Public speaking isn’t just about having something to say, it’s about connecting with your audience in a meaningful way. Before you step onto the stage, consider these three key questions that every effective speaker needs to answer:

Who are you? This isn’t about existential exploration, but establishing your credibility and relatability. Are you an industry leader, a champion of a cause, or someone with a captivating story? Share your background and achievements, but remember, authenticity goes beyond accomplishments. Let your personality shine through and show your audience who they’re listening to.

Now that we’ve broken the ice reviewing your accomplishments, aside from those accomplishments, who are you? No need to explore your existence or essence here. But if you want an audience to come along for the ride, you can’t leave it up to them to figure out who you are.

If you don’t have a clear vision of yourself, don’t know the value of what you’re bringing to an audience, and can’t give a good reason why they should be listening to you, stick to talking in your sleep because public speaking probably isn’t in your DNA.

What do you need to tell me? Notice I used the word need. There’s a big difference between something you want to tell me and something you need to tell me. What you want to tell me is a desire. What you need to tell me is a passion. And the audience can tell the difference.

This isn’t just about information, it’s about value. Go beyond “what you have to say” and focus on “what your audience needs to hear.” What unique perspective can you offer? Will you spark motivation, provide actionable advice, or share valuable insights? Showcase the purpose and importance of your message.

The only wrong answer here is not to have an answer, which brings us to the big one. Why should an audience listen to you? Why should they care about what you have to say? If you need help with this one, my advice is to not give up your day job.

Why should I care? This is the ultimate test. Why should the audience invest their time and attention in you? Explain how your message will benefit them. Will they learn something new, gain a fresh perspective, or be inspired to take action? Clearly articulate the value proposition of your speech and grab their interest.

Three simple questions that require three not so simple answers: Who are you, what do you need to tell me, and why should I care?

Remember, these aren’t simple fill-in-the-blank questions. Take time to reflect, craft your responses, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a captivating speaker who leaves a lasting impression.

Don’t have a clear answer to any of these questions? Public speaking might not be the best platform for your message at this time. Continue to refine your ideas and revisit these questions later when you have a compelling story to share.

Many of us have endured presentations that leave us feeling more like dazed spectators than engaged participants. Bullet points whizz by, voices drone on, and the only movement comes from the occasional click of a slide. But what if presentations could be different? What if they could be invigorating, captivating, and leave a lasting impression?

The answer lies in moving beyond the dry recitation of facts and figures. It’s about crafting a multifaceted experience that incorporates five key elements: storytelling, movement, humor, visual aids, and a clear call to action. Each element plays a crucial role in drawing in your audience, making your message stick, and ultimately motivating them to take action. So, ditch the lecture format and get ready to unlock the secrets of crafting a truly unforgettable speech.

BLOCKS: Using blocks to structure a speech is the key to presenting a successful talk. In simple terms, a block represents a self-contained story within a story. Think of each block like a chapter of a book, magazine article, or a scene in a movie. Each block is a story with a beginning, middle and end and, more importantly, a block has a reason for being. A block makes a memorable point AND reinforces the central theme of your talk.

A block should run 4, 5, even 6 minutes. But remember, audiences don’t like and won’t pay attention to boring. So, the bigger the block the better it must be.

According to a recent scientific study, which surveyed 2,000 participants, and studied the brain activity of 112 others using electroencephalograms, the average adult’s attention span, what they call Selective Sustained Attention (or Focused Attention) is approximately 5 minutes — and that the good news. The bad news is that our Transient Attention (our short-term response to stimuli, that temporarily attracts or distracts our attention) can be as short as 8 seconds.