KoppelLine

Jeff (my husband) and I just got back from Chicago where he attended a professional conference and I ate and walked and then ate some more. One of the big names that opened the first general session of the conference was none other than Ted Koppel. I'm still not clear on why an old news guy was speaking at a financial investment conference, but his speech provides a lesson in the value of candor and unexpectedness as a public speaker.

One of the elements of presentations that Libby and I talk about over and over is the importance of gaining the attention of your audience as soon as you start talking. This is just what Koppel did. According to Jeff, as soon as Ted Koppel came onto the stage, Jeff and everyone around him were struck by how short Koppel is. Wisely understanding how distracted his audience could be, Mr. Koppel succinctly addressed it in a humorous and lighthearted way: "I know what you're thinking" he said as he glanced at the much taller fellow next to him. Notice how disarming and unexpected such an acknowledgment is! It immediately shifts the focus of the audience from his height to him.

Another surprising and very unexpected element of Koppel's presentation was his use of humor to get the attention of the audience. Now, you may be thinking that the use of humor is not a novel way to start a speech. But wait! There's more! It was unexpected, not because it was funny, but because of what it was about. Ted Koppel told three, um, how shall I say . . . penis jokes. Yes, you read that right.

Oddly enough, his opening jokes were not in any way related to his core message (which, as you know, breaks a cardinal rule in presentations). Libby and I always teach that every word you say from the time you open your mouth to the time you close it should be directly relevant to your core message. However, Koppel gets a pass -- and here's why.

Ted Koppel had already established a great deal of credibility with his audience. Anybody remember those 25 years of Nightline? He was actually facing a different challenge than most of us when we give presentations: whereas we use the early portion of our presentations to create identification and credibility with our listeners, Koppel used his to combat widely held beliefs about his character and personality. By creating surprise in his listeners, he effectively forced them to open their minds to what would come next.

Don't get me wrong: I'm not advocating the use of off-color jokes to begin your next presentation. And I don't suggest that you reveal private things about yourself (unless they are readily apparent to your audience and have the potential to distract your listeners). But, take a lesson from Ted Koppel and surprise your audience every once in a while. Even if they only remember what surprised them and not your complete message, you will be the one they leave the meeting/interview/presentation talking about.

-- Millie Shaw