Three public speaking lessons from Duran Duran? Have I lost my mind? Well, yes but that happened back in the 80s. I intend to persuade you, dear readers, that Duran Duran can teach speakers 3 valauble lessons about creating a speaking experience.

Lesson #1 – The Music of Language

When Simon LeBon joined Duran Duran, he had a book of poetry that shaped the music of the band. Mr. LeBon understood that language has a musicality to it. Consider these lyrics:

Shake up the picture with a lizard mixture

With your dance on the eventide

You've got me coming up with answers

All of which I deny

Ok. the lyrics don't make sense, but now read them out loud. Go ahead do it! I'll wait.

I'll never know what it means to shake up the picture with a lizard mixture, and I don't really care. There is a rhythm to the wording and an undeniably catchiness. As a speaker, I am always experimenting with how words sound and go together. I don't mean rhyming. I am looking for rhythm and cadence. Finding the music in the language we use; creates an unforgettable speaking experience.

Lesson #2 – Anybody Hungry for a Story?

When MTV launched in the early 1980s, they had a very limited selection of videos to choose from. Most of them consisted of Rod Stewart standing in front of his band signing about how sexy he is. Duran Duran transformed the music videos by treating them like a mini-movie. The band transported the viewer to exotic places. Simon LeBon running through the jungle chasing a beautiful tigress while his band mates searched for them.

There are characters, conflict, emotion and a memorable experience all set to music. Speakers can engage the audience in the same way. It might not be exotic or as escapist, but speakers should strive to develop a memorable story that has the basic elements of storytelling: characters, conflict, turning points and a cure.

Lesson #3 – All You Need is Now

Duran Duran latest album (Yes, they are still alive. Yes, they are still putting out music. Yes, they still have their hair – I think) reminds us that all we need is now. We need to stay in the moment because the present moment is all we have. When we are speaking, it is so important to be present with your audience. Don't think about your nerves or what an awesome speaker you are. Or even what is coming next in your presentation. Think about being present with the audience and building that relationship with them. When we create a speaking experience, All You Need is Now.

What do you think? What has Duran Duran or any other 80s icon taught you about speaking? Leave a comment below or hit me up on Twitter.