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With the death last
month of actor Don Knotts, let us remember that great, and funny
communicator he invented: Deputy Barney Fife.
While Fife was
normally a lovable bumbler, Fife gave a presentation during
one episode of The Andy Griffith Show that can teach us a lot about
great communication in business. The presentation took place during
the episode in which Mayberry’s little jail was (for the first time
in memory) filled with prisoners. In light of the situation, Deputy Fife determined that it
was necessary to give a little speech, laying down the rules for all
of the inmates.
Pacing in front of
the cells, Deputy Fife spoke with great enthusiasm.
“Now here at the
Rock, we have two rules. Memorize them until you can say them in
your sleep. Rule number one: obey all rules. Rule number two: no
writing on the walls.”
And that was it!
Of course, at Speechworks, we would never suggest that our clients should
be bumblers like Deputy Fife. But there are some things we can
all learn from Barney's speech to the inmates.
Let’s
document the qualities of this nice little presentation. It was:
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Tight: No one ever complains that a presentation is too
short. Most presentations in business are way too long.
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Simple: With two simple points, no one could be confused. How
many business presentations have you heard that are as simple?
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Had a Clear Call to Action:
Barney intuitively understood that presentations are about
leadership and influence. He made it extremely clear what he
wanted his listeners to do.
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Addressed the listener’s needs:
What did this audience want to hear? Presumably how to be happy
and successful prisoners. Fife gave them clear instructions on
how to accomplish this worthy goal: memorize and obey the rules.
Too many presentations today address the speaker’s interest and
ignore what the listeners’ need.
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Delivered with Enthusiasm:
Many speakers in business today sound like they’re reading the
telephone book. Not Barney Fife. He was passionate about wanting
order in his jail and his voice reflected that passion.
Of course Fife was
a wonderful fool. And we certainly don’t want you to get up in
front of your audiences and make a fool of yourself. But at least
in that one shining moment in front of those Mayberry prisoners,
Barney Fife gave a presentation that we could all do well to
emulate.
At Speechworks we
help our clients learn how to communicate in a way that connects and
persuades. If you’re interested in becoming a great communicator
give us a call at 404-266-0888 or check out our website at
www.speechworks.net |
