A mnemonic is a wonderful way of helping you and your audiences remember a message. Whereas, there are many types of mnemonics the word acronym was made for the keynote. If you use that mnemonic as a cheer in the beginning and end of your speech you have multiplied your impact.
A mnemonic cheer sounds something like this. “Give me a Y, Give me a E, and Give me a S. What does that spell? What does that spell? What does that spell? YES and that is the answer you will have the next time an opportunity comes your way on the path to success.”
“The Y in yes means…”
Let us look at seven(7) steps that are critical to doing this technique.
Step.1 Use a word that contains less than five (5) letters.
Any more than five letters will be a very long opening cheer. This article will not discuss the techniques used to do the keynote with the mnemonic. But note that the word you select will be more relevant if it is within the title of your keynote. For example, if your keynote title is Success Means Y.E.S then a good choice for a cheer would be the word yes.
Step 2. If possible, get a pair of cheerleader pom poms or some kind of prop that will direct the audience to participate in spirited unison as a crowd.
Step 3. Ask the audience to repeat each letter and pause for the response.
Use a cheerleader’s chant with a loud voice.
As you say each letter look in a different direction in your audience. For example, when you say the Y look to the left, look to the middle when you say the E and the right when you say the S,
Step 4. Walk away from the lectern and use your entire body.
Allow your entire body to be seen. Become animated as you engage your audience. Remember you will also have some kind of prop in your hand.
Step 5. Ask the question. What does it spell?
This should be repeated three( 3) times as you solicit the response from the crowd. Attempt to move the crowd to a yell.
Step 6. Lower your voice.
After you have given the chant lower your voice. For example if your mnemonic is YES you can say, “You are going to say YES to success.”
Note: You could also double the involvement during the opening by asking each person to turn to someone next to him or her and say the word in an affirming phrase. For example,. “Turn to the person next to you and say; Yes, I am ready for success.”
Step 7 Begin to share the principles, stories, and illustrations related to the first letter of the mnemonic.
Have fun. Stay focused and give it a try. Yes, you can do it
All Rights Reserved, Rosemary Horner, 2006(c)
Rosemary Horner is an inspirational Keynoter and interactive presentation skills expert. Visit rosiehorner.com rosiehorner.com and subscribe to free ezine “Timely Talking Tools”. Get bonus e-book 10 OPENINGS AND CLOSINGS I DARE YOU TO TRY AT YOUR NEXT PRESENTATION