THE MARK OF GREATNESS

In the late 1860's in England, William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli were contenders for the position of Prime Minster. This was the Victorian era and this position carried substantial power. Thus the winner of the election would rule half the free world. Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill's mum, had an opportunity to dine with both these great men and was asked about her experience. 

    "When I left the dining room after sitting next to Gladstone, I was convinced he was the cleverest man in all of England."
What about Disraeli?

    "Well, after spending time with Disraeli I was convinced that I was the cleverest woman in all of England." 

 

No prizes for guessing who won that election. Disraeli was elected in 1867.

This story demonstrates an important principle for those who wish to be Captivating Speakers. Zig Ziglar famously said,

 

"People don't care how much you know

until they know how much you care." 

 

 

WHAT SHOULD I SPEAK ABOUT?

Speak to your audience's needs. Speak to THEIR interests. Stop being self-conscious and work towards become 'others' conscious. If you wish to reach an audience you will need to reach their ears through their hearts. Draw from your life's experiences and share them in such a way that people can relate, identify and learn from. 

 

Sharing with OTHERS with THEIR needs in mind is most important. To do so you must learn to listen well. Become intensely interested in other people and their needs. Don't do all the talking. When another person is talking pay complete attention. Be responsive and warm. Share your stories so that others will share theirs but remember to give them time to do so. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT SUBJECTS  INTEREST PEOPLE?

To answer this question, let's examine the most listed human needs:

1. Certainty / Security: How to avoid pain and gain pleasure.

2. Uncertainty / Variety: the need for the unknown, change, new stimuli and adventure.

3. Significance: Feeling unique, important, special or needed

4. Connection/Love: a strong feeling of closeness or union with someone or something. A sense of belonging.

5. Growth: an expansion of capacity, capability or understanding

6. Contribution: a sense of service and focus on helping, giving to and supporting others

 

Craft your speech or talk with these in mind.

 

 

TOPICS THAT ARE TRENDING

1. Making money / financial freedom / getting out of debt

2. Health and fitness - Weight loss, beauty, anti-ageing

3. Relationships - Romantic / family / friendships

4. Lifestyle - Recreation and play

5. The meaning of life - Who am I? What am I doing here? Spirituality

 

 

Who are you speaking to? What are their needs and desires?  What do they care about? What do they wish to learn? How can you fulfill those needs and desires? How do you demonstrate that you really do care? How do you share valuable information in such a way that people can grasp, understand and retain that information?