Well, I’ve had just about enough of that! The only thing those kinds of speeches are good for is if you want to watch the same person debate themselves. You know, “I’m against this!” Then, 4 years later they’re saying “I’m for this!”

Flip-floppers.

Anyway...

It’s time to analyze a TRUE master of public speaking: Stone Cold Steve Austin

Yep, he's a professional wrestler, or an entertainer if you will. Some might call wrestling fake, but I prefer to take a "believe what I want" approach—like a kid and Santa. 

Believe what you will about wrestling; however, his public speaking skills and his ability to entertain an audience, are anything but fake.

For today's critique, I decided to go with his WWE Hall of Fame induction speech from 2009.

First, I’m going to go down the line of everything he did right, with with video examples. Then, at the risk of getting a Stone Cold Stunner, I'll list some things he could have done without. 

When Stone Cold’s fabulous theme song and his fists-pumping-in-the-air session ends, he goes and stands behind the transparent lectern. But notice he doesn’t just start talking.

Why is that?

Glad you asked. I’ll tell you why, it’s because the audience was still slapping their palms together in admiration. Some (including me) were even chanting “Thank You Austin!"

It’s not uncommon for speakers to try and talk over the noise of either an applause or audience laughter. Both are less-than-intelligent things to do. It’s okay to stay quiet and let the audience clap or laugh. Don’t trample over a good time. Understood? Good.

One thing to notice is that he eventually had to take back control, otherwise they would have never let him get a word in. It’s a safe bet that we probably aren’t going to have that same problem (except if it's heckler's night). 

Being sincere is a must when you speak. There are too many fakers these days, too many template or robotic speakers.  

In this part of his speech he talks about selling tickets and events, and loving every minute of it. He talks about how it made him feel. You can see it in his facial expressions and how he stumbles over his words a bit—that’s sincerity.

What’s a good speech without humor? Exactly. You better believe the Rattlesnake brought humor. Several times.

But here’s a nice example that I paraphrased: “Broken neck. Divorce. Blow your knee out. Another divorce.”

Find places to add humor. I don’t care who you are, this should be high priority when developing your speech.

Here’s a good rule to go by: If they ain’t laughing, they ain’t listening (at least not for very long)

He involved the audience by using a powerful tool called “gratitude.” When you give people a sincere "thank you" and acknowledge them, they’ll love you for it. Maybe even clap like they did for Stone Cold.

Another way he involved them was by sort of asking a question: “If you’re ready for Wrestlemania, give me a HELL YEAH!”

They participated.

5. Who Doesn't Love A Good Story?   

Stone Cold starts off with an anecdote about the Men’s Wearhouse. Pretty bold calling out a well-known company. I like it.

He used some props during his speech. He is an entertainer after all. Not to mention wrestling usually involves and even encourages its fair share of props (a steel chair to the face?).

One was particularly memorable because it was like his signature move not named the “Stone-Cold Stunner.” He had a tendency to shotgun cans of beer—minimum of two. Demonstration below. 

7. A Masterful Call-Back    

The "Bad"

At one point, his facial expressions didn’t quite match the words coming out his mouth (see video). 

This was likely humor, though, because Mr. Austin is a badass who hardly smiles. This could be dangerous for you, unless the audience already knows your personality.

The Bottom Line...

I'll tell you what, this brings back some good childhood memories. The glass breaking intro music which pumps me up to this day, the beers tossed down the hatch, the catchphrases, boy oh boy. 

Now take his lead and implement some of these techniques in your next speech. The audience won't be disappointed...unless you don't bring enough beer for them.  ​