What are the best practices for supporting an executive's public speaking engagements?

Public speaking events are great for brand building for the executive and the company he represents. Hence, it is essential to understand the focus of the event and the target audience group so that relevant matters that would enhance the brand value can be included in the speech / presentation. For eg : if the audience comprises of Potential clients, then an executive of the construction company should talk about the latest projects that were successfully completed or about the new technologies the company has adopted.

Here are condensed best practices for supporting an executive's public speaking engagements: 1. **Preparation**: Research audience, venue, and topic thoroughly. 2. **Rehearsal**: Practice speech multiple times, including mock Q&A sessions. 3. **Visual Aids**: Create clear and relevant slides or handouts. 4. **Technical Support**: Ensure equipment and setup are checked beforehand. 5. **Timing**: Help manage time effectively during the speech. 6. **Feedback**: Provide constructive feedback for improvement. 7. **Support During Event**: Be available for assistance and moral support. 8. **Post-Event Analysis**: Evaluate success and gather feedback for future improvements.

Supporting an executive's public speaking engagements involves thorough preparation, including understanding the audience and topic. Craft clear and concise messaging aligned with the executive's style. Provide comprehensive briefing materials and rehearse extensively. Offer feedback and coaching for improvement. Ensure technical setup and logistics are flawless. Anticipate potential challenges and have contingency plans in place. Post-event, gather feedback for continuous refinement. Effective collaboration and attention to detail are paramount for successful engagements.

Before your executive starts working on their speech, you need to gather some information about the audience. Who are they? What are their interests, challenges, and expectations? How familiar are they with the topic and the speaker? What are the main takeaways they should get from the presentation? You can use surveys, interviews, or online research to collect this data and share it with your executive. This will help them tailor their message and tone to the audience's needs and preferences.

It is prudent to check on the display that will be available at the venue. Position of display and the type of display can make or break the effect of public speaking. If the display is from an over head projector, care should be taken that the color of back ground and the font used in presentation are in contrast to each other. Lesser the contrast, lesser the visibility and leads to poor visual communication

Another important aspect of supporting your executive's public speaking engagements is to coordinate the logistics. This includes booking the venue, arranging the travel and accommodation, confirming the schedule and the format, and checking the equipment and the materials. You should also communicate with the organizers, the moderators, and the other speakers to ensure everything runs smoothly. You should create a checklist and a timeline for all the tasks and follow up on them regularly. You should also have a backup plan in case of any unexpected issues or changes.

While the audience like to hear anecdotes, they expect to hear data points from the senior leadership. It is best to research on the recent / emerging trends relevant to the topic and include it as part of the speech/ presentation. It is important to understand and evaluate the source of such data. Such data should be represented legibly in the presentation and explained to the speaker clearly so that it can be delivered in the right sense

One crucial aspect that should be considered is the executive's credibility and reputation amongst the audience. It's important to maintain a consistent brand image and ensure that the executive's speeches align with the organization's values. Secondly, I believe one often overlooked aspect is the incorporation of technology during speeches. A visually appealing presentation or the utilization of interactive tools can significantly enhance audience engagement. I'm curious to know how mindfulness and emotional intelligence play a role in supporting an executive's public speaking engagements. Do you think it's beneficial for executives to undergo training in these areas to better connect with the audience on a deeper level?