In This Issue

News & Notes: The King's Speech

Topic of the Month: Creating a Compelling Message

Questions for Reflection

Action Step

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News & Notes:  The King's Speech

If you’ve ever feared giving a speech, you’ll be inspired by The King’s Speech. The movie is based on the true story of King George VI of Britain’s impromptu ascension to the throne and the unorthodox speech therapist that helped him conquer his life-long stuttering problem.

 

The movie holds many lessons, one of them being, you don’t have to speak perfectly to be moving.  What you need is belief in yourself and your message.  So, see the movie for motivation and then use the Five C’s to create your compelling message!  And, don’t forget to download my complimentary E-Seminar, “How to Speak to Others Listen.” 

The Roommate is another movie out this month.  I’m not sure I’d recommend seeing it, but I would recommend my book for anyone who wants to avoid a bad college roommate situation. 

Until next month,

And, just for fun and inspiration, take a look at this speech by d

Susan Fee

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Topic of the Month: Creating a Compelling Message

Why speak if not to be memorable?  Don’t get me wrong; I’ve definitely said things I wish people would forget!  But, whether it be one-on-one or a group presentation, why bother saying anything at all if no one will remember?  With the help of brain research and good old-fashioned feedback, it’s possible to state exactly what type of message sticks and what creates a bored stupor.  

A memorable message contains these five elements: 

Core.  The most memorable messages are simple, simple, simple.  In journalism, this is called the lead.  In one sentence, what’s this story about and why should anybody care?  If you can’t state your core, listeners can’t repeat it.  Practice brevity by visiting www.sixwordstories.net.  Can you convey your point in just six words?

Credibility.  People won’t believe or remember what you say without a reason.  Why are you a credible source?  Do you speak from personal experience, observation, or education?  You don’t have try and impress people with a ton of degrees, just be authentic. 

Context. When the brain receives a message, it immediately begins a search to find something to compare to the idea.  It’s trying to link on to something familiar and extend the memory chain.  Anchor your message with specific details: names, descriptions, examples, metaphors, and analogies. 

Creative.  As much as the brain recognizes the familiar, it craves novelty.  Long-term memory does not store neutral events.  Just think back on your childhood, career, or a relationship.  What do you recall?  Most like the extreme highs and lows, but not the mundane.  Find a new twist, be surprising, add a zig when they expected a zag.  Like, playing Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody on the ukulele.  Seriously.  Watch an amazing performance by Jake Shimabukuro.  Bet you’ll remember it!

Compelling.  Even during the recession, millions of people are willing to shell out money every week to see a good movie.  In return, they want to get caught up in an emotional story, one that makes them laugh, cry, or scream in terror.  Would you rather listen to series of stories or lectures?  Exactly.  Don’t be afraid of emotion.  In the context of a good story, it’s the very thing that draws people in.     

Need help creating a compelling message? 

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Questions for Reflection

What keeps you interested in a conversation or presentation?

Do you feel you hold people’s attention?  Why or why not?

What’s the best story you ever told?  What made it successful?

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 Action Step

For the next week, write a six-word story that summarizes your day. 

 

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Interested in booking training or coaching?  Let me know how I can help, Susan_Fee@msn.com. 

 

Susan Fee is a professional clinical counselor, personal coach, and national speaker.  She is the author of Positive First Impressions, Dealing with Difficult People, Dealing with Mean Girls, Building Resiliency, Secrets of Successful Presentations, and the college survival guide, My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy!  She can be reached through her Web site at www.susanfee.com or by email at Susan_Fee@msn.com. 

 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2011