Public Speaking: Avoid the Deadly Quotations Trap

How do you incorporate quotations into your presentations? This came up during a recent private coaching session and I realized yet again how poor power point is in helping convey the impact of a quotation.

You've gone to the trouble of finding a quote from someone who is recognizable in their field or as a pop culture figure. And you chose this quotation because it leads to one of your key points. So do NOT copy it word for word into your slide and project it.

Why not? Because what could be a living, memorable moment when delivered by you with vocal variety and gestures becomes a flat, two-dimensional inert set of words.

The audience does not need the exact text. They need, indeed they CRAVE, meaning and being touched by the idea the quote conveys. You can only accomplish this by delivering the quotation yourself.

Two simple techniques will help the quote have the impact you are searching for:

1) Copy the quote in a very large font, print it and paste it onto a heavy piece of paper. Put it in a plastic sleeve.

2) Practice reading the quotation with different types of vocal variety. Listen to how speed, volume, tone and pauses change the stickiness of the words. Once you've uncovered the most powerful delivery, practice it until it is natural. You can markthe hard copy with notes so you rememberr your vocal variety during the presentation.

What techniques do you use to convey meaning from quotations? Share your thoughts through our comment link.