Leadership

What Are You Doing to Become a Better Speaker?

When I was twenty-years-old, I participated in a summer missions trip in Galveston, Texas. I was assigned to assist the pastor of a small Baptist church. I thought I would mostly be helping with the youth program.

A Podium with Speaker Notes - Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/DSGpro, Image #2948214

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/DSGpro

About two weeks into this project, the pastor announced that he would be out-of-town the next Sunday. He asked me to preach on his behalf. I was thunderstruck.

“What?” I stammered. “I have never spoken in public, let alone preached!”

“No problem,” he insisted. “You’ll do fine.” And with that, he turned around and walked out the door.

I wanted to throw-up. I studied all week. I wrote and re-wrote my sermon. I practiced in front of a mirror. Sunday eventually came, and I delivered my sermon. It wasn’t great, but it was okay. I was just glad I didn’t embarrass myself too badly.

Since then, I’ve spoken hundreds of times. I am sure I have improved over the years. I know I have gained more confidence. And, now, I do it for a living.

But last spring I attended the Dynamic Communicators Workshop (DCW) led by Ken Davis, one of the country’s most sought-after inspirational and motivational speakers, and several master speaking coaches.

Oh. My. Gosh. If I had only taken this course thirty years earlier!

Ken shared a speech preparation system called SCORRE™ that has revolutionized my public presentations. It has:

  • dramatically reduced my prep time
  • made me more clear and focused
  • increased my ability to connect with the audience
  • made my speeches more impactful

In short, it has taken my speaking to the next level. (You can find other benefits here.)

I still have room to grow, but I feel like I have improved more in the last few months than I did in the last three decades. I am not exaggerating. In fact, I am even using the SCORRE™ method in my blogging. It is that effective.

The next DCW is scheduled for October 17–21, 2011 in beautiful Vail, Colorado. I would strongly encourage you to attend. I am going myself.

Becoming a better public speaker is important for almost every career. Whether you are in middle management, a corporate executive, a pastor, or an author, DCW can make you a better, more polished communicator.

In addition to the standard DCW conference, Ken is introducing the DCW Premiere Experience for the first time in October. I am especially excited about this. It includes an extra day for those who want to get even more out of their investment.

DCW Premier adds more content, more coaching, and more expertise from special guest speakers. I will be personally teaching on how to use technology to streamline your preparation and empower your delivery.

In addition, I am going to be hosting a special luncheon on Thursday, October 20th, exclusively for those who register with the code HYATTLUNCH. During this time, I will present a bonus session entitled, “How to Create a Killer Speaking Page for Your Blog or Website.” It is based on what I have learned from researching the best practices of the world’s most in-demand speakers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your career and your future. If you don’t come in October, you will likely wait another six months for this opportunity. You can register here and get the exclusive session with me.

Question: What have you done recently to invest in your speaking effectiveness? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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