A good, well placed, quote can be very powerful in a speech or presentation. It can succinctly say what might take you several sentences to say. The quote has to be related to your topic or at the least linked to your topic so that it doesn’t feel out of place.
I use quotes in just about every speech and presentation that I give. I have a collection of 2-3 thousand and I have dozens committed to memory. I find myself, more often than not, using them spontaneously. I feed off my audience when I speak. I always deliver my core message however I will do it differently with each audience. Something an audience member says or does will trigger a particular quote that I feel fits the moment and I will share it with the audience to reinforce my point. I always make sure it is used in context with my message. If it doesn’t support the message I don’t use it.
I recommend create a personal collection of quotes that resonate with you. If they resonate with you then you will be able to use it more convincingly with your audience. Quotes are much more effective when they are not read. If you are going to use a quote memorize to make it more impactful.
I never know when or where I will here or see a quote that feel fits my style so I always carry a small pocket book so that I can capture them. I realized a long time ago that I can’t rely on my memory to document them later. I call it my ‘Ink It When You Think It’ book. I now use it to capture all kinds of nuggets, not just quotes. I review the book every couple of months and transfer the nuggets to my computer.
Quotes can be a tool in your Speaker’s Tool Box.
Now go out and Make Your Voice Heard!
Want to learn the 5 Tools (you already have) to become a confident, engaging and effective speaker? Click the link for FREE video training. The Speaker’s Tool Box
I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Leave me a comment or suggest a topic for a future blog.
Speak Your Mind