Apr 06
Early on in my sales career, perhaps in my first year in real estate, I learned about the concept of KISS – Keep it Simple Stupid. At least that’s the way it was taught to me. The context of this lesson was for writing contracts. The more simple and concise the language in a contract, the better it is.
As a speaking coach, I am reminded of the need for the KISS concept time and again. We speakers are a wordy bunch. If we can use 40 words to say something that could be said in 10, we ramble on for 40. While we may like the sound of our own voices, the audience has to wade through our excessive verbiage to find the nuggets of wisdom hidden inside.
As a professional speaker, I have come to learn that it’s not what I say that’s important, it’s what my audience member remembers. And beyond that, it’s not just what they remember, but what they implement. It all comes down to memorability and action. If they remember what we say, the odds are they’ll think or act differently. Read the rest of this entry »
Mar 23
For 10 seconds I was blind. As my vision returned, I could barely see past the first row because of the stage lights. It was full of people staring at me. I grabbed hold of the microphone stand, took a deep breath and began to tell my story. After seven long minutes it was over. My Hollywood stand up comedy debut was history. It had passed without a hint of laughter.
As I walked towards the stage exit onto the parking lot, I passed autographed photos of David Letterman, Bill Cosby, Whoopie Goldberg, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy and Ellen Degeneres. It was clear I was not going to join their ranks. Not unless I figured out what went wrong, or perhaps, didn’t go right. I knew I had a funny story, but that’s all I knew. Read the rest of this entry »
Mar 22
I was recently interviewed for a Podcast (downloadable audio) on businessweek.com. The subject was the use of stories in sales.
In this interview, I discuss how strategically chosen and crafted stories stimulate imagery and emotion to overcome objections and close more sales.
To listen to my interview, go to Businessweek.com and download it.
Doug
For more information on my training program and keynote on using stories to increase sales, visit Sell It With A Story.
Mar 21
How to Write and Deliver a Dynamite Speech - Step One: Define Your Core Message
© by Doug Stevenson
A dynamite speech is built upon a strong foundation of form and structure. I call this the architecture of the speech. Without the proper form and structure – the right elements organized in the right
order – your speech may collapse in on you while you’re standing there in front of your audience.
Maybe that’s already happened to you and you don’t want it to happen again.
Step One of the 21 Steps of the Dynamite Speech System is Define Your Core Message. Before you start choosing stories and making PowerPoint slides, you have to have a clear purpose, a distinct point of focus that keeps you on track and makes it easy for your audience to follow you. I call this point of focus your core message. Just for clarification, the terms “core message” and “main point” are interchangeable. Your core message is your main point.
Here’s the first question you need to ask yourself when defining your core message: what’s the one thing I want my audience members to know or do? The most important thing. Not three or four or seven things. One thing. How do I want them to act differently or think differently? Core messages are designed to get people to act or think differently. They’re simple, clear and concise.
Consider the challenge that’s facing your listener. What’s their pain? Where are they hurting? Read the rest of this entry »
Mar 21
Welcome to my blog. I’m Doug Stevenson from StoryTheater.net.
We have just launched this blog, so please bear with us while we get it populated with our services and tips.
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Doug
