes 5 positive encounters to cancel out 1 negative encounter.

Starting your Talk

Be introduced whenever possible

Use Attention Grabbers Establish Audience

Rapport Create a Transition into

your main topic

What Should the Host Do? Welcome everyone and create

excitement Give a brief bio

List the speaker's outstanding qualifications related to his/her topic.

Generate applause and state the speaker’s name Please give a warm welcome to…Never Leave

the Lectern Unattended

Outline of an Effective Opportunity Talk

1. Get their attention2. State the problem3. Present the solution4. Get them to visualize it5. Create Social Proof6. Ask for commitment7. Give them a handout

1. Attention Grabbers A story Startling fact Quotation Dramatic gesture Rhetorical question Joke Reference to a current event

Keep their Attention

Use Vocal Variety Walk around Ask questions of the audience to create

interaction Use a fill in the blanks handout.

2. State the ProblemSo they Feel that Something Needs to be Done

3. Present the SolutionThis is what to do to satisfy the need.

*Drink and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating

4. Get Them to Visualize“I can see myself enjoying doing this!”

Just 1 Packet just 2 times per

day!

5. Create Social ProofCompliant Testimonials

Have people give ‘one-liners’ I feel great! I made National Director I lost x inches Have everyone say ‘Thank you Mannatech!’

PLEASE BE SURE TO TRAIN EVERYONE AHEAD OF TIMEMore details can be found in the ‘What Can I Say’ document online.

6. Ask for a Commitment

•How many people are more interested in the products?

•How many people are more interested in the income potential and business opportunity?

•How many people won’t raise their hand, no matter what I say?

7. Give them a Handout or an Application

Only give the handout beforehand if they are going to use it for notes.

Keys to Success

Memorize your first and last sentences

Practice in the mirror Get yourself into ‘state’ Focus on one person in each

area of the room so it looks like you are looking at each person in the room.

How to Improve

Toastmasters, International Dale Carnegie Course Volunteer to speak at local

meetings Do presentations at

bookstores and health food stores.

Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Poorly---At First!