Have a clear message. Can you reduce your take home message to twelve words or less? Plan your speech so that the message is clear within the first minute of your speech. Organize your content so that a persuasive case is built into the structure of your speech.  Every argument in your presentation should offer support to the underlying message. Flashy gimmicks or jokes that don’t support the point will dilute your impact. Stay focused on what is important.

Have a purpose. Show the audience what your message means to them. Your meaningful purpose will speak to the soul of the listener – showing the person why they ought to be moved.  Many good speakers just deliver facts.  Connect with the heart as well as the mind.  If you have an important purpose, put it into human terms.

If your speech message is about “justice,” then your meaning level should show what happens when justice works – people live better, immigrants become a part of the social network, diverse people live harmoniously.  Tell stories of real people.  

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After a successful life transition, choose a positive risk in the direction of a dream.

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Does your purpose fill you (and others) with passion? Send a note to me at drsteve@mycareerimpact.com