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“Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they
will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and
accurately so they will be guided by its light.”
—Joseph Pulitzer

I recently had the honor of conducting a Public Speaking Boot Camp where people came together to learn techniques to develop their remarkable experiences into significant stories. I’m always amazed at the resiliency demonstrated in these stories, the lessons learned through heartbreak or triumph, and the optimism of the human heart.

After more than 30 years doing presentations around the world, I’ve learned how to reach an audience, how to connect with listeners and how to craft a speech that touches hearts and minds. My Public Speaking Boot Camp was a chance for me to pass that information along to the next generation of inspirational speakers and business leaders.

I loved watching my boot camp attendees when I saw their minds light up with possibility. I loved seeing them realize they also have significant stories and life lessons to share with the world. Public speaking isn’t just about being successful as a speaker, it’s about being significant as a speaker. It’s about crafting a message that brings hope, joy, laughter and tears.

We’ve all experienced life-changing events. We’ve all struggled with loss, doubt, fear or pain. By sharing our stories, we make ourselves vulnerable but also approachable and relatable—and isn’t that what it’s all about? We make hundreds of human connections every month, learning the techniques of public speaking makes those connections so much more important.Public speaking isn’t just about standing on a stage addressing thousands of people. It might be doing a presentation at work, negotiating a higher salary, interacting with family members or just learning to stand a little taller and speak a little louder.

Here’s an example of a simple story with a strong message.

There were four clergymen who were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version best because of its simple, beautiful English. Another liked the American Revised Version best because it is more literal and comes nearer to the original Hebrew and Greek. Still, another liked Moffat’s translation because of its up-to-date vocabulary.

The fourth minister was silent. When asked to express his opinion, he replied, “I like my mother’s translation best.”

The other three expressed surprise. They did not know that his mother had translated the Bible. But he assured them, “She translated it into life, every day of her life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw.”

This short story shares a powerful image of a respected and loved mother. How many short stories do you have in you? How many messages can you share with the people around you?

Remember. Public speaking is not about making a speech. It’s about making a difference. If you’d like to learn more about public speaking, I’m offering an online course to help you tap into your knowledge, wisdom, and desire to connect. Click here to learn more.

Love you, my friends!

 

Danclark.com/contacts


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