logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
18m 51s

[Quick Tip] Commit to the Hook of Your T...

Sarah Archer: Speaker, Comedian, Author, Playwright and Coach
About this episode

One of the most important parts of your talk is the opening, because you have to grab the attention of your audience and show why the talk is relevant for them. What I’ve noticed recently with some of my clients, is that their ‘hook’, (or ‘lightning bolt’ as I call it), is good, but they aren’t fully committing to it, and that is weakening the opening and the connection with the audience and the topic they’re speaking about.

So … I thought I’d share the coaching and feedback I gave them with you, so that you avoid this issue, and make the start of your talk rock!

In this show I’m covering:

  • The triggers for attention recap.
  • Three potential ‘lightning bolt’ options to hook your audience.
  • The problem and an illustration.
  • What to do instead. 
  • Why it works
  • Tips for building this skill

Enjoy!

Leave a rating or review for The Speaking Club

(Take a photo of your review, email it to me at sarah@saraharcher.co.uk and get a free e-copy of my book Cracking Speech Mate - How to Use Humour to Make You an Amazing Speaker!)

 

Books:

Grab your copy of Straight to the Top - How to Create and Deliver a Killer Elevator Pitch

Grab your copy of Cracking Speech Mate - How to Add Humour to Make You An Amazing Speaker

 

Resources:

The Shocking Truth About How to Open and Close Your Presentations - Ep. 065

FREE NEW GUIDE - From Blank Page to Stage 

Live Masterclass - 6 Step Blueprint to Creating Talks that Engage and Sell (without selling)

Take the Snackable Story Challenge

https://www.saraharcher.co.uk

 

Thanks for listening!

 

To share your thoughts:                                                  

  • Share this show on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

 

To help the show out:

 

Up next
Jun 26
[Quick Tip] Judging 55 Speakers: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly - 320
In this quick tip episode, I’m lifting the lid on how a speaking judge thinks and giving you the good, the bad and the ugly based on judging 55 speaker award entries … in one sitting (yes, I needed snacks!) I was honoured to be a judge for the Speaker Awards again this year, cove ... Show More
19m 35s
Jun 20
Beyond ‘Good’: Creating Client Experiences That Stick in an AI World with Steven Van Belleghem - 319
The business world is changing fast. AI is reshaping how customers search, buy, and connect — but most companies are still stuck in old habits, missing the human magic that actually builds loyalty. At the same time, too many businesses are confusing efficiency with excellence. Th ... Show More
1h 4m
Apr 10
Style That Speaks: How to Dress for Impact on Stage with Kay Korsh - 318
Let’s be honest — most speakers spend a lot of time crafting their talk, but when it comes to what they wear on stage? That’s often a rushed afterthought… or a full-blown panic. Are you second-guessing whether your outfit actually helps or hinders your message? Ever watched back ... Show More
1h 2m
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Why You Struggle to Sound Articulate When You Speak [091]
Have you ever been in a situation where you struggled to sound articulate when you speak? Maybe your thoughts were muddled and you couldn’t communicate them in an organised way. Maybe your mind went blank because you forgot what you wanted to say. Struggling to articulate your th ... Show More
15m 52s
Jun 2023
461 - How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking
If the thought of giving a presentation in front of a group makes you break into a sweat, then this episode is for you. With a little work and perseverance, you can learn how to be someone every audience member sits up and listens to. Listen to learn the prep work that will make ... Show More
19m 12s
Jul 2023
DBE 0117: How to Increase Your Exposure Fast and for Free
In this episode of the Digital Business Evolution Podcast, Jess is taking a recent IG training all about gaining exposure fast and for free! The idea here is to create what is known as a pitch page for your audience and this episode talks all about exactly what it is and how to p ... Show More
34m 41s
Jun 2024
How to Scale your Startup with Growth Levers: Matt Lerner
Sponsored by Brilliant - visit https://brilliant.org/DeepDive/ and the first 200 of you will get 20% off Brilliant's annual premium subscription. I’ve built a brand new community for like-minded people called Productivity Lab. We’ll have online classes, workshops, and coaching to ... Show More
2h 32m
Nov 2023
3 Harsh Leadership Truths Nobody Prepares You For [092]
When you get promoted into leadership, there are a lot of things that people don’t warn you about. For some, these things can be really unsettling and can cause you to regret getting promoted. Because I want you to be as prepared as you can be for this transition, I’m revealing t ... Show More
11m 50s
May 2023
Communicate Effectively With Executives - 6 Tips! [087]
Communicating with executives is different to communicating with your coworkers. Executives think on a deeper level. Their conversations are more focused. Their reactions are direct. There’s basically no time to waste when communicating with executives. This means that in order t ... Show More
14m 14s
May 2024
217. How To Host Managers From Head Office Without Feeling Awkward with Robert Rudge, The Business English Podcast
Let's set the context. Imagine that next week a group of Senior Directors are coming to your office from Manchester. Or maybe you are getting a visit from a group of managers based in the Munich office. Wherever or whoever it is, you have to help host them during their time here. ... Show More
12m 59s
Feb 2024
#2612 - Q&A: “How can I give a TED talk?”
In this episode, discover how to turn your passion into a powerful message for the TED stage. Get the next steps for crafting a compelling talk, applying to TEDx events, and enhancing presentation skills—all crucial for anyone aspiring to share an idea with the world. Side Hustle ... Show More
4m 45s
Apr 2024
How To Build An Online Community - Jay Clouse
Sponsored by YNAB - visit http://www.ynab.com/abdaal.Sponsored by Trading 212 - download the Trading 212 app https://trading212.com/promocodes/ALI and use the promo code "ALI" after signing up and depositing to receive a random free share worth up to £100. This is not financial a ... Show More
1h 23m