Adults Learn Differently TJ Walker looks at how people of different ages learn in different ways, and how it relates to why you may need to presentent your information in a different way.
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One of the best ways to prepare for a media interview or a speech is to bring in an independent person, not for the whole training or rehearsal, but just to listen to one sample speech or interview. Over time, all participants including the speaker, his/her assistants, and even trainers like me develop biases and perspectives on the material under discussion. And if we don't develop biases, then we are sometimes perceived as biased.
For example, I will often work with an executive on a speech that is filled with way too many facts, figures, and text-only bullet points on a PowerPoint presentation. Of course, I give demonstrations, examples, and exhortations on why a speech like that is ineffective and needs to be streamlined and simplified. Sometimes, I convince clients; sometimes I don't. But there is one person I can always count on to convince the client: an intern, a receptionist, or a relatively junior person in the organization of the client. The trick is to find someone who knows something about the industry that is discussed in the speech, but doesn't know all of the content of the speech (as is often the case with an executive’s communications or public affairs staff).
The problem with an outside trainer like me is that we are sometimes perceived as being too doctrinaire against traditional PowerPoint presentations filled with text. So if we rehearse and video record a client giving a boring, data-filled PowerPoint, we don’t have complete credibility telling the client how awful their presentation is. Back in the mind of many speakers is this: “yes, but my audience is different, they really know a lot of stuff and they want a lot of substance.â€
This is where the extra person from within the organization and within the industry comes in play. I simply ask the person to come in and listen to the speaker give a presentation. I don’t give any special instruction. The new audience member is not asked to write down notes and is not informed there will be a test after the presentation is over. In other words, the person will be acting exactly like the typical audience member would in the real world.
More Insights from TJ Walker & Jess Todtfeld
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Concluding your Speech
The second strongest impression you have on any audience is the final impression, the last thing you say and do in front of them.
The first requirement of a great closing is that it be INTERESTING.
The second requirement is that you leave your audience thinking about something they have learned.
And the final requirement is that you ask people to do something and that they feel motivated to actually do it.
Once you do all of those things, then stop, smile and don’t say a word. Not one “Thank you.” Not one “You’ve been a great audience.” Just keep silent, smile and look confident. Then your audience will know you are finished and they will likely start clapping.
How To Compose Your Message For A Radio Interview
Get all three of your message points out in your very first answer.
Have your entire message (still three points) written out in front of you on a 3x5 index card.
Look at it throughout the interview.
If you are booked on a one-hour talk show, remember the audience changes every 15 minutes, so you must repeat your message constantly.
Have your three message points and sound bites written out in front of you during the interview
Don’t read them!
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LESSONS OF THE DAY
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LESSON OF THE DAY
TJ Walker stresses the importance of narrowing your message to 3 points when going onto TV or speaking to reporters.
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