How to deliver an exciting speech on a dull topic
Five ways to make a presentation on any topic compelling to listeners.
My firm has presentation-training clients in the trucking, finance, and waste-water management industries. I know, fascinating stuff, right? No wonder so many of my clients in those industries tell me that they struggle to deliver a compelling speech about such “boring” topics.
They’re usually surprised when I tell them there’s no such thing as a boring topic, just boring speakers.
It’s true that some topics are more inherently interesting than others. But I’ve regularly watched in awe as talented speakers in “boring” industries deliver speeches that move their audiences to tears, laughter, or both.
Last month, I worked with Brian Harrison, the director of insurance marketing for Commonwealth Financial Network. My job was to help him prepare for an upcoming presentation about a “boring” topic: insurance.
After we spent a few minutes discussing his talk, I asked him to present the opening he had prepared. He blew me away. I wish I could claim some credit for his terrific performance, but the credit belongs solely to Brian.
It’s worth your time to watch his introduction:
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