Three Keys to Win Debates

You can learn a lot from the Presidential debates.  Case in point:  Tom Cruz.  By getting viewers’ second-by-second reaction to some of his comments, you can see where he broke through.  In simple terms, the higher the lines, the more favorable rating by this focus group in Las Vegas conducted by Frank Luntz.  This is a methodology we’ve used for years to test video marketing concepts as well as speakers’ presentations.

Three Keys to Win Debates:  Takaways

  1. Show you’re decisive.
  2. Look directly at your audience, not at your notes or a ‘prompter.
  3. Focus on the key issue

As Cruz did all of the above, his score rose fast.  Viewers saw him as “commanding,” and “a rising star.”

Three Keys to Win Debates

If the above points sound obvious, they’re not.  Many speakers look down when delivering their most important points.  In fact, even President Obama often looks side to side at ‘prompters or his notes.  Of course, he’s been elected twice so he doesn’t need to fine tune his presentations, but you do.

You don’t need to memorize your entire presentation.  Just the key sentences.  Those should be easy because you’re passionate about them.  Or should be.

I’m happy to help craft both your content and presentation so you can connect and persuade your audience:  bob@kaplitz.tv.



Bob Kaplitz

Bob coaches executives and managers on developing their leadership skills, which improves the morale and efficiency of their companies. He mentors individuals through Everwise, which optimizes the way companies develop their people by connecting professionals with the experts and resources they need to be successful.

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