How many big words do you know? How good were you with vocabulary in grammar school?
Two questions that tie into something everyone should know when working on their next speech. I’ve written more than a few … for me and for others. And I’ve seen plenty come across my desk from speakers, and communications folks writing speaking points for their corporate executives.
Here is the ONE simple rule when writing your speech.
“Write like you speak and never speak like it’s written.”
Think about it. Big words are great on paper, and good for journalists telling stories with descriptive words, or authors of books. But rarely, if ever, do people drop the big words on people in conversation. And after all, speeches are supposed to be conversational.
So think back to your grammar days when you were learning basic vocabulary words. To this day, adults engage in conversation using the most basic words, not the most complex. We want people to stay with us, not lose focus trying to understand what it is you are saying.
Public speaking is a non-written form OF communication that is meant to be conversational. I’ve never heard anyone say “kill them with information and as many big words as you can.” Instead, it’s about holding people’s attention and engaging your audience. We do that through dynamic delivery, not a delivery of the dictionary.
Imagine yourself on the stage with the priority being that you impress them with your body language and the inflection of your voice and not the language you use in speaking to them. Make yourself memorable in ways that they can remember your face and also your message.
And remember, it’s not about what you say. It’s always about how you make people feel.
So, when writing your next speech… try not to worry about every last word. Write for delivery of your message because our goal is not to create an audience “word search,” but to send people out the door ready to spread your message.
Remember This: Being the smartest person in the room isn’t what’s important. Being the person in the room who connects with others in the room will take you much further.
Want help writing a talk that connects? Our coaching program helps you craft messages that resonate and elevate your confidence.