This will set you apart as a speaker

I’ve been listening to TEDx talks by women to find potential guests for my new podcast. Their talks are well done – good delivery on important topics in women and leadership.

But most of them are missing that X factor that makes them intriguing and memorable.

They haven’t moved beyond the WHAT into the WHY, from platitude to provocative.

And I don’t mean the Simon Sinek version of “why” – that’s necessary for a good talk, but it’s not sufficient for a great one.

I’m talking about the deeper reasons WHY people are or aren’t doing what you’re describing in your speech, why it matters, and why it will have an impact on them.

I want you to dig deeper, to uncover what’s really interesting, to develop an original idea and something worth saying from a stage.

This is what I push my clients on when I work with them on their “big idea” speeches for a keynote or TEDx or signature talk – to get beyond the platitudes and into the core.

But you know what? It’s not easy. In fact, it can feel downright uncomfortable.

It does for me when I’m working on a provocative thesis that I started developing in my TEDx talk and that will eventually become a book (more on this idea in future newsletters).

It does for me when I’m pushing myself to say things that make me feel vulnerable, like I did in this recent post and podcast interview.

Here is what some wrote to me after listening to that interview:

“I enjoyed the podcast and had to post a comment after listening. More than anything, I appreciated your honesty & tips from a woman’s perspective. This is a topic that needs to be discussed in greater detail.​”

And: “You have no idea how empowering your vulnerability is to other women​.”

As you’re thinking about your talks for 2017, challenge yourself to be bold and original. That’s what’s going to get you noticed and remembered — and have the most impact.

When you have a unique and compelling message that goes beyond the superficial:

• you’re more confident sharing what you do;
• you get better speaking opportunities at bigger events;
• you grow your audience with the people who most want and need to hear from you and work with you.

In my next post, I’ll share with you some ways you can find your unique angle and big idea.

In the meantime, revisit this post on Why You Should Dream for Your Audience.

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