Published : 2 weeks ago, on 26/09/2024

“The human voice matters,” says Jefferson Smith. “In a digital and machine learning age, it matters even more.”

Jefferson Smith has coached CEOs, scientists, TED and TEDX speakers, conference keynoters, elected officials, nonprofit heads, and startup founders on giving their “talk of a lifetime.” Jefferson Smith is a celebrated speaker himself, having delivered over 500 addresses, successfully pitched startup funding rounds, opened for the President of the United States, and delivered what NPR named one of the “Best Commencement Speeches, Ever.”

Asked if he has mastered the art of communication, Smith says, “I don’t think anyone has. But I’ve started. And even starting is hard.”

Getting started: “Every human I’ve ever worked with has had something worth sharing. Many of them get stuck at the very outset.” So where do we start?

At a recent conference, Smith shared lessons on “Where to Start” with a public address. He blends lessons from a broad spectrum of icons like Jesse Jackson, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, Harvard Law professors,  James Cameron, his own uncle Hyrum Smith (founder of FranklinCovey), his Dad, and even musician John Mayer. We’ve boiled those lessons down to five tips that can help you get started with your own talk of a lifetime.

Smith distills wisdom from his diverse experiences into five essential tips for starting a speech. These tips are not just reflections on his journey from law to politics to entrepreneurship, they are also informed by insights from psychology, human behavior, and the arts. The net result is invaluable public speaking advice from a Journeyman speaker that emphasizes the importance of authenticity, engagement, and impact.

So, whether you’re a public speaking newbie or a seasoned pro, here are five critical strategies to elevate your speaking game.

#1 – Gather Up Your Good Stuff 

In addressing “Where To Start,” Smith draws legends from two different masters of what might seem very different crafts: Jesse Jackson and Jerry Seinfeld. While social activism and stand up comedy might appear vastly different worlds, both legends share a common strategy: the meticulous gathering and refining of material that resonates with real audiences.

The Magic Behind the Message

Jesse Jackson’s ability to hold an audience in his hand isn’t just a gift; it’s a craft. Smith recounts how Jackson’s phrases like “I AM somebody” and “If you believe it, you can achieve it” aren’t just catchy—they’re practiced. They stick both because they speak directly to the listener’s heart, and because Jackson knows that they do.

Then there’s Jerry Seinfeld, whose return to stand-up was chronicled in a documentary that laid bare his creative process. Alongside a rookie comedian, Seinfeld would iteratively write, test, discard, and refine jokes in the crucible of small comedy clubs. This repeated sorting and selection ensures that only the gold—the jokes that truly connect—makes it to the big stage.

Why It Works: The Science of Connection

This approach, as Smith outlines, isn’t just intuitive—it’s backed by science. Here’s why honing your material until it resonates deeply with your audience is more than just a good idea; it’s a blueprint for engagement.

It’s All About Resonance

Psychology tells us that people gravitate toward messages that reflect their beliefs and experiences—a phenomenon known as “cognitive resonance.” When Jackson or Seinfeld choose their words or jokes, they’re not just throwing darts in the dark but strategically selecting arrows guaranteed to hit the bullseye of their audience’s psyche.

The Emotional Hook

Neuroscience steps in to explain the power of an emotional connection. Ever wonder why a heartfelt speech or a gut-busting joke stays with you? Emotional content lights up the amygdala, the brain’s emotional processing center, making those messages more memorable. Whether it’s laughter or inspiration, it sticks if it tugs at the heartstrings.

Familiarity Breeds Contentment

The mere exposure effect, a staple of psychological theory, suggests that repetition isn’t just about drilling something into memory—it’s about building affection and trust. Each time Jackson repeats a powerful slogan or Seinfeld retells a refined joke, they’re not just being heard; they’re becoming more liked, and their messages are more persuasive.

Wrapping It Up

Jefferson Smith’s “Where To Start” isn’t just a roadmap for effective communication; it’s a reminder that the key to resonating with your audience lies in carefully selecting and refining your material. Whether you’re aiming to inspire, educate, or entertain, the lesson from Jackson and Seinfeld is clear: it’s not just what you say but how you say it and, more importantly, how you’ve honed it to perfection that counts. So, next time you’re preparing to step into the spotlight, remember your best material is not just what you create; it’s what you curate.

#2 – Find The Hard Part 

In the second critical insight from his compelling talk, Smith takes us back to his law school days to share a piece of advice that’s as simple as it is profound: “Start with the hard part.” On the surface, this might seem like a straightforward strategy. Still, as Smith delves into its implications, this approach is a game-changer for anyone looking to communicate more effectively or tackle problems head-on.

A Lesson from Law School

Smith vividly paints his early days at Harvard Law School, a place that felt worlds away from his background. Amid feelings of doubt, a professor named David Kennedy offered a nugget of wisdom that would resonate with Smith for years. The essence of Kennedy’s advice? When faced with any task, from a law school exam to a key paper to a meaningful speech, head for the most challenging part.

This advice, “get to the hard part,” isn’t about masochism but strategy. It’s not just about pinpointing the trickiest section of your speech or bracing for the most challenging question from the audience. It’s a principle that champions tackling the most complex issues right from the start.

Why Taking the Tough Road Pays Off

At its core, this approach is about setting a tone for impactful and profound communication. It forces a deeper engagement with your subject matter, pushing you to come prepared and armed with a solid grasp of the topic. But why does this method work so well? Let’s dive into the science behind it.

The Psychological Edge

Facing the complex parts first is akin to lifting the heaviest weights at the beginning of your workout; it primes your mind for success. Psychologically, this method leverages the principle of ‘productive struggle’—that grappling with challenging tasks enhances learning and problem-solving abilities. When you start with the hard part, you’re not just preparing to communicate but conditioning your brain to navigate complexities with greater agility.

The Neurological Benefits

From a neurological perspective, tackling complex tasks upfront can activate the brain’s reward systems. When we face challenges and start to make headway, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This makes the process more rewarding and enhances our focus and retention of information. It means that by addressing the hard parts of your speech first, you’re not just setting the stage for a compelling narrative; you’re making the entire process more engaging for yourself and, ultimately, for your audience.

Wrapping It Up

Smith’s lesson from his law school days offers a powerful strategy for anyone looking to make their mark through public speaking. “Start with the hard part” is more than just advice; it’s a philosophy that champions the courage to face complexity head-on. Whether standing before an audience, crafting an argument, or solving a problem, embracing the most challenging aspects can transform how you communicate and think. So, the next time you’re preparing to make an impact, remember: the path to a meaningful discourse is paved with the stones you might initially hesitate to turn.

#3 – Know Something About Something 

In his third enlightening tip, Smith shares a lesson from Samantha Power, whose story from an intern with a dream to a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and human rights icon, brings home a powerful point: the key to crafting a speech that echoes beyond the room is anchoring it in deep, specialized knowledge. It’s not just Power’s accolades that make her story stand out; it’s her laser focus on a subject she aimed to know inside and out. And Power’s point: focus on the knowledge more than the accolades, because it’s the knowledge that leads to any accolades. Through her journey, Smith illustrates the profound impact of diving deep into a subject you’re committed to understanding beyond the surface level. The real hard part.

The Deep Dive: Samantha Power’s Lesson

Picture Power, not as the household name we know today, but as an eager intern, sifting through the topic of genocide and the complexity of international policy. Her advice to those looking to make an impact? Learn. And then you’re in a position to take action and teach others. Burrow into the issues that stir you. This tale isn’t just about career growth; it’s about forging a path that allows you to make a meaningful impact with your words.

This approach to expertise — focusing intensely on one area rather than skimming the surface of many — sets the stage for genuinely impactful communication.

The Science of Specialized Knowledge

Why does this deep dive into a chosen field make such a difference? Let’s pull in some psychology to shed light on the matter.

The Dunning-Kruger Effect

First up, the Dunning-Kruger effect is a phenomenon that explains why a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. It suggests that people with limited knowledge in a domain are likelier to overestimate their understanding, while true experts are more aware of the depths they’ve yet to explore. For speakers like Power, deep expertise ensures they can speak with authority, are fully aware of the complexities of their subject, and are less likely to oversimplify or misrepresent.

Cognitive Flexibility

Adding another layer to the psychological foundation, cognitive flexibility is critical. This is the mental ability to switch between thinking about two or multiple concepts simultaneously. Deep knowledge in a subject area enhances cognitive flexibility, enabling experts to see different aspects of a problem, connect disparate ideas, and present their thoughts innovatively. This flexibility allows speakers to easily navigate complex topics, making their speeches more engaging and informative.

Knowledge Is Power

Smith’s narrative around Samantha Power underscores a critical insight: the depth of your knowledge in a specific area not only empowers you to speak with authority but also enriches the content of your speech, helping it resonate more deeply. The psychology behind it — from the cautionary tales of the Dunning-Kruger effect to the empowering aspects of cognitive flexibility — highlights the importance of deep, focused learning.

So, when you’re gearing up to take the stage (or any platform where you aim to make an impact), remember: it’s not just about covering a broad array of topics superficially. The real magic happens when you dig deep, embracing the complexities of your chosen field. This depth ensures your speech is grounded in genuine understanding and insight and captivates your audience with the richness and precision of your knowledge.

#4 – Start with Something Small – A Single Note

Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, overwhelmed by the task of writing a speech or creating something new? You’re not alone. In his fourth point, Smith taps into a simple yet profound principle shared by creatives like John Mayer and Seth Godin: the power of starting small. Mayer confesses that his attempts to write about grand themes often falter; instead, the minute details, like an item on his desk, spark songs with far-reaching resonance. Similarly, Godin illustrates his point with a musical analogy, emphasizing the impact of a single, carefully chosen note.

Though seemingly straightforward, this advice is deeply rooted in psychological principles, illuminating why focusing on more minor, manageable tasks can significantly enhance our motivation, creativity, and connection with our audience. At the heart of this approach is “chunking,” a term popularized by psychologist George A. Miller. Chunking is our brain’s way of breaking down more significant pieces of information into smaller, digestible bits, making them easier to process and remember. This cognitive strategy leverages the limited capacity of our short-term memory, which can hold about seven “chunks” of information at a time. Focusing on a tiny piece at a time makes the task at hand more approachable and less daunting​​​​.

But it’s not just about making tasks manageable. Starting small can also lead us to the coveted “flow” state, a concept introduced by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. The flow state is characterized by a deep sense of immersion and engagement in an activity, where time seems to fly and creativity flows freely. Achieving this state requires a balance between the challenge of the task and our skills. By beginning with something simple and gradually increasing complexity, we can enter this highly productive and satisfying state, where our work feels effortless and immensely rewarding​​.

So, when you’re tasked with writing a speech, composing a song, or embarking on any creative venture, remember the wisdom of starting with a simple point. This approach is not just a trick to make starting easier; it’s a strategic use of how our brains function best. By breaking down intimidating projects into smaller, more manageable pieces, we can enhance our ability to process information, spark creativity, and ultimately connect with our audience on a deeper level. The smallest details can lead to the most profound insights and impacts, transforming how we approach creative challenges and enriching our work with genuine, resonant messages that genuinely engage our listeners.

#5 – Start With Something You Want To See 

As the fifth and final tip, Smith brings the spotlight onto a component that often acts as the soul of any strong narrative: passion. By weaving in tales from the entertainment industry, featuring giants like James Cameron and insights from Barry Diller to Jeffrey Katzenberg, Smith vividly shows how personal investment and passion aren’t just add-ons; they’re the essence of creativity and connection. And our own tastes can make us better guessers.

Cameron’s Conviction and Diller’s Doctrine

Imagine James Cameron, while creating “Avatar,” faced with decisions that could make or break the cinematic experience. Against advice, he chooses to keep a lengthy flying scene — a decision rooted not in data or focus groups but in his passion for the story he’s telling. Cameron’s belief? If it’s something he sincerely wants to see, the audience would too. This wasn’t just a hunch but a testament to the power of personal investment translating into universal appeal.

Then there’s Barry Diller, doling out wisdom to Jeffrey Katzenberg. Forget chasing market trends, Diller advises. The real magic happens when you’re so invested in your work that it’s part of you. This isn’t just about having skin in the game; it’s about having a heart in it. The message is clear: belief in your work transcends mere market potential; it’s a wellspring of dedication and effort.

Why Passion Packs a Punch: A Psychological Perspective

Now, let’s dive into the science of why Smith’s principle of passion and personal investment is so potent.

Intrinsic Motivation

Here, we tap into the concept of intrinsic motivation, which, unlike its earlier mention, speaks explicitly to the role of passion in driving us to engage in activities for the sheer joy and satisfaction they bring. This type of motivation is at its peak when we work on projects that light us up from the inside. It’s not just about doing something because we have to, but because we love to. This love fuels perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to explore uncharted territories, making the end product resonate more deeply with audiences—whether a speech, a film, or any creative endeavor.

The Authenticity Effect

Deeply linked to passion is the authenticity effect. When we speak on genuinely passionate topics, our authenticity shines through, making our message more relatable and impactful. This authenticity is what can turn a good speech into an unforgettable one. It’s the difference between delivering lines and sharing a part of your soul. Audiences are wise; they can feel when a speaker is genuinely invested in their message, making it more compelling and memorable.

The Heart of the Matter

Jefferson Smith’s closing point is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of passion in communication. Through the examples of James Cameron’s artistic curiosity and Barry Diller’s sage advice, we see that starting with what we deeply care about fuels our motivation and guides us in creating content that resonates with others on a profound level.

Ready To Start?

Jefferson Smith‘s journey from the halls of Harvard to social innovation and startup success underscores the power of words to inspire, engage, and enact change. Your voice matters.

So gather your best stuff. Get to the hard part. Know something about something. Start with something small. And start with something you want to see. These strategies begin a toolkit for crafting resonant messages. Embrace these lessons, and watch your words transform from simple speeches to catalysts for connection and change.

These tips will neither write nor deliver your speech.

But they will help you get started.