In JJ’s September article, The Metaphysics of Public Speaking he fervently stressed that speakers should always “make a point”. The point that he is talking about is your message, the source of your speech! Without a message, there is really no reason why you should give a speech or a presentation. It is a waste of your time and the audience time. On the other hand, when you are clear about your message, not only will your preparation be more focused, you have a higher chance of impacting your audience the way you want it.

In this article, I would like to share with you three types of messages that should be incorporated in every speech for it to be effective and impactful. Here’s how Shirley E. Nice, a dynamic platform speaker from National Speakers Association, defines the three types of messages:

Content Message defines what you say.

Let’s use my contest speech Just Let Go for example. The essence of my content messgae lies in this quote - Sometimes only when you let go, will you see if it is worth holding onto.

Result Message is where you want the content to take your audience, and the level of impact you are going for.

I want the audience to feel enough pain (of staying in their comfort zone), that they willingly let go of their fears, doubts and apprehension. I want the audience to jump and indulge in the freedom of letting go. I want the audience to see for themselves the kind of life that they can be living NOW if they let go.

Internal Message is what fuels both.

I want to make a difference in their lives.

By gaining clarity in your three messages, it brings life to your speech. It is no longer just a speech with an introduction, body and conclusion. Instead, it becomes a catalyst of change. It moves people into action, and the impact stays even after the speech is delivered. Now that is a kick-ass speech that you want to give!

I still remember two weeks after I gave this speech, a friend of mine Darius in Panorama Toastmasters called to thank me. My speech gave him the courage to stop thinking and start acting. He took my advice and went ahead to sign a contract with one of the TV stations in Philadelphia. And guess what, he is now a star!

So each time you prepare a speech, please please please stop and think about the three messages: Content Message, Result Message and Internal Message. It is the heart and soul of your speech! Without the multiple messages driving your speech, your impact is nullied, effectiveness reduced and value diminished.

Here’s a technique that Shirley E. Nice suggested which worked very well for me and the participants in my recent public speaking program.

1. Identify the topic and the audience

2. Start with the content message - what do you want to get across?

3. What’s important about either the topic or the content message?

4. Keep with the “what’s important” questions until you start hearing repeat answers or you hit a layer that strikes a chord in your heart.

Let me give you an example. I had a participant named Dave who works in a construction business. He gives a lot of presentations to his potential clients which lead to a sale of course. I tried Temple’s technique of asking “what’s important” which got us to his internal message. Here’s a recap.

E: Who is your audience?
D: People who are considering renovating their houses.

E: In your presentation, what’s the message you want to get across?
D: Price should not be their main concern coz’ I have a lot of clients who chose to do their houses at lower prices but end up being cheated. And then they have to spend a lot more money.

E: Why is it important for you to tell them all that?
D: Because I don’t want them to get cheated.

E: Why is it important for them not to get cheated?
D: Because I see it as my responsibility.

E: Why is important for you to take up such a responsibility?
D: Because I want to help them…

At this point, Dave became very quiet. He found his internal message. What drives him to do what he do, is his inner desire to help people. To help his clients specifically using his expertise and knowledge. With that internal message revealed, his presentation becomes more powerful and compelling. It felt as if he has found his oasis where he can drinks from and be nourished. And true enough, on the next day, he got a $10K deal through a referral from one of the participants in the program!!! How sweet is that!

So the next time you plan a speech, start by exploring the multiple messages. Go back to the source of your inspiration… return home.

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