After instructing the special operation forces of the Naval Special Warfare Command…they taught me a thing or two. Yep, I trained NAVY Seals and other special operations personnel for 5 years! I still can’t believe it. So, now, you can have a sneak peek in their inner-workings.
One of the lessons I learned from them is a B.L.U.F. (They LOVE their acronyms!) For us civilians it means “Bottom Line up Front.” It’s a tool I taught, but using a different name. Now I teach B.L.U.F. in all of my Presentation workshops. Basically it’s a technique to let your audience know what to expect in your presentation. You might have a strong opening (story, analogy, statistic, etc.), then you would give them the Bottom Line Up Front. You tell them exactly what your presentation is about and exactly what they should expect from you and you expect from them.
Here’s a brief example:
I am a resident of this subdivision. I have 2 children a dog and a cat. We enjoy our peace and security to roam freely, without the worry of crime. If you allow this jail to be built in my backyard I lose all of that freedom.
I DO NOT WANT THIS JAIL IN MY BACKYARD!
So, let me tell you exactly what I expect and why. I expect that you will consider my children and their safety. I expect….
(Speech goes on)
(Speech wraps)
I expect you WILL NOT ALLOW THIS JAIL IN MY BACKYARD.
Here’s the benefits of a B.L.U.F.: The audience has a clear understanding and expectation of your presentation. Really, it’s a simple technique and you will be amazed at how well your audience will respond! If you have any of my NAVY folks in the audience, they will tell you it’s “textbook.”
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