Miles Everson’s Business Builder Daily
Wednesday: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants
Admit it. Not everything you say in your speech or presentation will be remembered by your audience.
You need to have something that can keep engaging your audience. Something that pops.
One way to do this is with effective quotations. Whether it’s a famous quote most everyone knows or a quote that brings self-motivation, quotes are an overall effective tool you should utilize in your writing.
Keep reading to learn how the right quotes can help spice up your presentation.
Miles Everson
CEO, MBO Partners
Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute
Sometimes, it’s hard for an audience to pay attention to everything a speaker says.
When they’re not interested in one part of a speech or presentation, their minds tend to wander.
When they hear something they’re familiar with like pop culture, current events, or famous people, their focus shifts back.
What can you use in your presentations to make sure your audience stays engaged?
The POWER QUOTE.
— This is just one of the powerful secrets featured in James C. Humes’ book, “Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln.”
A number of speakers use quotations as their opening and closing statements; some even use quotes in the middle of their speech.
Speakers look for different ways to keep an audience interested.
Using a Power Quote is one of those ways.
John F. Kennedy often used quotes in his speeches.
He was the first United States president who created quotation-filled campaigns to address the public.
“If not us, who? If not now, when?”
This is a popular example of a quote he used.
Although this quote isn’t his creation, he delivered it in such a significant way that until today, people think the quote originated from him.
His Power Quote.
This was an effective move and it made a deep impression on those who heard him speak.
Here are some tips for delivering a quotation:
Tip #1: Be Comfortable with the Quote
Do not use a quote that you’re not familiar with.
Pick something you understand enough to convey so that you don’t end up sharing the wrong information or idea to the audience.
Tip #2: Be Prominent and Pithy
Keep it concise. There is no need to mention a quote word for word if it were in paragraph form.
Only bring up the main points needed to convey the message you want to send. Take these quotes for example:
From: “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
To: “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
From: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney
To: “Curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” – Walt Disney
Although these quotes have been shortened, the message is still evident and easy to understand.
How can you use quotes in your speech effectively?
- Frame it and Stage it
Inciting quotes, especially by unknown authors, make a gimmick out of it. Pause before saying the quote, use power gestures, or even use simple props like a pen.
Add your own touch so that the quote surely sticks to the minds of your audience. - Cross Quotmanship
Quote someone unexpected. Choose one that not everyone would expect you to use.
It can be a quote of someone you’re least likely to agree with. Just make sure it still supports the ideas you want to convey. - Dramatize to Emphasize
Use a bit of drama. Add a dramatic effect to your delivery to help you emphasize your chosen quote. Try using just one at most, per speech.
Picking one quote to elaborate on and adding some drama into it can keep the audience at the edge of their seats. This method can also imply how serious your message is. - Produce, Present, and Perform Your Quote
Make sure you choose or create a quote that’s in line with the content of your speech. This will help you present the quote with confidence and use the proper tone.
It doesn’t only catch your audience’s attention, but also gives you the opportunity to discuss your point thoroughly without compromising creativity.
Consider all these factors in picking a quote for your speech. Most importantly, pay attention to the message it portrays.
Don’t settle for less. Maximize the use of a good quote to spice up your presentation.
Try taking these notes into consideration.
This might just be the one that takes your public speaking skills to the next level!
Hope you’ve found this week’s public speaking tip interesting and helpful.
Stay tuned for next Wednesday’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!
Trust is one of the most important values to establish with your audience.
Learn how to establish yourself as a reliable and credible speaker on next week’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!
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