Call us geeks if you like, but we like presentations. We flip through presentations on SlideShare, even when they’re about things we don’t understand. We read books on public speaking, just for fun. We seek out quotes on presenting daily, in the off chance that one will be relevant and inspiring to one of our clients.
Speaking of which, we thought we’d share what we consider to be some of the more poignant and timeless quotes out there on public speaking:
“There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.” – Dale Carnegie
Preparation is always the difference. Here’s to no regrets, and doing what you set out to do!
“Mere words are cheap and plenty enough, but ideas that rouse and set multitudes thinking come as gold from the mines.” – A. Owen
One of the biggest obstacles to delivering a great presentation is too much humility, or small thinking. It doesn’t matter what you’re speaking about: if you or someone else has asked for the opportunity to discuss the topic, it matters enough to be treated as an idea of profound importance. Passion always shines through.
“Broadly speaking, the short words are the best, and the old words best of all. “ – Sir Winston Churchill
We think he meant that brevity counts, and that the more what you say reflects common or ancient principles, the more easily you can persuade your audience.
“It takes one hour of preparation for each minute of presentation time.” – Wayne Burgraff
We thought about this, and think it’s true. Great presentations are a labor of love.
“There are certain things in which mediocrity is not to be endured, such as poetry, music, painting, public speaking.” – Jean de la Bruyere
Public speaking is an art, and like all arts, we seek extraordinary experiences when we see it.
Presenting is a craft as old as time, and great men and women have long observed some of the irrefutable laws of public persuasion. The next time you’re putting a deck together, take a moment to read some words of wisdom. These principles have stood the test of time, and they apply even to today’s modern business environment.
Question: What is your favorite presentation principle?
