§ 9 · The Live Talk
Speak so they come to you.
1Know exactly how much time you have. Use all of it, not a second more.
2Have your talk ready in several lengths. You rarely get the slot you expect.
3Open with a hook: who you are and why you are here, in one line they remember.
4Story first, then the number. Take them on a journey, never bore them.
5Entertain. High information density can be the entertainment, but no one may be bored.
6Speak clearly, look into the audience, take them with you, be likeable.
7End with the ask. Investment, partners, customers, network: make it unmistakable.
8Rehearse out loud until you no longer need the slides.
9The goal is inbound: they come to you afterward, so you skip the cold outreach.
10Apply for the stage whenever you can. One talk beats ten business cards.