3 Key Lessons I learned when presenting on stage with Les Brown

Sharing the stage with a powerhouse speaker like Les Brown is a transformative experience that can reshape one’s public speaking and engagement approach. Having had the privilege to present alongside Les, I’ve garnered invaluable insights into captivating and influencing an audience. In this post, I’d like to share three key lessons that profoundly impacted my speaking career and can enhance anyone’s ability to communicate effectively from the stage.

1. Listen to the Listening

One of the most profound lessons learned from Les Brown is the importance of “listening to the listening.” This concept might seem abstract at first, but it fundamentally means paying close attention to the audience’s response to what you’re saying and adjusting your delivery as needed. It’s about being attuned to the crowd’s energy, engagement, and reactions, allowing you to pivot your approach to maintain their interest and connection.

How to Implement “Listen to the Listening”

• Observe Body Language: Look for signs of engagement or disinterest. Are people leaning forward, nodding, and making eye contact, or are they looking down at their phones?
• Adjust on the Fly: If a segment isn’t resonating, don’t be afraid to move on or switch gears. Flexibility is key to maintaining audience interest.
• Seek Feedback Loops: Use pauses to gauge reactions or ask rhetorical questions to see if your message is landing.

This dynamic interplay between speaker and audience turns a presentation into a conversation, creating a more immersive and impactful experience for everyone involved.

2. Use Stories to Expand and Enhance Understanding

“Never make a point without a story or tell a story without a point.” Les Brown’s words echo the timeless wisdom that stories are the heart of effective communication. Stories not only entertain but also serve as powerful vehicles for conveying messages, simplifying complex ideas, and connecting with the audience on an emotional level.

Crafting and Utilizing Stories Effectively

• Relevance is Key: Ensure your stories are relevant to the point you’re trying to make. Irrelevant stories can distract and disengage your audience.
• Emotional Connection: Aim to strike an emotional chord. Whether it’s humor, empathy, or inspiration, connecting emotionally makes your message more memorable.
• Clarity and Conciseness: While details can enrich a story, too many can dilute its impact. Keep your stories clear and to the point to maintain audience engagement.

Integrating stories into your presentations not only enhances understanding but also helps to ensure your points are remembered long after the talk concludes.

3. Engage Your Audience with Questions and Directives

The final lesson revolves around the power of audience engagement through questions and directives. Encouraging the audience to participate actively transforms passive listeners into active participants, creating a more dynamic and engaging presentation.

Techniques for Engaging Your Audience

• Interactive Questions: Ask questions that prompt reflection or require a show of hands. This technique not only gauges the audience’s opinion but also keeps them involved.
• Directives for Interaction: Instructing attendees to “turn to your neighbor and say…” or “repeat after me…” fosters a sense of community and keeps energy levels high.
• Feedback and Inclusion: Inviting audience members to share their thoughts or experiences related to your topic can provide real-time feedback and make your session more relatable.

This approach not only makes your presentation more interactive but also ensures the audience feels valued and included in the conversation, enhancing their overall experience and retention of your message.

Conclusion

Presenting on stage alongside Les Brown offered more than just the opportunity to share a platform with one of the world’s most renowned motivational speakers; it provided a masterclass in the art of engagement, storytelling, and adaptability. By implementing these three key lessons—listening to the listening, using stories to enhance understanding, and engaging your audience with questions and directives—you can elevate your public speaking skills to new heights.

Incorporating these strategies into your presentations will not only improve your ability to connect with and captivate your audience but also leave a lasting impact, inspiring change and action long after you’ve left the stage. The journey of mastering public speaking is ongoing, but with these insights, you’re equipped to make every word count and every moment memorable.