I was floored

Wow!  What a wonderful speech delivered by Lynn.  It was simply titillating from beginning to end.  I simply cannot describe how much she inspired me to become a more effective speaker. 

In my previous chatter, I have mentioned the importance of taking baby steps.  Today I have found a baby step I want to take for my next step.  It was a small and simple technique used by Lynn which amplified the effect felt by the audience.  I simply called it ‘The Escalator’   I believe she used it two or three times in her speech.  As she described the bartering process with the local for the musical instrument, she escalated:  “I cajoled, I bartered, I persuaded” (not the exact words).  With each word, she raised her volume.  With each word, she exaggerated her gestures slightly.  With each word, she escalated the point of action.  It is also very intriguing to see how her hand gestures complimented and synchronized her vocal variety so naturally.  This is something that will take a lot of practice for me.   But I will definitely try to put to use this technique. 

Just a thought, I wondered if it is also possible to escalate the meaning of the words. And maybe I could start with ‘cajole’, escalate up to ‘persuade’ and climax with ‘harassed’  (just to be overly dramatic). 

And I wondered if ‘The Escalator’ can be used, not only for words, but also for phrases or sentences.  During Ben’s speech, he used a terrific repeater to describe his newfound ‘Project Manager’ position:  “Though it was a volunteer position, though it was open to everyone, though I have to work at nights…”   You get my drift.

Thanks again, Lynn for opening my eyes.