#14: Powerful speaking, with Jeffrey Gitomer

On this episode, best-selling author and sales training guru Jeffrey Gitomer explains how you can bring power to your next presentation. We’ve found from our surveys at InsuranceNewsNet that public speaking is of major interest – and often major anxiety – for many in our audience. Studies have shown that the most successful people are also excellent public speakers. They know what to say and how to say it, and they exude confidence from start to finish.

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If that doesn’t sound like you, it could soon – after this interview with Jeffrey. We’re going to delve into public speaking, and learn how to tackle those pain points that may be holding you back.

SHOW NOTES:

01:50  So, you want to put on a seminar. All you need is a topic. Jeffrey says this is one of the most important aspects of speech-planning – as it must drive interest.

04:40  Perhaps quite directly, as a financial advisor, you could set out a topic of “Why you’re paying too much in taxes.”

07:20  A lot of people fail to realize that preparation goes beyond simply having your speech in order – and includes working to become a good speaker.

08:05  Two keys to successful speaking that Jeffrey really hammers on are engagement and being relevant.

09:30  Talking about engagement is easy, but actually doing it is tough. What does Jeffrey recommend for breaking the ice and getting through to the audience?

12:15  The ultimate challenge for any speaker, Jeffrey says, is to make sure their stories are authentic. Some use humor in their storytelling, but Jeffrey says some rules of thumb definitely apply – for example, stay away from politics and religion. But he says there’s nothing wrong with working in some “mild humor.”

13:40  Jeffrey is quick to emphasize “no canned jokes.” Instead, tell your own stories and be funny. And whatever you do, don’t end with the infamous “Questions?” slide.

14:05  How much time should you spend preparing your actual presentation and handouts versus honing your speaking skills?

15:00  What are some strategies people should focus on if they want to sharpen their public speaking skills?

15:20  What about when the unexpected happens?

16:10  A lot of people find that their worst enemy as they’re preparing to set foot on the stage is their own self-image – that inner voice telling them that everything will go wrong. How does Jeffrey personally fight off that voice?

17:40  As a way to boost confidence, what about using a politician’s best friend: the tele-prompter?