Everybody wants to be financially secure. And most successful people have the ability to speak effectively in front of a group.

But, if the first words out of your mouth when you meet someone in public are, “your car sir,” or “would you like fries with that,” you are probably not speaking up confidently enough to get ahead. Or, if you ever tried robbing a bank and froze when you needed to order the teller to hand over the unmarked bills, you’re definitely not speaking up when it counts to get ahead.

If you read my last 2 tips on overcoming your fears of public speaking, then you should be fairly ready to step up to a podium without anymore crippling fear. But to finish the job you’re still going to have to make a strong emotional connection.

Connect Speaker and Client

1. Mirror Your Audience
Act as if you belong to their group. So, before speaking to a group of Yogi, I do yoga; I do meditation before speaking to meditators, or mediators, or meditating mediators; and I enjoy primal screaming to prepare for an audience of Hells Angels. If I have the difficult task of talking to attorneys, I prepare by arguing with everyone in my life about every tiny nitpicky detail, and lastly, I pre-medicate for MDs.

2. Instant Karma
Once you are introduced and approach the podium, you have about 30 seconds to grab the audience while they size you up. This can usually be achieved by giving out some sort of gift, such as free money or an Oprah car. After that, you’re on your own.
If you follow my playbook, you will pass out, get arrested, be ready for the unexpected, and avoid being a know-it-all. Good luck and if you do well please be sure to mention my name.

Harry Freedman performs customized Corporate Comedy Put-ons, Standup, Emcee, Toasts, and can actually really help you with writing and or coaching for any speech situation you might have coming up.