4. Pay attention to the logical flow of your talk
Every talk should take people on a logical journey. Even our stories are sequenced logically, with a beginning, middle and end. If you don’t believe it, try watching a movie with the scenes in random order. It will drive you crazy and the story, of course, will make no sense.
Our brains are hardwired to search for meaning, and logic brings order out of the chaos around us.
Your talk should have a beginning, middle and end, and each section should be logically and sequentially related.
For example, if you start your talk by describing a problem, then your talk should also offer the solution or at least a response to that problem. If it doesn’t, you’ll just annoy people.
Similarly, move the different sections of your talk through a logical grid. It should look something like this: If A, then B, then C and then, finally, D.
Here’s the logical flow of a recent message I gave:
A. Some of you don’t like Christians because you think most Christians are hypocrites.
B. In fact, aren’t some non-Christians actually better moral people than the Christians you know?
C. Well, you’re right. Most of us are hypocrites. You have a moral standard. The question is: Have you kept it?
D. But what if our personal morality isn’t the basis of Christian salvation? Christianity doesn’t make moral people better. It makes dead people live.
E. God is actually more critical of hypocrites than you are.
F. Fortunately he forgives, and challenges those ready to throw stones at others to drop them.
G. In light of God’s incredible mercy, it’s time to drop the stone.
Most messages typically have three to seven key logical moves in them. This one had seven. Whatever it is, understanding the logical flow of your argument will help you understand your talk, which, as we saw in Point 1 above, eliminates the need for memorization.
If you can’t figure out the logical flow of your talk as a communicator, your audience never will.
5. Speak with double your normal energy during delivery
One final quick tip: Whenever you’re communicating, speak with double your normal energy.
It’s going to feel weird at first, but it’s vital.
Speaking in normal conversational tones when you have a microphone in your hand actually makes you sound boring. So double your energy.
Start by doubling your normal volume. I’m not talking about yelling. I’m talking about speaking more loudly and passionately.
Many speakers get freaked out by the microphone. Don’t. The sound person will turn you down when you project your voice.
A quick hack? Pretend you have no mic on and you’re speaking to the person at the back of the room. That will automatically make you a more compelling speaker.
Energetic speakers are always more compelling.
Any Tips?
What are your favorite tips on becoming a better communicator?
