Spring Break
Abstract:
"BS" ("Business Speaking", of course) is a critical component of the HBS experience. After all, it was BS that allowed you to rise through the ranks of your private equity firm or investment bank, BS that made your b-school application stand out from the pack, BS that allowed you to cozy up to your interviewer by cogently delineating the many reasons for your dedication to the case method of classroom instruction, and BS that has sustained you through one or three semesters of 8:40 a....
David Portney, Public Speaking Training "Wizard"
posted 1/20/09 @ 12:51 PM EST
Here's an additional tip: make your BS about them, not about you. The old saying that "people only listen to one radio station - WIIFM - "What's In It For Me" is always true. No matter what the speaking context, make your talk about them and you'll get the best results. Avoid the strong temptation to make it all about you; instead, make it all about them especially when it comes to how what you're saying can benefit them.
Best,
David Portney