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4 Public Speaking Lessons From Broadway

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Baxter Dickson

Recently, Broadway musicals have extended their reach. Fox’s hit show Glee features a number of songs from Broadway, and its lead characters break out into song. A number of musicals have had great sucess at the box office, including Mamma Mia and Hairspray.Even the rock band Green Day, and South Parkcomedians Trey Parker & Matt Stone, have created wildly successful musicals within the last couple of years. As it turns out, Broadway musicals can teach us a lot about public speaking. Here are four ways you can turn a business presentation into a show-stopping event.

#1 Keep It Simple

Audiences don’t want to be confused. That’s why Broadway musicals have simple plots and their songs only have one topic (being in love is a popular one). In fact, I would challenge you to name a Broadway musical that can’t be summarized in a couple of sentences. If you’re giving a presentation, create one clear message (at VoicePro® we call this a Throughline™). Then make sure your visuals contain only one piece of information. With these simple changes, your message will come through loud and clear.

#2 Give The Audience Variety

In Broadway musicals, nothing occurs for an extended period of time. If there’s dialogue for more than ten minutes, you can be certain a song is on the horizon. Likewise, if you hear a ballad, the next song is almost always upbeat with spirited choreography. Even the most entertaining speaker is tiresome without variety. So, give your presentation variety with visual aids, humorous stories, and audience participation (if appropriate).

#3 Use Body Language To Reinforce Your Message

Often the subject of mockery, many Broadway actors will overstate their emotions with bold gestures and overstated facial expressions. This is to ensure that every audience member, even those in the top row of the balcony, know exactly how the character feels. While you might not want to reenact your favorite moment from the West Side Story during your weekly meeting, let your excitement show in your face and body language. Demonstrating your enthusiasm will win over your audience, and strengthen your message

#4 Don’t Neglect the Ending

The finale in any musical is pretty difficult to miss. Nearly every character is on stage.  Old songs are revisited, a chorus of voices crescendo, and the orchestra hits the last note with a triumphant burst before the applause begins. Many speech writers worry so much over how to begin that they forget the ending leaves a lasting impression. So take a cue from the finale: review your major points, put a new spin on your primary message (your Throughline™), and take some time to craft a memorable final line.

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Photo by Broadway.me

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