Teaching You How to Fish

“Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach them how to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime.”

This is a quote from Chinese philosopher, Lao Tsu, founder of Taoism. I spent all of my college years proclaiming to be a Taoist, and it stuck. When I coach, I use a train the trainer model to coach anyone who speaks. You become the subject matter expert, who can write speeches on your own.

When you present your products and services at any event, your goal is to have listeners want more. Those of us who have the most successful pitches don’t do it alone. Just as you have trouble editing your own writing, most of us need help crafting our marketing pitch.

I’m having the most exciting, rewarding experiences of my life helping you craft your pitches. I “draw out” the words that are already inside you. “To draw out” is the definition of “educare,” the Latin root of “educate.” So true educators draw out, not “put in.”

Then, I suggest the right “order” for your speech. “Tao” means “order.” We use a 7-step formula that answers the questions in the listener’s mind as they ask them. For example, Step One answers their question, “Why should I listen to you? What’s in it for me?” So first, lead with the need. Let them know you understand their need, problem, or situation, so they know you are talking to THEM, not extolling YOUR virtues.

Verbal communication is quite different from your website copy. Here are some tips for you, even before I become your speech coach:

1. Use short sentences—your audience is listening, not reading.
2. Tell ‘em what you’re going to tell ‘em; then tell ‘em; then tell ‘em what you told them.
3. Follow the listener’s train of thought: answer the “yeah-buts” or objections you see in their minds, before they get a chance to say them.
4. Have a “call to action” at the end, so they know what to do. (We assume it’s obvious – – it’s not.)

I can help with all of the above. Please schedule a 30-minute complimentary clarity call to see if we are a match.