The House of Speaking method: build every talk and presentation step by step
The House of Speaking method (in German: HAUS DES REDENS METHODE) is a four-phase system developed by Michael Sinnhuber for building any talk or presentation the way you would build a house: foundation (your mindset), planning and building (content, structure and storytelling), design (slides and visuals) and delivery (body language, voice and speaking without notes). He refined it over more than 14 years of coaching and presentation development and describes it in his book “3, 2, 1… Reden ist jetzt Deins”. All of his coaching, workshops and keynotes are built on it.
“If you want to build high towers, you must spend a long time on the foundations.”
attributed to Anton Bruckner
Most people start a presentation with the slides.
In the House of Speaking, the slides only come in step three.
Where you can experience the method
Everything I offer is built on the House of Speaking method.
-
In coaching
One-to-one, on your actual talk. From the first conversation to the dress rehearsal.
-
In a team workshop
The whole team learns the same method and comes away with a shared language for presenting.
-
In the book
The complete method to read or listen to, with examples and exercises (in German).
-
In a keynote
A talk for your conference, kick-off or company event that people will still be talking about.
The four phases
Every talk, presentation and pitch is built in the same four phases. In this order.
-
Foundation Your mindset about yourself and your talk. Be yourself: not perfect, but genuine. -
Planning & building Your goal, your key message and a structure with storytelling that takes your audience with you. -
Design Slides and visuals that support your story instead of replacing it. -
Delivery Body language, voice and speaking without notes. The moment you present your house.
Why a house?
Nobody builds a house by starting with the facade. First come the foundations, then the plans and the shell, then the design. Only at the very end is the finished house presented. With talks and presentations, most people do it the other way round: the first thing they do is open PowerPoint.
The House of Speaking method reverses that order. It starts with you and your mindset, then with your audience and your message. Slides only come once it’s clear what they need to support. And you rehearse your delivery until you know you’re ready.
What the method changes
Without the method
- You start with the slides
- Lots of content, but no clear message
- You memorise your script
- You hope it will go well
With the method
- You start with yourself and your audience
- One key message that sticks
- You know your storyline and speak without notes
- You know you're prepared
Who's behind it
I'm Michael Sinnhuber, public speaking coach, speaker and author. The House of Speaking method grew out of more than 14 years with MCPREZI, more than 1,000 presentations and work with over 500 people.
Frequently asked questions
What is the House of Speaking method?
The House of Speaking method is a four-phase system developed by Michael Sinnhuber over more than 14 years of coaching and presentation development, and described in his book “3, 2, 1… Reden ist jetzt Deins”. It helps you build any talk or presentation step by step: foundation, planning and building, design and delivery. Just like building a house, from the foundations to presenting the finished home.
Why does the method start with the foundation rather than the slides?
Because most talks don't fail because of the slides. They fail because of the speaker's mindset and an unclear message. Once you know what you want to say and why, you need far fewer slides.
What occasions is the method suitable for?
Any occasion where you speak in front of others: a presentation, a pitch, a keynote, addressing your team, a video or a job interview. The phases stay the same, only the focus changes.
Who developed the House of Speaking method?
Michael Sinnhuber, public speaking coach, speaker and founder of MCPREZI. The method grew out of more than 1,000 presentations and work with over 500 people. He teaches it in coaching, workshops and keynotes.
Where can I learn the method?
In one-to-one coaching on your own talk, in a team workshop with your colleagues, or on your own with the book “3, 2, 1… Reden ist jetzt Deins” (in German).
Build your own House of Speaking
In a short, free intro call we'll work out where you stand today and which step will move you forward fastest.