Strike a chord: How can a single line deliver the most impact during a presentation?
Wednesday: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants
There’s always one line that resonates with us after listening to a speech or presentation.
It’s that one strong statement that, no matter how many years have passed, we would always be able to recall because it deeply touched our hearts.
I can still recall the most powerful presentations I’ve listened to. For me, they are impactful not only because of the message, but also by how the speakers delivered the message.
As an independent professional, focusing on this aspect of your speech or presentation is crucial, as this will give you an edge in the industry you’re in.
Keep reading to learn how a single line can strike a chord with your audience. I hope you find this week’s public speaking tip helpful as you prepare for your next presentation.
Miles Everson
CEO, MBO Partners
Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute
Speak on the Shoulders of Giants
Speeches are written to create an impact.
Presentations are built to convey powerful messages.
Combined, both provide a wealth of information for the audience to use and take away from.
How do you leave a powerful and memorable message that strikes a chord with your audience?
Use a POWER LINE
— This is just one of the powerful secrets featured in James C. Humes’ book, “Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln.”
Many of history’s greatest speakers have said one or two lines that have made a lasting impression in many generations.
These lines represent the very essence and meaning of the message they want to convey.
Some have been cited multiple times, quoted in other speeches, and became popular phrases used in other media like film and television.
That’s the significance of the Power Line: an important and strong statement in a speech that people would be able to recall.
To help you create a Power Line, you can follow the guideline from the C.R.E.A.M. technique.
Contrast, Rhyme, Echo, Alliterate, and Metaphor
Contrast – Using contrasting words, or antonyms, in a single statement is one way to get your point across a speech or presentation. Wisely positioning these words in the beginning and ending parts of your sentence gives more emphasis and impact. Here’s a literary example from famous American author Hellen Keller:
“Only by contact with evil could I have learned to feel by contrast the beauty of truth and love and goodness.”
Rhyme – Construct a Power Line with the use of rhyming. Commonly used in poetry and music, rhymes make your lines memorable. To quote author and journalist Grace Lichtenstein and co-author Sonny Bloch from their book, Inside Real Estate: The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Your Home, Co-Op, or Condominium:
“Work for a cause… not for applause. Remember to live your life to express, not to impress, don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.”
Echo – Utilizing the “Echo” is another powerful tool. You can strengthen your point by repeating the same word twice in a single sentence. Using repetition helps your message linger in your audience’s minds. Here is an example from former US President Barack Obama:
“Yes, we can, to opportunity and prosperity. Yes, we can heal this nation. Yes, we can repair this world. Yes, we can.”
Alliterate – Alliteration means using multiple words starting with the same letter or sound in the same sentence or phrase. This is used to emphasize a thought or idea by catching the ear of the audience by using the right rhythm and mood. Here is an example from famous orator Martin Luther King Jr.:
“Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation.”
Metaphor – Using metaphors is another effective way to create a great Power Line. Figures of speech are relatable and easy to understand. Using a play on words is something fun that many would remember. Here is an example from another former US President, Ronald Reagan:
“But there are many mountains yet to climb. We will not rest until every American enjoys the fullness of freedom, dignity, and opportunity as our birthright.”
History’s greatest speeches provide us with timely and timeless messages that have inspired and motivated generations of people over the years.
Adding a Power Line to your speech or presentation gives you a strong statement that your audience would remember. People might not remember a speech in its entirety, but they will surely remember the message and impact that it carried.
Hope you’ve found this week’s public speaking tip interesting and helpful.
Stay tuned for next Wednesday’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!
