Speakers can learn a lot from comedians — and not about how to open with a joke. Comedy requires a detailed understanding of language and storytelling, plus the flexibility to work with an unpredictable and sometimes intoxicated audience. It can take years to craft an hour of material.
This week I talk with comedian and musician Phil Johnson about his journey, working with an audience, storytelling, and piracy.
2-Minute Tip: Challenge the Audience to Discover Truth Immediately challenge the audience to discover a truth about themselves that proves the premise of your talk. If the group knows that you have an appreciation or understanding of their personal (or business) situation, they will engage. As a bonus, make them laugh within the first 30 seconds. Post Tip Discussion: Meet Amy Lyle I always enjoy to talking…
2-Minute Tip: Don’t Squander Water Cooler Talk After winning or losing a big sale in a store there’s tendency to brag or vent to colleagues around a literal or metaphorical water cooler. It happens after a big talk, too. We celebrate the brilliance or decry the stupidity of an audience. Don’t. It’s not effective. It won’t help you win or save more sales in the…
2-Minute Tip: Tell a Story to Add Value When presenting, we are often selling something. It may be a product, a service, or an idea. To be effective, though, don’t just go through a barrage of features or details. It’s the story that you can connect with your topic that gives it value. It’s the story you tell that your audience will respond to and remember. It’s the…