I’m taking an online course and I’m loving it.  It’s called, “Dust Off Your Keynote.”  I’ve been dusting off everything in sight, so why not dust off my keynote speech? 

The course is the great idea of motivational speaker extraordinaire, Kelly Swanson.  I’ve taken two courses from Ms. Swanson in person.  In fact, I’m on a first-name basis with Kelly but out of respect, I will call her Ms. Swanson.  She is the best in the business of public speaking.  And my favorite talent that she possesses is her ability to tell stories in her keynote, that relates important information.  What do I mean?  You know when the evening news is almost over and then they tell a human-interest story to uplift your spirits and give you faith in humanity?  Well, that’s what Kelly (whoops, Ms. Swanson) does…and it is captivating. 

In public speaking, we’re taught that people will do business with people they like, trust, believe and feel as if they know.  To watch Ms. Swanson quickly have her audience engrossed in her keynote speech is mesmerizing.  Why?  Because her ability to connect with people in a sincere and honest way is what we all wish we could emulate.  She isn’t just teaching us how to improve our keynote speech, but more importantly, she is giving us the confidence to find out how each one of us can connect with our own audience.  This course has a lasting impact on any individual who wants to improve that skill.  Whatever point you’re trying to get across, the story will find a way into people’s hearts and leave a lasting impression.  Kelly Swanson leaves a lasting impression on all of her students.