Ready, Set, Listen! — This public speaking tip can surely add character to your speech. [Speak on the Shoulders of Giants]
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.”
In one of our previous articles, we talked about how using a Power Line can make a lasting impression on your audience.
This week, we will discuss the Power Button and how you could use it with a Power Line and a Power Pause to deliver a powerful message during your speech or presentation.
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!
About The Dynamic Marketing Communiqué’s
“Wednesdays: Speak on the Shoulders of Giants”
In a meeting with one person
…a boardroom with five people
…or a huge venue with hundreds of people
—whatever the situation or setting, it’s very important to learn and eventually master the art of public speaking.
No matter what, you always need to effectively get your message across.
What good is a presentation with awesome content if you don’t deliver it properly?
Every Wednesday, we publish different tips, insights, and secrets on how you can improve your presentation skills to captivate your audience and lead interesting discussions.
The need for great presentation skills applies EVERYWHERE.
(Small meetings with your team, big meetings with your boss, an important marketing pitch, speaking engagements for events with a big audience, etc.)
Learning these skills is not just for the corporate world. Being in other industries such as the Arts, Information Technology, Medicine, and Education while knowing how to present well will definitely give you an edge.
Have that advantage.
Hope you’ve found this week’s public speaking tip interesting and helpful.
Stay tuned for next Wednesday’s Speak on the Shoulders of Giants!
Cheers,
Kyle Yu
Head of Marketing
Valens Dynamic Marketing Capabilities
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