3 Techniques that Make Coach PRIME an Elite Speaker

I’m going to issue a confession and some caution before we jump into today’s newsletter.

First, I grew up idolizing Deion Sanders. His two-way-sport-playin’-I’m-gonna-do-it-my-way-regardless-of-your-feelings mindset placed him at the top of my sports heroes (right next to Bo Jackson).

Second, don’t let self-doubt (“I could never speak like Coach PRIME, because he’s a natural) cloud your ability to learn from him.

Anyone can incorporate his tendencies into their speaking style and see immediate results.

Let’s go to the tape. 📼

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Note: To view Coach PRIME in action, see my LinkedIn post. It’s just over a minute. Watch it first, then come back here. 👇

#1: Pause for Emphasis

Notice how Sanders takes his time. ⏳

He moves through his words at his own pace.

To be sure, there are times when he shifts gears and goes rapid fire, but for most of his talk, the pace is stead. He pauses when he wants his players to ponder the previous point.

If you forced me to choose one tip that would create the most improvement for your talk, it would be this: pause, pause, pause.

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#2: Repetition Creates Momentum

Here’s a snippet from Coach’s pregame talk:

That man next to you is a miracle.

That man next to you is a believer.

That man next to you is a go getter.

That man next to you is a dog.

That man next to you is somebody who want this thing.

That man next to you is somebody who believes.

That man next to you is somebody that GOTS to have it today.

Do you see how “That man next to you…” creates an internal rhythm that takes the audience on a ride through the crescendo?

This technique is in the tradition of the Black Southern preacher.

Look for parts of your keynote (just before your climax) to inject repetitive language.

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#3: Scan the Room

Sanders keeps his head on a swivel. I call this the water sprinkler method.

Research shows that merely speaking in a person’s direction makes them feel more connected.

And at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want? To create connection?

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2 Seats Remain! 🪑 🪑 👀

We’re three weeks away from PLATFORM™ and down to three spots. 👀

2024 will be a big year for the speaking industry.

If I was serious about the craft, I’d start arming myself to take advantage of it.

Let’s see you in Dallas.