Use Quotes at Speaking Opportunities
Quotes are powerful captivators and credibility-builders for anyone involved in motivational speaking. (Notice how many I use
in this book). They show respect for other’s thoughts. Whenever possible, quote people
in the audience, as it delights and honors them.
If you’re speaking to a company, quote its leaders. Sure, you could quote Jack
Welch and other famous CEO’s, but why not the locals? It makes everything more
specific and intimate. (And it doesn’t hurt to know that it’s the company leaders who
have a say in whether you’re invited back to speak again.) If you know there’s a new
executive or associate at the company, quote them. Get them to stand, and initiate
applause for them. Honor them. There are many, many ways to incorporate quotes
effectively.
A company I worked for sponsored a “Bring Your Child To Work Day,” as many
organizations have done. I invited my older daughter, Alexandra. On that particular day,
I was facilitating the Presentation Skills Workshop for seven executives in finance.
These managers had three months to prepare presentations that each would be giving
in the afternoon session. I made it clear to Alexandra, of course, that she wasn’t
expected to present one with such short notice. She said she’d like to, if she could go
last.
During each speaker’s afternoon presentation, I observed Alexandra was taking
copious notes. After everyone had finished, it was time for Alexandra’s presentation.
What she did was really remarkable! As her father, I couldn’t have been more proud.
She had taken notes on all of the other speakers’ topics. Then she demonstrated
how the power of the Internet could enhance each of their topics. And she quoted the
speakers:
Today we heard Maria discuss her keen interest in the country of
Morocco. She said, “Morocco is a magical place!” Well, it’s exciting to know that
you can go to this Internet site (and she mentioned the site) and listen to
Moroccan music as you’re doing your research.
She went from one speaker to the next, remembering their topics and quoting
them. Everyone was excited and loved that their interests were being recapped! They
were ecstatic that their words were quoted. Why? Because their words were honored!
They gave Alexandra a tremendous round of applause.
They loved her words, because her words were their words!
Quoting others is a powerful fuel for your “fires.”
I strongly suggest memorizing your twenty favorite quotes. It’s always better not
to have to read them from your notes. After all, if they’ve really had an impact on you,
wouldn’t you know them by heart?
This is what the audience is thinking.
And you can “quote me” on that!
Ron Clendenin