[AUDIO] Prepare a Persuasive Speech Like A Pro - With Kwame Christian
It was such a joy to speak with Kwame Christian, Esq., founder of the American Negotiation Institute and host of the “Negotiate Anything” podcast. I shared 3 things to think about as you prepare a persuasive speech or talk. Do you want to educate? Help? Nuance an opinion? See this as a collaborative - not combative - opportunity.
3 Important Considerations for That Persuasive Speech
About a year ago, I stumbled across Kwame Christian’s TED talk, “Finding Confidence in Conflict.” The (hilarious) story about Kwame’s wife finishing his last Cinnamon Toast Crunch hooked me. His style was engaging and funny, and I also got something else from his TED talk: A new, less-scary way of looking at conflict.
I was so energized by Kwame’s talk, I invited him to speak to my business students at Loyola University. Honestly, I wish I could have learned from a negotiation pro like Kwame when I was in school.
So I was thrilled when Kwame invited me to be a guest on the Negotiate Anything podcast. Our topic for the day was Persuasive Speaking.
Where I see most wannabe-persuaders fall short is in their mindset and preparation - not so much their words. Because how you prepare and how you approach your speech will affect the rest of it. (ps - This applies to anything persuasive - sales pitches? Asking Mom & Dad for a car? Yep.)
It doesn’t matter how beautiful your words are, or how correct your facts are. If you start from a faulty mindset, you probably won’t persuade your audience of anything.
If you prepare a persuasive speech (or really, any speech) from a must-win or adversarial viewpoint, it’ll land like a lead balloon.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the folks who completely abandon or overlook their ask.
I talk about all 3 of these things, and what speakers/salespeople/anyone can do to improve on and avoid these common pitfalls.
Click above to hear my talk with Kwame Christian, or download the podcast.
My Top 3 Tips for Persuasive Speaking
Mind your mindset
It’s easy to think Persuasive Speaking = “Convince them to ….” or “I need to get them to …” and that’s not it, at all. Yes, a complete 180 or an immediate “yes!” would be satisfying, but is it realistic?
Think about how easy (or not) it is for you to change your mind on something. With that in mind, how easy do you think it will be for you “to get” someone else to change theirs?
Buy-in is a process, not a knee-jerk reaction.Mind your approach
Common knowledge tell us that persuading means winning someone over, or “I’m right, they’re wrong” or “I have the solution, and you must [buy from me/vote for me/whatever…]” This sets up an adversarial relationship from the get-go.
Why not see the exchange as a collaborative experience? Or a shared experience? Remember, this is a process.Mind your ask
That is, craft it and don’t forget it! I’ve seen this with a handful of clients. They may be seeking support for a fundraiser, working on a membership drive, or seeing skilled professionals to join their team.
So what do they do? They go out, make a presentation about how amazing their [product/organization/event/whatever] is, and end with, “Thank you.”
?????!
Why didn’t you end with, “We are looking for 10 widget-makers to join our team” or, “Please support our upcoming fundraiser on March 10 - you can do this in one of three ways…” etc.
Your audience doesn’t know what you want or need unless you tell them. So tell them. Don’t drop the ask.
Need help with preparing a speech or persuasive speech of your own? Call me!
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I make public speaking and presentation skills easier for my clients. I help with everything from preparation to managing anxiety and nerves to speaking with strength and confidence. In addition to Presentation Skills workshops, I offer executive coaching and Keynote speeches. To learn more, Get in touch.
