His talk demonstrates that recommending the use of emotion is not sufficiently specific advice for a speaker. Also, having apparently apt credentials like a Masters in Communication, does not necessarily mean one has mastered the skill.
In the apparent absence of their use Davison demonstrates the vital need in preparing for a speech to:
- Discern, ahead of time, what most matters to your audience.
- Craft an outline for your talk with a main point, no more than three supportive points, segues between them – each supported by a few relevant and vivid facts or examples - and “bookending” the beginning and ending of your talk with the same point and a call for action.
- Praise the audience and/or individuals in it for specific, positive actions or beliefs that reinforce the stands you are advocating.
- Ensure that your metaphors and figures of speech are congruent and make sense.
- Practice in front of one or more people who are familiar with your audience and who will give you intelligent, candid feedback
Here's two speaker friends who continue to provide valuable insights about how to connect with your audience, move them to act and make a positive difference in the world: Bert Decker and Nick Morgan.
One final thought. Even if you are not the president someone maybe recording your talk so don’t let something you pledge come back to bite you later.
