When did you last analyze what works and what doesn’t in your keynote?
I loved an idea that Eric Chester shared from the NSA Main Stage in Washington. He said that we should make our content “audition” to determine if it makes the cut. How fascinating!!
I wanted to understand how Eric came up with this concept. Here is what he told me:
Last year I was stressed having to give a 25-minute speech to an audience of 5,300 business leaders. I had so much to say that I didn’t know which stories and examples to throw out to cut down to 25 minutes. Finally, I had an epiphany and threw them all out. I then wrote the program making each and every story, example, point, and metaphor audition its way back in.
Are you getting this concept? Audition your content… I love it!!!
How to Audition Your Content
So how do you even get started with auditioning your content? Try starting with these steps:
Step #1
List all your key points, stories, vignettes, anecdotes, case studies, examples, quotes and thoughts that you include in each presentation.
[**Some of you change your presentation completely each time, so this may be an opportunity to start working toward “epic” by crafting the bones of one solid speech.]
Without a doubt, you will have many items on your list. To simplify, try going slide by slide through your deck if you use a visual aid.
Step #2
Review each item you listed out in Step 1 and decide whether or not it makes the cut into 2017. To do this, try asking these questions:
1. Is it relevant to today’s audiences?
2. Does it lead back to your central theme?
3. Is it unique in how you present it?
4. Does it engage the audience?
5. Does it fit with the rest of your content?
6. Does it evoke emotion or humor or thought?
You could probably add a few more question to this list depending on what criteria you think necessary for your topic and audience.
By auditioning your content, you will not only be refreshing it but reigniting your passion for the content. The beginning of the year is a very good time to change things up and get excited about what you are talking about, so give this a try now!
See you soon Wealthy Speakers!
PS: We have several more ideas on how to sharpen your speech in The Epic Keynote: Presentation Skills and Styles for Wealthy Speakers. If this is top of mind, pick up your copy HERE.
