Being a “Tool” Works Every Time

When you think of a great speaker, a few words probably come to mind: flexible, funny and inspirational. Someone that really resonated with you. Made you think, cry or laugh.

But when you think of a great presenter, do you think of Tim the Tool Man? Probably not. But I will challenge you to  think in these terms because great presenters know when to take out the necessary tool to make the keynote message all that more relevant.

Here are my 6 different metaphors of how the best presenters I know use their own tools most effectively. I hope you will agree.

A Great Speaker…

…Level Sets the Audience

A level makes sure your home foundation is squared up or a picture on the wall is not crooked.  A great speaker will let the audience members know what to expect and provide a balanced approach to their talk.

…Hammers Home the Message

Just like it takes several strikes of the hammer to drive a nail into the wood, a great speaker will weave the theme of the message into the keynote address several times.

Last winter, I had the opportunity to see the comic Gallagher. Although he was extremely funny, he kept referencing to the “spoon-fork” throughout his performance and with every story, brought his message back to this utensil. His point? We, as a society, are trying to be so politically correct that we end up as spoon-forks when we really need to commit to being a fork or a spoon and stand by our decision.

 

…Clamps Down on Bad Practices

Last year, I wrote about stupid mistakes even a great speaker can make. The key is to learn from each experience and stop those practices.

A great speaker learns from a variety of sources including videotaping themselves and reviewing the tapes often, belonging to professional organizations such as the National Speakers Association to gain feedback from colleagues and listening intently to client feedback.

 

…Screws Around

A great speaker brings levity into their message. They engage with audience members directly by going off the platform or bringing volunteers up on the stage AND they have all attendees laughing their head off. This presenter shows the lighter side of the subject matter and shares their own stories to gain audience buy-in and trust.

 

…Tape Measures Success

Either through the use of Audience Response Systems, online or paper surveys, or oral feedback, presenters need to know whether or not they met the expectation of their audience. This requires a deep thought process of asking questions where the answers are truly measurable and can help the speaker improve.

Keynote Speaker Jon Petz is Your Tool Man

As a keynote speaker Jon uses all the tools listed above to engaged audiences. His exponential energy and empowering messages deliver every time! That’s why clients invite him back again and again – and why audience members can’t wait to transform his ideas and strategies into real-world change in their lives and careers.

Call Jon today to learn more about ways he can help your organization at (614) 456-3072.