How to Use A Speech To Turbo-Charge Your Sales

By Terry Brock For DSound and Steemit

We love communication and connection. I think it is in our DNA from the time our ancestors ran around in caves and longed to be with others who could give sage words of advice to avoid those nasty sabre tooth tigers.

Today we don't face many of those saber tooth tigers, but we face other fears. The news media is filled with a plethora of nastiness ranging from the plague-of-the-moment to the war-of-the-moment to yet another goof-ball politician doing something stupid. Your customers are looking for someone who can help them solve their own fears and help them achieve their goals.

One of the best tools a savvy entrepreneur or salesperson can have is a strong, persuasive speech. We admire the person who can captivate our attention, make us think, and who gives us hope. Make it your goal in life to be more persuasive and helpful and you'll realize enormous success.

Here are some points to make your presentations more effective:

Do your research first. Don't just use a "canned" speech. Audiences can smell the plasticity of that and don't like it. Make it fresh, relevant to their needs, and something that can solve their problems.
Use stories. Think of examples of customers you've worked with before who have had success with your product or service. Your presentation will be more effective as you relate stories of people who used your product or service to succeed. It is especially relevant when your audience feels those people are “just like me.“
Careful on the humor. Too often amateur speakers feel they have to tell a joke. It pains me when I hear a person, who is sincerely trying, begin with a lame joke like, "A priest, a minister, and a rabbi walked into a bar..." Holy ugh! Humor is best when it comes naturally, without being forced.
Don't try to see your audience naked. See them as people who need help. Years ago some speech coaches would say you should see your audience naked as that helps overcome fear. Well, frankly there are some people I'd rather not see naked! Focus your efforts on showing how your product or service can solve their problems. Connect with them on an emotional level with lots of examples how you can assist. Your audience will smile and cheer you on ---- and that's even better than trying to see them naked!
Remember that competence builds confidence which decreases fear. The more you know your subject matter and how to deliver it well, the more confident you'll be. This has a wonderful effect of calming fears that happen when speaking. Strengthen your skills. Connect with people. Provide serious value. These are the keys to presenting well and decreasing fear.

A speech can help catapult you to higher levels you never imagined. I have had the privilege of traveling to 35 countries speaking professionally and doing business. The spoken word is powerful when used properly. Use your next presentation as a great opportunity to propel your career and business forward. You'll conquer your fear of public speaking ---- and maybe even your fear of saber-toothed tigers!

Thank you for joining me!

Terry

Terry L. Brock, MBA, CSP, CPAE
Member, Professional Speaker Hall of Fame
Certified Speaking Professional
2018 Recipient of the National Speakers Association's Highest Award, The Cavett

Master of Ceremonies
Professional Video Coach

Syndicated Columnist with Business Journals (43 papers across USA, 11 million monthly page views)
bizjournals.com/bizjournals/bio/19251/TerryBrock

See some wonderful (!) videos on my YouTube Channel!
youtube.com/user/TerryLBrock/videos

My TEDxBocaRaton presentation.
youtube.com/watch?v=7pmVRX55Hz8

Former Editor-in-Chief for AT&T's Networking Exchange Blog
Former Chief Enterprise Blogger for Skype

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