Speak with passion and you'll inspire others

In March 20, 1775, Patrick Henry stood before the Virginia Assembly in Richmond and delivered what many have proclaimed to be "the greatest speech in the history of America." Why was it so memorable? The address was filled with fervor and emotion.

The great patriot concluded his oration with these stirring words: "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

Powerful, memorable addresses are the result of a deep passion the speaker has for his or her subject. It is virtually impossible to inspire others if you are not personally committed.

I once watched an attorney give his opening statement during a trial. He spoke in a monotone voice, droning on and on about what the evidence would show. There was no life, no persuasion.

I could sense the jurors thinking, "If this isn't important to him, why should it be important to me?" Remember, every audience is a jury - voting up or down on your effectiveness.

Your objective is to change minds and move hearts. As professional speaker Janet Fox once said to me, "Leaders understand that they don't just sell widgets."

TRANSFER IT!

It is not enough to speak with passion and enthusiasm - you must transfer those same feelings to your audience. The transference comes through your voice, your gestures, your body movement and your mastery of platform skills.

Inspiration is contagious - even more so in the hands of a capable leader.

Nido Qubein advises, "If something is wonderful, say it like it's wonderful; if something is sad, say it like it's sad; if something is important, say it like it's important."

FEELINGS OF THE HEART

Perhaps the quickest way to decrease speech anxiety is to allow the emotion of the subject to fill your heart. As speaker Roxanne Emmerich says, "When you are so committed to the meaning of your message you can't contain yourself, there is no energy left for being nervous."

Can you always make a passionate speech? No. If your assignment is to give a data-filled, informative session, follow the laws of good speaking and stick to the numbers. You can save enthusiasm for another time.

RAISE THE TEMPERATURE

Here's what I have learned by watching the pros. They know how to grab the attention of their audience early, yet they don't overplay their emotional cards during the first half of their presentation. They let the speech simmer and build to a boil - slowly raising the temperature along the way. Then wham! At the conclusion, everything is bubbling over - the conviction, the intensity and the power.

Speaking coach Martha Burgess says, "It's energy that makes you visible, that gives you presence. It's called 'performance energy,' and is the basis of dynamic leadership."

You cannot fake enthusiasm; it must rise to the surface from deep within. There's no substitute for that fire-in-the-belly passion that causes your audience to feel something.

It's not what you think; it's what you believe

LAWS OF SPEAKING

* Become aware of your distracting habits.

* Keep both hands free.

* Gestures should mirror your thoughts.

* Make your movements deliberate.

* Dress conservatively.

* Don't seek perfection, but naturalness