The Slight Edge Technique

One of Brad's favorite sayings is, "Real change, like aging, takes place slowly." Using the Slight Edge Technique helps ensure that we make the changes we want to make, and reinforces the power of incremental improvements.

The slight edge is a matter of presence of mind—knowing what you are doing at the moment you are doing it.^[11]

—Kenneth Wydro, author

The Slight Edge Technique involves both developing a particular skill and being able to use it intentionally. In other words, the Slight Edge Technique means being a student of the game, and gaining enough experience to know exactly what to do and when to do it. Studies of elite athletes, musicians, and actors demonstrate intentionality in action. Master Presenters have attained that same high degree of intentionality and mastery. There are many speakers who have trained just as hard at giving presentations, but lack the degree of intentionality and mastery to make them runaway successes.

Among the factors that contribute to intentionality are willingness to:

• Work.

• Invest in your career.

• Give up on other interests to focus on professional speaking.

• Set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-limited) goals.

• Get to know your audience each and every time.

• Read and keep current in your area of expertise.

• Solicit salient feedback.

• Be outside of your comfort zone.

• Find the best coach to help you move to the next level.

^[11]Wydro, Kenneth. Think On Your Feet: The Art of Thinking and Speaking Under Pressure. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1981, p. 18–19.