Hold Their Attention, Win their Support

Stanley McChrystal, former US Commanding General in Afghanistan, speaks at a TED event. This video demonstrates that the General did Hold the Audience Attention. Here are several Points that will teach you more about Speaking & Leadership. Let’s discover what they are-

1.  One point is his voice. It’s not a silky smooth polished voice, it’s a verygravelly voice but it keeps our attention doesn’t it? He’s not loud, not demonstrative, and yet you’ll find the audience is engaged. You can see & hear, that having a smooth, “Easy to Listen to” voice is not mandatory to maintain audience attention. So, don’t You be concerned about the “sound” of your voice… do be concerned about the information you’re there to deliver…

(ps~ if you’re interested in more information re: Voice, see Show# 20)

2.  I counted only one Slide in his Presentation, demonstrating that You don’t need a library of slides to make your Case. You may discover that fewer slides, or even NO Slides, frees You to more fully Connect to your Audience.

3.  Watch how he moves easily around the Presenters Circle. I like Stage Movement. And did you notice he doesn’t carry notes, still, he has a nice smooth delivery. I think he was well rehearsed but not scripted, and that allows him to be comfortable & flexible during his Presentation.

4.  Besides good Speaker Dynamics, I also chose this Presentation because of his incorporation of several Personal Stories. Stories grab an audience’s attention, but of course, it’s up to the Speaker to hold it.

If you want to build a Dynamic future, and Perform at an Above Average level, there are beneficial take-aways for You in this Presentation. Speaking and Leadership, a symbiotic relationship.