Ready, Set, Listen! — This public speaking tip can surely add character to your speech.

Wednesday: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: In written content, we highlight, underline, or encircle a particular statement to emphasize an important point. Unfortunately, you can’t do that in spoken content. So how can you make sure you emphasize your important points enough as your audience hears them? By using a figurative highlighter pen to use on the words you speak! Keep reading to know how you can prep your audience to listen by using the Power Button in your speech or presentation. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

Ready, Set, Listen! — This public speaking tip can surely add character to your speech. When writing various kinds of content, you can italicize, bold, or underline some terms or phrases to emphasize for your readers. Can you do the same when saying a speech? Absolutely not! Your listeners cannot hear any line you’ve underlined or italicized on your notes. How can you highlight an important point or message that your audience hears instead of sees? Use the POWER BUTTON. – – – This is just one of the powerful secrets featured in James C. Humes’ book, “Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln.” The Power Button is a phrase that illuminates the Power Line in your speech. It… is an introduction to your Power Line helps the Power Line become more relatable to your audience gives you the power to highlight specific messages you want to convey creates a greater impact on your target audience. Think of it as a figurative highlighter pen to use on the words you say orally. You can also think of it as a button you “press” to signal your listeners. You want to capture your audience’s attention so you can guide them in focusing more on a specific part of your speech or presentation. The Power Button preps your audience to “Ready—Set—Listen” for the Power Line that follows. Power Button → Power Pause → Power Line Ways to use the Power Button during your speech or presentation: 1. “Light Up a Line Like a Neon Sign” Use your Power Button to dramatize parts of your speech. Deliver your message effectively using the right emotion you need for the line you want to emphasize. Instead of just saying: The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Say: Let me again assert my firm belief: [pause] That the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Franklin D. Roosevelt used this Power Button in one of his inaugural speeches and it became one of the most memorable quotes in history. 2. “Switch on the Ignition with a Power Button” You can also use a Power Button to command the attention you need for an important part of your speech. Instead of just saying: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. Say: I would say to the house as I said to those who joined this government, [pause] I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. Winston Churchill used this famous Power Button during his first speech as prime minister. 3. “Push Your Power Button” Another use of the Power Button is to introduce a Power Line that defines your philosophy in life to get your audience to relate to the important message you want to convey. Instead of just saying: That our country calls not for the life of ease but the life of strenuous endeavor. Say: I preach to you my countrymen: [pause] That our country calls not for the life of ease but the life of strenuous endeavor. Theodore Roosevelt used this Power Button to introduce a memorable sentence that defines his philosophy in life. How often should you use a Power Button? One per speech is more than enough. The Power Button is used as an introduction to your powerful message. It’s meant to also leave a burning hole in your audiences’ ears. Using it too much in one speech or presentation can lose its intended effect and could even sound awkward. Use it wisely and moderately. A Power Button can help you effectively deliver your message and create an engaging environment. Try this tip on your next presentation. Surely, it’ll create an impact! Hope you’ve found this week’s public speaking tip interesting and helpful. Follow us on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for next Wednesday’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants! Learn more about how to utilize Power Audacity on next week’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!