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Keeping Your Message Memorable
Volume II, Issue 4
From time to time leaders are called upon to deliver a message (oral or written) in the form of a conference keynote address, response to the keynote address, panel discussion, a radio or TV appearance, grand opening event, launch for a new business, a fill-in for a no show or cancelled speaker, a white paper, report, publication and more.
I never really know what impact the message has. Measuring impact in terms of how loud and long the applause is could be an indicator but on the other hand, the applause could mean that the audience was pleased that your message has ended. I also have used as a measure the number of participants in the audience or readers who have expressed positive comments about the message. Well, it is really a heart-breaker when only one person expresses remarks and it happens to be a colleague, staff member or a family member.
Accordingly, in light of the aforementioned, I have taken the following steps to guide message preparation with the hope that the message will have more value and is memorable (even if there is no feedback):
1. Research your audience and topic (use current information); e.g., If you are talking to a millennial audience and you are not one, don't use too much "old school stuff!"
2. Keep the message simple and use the active voice to the extent possible.
3. Integrate a personal experience(s) related to the topic of the message
4. Use humor whenever possible as it is a great approach to offset known weaknesses in the presentation, perceptions that others may have formed about your credentials or negative audience experiences prior to interacting with you and your presentation etc.
5. Practice or read your message in the mirror and record it when practicing. (It is particularly important that body language align with the message when delivering in person.) Another option may be to set aside the presentation (message) for a few hours or read it out loud. I usually take the latter steps and then forward it to another for review and comment.
6. Develop a quote or use a quote from another that ties the bow around the presentation and helps the audience to remember what was expressed.
7. Provide adequate time for audience to raise questions; if the presentation is written, provide opportunities for the audience to interact through LinkedIn, Facebook or email.
If you are interested in boosting your messages so that they are memorable and have impact, Connect with Marilyn West today - consulting@mhwest.com.
