If there must be the "one thing" I have learned about public speaking, its this; it's is not about the speaker. A speech is about what we can say to make a difference. It's about the value of the change, the idea being offered. One of the most rewarding moments of my speaking life came when a stranger, a short woman in her thirties, approached me quite shyly after a conference speech. She had tears in her eyes and needed a hug. She said, "Scotty, your speech touched me more than anything I've heard. You made me think about my friend, and I'm going to say 'thank you' to her because she changed my life. Thank you for this." A good speech has a ripple effect, reaching beyond the room. References and applause do not supersede purpose.
I first took the microphone in a radio station in small town America. Rather than starve on those wages, like most, I've lived the American dream in the 9 to 5 way while I've always engaged public speaking in it's various forms. A long career managing teams, speaking to groups, customers, teams and executives, training, MCing charity events, producing videos, voice-over work, hosting conferences and the occasional roast have all added up to lessons in speech craft. In speaking, old lessons can be revisited, and new lessons just don't end. In the process of becoming an award-winning competitive speaker, I've learned the value of the nuances of the craft, from real advice to too much advice, from the brutal video review to measuring the applause. I've also learned that what I know now can help others prepare for the speaking challenge. There is no better feeling than assisting the aspiring speaker, eager to give their gift to the world.
Surfing the digital edge of speech craft, we find a universe with so many great speakers and speaking resources to choose from. There are many nice speakers blogs; here, you'll find links to new speaking resources and sites, speaking books, anecdotes, and most important, the ongoing and SPECIFIC tips and tricks for better public speaking. With tremendous respect for hard-working, luggage-loving speakers, we invite your ideas. We are cyberized to discuss and to learn.
There is almost always a double edge to any speaking tactic, so I want to invite your ideas, insights and corrections (when you contribute, you'll always be cited). I'll be grateful for the ideas and experiences that you offer, as will others.
Welcome to my blog - The Speech of Your Life. Break a leg.
Scotty Burch
