Communication skills (for a motivational keynote speaker or anyone else with a platform to present) stick with your audience when you integrate both the "good cop" AND the "bad cop." This isn't about the threatening our captive audience. Nor is it about coddling them. "Good Cop, Bad Cop Presentation Skills" happen when you're message makes them comfortable AND uncomfortable. People learn best when they're at ease or uneasy.

Obviously, our most profound life-lessons occur when hardship hits. But don't discard the lessons in blissful, joyful, loving and peaceful moments. We're on this planet to learn and grow. If you can optimize learning, whether it is as a corporate speaker, leader, parent or a true friend, then lets make the most of your "sticky" messaging.

The presentation technique involves both discomfort and comfort.

For example, I will regularly challenge my audiences to look in the self-honesty mirror.

"Do you want to know what the competition is not willing to do? Typically, those are the things you're not willing to do either." (discomfort)

Then I follow that with, "I'm not here for you to like me. I said that once and a guy at the back said, We don't." (audience laughs followed by a comedic build...)

"It was Enterprise Fleet Services."

"May."

"2000"

"Huh... easy to let go of stuff." (more laughter)

"Seriously, be honest with yourself. Find ways to do what the competition is not willing to do. Own it."

Another example?

Tom Peters, author of In Search of Excellence, did a legendary 'bad cop, good cop' poke at the Canadian Postal Service. As the story goes, Peters was called to the stage by his introducer. The curtain did not part. There was instantaneous discomfort. The audience squirmed. The introducer had no back-up plan. The AV team dove for filler music. After an agonizing few minutes, Peters walked out to center stage. The music went down and he opened with, "Based on your standards, I'm on time."

Of course, Peters went on to wow the audience with his direct style and corporate content. But, he wasn't there just for the audience to like him. He was there to deliver a return on investment. In this case, the fee paid to Peters by the Canadian Postal Service.

Double the impact with your messaging with feel good stuff... PLUS, add in some uncomfortable stuff, and your message will truly be sticky.

Author: Vince Poscente. His motivational keynotes help audiences overcome obstacles and maintain resilience, while having fun along the way. He draws from his background as an Olympic Competitor, New York Times Bestselling Author, Hall of Fame Speaker and second chair clarinet player in his high school band.