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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The world is in trouble.

From climate change to rampant political conflict, ongoing discrimination and much, much more… the world is in dire need.

Luckily, many people are committed to creating a better planet. Increasing numbers are waking up, with greater awareness, a deep calling, and tools to create change.

If you’re reading this, you are one of these precious beings committed to the transformation of the planet.

Likely, you are also devoted to your own profound, ongoing growth and awakening… and to making positive contributions to your community and the world around you.

And yet, how you use your voice matters. If we speak unskillfully, or from a place of reactivity rather than resourcefulness, we may antagonize instead of inspire.

This guide presents a clear path for how to use your voice as a vehicle for transformation… and to craft talks that change lives.

Crafting talks is frequently anything but transformational: writing and rehearsing your words can make them feel contrived (especially if you have an agenda), and speaking on video where you can’t see your audience often feels awkward. Yet any talk can be used to create change.

Transformational talks can take many forms, including…

» A signature talk, where you share your wisdom to attract clients

» Inspirational speeches, such as a keynote or a TEDx talk

» Conference presentations

… and more. These principles can be applied anytime you speak to groups - and, in fact, to your daily life as well.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

– Harriet Tubman

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WHAT THIS GUIDE COVERS

While speaking may seem simple, there’s a lot to learn to craft great talks, which I teach in intricate detail in my courses and intensives. To get you started, this guide is full of tips and insights that will support any kind of speaking you do.

The core focus here, though, is what it takes to give a talk that’s transformational.

To do so, we’ll want to…

… introduce core concepts…

… debunk some common beliefs and ideas about speaking…

… and reframe what it means to do a talk, providing a deeper perspective on how to make your own speaking more transformational.

» A brief word about me (and why I care so deeply about transformative speaking)

» Transformation, your role and your voice

» The 4 components of speaking transformationally

» 3 common “traps” that stop transformation

» The absolute essentials for powerful talks

» Tips to get you started with your talk

» A public speaking self-assessment

» Some resources and paths of support

1 2 3THE ESSENTIALS OF SPEAKING TRANSFORMATIONALLY

CRAFTING A TRANSFORMATIONAL TALK: DO’S AND DON’TS

MOVING FORWARD: YOUR NEXT STEPS

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE:

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By the end, I hope that this guide also helps you see public speaking in a completely different light, with insight into its transformative potential.

And… you can fully step into the role of a transformational speaker. To have the world we’re all waiting for, the world needs your voice.

Take your time, or read it through quickly. Feel free to print it out, and scribble notes as you go. Regardless, I suggest you revisit it more than once to learn more deeply.

A GIFT ECONOMY OFFERING.

This guide is offered from the heart. It’s the culmination of over 30 years’ experience, and my I truly hope it inspires you to bring your voice more to the world.

I give this to you as part of what revolutionary thinker Charles Eisenstein, author of Sacred Economics, calls the “gift economy.” Instead of charging for this, it’s my gift to you, without a hitch.

If you find it helpful, you’re invited to give back - whatever feels good to you. I’ll tell you how to do so toward the end.

Before we dive in, allow me to share just a few words about myself and some things I haven’t shared publicly before, so that you understand both my passion for speaking transformationally… and how I came to write this.

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AN ORIENTATION TO SPEAKING TRANSFORMATIONALLY

WHY I (JONATHAN) WROTE THIS

I’ve had a passion for both speaking and transformation since a young age: when I was 14, I started speaking and performing, and also had a spiritual awakening. At 15, I found I had skills as an intuitive and a healer. As I knew this would sound nuts to most in my conservative Arizona town, I shared it with very few friends.

By the time I was 18, I was an experienced speaker and actor… and, more importantly, I also knew I was here to be of service to the next stage of humanity’s awakening.

The desire for transformation, both inner and outer, has always resided at my core.

I went on to become a professional speaker, actor, director and writer, with graduate degrees in both theater (MFA Theater: Contemporary Performance, Naropa University) and communication (MS in Performance Studies/Speech Communication from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale). I then founded WholeSpeak, LLC in 2006.

Over the years, I’ve coached and trained thousands to become dynamic, authentic and powerful presences, with heartfelt confidence. My clients range from CEOs to healers. My sweet spot is those seeking professional growth, and profound inner transformation, and making a difference in others’ lives.

While I’ve often been known as the “performance and presence” guy, due to my theatre and inner growth orientations, I also love the power of the word. My clients often receive standing ovations for their talks… or, triple their sales, if sharing about their services.

Yet these results would mean nothing if you compromised your authenticity or integrity. Unfortunately, that’s what many speaking formulas do, by suggesting that you use fear-based tactics to manipulate the audience into buying.

There’s another way: you can speak with your heart and soul, and create transformation… and also grow your influence and your work in the world.

If you care about personal and spiritual growth, and want to bring your voice to the world to create change, it’s my honor to share this guide with you.

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TRANSFORMATION, YOUR ROLE... AND YOUR VOICE

Every single person - certainly including you - has a role to play to make the world a better place.

Never believe that one person can’t make a difference. That is the voice of doubt, fear, discouragement. Some call it the voice of the establishment, the patriarchy… the devil… or the devilish inner critic, whose voice we sometimes mistake for our own.

We can serve as a catalyst. Owning our true voice empowers us to inspire… to move others to transform.

In fact… you can be an even more powerful vehicle for transformation.

Something greater than ourselves moves through us all - whether you call it the Divine, Spirit, Love, or the Universe. Which means that this greater consciousness resides in you, as well as in your audience.

When you stay open for this energy to move through you to others, you become a vehicle for transformation.

Transformational speaking occurs through more than words you say.

Words are energy. In fact, all communication is an exchange of energy.

You can in fact speak from Source and with transmission anytime. If you already have the tools to tune in, and speak this wisdom, that’s an excellent start.

I call this sharing of wisdom SoulSpeak.

However, speaking off the cuff is not the same as crafting a transformational talk.

Talks usually have a transformational message, or a call to action - which may involve making a change in their lives, or to see if they’d benefit from your work.

Creating a talk requires both strategy and preparation. However, many speaking formulas overdo it, becoming contrived and overwrought, which throttles the flow of energy-and limits transformative potential. So it must be approached with balance.

Let’s take some time to dive into what delivering a transformational talk requires.

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

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Communication involves far more than the words we say. To create powerful change, we must cultivate four different areas.

Before we dive into how to craft the talk itself - which we’ll explore in great detail - let’s make sure we have a deeper understanding of how to show up transformationally.

Your state of being - also

known as presence.

4 Facets:

Your self-expression. Also known as your voice and body language, these transmit energy through

the body.The art of

connection - which includes speaking as

transmission.

The words you say (in the talk itself ), which

structure, shape and transmit energy so that it can be

understood by the conscious mind.

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THE 4 FACETS OF SPEAKING TRANSFORMATIONALLY

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FACET #1: PRESENCE

True presence, by itself, is transformational.

We know it when we sense it: someone with a palpable energy, possibly a magnetism, who we can’t help but turn toward. It’s often found with leaders, actors, spiritual teachers… and, if you so desire, it’s also your birthright.

Many people think that leadership presence, and presence when speaking or performing, is something you either have or you don’t - which isn’t true. Presence, both when speaking and in leadership, can be grown.

Interestingly, presence is also a quality, or a practice, referenced by various spiritual paths.

Guess what? No matter how you frame it, they are the same: there’s simply presence.

When you transform yourself, and open up your presence - letting Divine Presence flow through you - you become a better vehicle for transformation.

So, if we know its power and potential, why don’t we draw upon it more frequently? And why is it easier to have presence when we’re meditating, rather than with other people?

The main impediment to presence is, well… life! When faced with difficulties, the standard response is to contract. In a state of contraction, we have cut ourselves off from flow - of both our own livingness, and of a greater Presence.

Examples of contractions that occur when speaking to groups… as well as every day:

» Nerves, discomfort and fear. These activate the fight/flight/freeze response, and your body literally contracts and tenses up.

» Old internal programs - such as “not enough,” “don’t know how,” “they’ll judge me.” When one of these is activated, an old program has taken over either consciously or subconsciously.

» Formula, templates, verbiage and behaviors that don’t express your essence. They force your expression into contrived forms that, while recognizable to whomever you’re talking, neither feel good to you nor open others’ hearts.

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» Overwhelm. For many people, speaking in front of large groups creates overwhelm: on the most fundamental level, they simply don’t know how to work with the energy. And, others feel overwhelmed by the world, and by other people, every day.

All of these are quite understandable, and part of the human condition. Or, shall we say, part of our societal conditioning as humans.

Presence may be described an evolutionary step forward into a higher level of being, beyond our reactive animal selves.

Presence goes beyond mindfulness, which renowned psychologist, author and meditation teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn’s defines as “paying attention in a particular way.”

Instead, presence focuses on shifting your actual state of being beyond its conditioning.

In order to become a better transformer of others, you too must be willing to be transformed.

To grow your presence, you must learn to relax and open.

Open to what? To yourself, and whatever you’ve cut off. To the pains of the world.

To situations (and people) where you’d normally tense up.

This may sound abstract. But it’s actually part of what I coach, every day... and is quite easily learned through a series of exercises you practice regularly, to become more and more fully present - to yourself, and to others.

And the benefits may stretch beyond what you may imagine.

Samid was an engineer at Cisco, leading a team, and had to bid internally to get contracts. But no one listened to him in meetings. He felt invisible… and his income was dropping. While we worked on his speaking skills and confidence, enhancing his presence is what changed everything: in his meetings, people simply began to not be able to turn away, and felt his energy. He never had a hard time getting contracts again.

David, a skilled and experienced coach, came to me for confidence and speaking skills. He diligently went through my 10- week online training, Claim Your Voice: Speak with Power and Presence, and found unexpected benefits: he was not only signing up clients far more easily due to their feeling his presence in his discovery sessions… he also found his clients shifting and growing far more rapidly due to the increase of his presence and personal power. David became more transformational.

Transformed people transform people.”

- Richard Rohr

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While increased presence benefits public speaking and your business, presence helps us feel more alive. And it connects us with others.

Ultimately, it’s essential to remember that true presence does not happen in isolation.

Presence is always being present to other people and the world around you… especially when it’s difficult.

And doing so is transformational.

Spiritual teacher and Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, who created Engaged Buddhism, named as one of his 14 precepts, “Do not avoid contact with suffering or close your eyes before suffering.”

Being present to others is intricately woven into how we interact with others, so let’s move onto the second element of speaking transformationally: connection.

In the stillness of your presence, you can then feel the same life deep within every

other human and every other creature. You look beyond the veil of form and separation. This is the realization of

oneness. This is love.

- Eckhart Tolle

Your presence is the most precious gift you can give to another human being.

-Marshall Rosenberg, founder of Nonviolent Communication™

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FACET #2: THE ART OF CONNECTION

Connection, in our everyday lives, gives life meaning.

Connection, when speaking to groups, gives our words meaning.

Both have been an obsession of mine for years, leading to creating 9 steps called The Path to Connection… and also running playful and deep events called Connection Jams.

Connection is also an integral part of speaking transformationally. No matter how skilled you are as a speaker, a lack of connection undermines your ability to change lives.

Most speakers either under-impact or over-impact. We do these in our lives as well.

Under-impacting indicates a lack of full connection with the audience, due to nerves, self-doubt, or not enough expressiveness. We lose the opportunity to inspire or move others… which can negatively affect our work and income. And it usually feels awful, because we know we’re not truly being ourselves.

Over-impacting is when a speaker is so dynamic (read: fast-paced and loud) that she overpowers an audience, leading to their feeling exhausted or overwhelmed. “Motivational speaking” is often perceived to require this Tony Robbins-like style, which deters many from becoming professional speakers. In truth, it’s neither necessary nor effective (unless you’re Tony).

Impacting optimally is based on sensing and acting in the present moment… which can only happen by staying in connection with the audience.

To be a transformational speaker, treat speaking as a conversation.

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While it may seem as if a speaker is the only one communicating, a skilled speaker knows how to receive the audience’s energy, notice what’s needed next, and then direct it back to the audience in an ongoing circuit. They’re in a state of flow.

Speaking transformationally involves speaking as transmission.

The idea of transmission is often misunderstood, with the perception that it’s a one- way flow of energy. However, as with the understanding of connection as a constant flow of giving and receiving, transmission works with the energy of the audience, transforms it, and feeds it back to them on a higher level.

Your energy and state will transmit to an audience. In fact, this already happens: whenever you’re speaking to someone, your energy affects them… but not always optimally.

If someone is not open to your message and your energy, they will close, contract and block the energy. They will not be transformed unless they desire it.

This is actually a good thing! It shows that the flow of energy - this transmission, and any transformation - is always consensual. In fact, not every audience member will be or needs to be touched deeply. It’s unrealistic to expect that every single person in an audience will love your message, or be deeply transformed. And yet, others will have their lives changed.

Several years ago, I created and performed a one-man show, In the Belly of the Whale, on what it means to be Jewish in America today. Judaism is my heritage; I wanted to inquire and lead the (largely Jewish) audience through an entertaining yet provocative process of examining it for themselves.

Over the years in which I performed it, some found it merely interesting. For others, it confirmed their thinking… and, like any work of art, I’m sure some didn’t love it.

And, many were deeply affected: some soon became far more involved in Jewish practice… while others chose to step away from

how they were practicing Judaism altogether. For these people, it was a catalyst and turning point in their lives.

In sum: connection, and the energetic flow between you and others, allows for transformation to occur. Yet, also trust that you won’t be coercing others with your energy, and that the right people will receive it more fully.

How exactly do we transmit energy? This occurs through the third principle of speaking transformationally: self-expression.

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FACET #3: SELF-EXPRESSION

Self-expression typically refers to how you share your thoughts and feelings. It’s also how you use your voice and body language… much of which is habitual. And then resides the possibility of making it into an art, and learning to more skillfully express.

Self-expression is our embodied way to transmit energy.

How we utilize our voice and body has direct impact. This is also known as nonverbal communication. While the oftcited statistic, “93% of communication is nonverbal,” is patently false, nonetheless 50-80% of communication is conveyed through our body, voice and energy.

Unfortunately, most of us have learned to dampen and contain our self-expression.

When you were a baby, your breathing was deep and expansive, and you made amazing sounds! I see this every day with our beautiful baby Matthias, and his wild, joyful range of expression. Both his coos and his grunty goat noises delight us daily.

But, for many parents and teachers, this expression and energy is a lot to handle. Most of us were told to tamp it down and control ourselves. So we learned to stop truly expressing ourselves, and to hold back ourselves back from being the transformational vehicle we yearn to be.

When our self-expression is contracted, as discussed earlier, our body language and voice become constricted. Air does not flow through our lungs clearly, causing our voice to become strained, and the freeze response (as well as habitual muscular tension) inhibits our body language from becoming relaxed and free.

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Yet your voice wants to - needs to - express. Our life force is this expression.

Even if you have no problem being loud and expressive, the strong likelihood is that your wild, juicy aliveness can grow, develop and express even more.

AUTHENTICITY AND PERFORMANCE

I’ve heard many times over the years that, as my clients begin to grow their self-expression, that they are concerned it isn’t authentic. The truth? They aren’t being true to an old version of themselves. Yet it’s possible to now cultivate a more expansive and expressive you.

Enhancing self-expression leads to self-expansion.

You become a better vehicle for transformation when you have a wider range of expression with which to impact an audience.

Each aspect of body language and vocal power affects an audience differently. They transmit and convey energy and meaning.

Without training, you will default back to your old patterns. Unfortunately, even experienced speakers have limits: it’s quite common for a good speaker to captivate an audience… for about the first 10 minutes. Then, their default speaking style begins to lose attention.

Enhanced self-expression is your vehicle to bring greater meaning to your words, and better transform your audience.

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Without these steps, the power of your words, no matter how artfully crafted, will have diminished impact.

They’re all truly essential, if you want to find the full power of your voice.

However, growing them involves far more than reading this list. Most are taught in my online training, Claim Your Voice: Speak with Power and Presence. And, many experienced speakers must address their gaps in 1-4 to then become more dynamic.

6 STEPS TO ENHANCE YOUR SELF-EXPRESSION

These skills, from relaxed and open body language to vocal dynamics, must be grown and integrated over time. In fact, to grow your self-expression for public speaking, I’ve found a particular progression to be very effective:

Learn to fully relax your body and breathe diaphragmatically

Integrate breathing into your voice to enhance vocal resonance and projection

Within a state of relaxation, develop your body language,

from gestures to facial expressions

Learn how to score these dynamics into a talk, as if it were a piece of music, to maintain the audience’s

rapt attention

Strengthen enunciation to harness the power of each word you say, reduce accents if needed, and discover the energetics of language to increase impact

If higher levels of expression are desired, go on to expand your vocal dynamics including pitch, tempo, pausing, volume, and even advanced speaking styles

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FACET #4: CRAFTING YOUR TALK

Now that we’ve covered the 3 less tangible aspects of speaking transformationally - presence, connection and self-expression - let’s move on to the talk itself! In fact, let’s dive in deep and spend pretty much the rest of the guide on it.

CRAFTING TRANSFORMATIONAL TALKS: DO’S AND DON’TS

I love crafting transformational talks: it’s so rewarding to bring your voice to more people, and see them moved to change their lives. Or, to see them inspired to work with you.

If you have a calling to bring your message to more people - or if you want to attract clients who’d love your services - I suggest writing a transformational signature talk. A signature talk is crafted once, and then delivered (or subtly adjusted and repurposed) whenever you have the opportunity to speak. There’s no need to write a new talk every single time!

Before diving into key elements, let’s address some common issues - traps - around talks that you may have encountered, or even tried out yourself. Resistance to giving talks often arises because it’s so frequently formulaically taught, so let’s clear things up and smooth out the path before you.

I call these “traps” because they’re easy to fall into… but totally unnecessary.

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3 TRAPS THAT ENSNARE SPEAKERS

Let’s not get too dramatic about it, but many people who speak in public - be it to live groups or online - end up in a trap. Please review these to see if any sound familiar.

TRAP #1: NO CLEAR STRATEGY.

Even if you’re an expert in your field with have important and compelling insights to share, it can fall flat without a clear direction.

Here are a few possibilities why this may happen.

A. Sharing information. This is when a speaker simply seeks to share what they know. They may have the mindset that their talk is either simply informational, or they think they’re being respectful by letting the audience interpret the information and decide for themselves.

Unfortunately, this results in giving up your voice - and becomes a missed opportunity for creating transformation.

B. Speaking (only) from the heart. Speaking from your heart is wonderful, right? I highly recommend doing so! However, sometimes those who value authenticity believe that if they simply speak passionately, they’ll persuade and transform people.

One talented consultant and healer I recently worked with decided to trust his energetic tools when he spoke, and went with his intuition… and, threw away everything we prepared. It worked wonderfully… for the first few minutes. Then, not having any strategy, he lost the audience. Sadly, not one person was powerfully moved, despite his passion, and he lost a great opportunity to gain new clients.

C. You speak well 1:1… and assume you’ll do fine speaking to groups. Shouldn’t your comfort and skill translate fine to a bigger context?

Unfortunately, no. I wish it were that easy. But speaking to a group, and arranging your content to keep their attention - as well as energetically holding a group - takes a lot more skill.

In sum, the reason these three don’t work is…

Public speaking is both an art and a science… but most people don’t know this!

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Just as you would need in any field, you really do need training in public speaking. And a powerful, moving talk, as you’re about to learn, requires specific elements to be inspiring, let alone transformational.

Unfortunately, most speaking coaches don’t know this basic fact. Unlike other professional fields, no certification is required to coach public speaking. I’m frequently dismayed and appalled at the half-truths my clients have heard elsewhere, including, “You can’t get rid of nerves and fear…” which my clients would attest is patently false.

That being said, if you’ve received any training in speaking, that’s wonderful! That’s certainly a step in the right direction, and I commend you for doing so.

However, if you’ve taken a course in crafting talks (especially those that call themselves “speak to sell,” or use the term “signature talk”), you may have ended up in the next (and worst) trap.

TRAP #2: TOO MUCH STRATEGY! —> SPEAKING FORMULAICALLY

Everyone wants simple answers. But when we oversimplify the process of crafting a talk, we usually end up filling out templates.

Templates sound like a great idea, right? Just add a few words to a script. It’ll be easy!

Unfortunately, if you want to speak authentically and provide true transformation, this all-too-alluring tool will inevitably lead you astray. Let’s look at why.

They were written by a well-intended coach… but they aren’t how you speak. Unless you happen to have a personality very similar to the person who wrote them, it’ll end up sounding weird when their words come out of your mouth. As a matter of fact, templates often aren’t in anyone’s voice! They usually sound written - not like anyone actually talks.

Your audience wants to be spoken to in a particular way. For example, CEOs and executives typically want a succinct, straight-to-the point message, with a stronger focus on data… while healers and holistic practitioners often like a softer focus with feeling-based terms. Plus, each field has particular lingo and terminology: if you don’t use these, your audience won’t feel like you’re really communicating with them.

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TEMPLATES AREN’T

IN YOUR VOICE.

THEY DON’T

SPEAK TO YOUR

AUDIENCE.

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Templates and speak-to-sell formulas often feel contrived because they’re typically created out of thin air by a coach who tried something that worked for them… but may not for you and your style. Or, they learned a similar format from another coach (who made it up!) … but they don’t know much about, say, communication theory. While that’s a big topic, let’s just say that Aristotle and other philosophers have some things to share that may be better than templates. And, a template’s intention may be more focused on wanting to sell, sell, sell… rather than truly serve.

A “call to action” usually refers to making an offer for your services. Many speakers and workshop presenters feel wonderful while giving their core content and expertise, sharing from a state of flow and generosity… and then get awkward or salesy when approaching the offer. In this case, your audience may decide to work with you in spite of a speak-to-sell formula that feels off-key, not because of it.

But it’s possible to create your talk so that it’s fully aligned in the first place.

TRAP #3: ONLY WRITING THE TALK - AND IGNORING OTHER ELEMENTS

OF SPEAKING TRANSFORMATIONALLY

This guide has already, shall we say, spoken clearly about these. Neglect may occur when you are only focused on the words themselves, and not developing a greater capacity for speaking with transformational presence and expression.

Unfortunately, this occurs quite often. Working with words is easier to grasp and grow than is presence. Most people don’t have the tools to enhance their self- expression, nor possess the understanding of how each dynamic affects an audience.

For those with nerves and fear, creating a talk is a safe retreat, because you can easily apply your smarts… whereas working with presence and expression may feel far more vulnerable. Sometimes potential clients contact me, seeking help crafting a talk… but, with a little digging, it turns out they have a second sizable need to simply get comfortable speaking. (The WholeSpeak Method has a 95% success rate in dramatically improved confidence… but that’s another topic altogether.)

So, while it’s essential to learn how to craft, prepare and practice a talk, don’t neglect growing “soft skills” - confidence, presence, self-expression - which leave a significant impact, and may be remembered even more than what you say.

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TEMPLATES FEEL

FORCED AND

SALESY.

THE CALL TO

ACTION FEELS ICKY.

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THE 5 TRANSFORMATIONAL TALK PRINCIPLES

First, let’s define what a transformational talk is, so we know what we’re after.

Here’s a set of 5 standards that you can continue to refer to.

A transformational talk aims to transform mindsets, beliefs and/or perceptions. Offer a new way for your audience to view themselves and/or the world around them, to allow for more possibilities or growth. A transformational workshop follows a similar flow, but also seeks to experientially introduce participants to open to new possibilities or discover new skills in a more highly interactive format.

Transformational talks aim to be of service. At its core, serve the audience first, above your own needs and goals. While sharing your passions is expected, and although you may desire something such as recognition, a promotion, clients or sales, it must be created with the intent to offer insight and transformation.

A transformational talk offers transformation consensually and with respect. Trust audience members to know what’s right for themselves. Allow for those with whom it resonates to be transformed. Never try to manipulate or control them either overtly or subconsciously: the right people will be moved by your message.

A transformational talk relies on more than the spoken word. Use masterful presence, connection and self-expression to invite much deeper transformation. To do so, transformational speakers dedicate heartfelt effort to transforming themselves to become a better vehicle for transformation.

A transformational talk takes the audience on a transformational journey. Your talk honors where they are, shifts their perspectives, and helps them see what’s possible for them in the future. The journey organically inspires and moves them.

Do you see how dramatically this contrasts with speaking formulas? This is the difference between paint-by-numbers… and creating a work of art. The former might look pretty, but the latter reveals your essence and also speaks to theirs.

The 5th element, crafting the journey, is an art unto itself. Let’s spend some in-depth time on this, including how to make the journey memorable and moving.

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THE TRANSFORMATIONAL TALK JOURNEY

Many coaches who teach signature talks suggest to first share information about yourself (e.g., stories to establish both vulnerability and credibility), then give your core content or tips, and end by making an offer at the end that you’ve seeded earlier.

While these elements are all fine, they don’t just add up to a cohesive structure that actually goes somewhere. These somewhat-arbitrary sequences often fall flat by the time you make some sort of offer or clear message, compromising your impact and reducing the power of any offer or request.

You are the audience’s guide - a “sherpa,” if you will - who illumines their path.

And, like any path, it has a beginning, a middle and an end. Each part of the path has a different feel, purpose and energy.

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At the start of a journey, meet your audience where they currently are - the issues they’re having now - as they experience them.

As it progresses, bring them to where you are, sharing your insights and expertise.

And then, show them the path forward - your solution for transformation - with some specific steps they can take to get where they want to go.

Finally, let the path point the way to where they may travel next. They’ll continue this journey on their own, so share how to get the transformation they seek.

Let’s explore this using another term: I call this a progressive structure.

In a progressive structure, each part of the journey organically leads to the next one… slowly progressing to a destination.

Just as you walk forward during your travels - first with excitement, and eventually with anticipation - your transformational talk moves them toward the choice to take further steps to transform.

While different progressive structures are appropriate for different talks, one very common one I recommend is “problem-cause-solution.” Let’s use this to examine the aforementioned journey.

» The problem meets your audience where they are now - with the problem as they experience it: in their experience of themselves, their issues and the effects it’s having on their lives. Your goal: to have them feel seen, heard, understood and honored where they are now on the journey.

» The cause provides insight into why this problem has come about. And, your gleanings also establishes you as an expert.

» The solution illuminates the path forward, providing clear steps needed to have the transformation they desire… which leads to…

» An invitation to deeper transformation. If they’ve benefitted from the journey, and want to go further, this describes their next step. It might be to work with you (such as a course, or a free discovery session), to support a cause, or to take action to change their lives.

HMM… IS THE INVITATION TO TRANSFORMATION REALLY NECESSARY?

An invitation - sometimes referred to as a call to action - is always made with respect, with the understanding that some will deeply resonate with it, while others won’t or the timing may not be right for them. And yet, for others, it’s crucial.

While your talk may transform mindsets, beliefs and more, true and full transformation can only occur through someone’s own actions. Ultimately, only we can create our own transformation. No one else can do it for us.

The invitation to transformation offers what they can do to create change. A talk isn’t fully transformational unless it has an invitation.

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Not articulating a call to transform is irresponsible because it deprives your audience of the opportunity to fully get, or become, what they desire.

Even if you’re doing an experiential workshop, they can only go so far in a few hours… or even a few days. So provide a path for them to progress further.

Now that you have a grasp of the journey, how can we make it compelling, so they want to stay on it with you, and receive the transformation you’re offering?

MAKE THE JOURNEY MEMORABLE.What do you find on a journey?

Sights… experiences… adventures… and more.

Even if you take a solo trip, you’re never really alone.

You’re accompanied by fellow travelers, train and bus drivers, food vendors… and all of the sights themselves!

All of these make it memorable, and make memories.

Your talk, similarly, needs more than your opinions to leave a lasting impression: you will create a more transformative journey when you flesh it out with things like stories, statistics, and images.

And, how you paint the journey and bring it alive becomes much of the content in your talk.

Here are two ways to do this in a talk… and both are essential.

PAINT THE LANDSCAPE.

Bring us fully into your world by providing a clear picture, using:

» Statistics and studies, to establish the facts about your topic, expertise and field of knowledge

» Current Events that relate to your talk, and show its relevancy, help the audience relate it to the world they know

» Expert Opinions from your field, to help the audience get to know the field better

» Analogies that orient the audience to your topic and help them get your point (refer to the “paint-by-numbers” analogy as one example)

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Similarly, it’s fair to say that no matter the subject on you wish to speak, you’re not alone in your expertise or in your interests: this path is shared with other like minds. So it’s essential to incorporate them into your talk! For example, you might include…

» Inspirational Quotations that relate to your message or topic

» Case Studies and Success Stories from your clients, or from others who’ve been affected otherwise by the issue at hand

» Personal Stories from your life that relate to your own journey with the topic. This doesn’t mean to share your life story! Simply share moments from your life that belong to each part of the journey.

BRING ALONG TRAVEL COMPANIONS.

Rule of thumb: The longer your talk, the more evidence you should have.

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Using a number of these in your talk creates a more three-dimensional journey, bringing it more fully to life (instead of just being a great idea). And, by bringing in these allies and resources, two great things happen:

1. All of this evidence makes your point for you. This strategy will always be more compelling than simply sharing your opinions, with which it’s far easier for someone to argue with and assert their own views.

2. You’re seen as more of an expert, because it demonstrates you know your stuff.

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HELPFUL TIPS WHEN CRAFTING A TRANSFORMATIONAL TALK

Crafting a powerful and successful transformational talk, particularly one that you want to use to leave a deep impact or to offer your services, involves a massive amount of nuance. To get you started, here are 6 invaluable tips that will set you in the right direction.

Tip #1: Approach your talk as a co-creative process with the Divine - and, with your audience. Meditate. Let yourself be guided. If you already have practices to get centered, surrender ego and listen to what wants to come through, use them.

You can tell what’s aligned by how your body feels - especially when it comes to your call to transform (whether you’re making an offer or not). If your chest, throat, abdomen or jaw get tight or constricted, it’s likely not aligned. If you feel free and clear, the energy moving through you more freely indicates a good sign.

Tip #2: Create an outlined or bullet pointed draft, rather than scripting it out word for word. Make an outline, and speak each section out loud several times to find the right words. There are several reasons for this:

A. It’s harder to sound dynamic and alive when a talk out written out. Your writing likely differs from how you speak. So unless you’re crafting a highly stylized or performative talk, an outline will serve you better.

B. It’s a lot of work to memorize it, which isn’t needed except for a very highly paid keynote or TED talk.

C. If not memorized, speakers default to reading it off the page even if they know it well (often due to nerves), which reduces eye contact and connection with the audience.

D. When delivering an outlined talk, it’s easier to subtly adjust the wording as needed when delivering it live. While it’s best to have also practiced it extensively, when you connect with and read the room, you’re at liberty to make small changes in the moment with far greater ease.

Tip #3: Your talk is easily scalable. What do you do if one speaking engagement wants you to talk for 90 minutes… and another for only 15? The answer is quite simple: use the same structure and journey, and add or remove evidence to alter the length. For your first draft, try for roughly 30 minutes, and then you can make it longer or shorter later as you like.

Tip #4: Give good directions on the journey. Tell them near the beginning where you’ll be going - preview your main points in brief - and “signal” when you change course to transition between points. This will stop them from getting lost and wondering where you’re headed.

Tip #5: Replace assertions with evidence. Have you or a friend review the talk, and look for any assertions of truth. See how many you can replace with evidence, to bolster support for your point, and to also make the journey more colorful.

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Meditate and tune in, both before and while crafting, so you’re creating from your essence rather than from your ego identity.

Identify your audience. The more niched your audience, the easier it will be to speak to their concerns, fears, desires and dreams… rather than being generic.

Based on those, craft your audience’s journey.

Create an outline with the journey andevidence.

Set your service- based intention.

Clarify your call to transformation. Choose one;

multiple suggestions tend to create indecision and inaction on where

they should go next.

Make the journey memorable: research and find evidence that

fits different parts of the journey, and add them to the talk. Use one of

them, that especially emblematizes the topic,

to start the talk as an attention grabber as well!

Find the right words and flesh it out by saying sections out loud, rather than writing

the talk outfully.

Practice… revise it… get feedback, and revise… and practice & revise more! Allow for several drafts if needed. After all, you’re on a transformational journey too. Give it time to evolve, including over several speaking engagements. As you grow, your talk will, too.

Tip #6: Go through these 9 steps when crafting a talk.

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These 9 steps will guide you forward. And yet, there are many areas to develop and grow, from crafting the words to presence to self-expression… not to mention confidence.

So, let’s move on to our final section: helping you determine your next steps growingas a speaker, and as a transformational presence.

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Hopefully, this guide has provided useful in more deeply understanding what crafting and delivering a transformational talk involves. But since it’s a multifaceted process, this sometimes leaves people unsure of how to get started.

I typically explain to my clients that our work together has two parallel tracks. While we’re often working on these simultaneously, let’s describe them separately to better understand what’s needed to move forward in each area.

TRACK #1: ENHANCE YOUR PRESENCE, SELF-EXPRESSION,

CONNECTION AND CONFIDENCE.

These skills must be grown incrementally, through the creation of new habits. Yes, even confidence is a habit! Learning a couple of skills at a time, and practicing a little bit each day, will slowly but surely transform your skills to a professional level - and a transformational level - faster than you may realize, within a few months.

For those without extensive experience, we begin with the essentials: confidence, connection, presence, vocal power and body language. Claim Your Voice: Speak with Power and Presence, my online training, teaches these incredibly well.

Or, if you’re already experienced, we may skip ahead to growing your skills as a dynamic speaker, focusing on vocal dynamics, body language and speaking styles.

The ideal time to grow these skills? Before you have a speaking engagement lined up! Take the time to grow them before you’re under pressure. (That being said, I often get the phone call when it’s quite urgent, so it’s wise to go for it anytime.)

LEARNING, GROWING AND CREATING: YOUR NEXT STEPS

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How much practicing is needed? You’ll create new skills by practicing each week’s practice set for 5-15 minutes twice a day. In addition, you’ll receive “happy habits” to do throughout your day, which take no extra time and yet help you rapidly integrate your new skills. Combined, this powerful system is a total game-changer.

TRACK #2: CRAFTING A TRANSFORMATIONAL TALK.

Depending on your timeline, you can write it more quickly in an intensive, or in a slower tempo over a few months. Many people find it quite difficult to do alone… not only because it takes time to get the hang of all the nuances, but also because bringing your voice and your passions out tends to, well, bring up a lot of stuff. I’m here to hold you through all of it.

My involvement for crafting or improving a talk varies: some clients desire a deep level of support every step of the way, while others want to run with it themselves, and come back periodically for feedback.

Combining tracks: The benefit of doing both simultaneously? The talk becomes a means to practice and implement the techniques you’re learning, and you get to learn in real time how to make the delivery - your self-expression, presence and transmission - dynamic and engaging.

So that’s how you go about growing your skills and crafting your next talk. But you may still need help determining where you need help. If so, here are some questions to help clarify things.

UNSURE OF WHERE TO START? TAKE A SHORT SELF-ASSESSMENT.

You’ve read a lot in this guide. If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s some guidance.

Take this short self-assessment. Feel free to apply these criteria to not only public speaking, but also to how you show up in your everyday professional and personal life, if those areas (from social interactions to client or company meetings) need those skills as well.

First, notice how you feel when you’re speaking.

» Are you confident in public speaking? Or do fear, nerves or even dread come on beforehand or during a talk?

» Do you like the sound of your voice, or hold judgments about it?

» Do you feel good about how you interact with and impact others?

» Do you feel present, alive and responsive… or more reactive or distracted?

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» Do you feel like yourself when you speak, with your full self-expression… or more like a muted version of your real self ?

» Does your inner critic have too much say?

Second, think about how others receive you when you speak.

» Do others notice you when you walk into a room?

» Do you get strong acclaim when you speak… or more general “interest” and polite thanks?

» Are you receiving frequent requests to speak, or not very many?

» Do your speaking engagements easily lead to new clients and opportunities?

» Are both your performance and your results consistent, or only strong some of the time?

These questions should give you some guidance: if your response to some or most of these is less than desired, look for them to point out what you need to grow. (And if you’re still unsure, and seeking professional support, let’s talk.)

However, don’t take any of these to create a negative story about you! These are simply what’s occurring now - and, since you’re dedicated to growing, you can take a step forward in any direction you choose.

The most important thing I’ve found: carpe diem! Yes, seize this day. The time is now - not in a year or when you manage to “find more time.” Most of my clients have incredibly busy schedules, and I assist them to move forward in the midst of their work and personal lives. If you want to grow, and are willing to be kind to yourself as you drop resistance, fears and negative voices, then it’s time to go for it.

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SOME WAYS TO GET SUPPORT

It’s important to find a coach with whom you resonate and who reflects your values. If that might be me, I’d be honored. Here are some resources to check out.

YOU’RE READY TO CRAFT A TALK.

Great! I offer intensives and courses, and you can also do this with me privately if you’re desiring dedicated support on your own timeline. For either format, keep an eye out for offerings, or drop me a note at jonathan@theperformanceofyourlife.com to inquire and express interest.

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TALKS SOUND GREAT, BUT CONFIDENCE AND OTHER CORE SKILLS ARE A

PRIORITY.

Yes, it’s wise to get guidance on crafting powerful talks, but getting the foundations down is essential.

If so, while I do offer in-person workshops on occasion, take a look Claim Your Voice: Speak with Power and Presence. This 10-week, self-paced online training comes with 6 months of access to me. It teaches you, step by step, all of the essentials for both public speaking and for becoming a more transformational presence.

Around 500 people have enrolled since 2012, and I’ve been delighted by consistent rave reviews that it’s the best online training they’ve ever taken. If you’re paying out of pocket (vs. a company paying for you), I invite you to take 50% off by going to http://bitly.com/claimvoicespecial. If this may be your next step, please don’t wait: this special is extended for 25 people only.

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3YOU’RE AN EXPERIENCED SPEAKER, AND WOULD BENEFIT FROM DETAILED

FEEDBACK ABOUT BOTH YOUR STRENGTHS AND WHAT TO IMPROVE.

If so, I highly recommend what I do with my private clients in our first session: a 35-point speaking assessment. In 90 minutes, you’ll get a tangible, clear evaluation of what you do well, as well as your next steps. We can do this in the San Francisco Bay Area or via video. If it’s a priority, I’d again like to offer 50% off within the next 30 days only: $275 instead of $550. Interested? Email me with the subject line “Assessment Special.”

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4YOU WANT IT ALL.

If you’re really ready to become a far more transformational speaker, no matter your starting point now, I’m happy to chat with you about private support or upcoming online or live groups. Email me to inquire.

5WANT SOME MORE FREE STUFF FIRST?

Take a look at a 3-part video course I created called Your True Voice: How to Speak with Power and Presence. It’s a few years old now, but full of inspiration and tips. And you may enjoy seeing me speak. http://yourtruevoice.org.

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being.

- Albert Schweitzer

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AN INVITATION TO GIVE BACK

I hope this guide has been full of insights. As I mentioned, it’s worth reading more than once and keeping around.

Yes, it’s a gift. I remember some years ago when I shared another free resource on crafting talks, and received an email from someone: “I know you did this to make money and all, with the hope that they’d buy more from you, but I wanted you to know I used your free tips and they really made a difference.”

My response to him? “Awesome!!” While I’m glad it made a difference for him, he wasn’t quite accurate in his judgment: I truly love giving! Whether enjoying this guide alone was enough for you - or, if you invite me to support you further with claiming your voice - I’m absolutely delighted. And I trust you knowing what’s best for you.

I considered charging a regular rate for this guide that “made sense” or was part of some sort of business funnel. It could have arbitrarily been $17 or $37 - or even $97 or more. But it’s more important to listen to my higher guidance and my heart. And yes, I’d be wildly delighted if you chose to have me support you in growing your presence and your voice. But I give, simply because my soul says so.

And, I offer the invitation to give back. You might reflect on the value you received, and how you’ll benefit from it both personally and even financially… and use that to feel into a number that feels joyful, heart-opening and expansive.

If so, you can send a gift of your choosing to https://www.paypal.me/createconnection, or via Venmo to @jonathan-bender-4. If neither of those forms work for you, simply email me to inquire.

Thank you - truly. My family, and my little boy Matthias, incredibly appreciate every bit of it.

Regardless, if this has impacted you, I invite you to drop me a note. I’d love to hear from you.

Warm wishes,

Jonathan Bender