Speak to Lead

Public Speaking: Listen to Others

Recently I had the opportunity of hearing Judge Thomas B. Griffith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit speak. Although Griffith was the main speaker, he was preceded by three speakers from the organization he was addressing.
Many keynote speakers use the time someone else is presenting to review their notes. Others sit politely awaiting their turn. Griffith listened.
He began his speech by quoting a remark made by the first speaker and commenting on the insight and significance of the remark. He did the same for the second and third speakers. Then he tied their remarks into his theme.
This does three things:

1. The other speakers feel great. The "main attraction" that the audience has come to hear has recognized and validated what they said. What a wonderful compliment.
2. The audience feels great. The earlier speakers are more representative of the majority of the audience than the main speaker is. Complimenting those speakers indirectly compliments the audience.
   
3. The speaker comes across as a good guy. Even though he is a judge on what many people consider the second highest court in the land, Griffith demonstrates he values other people and connects to the audience.

Lesson: Listening is one of the most powerful ways to show respect, especially when it is demonstrated by referring to a specific comment the speaker has made. When you're not speaking, listen to what others are saying.

Public Speaking: Introductions Matter

Groucho Marx once said, "Before I speak, I have something important to say." Before you deliver a speech, something important is also said--your introduction. Yet frequently speakers, and their speechwriters, neglect or totally ignore the powerful role of the introduction. The proper introduction can establish credibility and focus the audience's attention on the issues you will be discussing. The proper introducer, one highly respected by the audience, lends validity to you and your message. Two examples of wise introductions from CPAC (see previous post): Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. The two presidential hopefuls most

Non-Partisan Lessons from CPAC 2007

Earlier in the month I listened to 44 speakers over three days at the 34th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, DC. I went primarily because it allowed me to see and compare all of the 2008 Republican current and potential presidential nominees (minus John "I-don't-need-no-stinkin-conservatives" McCain) speaking to the same audience in the same format.

Not all of the 44 were presidential hopefuls, although at times it does seem there are that many. The other speakers covered a range of strategic and tactical issues, including big government, taxes, entitlements, health care, national security, etc.

This blog is--or at least attempts to be--non-partisan. So without discussing the political content of what I heard, what lessons about communicating did I notice? Here is one huge plus and three minor refinements: