If you are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, this post is for you.
Did you know that Thanksgiving can make you a better speaker?
How you ask? Because of your Crazy Uncle Larry!
What? You don’t have an Crazy Uncle Larry?
Well maybe you don’t have an Crazy Uncle Larry, but you might just have a family member that has a whole cadre of funny stories that they share for the holidays. Now, you might have heard all of the stories a million times, but I want you to pay attention, because to be a successful speaker you have to become Crazy Uncle Larry.
You don’t want to be Crazy Uncle Larry?
You Need to become Crazy Uncle Larry in your Speeches
Consider this, what is it about Crazy Uncle Larry’s stories that make them so compelling, even if you have heard them 10 years in a row?
Could it be that he has included some of the keys to master storytelling?
Keys to Master Storytelling
1. Vivid detail that uses very descriptive language
2. Times, places, and numbers are presented in specific terms…its not all just “stuff”
3. The stories are told with such gusto that you have believe they happened exactly as told
4. They are so well internalized, that note cards aren’t needed to remember details
5. The stories are conversational and don’t seem scripted
6. Events have been told so many times that it seems effortless
What this means, is that with a little spit and polish, your Crazy Uncle Larry just might have what it takes to be a professional speaker.
Pay Attention to What Makes a Good Storyteller
Now, are you going to ignore Crazy Uncle Larry tomorrow or are you going to pay attention to what makes his stories so compelling so that you can do the same things in your speeches?
Learning how to be Crazy Uncle Larry is just one of the many things you can learn if you attend a Champ Camp. Try it…you just might become Crazy Uncle Larry.
If you are celebrating it, have a Happy Thanksgiving
About the Author: My Toastmasters Blog is written and edited by Chris Elliott, the founder of the young professional coaching site Young Profit Pros. Chris enjoys using his knowledge and experiences during his speaking engagements, workshops, consulting projects, and one-on-one coaching sessions. The result—connecting people and empowering change. If you would like information on how you can bring Chris to speak to your next meeting, please download Chris' one sheet or contact him by clicking here.
Well put. There is a reason we’re drawn to Crazy Larry every time the family gets together… no matter how much we explain to “family newbies” that Crazy Larry always finds a way to embarrass us… he also usually finds several ways to make the event memorable.