Speaking as a Leader

Why did I choose this resource?

Kevin selected this book for me to help improve my abilities to speak in public.

What did you learn from it?

I learned that opportunities to lead and inspire are everywhere; in presentations, conversations, voice mails, and emails. If there is a person around, there is a stage, and if there is a stage, you have  a chance to lead and motivate.

Key Knowledge

THE LEADERSHIP MODEL

• STEP ONE: Think as a Leader
  • Speak with an idea that is focused, positive, attainable, and encompassing
  • You can lead from all levels in a company. The difference is in the approach.
  • Be an inspirational speaker not just an informative one, always have a message or vision that drives your talk.
  • Listening is key to being a leader; three ways to listen – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• STEP TWO: Create a Leader’s Script
  • Use The Leader’s Script template for all communications, formal and informal, ensures you will always speak as a leader.
  • Three main parts:
    • The Introduction
      • The Grabber – Draws in the audience and excites them about your message, can be personal or literary.
        • Personal – the “I” grabber, tells something about yourself
        • Literary – many forms such as anecdotes, quotations, statistics, research, short videos, or poetic                                openings.
      • The Subject – Set’s the stage for you discussion and is extremely important to get it right. The subject should be                       one single exciting topic that has been carefully chosen and redefined,
      • The Message – Most important part of the script. Explains to your audience why they are there.
      • A Structural Statement – Last sentence of the introduction that sets the course for the body.
    • The Body – Clear, organized arguments that support the main message
      • No topics, only arguments
      • All points must tie back to the main message
      • The structure should allow you to expand or contrast on topics depending on the time available
      • Create a structure, and follow it.
    • The Conclusion
      • Restate the Message
      • Call to Action – Informs the listeners or yourself of the actions needed to bring the vision to life.
• STEP THREE: Use the Language of Leadership
  • Think before you speak, stay on topic, be precise, be succinct, use speech appropriate for your audience, and avoid jargon, terms and phrases that have lost meaning.
  • Address the audience in a kind and welcoming manner. Do not talk at or down to them.
  • Be personal and create a relationship with the audience by using “I,” “you” and “we.”
  • Use figures of speech to influence the audience to listen and act.
  • Do not lessen the conviction of you speech with beginning a sentence with something similar to, “It’s only my opinion..” or “I’m not sure…”
  • Avoid words such as probably, hopefully, just, maybe, primarily, basically, sort of, quite and so on.
  • When there is a pause, do not fill it with words like um, ah, you know, to be honest, and like.
  • Avoid verbs similar to I think, I suppose, I’d guess and I’ll try.
  • Don’t apologize, correct yourself, or end a sentence with “et cetera.”
• STEP FOUR: Achieve a Leader’s Presence
  • Engage the audience.
  • Use the volume and tone of your voice to emphasize the important parts of your speech. Do not be monotone.
  • Avoid visual aids because they are a distraction. You are the best visual for the audience.
  • Always speak loudly and cleanly.

How are you using what you learned?

I will use this information to prepare my presentations on my summaries. I will also use it to improve my emails and voice mails to clients. Additionally, I will use it every day to lead and inspire.

Key Changes / Key Actions

• Think before you speak.
• Create outlines for presentations
• Listen to your audience

Source

• Name : Speaking as a Leader
• Book: Speaking as a Leader:  How to Lead Every Time You Speak — From Boardrooms to Meeting Rooms,  From Town Halls to Phone Calls
• Author : Judith Humphrey
  
• Summary.com: Link to Book