Your speech sucks. You know it! The audience knows it! BUT – wait…

You can salvage your speech. Here’s how.

NOTE: “speech” = formal and informal presentations/speeches, or when you’re on a conference call, or chairing a meeting. Practically every time you open your mouth.

1. Your GREAT conclusion saves a bad speech.

Refer back to Blogs 9, 10, & 11 in this series on the exact specifics for designing your conclusion. Just know that your conclusion can save you. Brain science has proven that what happens last creates an imprint on the entire event. Think about the daily fireworks show at 9pm at Disneyland. All of a sudden you don’t remember waiting in line all day.

2. Use people’s names.

What’s everyone’s favorite word? His/her name – pronounced exactly like they like it pronounced. Don’t go crazy here. You would not want to say someone’s name three times in the same sentence. Then I think you’re trying to sell me a lifetime subscription series at just $9.99/month forever. But, do sprinkle in the names of those you are talking to. We remember more of what you’ve said when you say our names.

3. Empower those in your audience/meeting/conference call.

If possible, and only when you are being sincere, compliment those you are talking to. Praise costs nothing and it is rated as more important than salary in keeping your employees engaged and motivated. It can also save a bad speech. Say, “You are responsible for this 3^rd quarter increase. You’ve made it happen with your …”; or “Your hard work has created our momentum in this merger.”

Stay tuned to our next blog in this series on hysterical presentation moments.

Karen Cortell Reisman, M.S., author of 3 books and President of Speak For Yourself®, works with organizations and executives on how to communicate to make more money. It’s all in how you speak for yourself. Read more at www.SpeakForYourself.com/blog/