Leader -- Speaker
"If you can speak, you can influence. If you can influence, you can change lives." Rob Brown
As John Maxwell says, "leadership is influence - nothing less, nothing more." I use this often when talking about and defining leadership. The United States Army uses influence in its definition of leadership. Indeed, that is what a leader is trying to do - influence the behaviors and activities of others. Influence occurs through word and deed. In this blog, I'll focus on word. Words matter, especially from a leader. Subordinates will grasp onto the words spoken by a leader and use them to guide their efforts. Leaders are speakers.
In my encore life, I'm a professional speaker. I deliver keynote addresses to large audiences on leadership and veteran advocacy. As with leadership I use my speeches to inspire, inform and influence an audience. In many of my speeches, I weave in calls to action to get the audience to act upon what I am sharing. I had plenty of practice in the Army but I had rank and authority backing me up. Now, without that automatic authority, I have to polish and practice my delivery to ensure I achieve the effects I'm trying to achieve when I speak. Here are some lessons I have learned from expert speakers which apply to leaders.
Disarm your audience. A leader can do this with humor and humility. Show your audience (those you lead) that, while you are a leader, you are a human being without all the answers. Do your homework. Prepare for what you will deliver but put your people at ease.
Use stories, teaching opportunities, and or statistics. I'm a fan of stories. Leaders can use stories about a previous experience or the experience of another organization which tried something, learned, and succeeded. Stories stick. People will be inspired and they will remember.
Ask a question and or say something profound then repeat it. I've always said leaders must be broken records. Drill home your point. For example, "Hey team, what if we could....?" or "Remember everyone, we are hear to..." Say this up front then return to it in your speaking.
Speak as if you were having a cup of coffee with a person. Use, "Don't you believe..." or "Did you ever..." Not, "has anyone..."
Your audience (your people) won't remember everything. They will remember something. What do you want that to be?
Rehearse. Very important. Rehearse by yourself or with a small group of trusted individuals.
You don't need a large audience, a stage, lighting, and even a microphone to influence people, yet the principles, the tips I've shared above are no less important. Who are you speaking to today? How will you best influence them?
There is more to this and I'm ready to teach you, a deserving leader or group of leaders in your organization. Reach out today!
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell