I once used this title “Anything Can Happen!” as a Keynote Speech Title where many people came to attend.  Everyone enjoyed the positive message but there were not as many people in the seats as I would have liked.  So, I found a list of Keynote Speech Titles on the Internet and decided to try one.  The title was “Stop the Bleeding!”  and Another one was called “Kill the BAD RAP on (Whatever)” and I used “Telemarketing.”   Here is the interesting part about those titles.

  • The ones that were negative drew more people. We think we are being positive when in fact we kind of love the negativity.  We thrive on fixing things.  We just adore getting into the “HOW” of everything and coming up with answers.  It makes us feel powerful. 

So, I have learned over the years to deliver keynotes that are Motivational, Inspirational, and full of a Positive Message, but the titles that draw more people in are the negative ones.  Nothing is better than an Inspirational Speech, one that moves the molecules around.  But to get an audience into the room requires some thought.  We need a title that will peak their interest and drive them to want to come.  If you doubt me on this, check out all the ads. You will see they reflect this.  Titles like “Three Secret Lies In Business No One Ever Told You” or “Ten Nightmare Things That Can Happen To You!”   You can check out the titles on the WEBINARS offered or the Buy One Get One FREE things.  BOGO’s don’t draw as much of a crowd as the BAD NEWS does.

If you are an executive and you want a meeting to be filled with all the people you really want to be there, don’t promise them “Joy at any cost!”  Do not offer solutions or answers!  Tell them you will give them “The 3 ways people look for love in all the wrong places” or “Let’s Kill the Messenger!” “Start with Breaking all the RULES” and the room will be filled.  For Customer Service Speech…never use “Help is on the WAY!” instead say: “Go To The Internet And Fix It Yourself.”  I promise, your room will be packed!

When I started the LAMA TRAINING years ago, I started with “Always make your customer feel right and smart to do business with you.”  Want to know what they always remember?  “Never make your customer feel wrong or stupid.”  Guess what?  They keep coming back for more.  That’s my take on it this month.  I wouldn’t mind giving a keynote or short course at your place of business…I will find a title that will drive everyone into the seats!  Anything can happen, and I am up for it!
~Judy