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Public Speaking Course:
Columbo Technique
Do you remember the thoughtful, quiet, cigar smoking detective on the
TV series 'Columbo'? Most people do because the show is still in reruns all over the world and every
now and then they shoot a new episode. One of Detective Columbo's
trademarks is when he would start out the door then stop and say, "Oh. Just one more thing."
I teach a similar technique for you presentation in my public speaking course
(but without the cigar, it is hard
to speak while chomping). Here's how the Columbo technique works:
Save one of your really key points . . . maybe your most
important point . . . then suddenly leave the topic you were
on. . .and then say "Oh. Just one more thing" then deliver your
important message. The surprise of what you deliver is part of mastering
what you learned in your public speaking course.
Unless you have practiced this out several times in front of an
audience, don't try this technique at the end of your
presentation because people will start shuffling their materials in anticipation of the
presentation being over. This would cause too much distraction to have it's full effect, and the point would
be lost.
On the other hand, you could begin by using the technique just
before a major transition in your talk. That way you will eliminate
the shuffling of papers problem noted above. When you get comfortable
with this, try this skill before a break. Play with your wording
so that you control the audience. Don't say "Well before we take a break . . . " This will start them shuffling. Say something like, "That's all on that topic . . . Oh. and one more thing" . . . then give your main point. As you get really good at controlling the
crowd you can try this as your closing. Coming back with the main point will be powerful and memorable when learned correctly in my
public speaking
course.
Oh. Just one more thing . . . .only use this technique ONCE per presentation. :) Home
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