“The Secret” Revisited

I recently answered a question that appeared in LinkedIn. The individual who submitted the question was requesting suggestions on how to inspire and motivate an audience as a speaker. What were the "secrets" of becoming a great speaker?

My response wasn’t the first. Other well-meaning individuals had replied with good advice that met the general parameters of the question.

Now, those of you who know me or have heard me speak know that I just can’t leave well enough alone. No, this was an opportunity to have some fun, and interestingly enough, no one had suggested the use of humor. So … this is the direction I took (and I can’t help wondering how many readers thought I was serious). Additionally, the gentleman who asked the question had written and co-authored a few books … most of which had titles that described “Secrets” of some sort. As you may have guessed, I couldn’t leave that opportunity alone either. Enjoy!

*****

“All of the answers you've already received will help shape your future as an upper echelon speaker. Knowing your audience and knowing your subject ... and being passionate about it ... are essential elements of any inspirational presentation. Being succinct, using parables and being exceptionally well prepared are also great tips.

“Then, there's my approach. Find a less competitive niche. Very few professional speakers are concentrating on achieving mediocrity. Make sure you receive payment in advance; then, just wing it! Hey, you may never be hired back, but there are thousands of companies out there that will make at least one mistake when booking a speaker. You'll almost never run out of new opportunities.

“When you think about it, professional speaking must have its own bell curve. It's almost a Darwinian certainty. Not everyone can be great. So, why not differentiate yourself like me? Carve out your own segment of the marketplace: like REALLY POOR speaking. It's still a virgin territory. Nobody is pursuing it … although, if the economy continues to struggle, I may be forced to broaden my horizons and compete in that area as well.

“If you ignore my advice and, instead, choose to pursue excellence (hmm, that might be a good title for a book), whatever you do, don't use humor ... particularly self-deprecating humor. Top speakers need to be enamored with their press clippings (even if they're the ones who wrote them). If you're committed to competing at the top, you've got to learn take yourself "too" seriously. Also, try to become "difficult." Demand limos and first class travel arrangements (including hotels and airfares; make ridiculous demands of the hotel (like having M&Ms waiting for you in your room ... sorted by color). It's also important that you act arrogant toward the staff; demeaning them whenever possible. ALWAYS complain about the room in which you are to speak (i.e., poor sound system, bad lighting, too hot, too cold) and make them rearrange the seating at the last moment if possible. Use your imagination. This is the fun part of the job, and this is what the people that hired you will remember ... even more so than your actual speech.

“In any event, I do wish you success. Have as much fun pursuing your dreams as I had writing this response.

“P.S. I read one of your other books (49 Marketing Secrets (that work) To Grow Sales), and I used each one of the "secrets." As a result, I have 49 great clients, but I've never been able to grow beyond that number. What am I missing? :) ”

2009 (C) Dr. Terry O'Hara