Page 33 - How To Get Rich

Cover These Eleven Bases (The Art of Public Speaking, Part II)
When you’re speaking, it helps to be prepared. That may sound funny
after what I’ve just told you, but if you read every day, you will already be
prepared—maybe not for the fine points you are specifically speaking

about, but usually we are asked to speak about something we are experts at
or at least familiar with. Cover your bases mentally. Imagine yourself
being in the audience. What are you looking for? Being able to trade
places with the audience can open you up to a lot of ideas. Have examples
and references in mind to back up your statements, and make them as
vivid as possible for your listeners.
Notes can sometimes function as a useful reference point, especially if

you’re speaking to a large audience. If you’re prepared, no one can tell
that you’re using them. Ideally, you don’t want to read a speech. For some
reason, no matter how good your delivery is when you read a speech, it’s
usually boring. Everyone sees that you’re reading it and it’s never quite the
same as delivering it off the cuff. Notes offer the best of both worlds:
They keep you focused and moving in the right direction without turning

you into a stiff.
Be a good storyteller.
People like stories, and they’ll remember them. A speech shouldn’t
become a lecture. Humor goes a long way, and it will remind you and
everyone else that we’ve all got a lot of things in common. Storytelling is
a skill, so work on it. It’s helpful to listen to comedians. The good ones can
teach you the art of great timing.

Think about the common denominator.
How can all of us relate to one another? How can you enable your
audience to relate to you and to what you’re saying? People see me as a
rich and powerful person, but like most people, I also have a daily routine
and a family. I get stuck in traffic jams, too. I’ve known some real gems

and some real wackos. I have cranky moments and bad days like everyone
else. A lot of your experiences can be understood and appreciated by your
audience because they’ve had them, too. Look for what you have in
common and lead with it. You will create an immediate bond, because they
will realize they can relate to you.
When you are on the podium, you are the entertainer.
People are there to learn something, but also to be entertained. One
reason Elvis Presley was such a great entertainer is that he made every