Techstars Startup Week and Artup Week Fort Collins 2020

This session will give participants the tools they need to master delivery of their messages. So many times we pore over the content but skimp on rehearsing it for maximum impact on the stage. When it comes to investor pitches, sales pitches, keynotes and elevator pitches, total message mastery takes speakers to a new level of credibility.

When you've completely nailed the delivery, instead of the audience seeing the wheels turning in your head (what do I say next? what slide is next? What if I forget? What's my memorized line at the end again?),the audience will be drawn into you and your message.

We will talk in depth about the Rehearsal Trifecta:
How to Practice (this is done alone and out loud)
How to Rehearse (with others there, how to give them a 'job', and why this is a step up)
When to Visualize (do this when you're using the technique of "How to Rehearse without Rehearsing" - that's using a device and recording the "I Nailed It" version of your speech)

Here is a videos to help explain. This is both about how to make great slides, and I walk viewers through the trifecta as well:

Here is an email I just sent to a client. He suggested that to reduce nervousness he should slow down his pace. No sir, that won't be enough. Here's why:

Dear [Client]
"I was just on a podcast today as a guest and we talked specifically about how to overcome nervousness. Slowing down seems like a logical answer but in fact there is so much more to it and we will tackle it together tomorrow. Largely, it has to do with speakers making a significant commitment to rehearsing the message out loud - both alone and in front of others - until it is so familiar to you that nothing can rattle you.

You probably know what I mean when I say that when you sit in an audience, you can tell when the speaker’s wheels are turning in their head... When they are trying to remember what to say, which slide they are on, and what comes next. The only way to push through that is to get so good at your message that the delivery of the content become second nature.Then and only then can you have an opportunity to relate to your audience, persuade with emotional appeals, and come off as personable, even a little vulnerable. Most speakers do not make this commitment and are therefore decent but not amazing.

When content is mastered and delivery can be addressed, that is where authentic presence comes into play. It is detectable by audience members right away. I have an awesome technique to teach you on which I rely myself, and if you can commit to it you will stop being nervous! It will change your feelings about public speaking and you will begin to see real improvement soon."