This one was O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G!
I was in Boston last week and had an opportunity to do some sightseeing.
Around the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace there were several street performers.
They’re mostly very good. One was O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G!
The Content of his performance was juggling. The Great Delivery was what set him apart from the majority of street performers.
I was reminded of Delivery Lessons all great speakers should emulate.
Here they are:
Take total responsibility for your performance.
His performance was 100% his responsibility. He controlled background music and special sound effects from a control beneath his shirt. He made certain the great audio system he used was functioning. All the correct props, in the correct location for each act, was his job. From the scripting to the choreographing, it was his business to be sure it was correct.
Involve the audience.
Not only did our performer call for volunteers, but he asked each where they were from. Often, he would follow the answer with, “Who else is from _______?” By doing this, he engaged the entire crowd.
Be flexible and able to adapt your presentation quickly, sometimes very quickly.
When you have volunteers in a live performance you have to be prepared for anything and everything!
The little boy who couldn’t toss the plastic bowling pin to the performer, who was balancing himself on a two-tier rolling structure, had to be gently coaxed forward, a step at a time, to hand him the pin.
Always be audience centered and give them the best you’ve got.
I’m sure there were things that happened during the show that were not exactly what he had planned. People may have had to go back to work, move on with a tour group, or taken phone calls in the middle of his performance. Nothing distracted our street performer from his goal – giving his best.
Specifically he had a finale that involved juggling three boxes and catching them in a manner I can’t describe well enough to give the act justice. He dropped them the first two tries, but insisted he would complete the trick – and he did in a spectacular way!
Have a sense of humor. (If appropriate for your speech and the occasion.)
People love to laugh and have a good time. Good humor keeps the audience engaged and attentive.
The performer constantly used one-liners and physical actions that had the crowd enjoying every minute of the show.
Use suspense and surprise to keep the audience’s attention.
You never knew what was next with this guy, so you certainly didn’t want to let your mind or eyes wander. He didn’t disappoint us!
Have the mind set, and perform with that mindset, that your ‘payment’ will be based upon the quality of your performance.
In reality, your payment is an audience getting your message, not necessarily a monetary reward. (Of course in many cases, and hopefully many, many cases, your performance does have a check attached to it.
This street performer totally lived on what the audience paid him after his performance.
What if you prepared and delivered every one of your speeches with that mindset?
Learn, as I did, from the Street Performer. Do this and Your speech will be: absolutely; positively; there’s no doubt in my mind; no ifs, ands, or buts about it; Your speech will be – No Sweat!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
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