Do You Know How To S.P.E.A.K?
The last severaI years I have been blessed to be an author, a radio host, and a corporate motivational speaker. I love to speak at a communication seminar for leaders. Most have to give a message or presentation in their role, or be ready for one. The most famous corporate motivational speaker for leaders was my dear friend, Zig Ziglar. He loved anyone who used acrostics. I like them because I do not use notes.
I like to use them for the following reasons:
- S-Simple to follow and remember.
- P-Prepares an outline and emphasizes your key word.
- E-Eliminates notes. The outline is in your head.
- A-Avoids going on some bunny trail or off point.
- K-Keeps you focused on your main points and time allotment.
So how do you come up with your own acrostic to help you when you are the corporate motivational speaker?
Some helpful hints when you create your own acrostic:
- Don’t pic a long word. I try to stay between 4-6 letters in my word.
- Choose a word that is relevant to your message.
- Try the element of surprise and craft your speech without anyone knowing it is an acrostic.
- Keep weaving the word in creative ways in your presentation.
Learning to speak is more than a mere acrostic, but it is a good place to begin. When I spoke for the first time at the Ziglar Corporation, I had no idea how much Mr. Ziglar loved acrostics. I entitled my message, “Eyes to S.E.E.
Of course, this was also a play on my life message since I lost my eyesight gradually having children the doctors said we would never have. Here are some main points I still remember.
- S-Seize every moment and do not overlook opportunities. Living based on what you see will be limited and you disappointed.
- E- Enjoy the journey, no matter the obstacles or challenges. Focus on what you have and not what you have lost.
- E-Expect greatness. Living on purpose with vision will position you for more than you can see. Don’t let the failures of yesterday blur your vision, or anything skew your view.
I highly recommend you find a core ideal or word that is at the center of your message. I have a few favorite words that work for me that are always in my back pocket. Get ready to S.P.E.A.K. soon.
As a corporate motivational speaker, make sure you find your own S.P.E.A.K. If I asked you to tell me two words, six letters or less, core to your DNA of thought, how would you use them as an acrostic?
