How to get into your "Speaking Zone".

I'm on the way to deliver the Opening Inspirational Keynote to this year's Australian Training Awards * Commencing in 1994, the Australian Training Awards are the peak, national awards for the vocational education and training (VET) sector, recognising individuals, businesses and registered training organisations for their contribution to skilling Australia.

Starting with end in mind.

Post performance, as a speaker l always ask myself how did l go, what could l have done better and where are the improvement points. As an Inspirational Speaker, however none of my presentations are exactly the same! Yes I have a base to work from including a minimal slide deck, a detailed briefing call with the organizers beforehand, but on the day or night things can change; the room may not be set up quite to spec, on this occasion I had a few hearing impaired members of the audience so needed to really stay within eye contact (lip reading distance of the two signers) instead of wandering around engaging each table directly. In short #intuition has it's role to play every time I speak. The more vulnerable and the more I can surrender to the moment the better it will be.

Below a sneak peak from my table. The room is almost full and i'm about to go on...no time to finish my main (don't really like to speak on a full stomach anyway). But, how do I get in the zone for speaking?

The Audience, The Mission, The Intention.

In short the audience is extremely diverse, from all walks of life from every corner of Australia; from teenager to retiree age, from indigenous to non-indigenous. A one shoe fits all approach isn't going to work here, nor should it! The truth be told, I really enjoy this type of challenging environment, as my purpose has always been to unite people from different ideologies, backgrounds and cultures around those very same ideals which make us human that we can all relate to regardless of background. Also to provide easy-to-follow takeaway tools to enable self-reflection, self-awareness in order to maximise human potential. I use humour, storytelling and pensive moments to impart the information in such a way as they will inspire themselves and gain an awareness that we all, in fact, are the same on a certain level ie. self-acceptance.

The Process.

Before l go out on stage l always remind myself how can l be of most value to the room?

1. Know your material
2. Know your room and arrive early - you'll discover this during sound checking, double checking your slide deck etc.
3. If there's an opportunity to meet your audience before your keynote or presentation - take it. As it gives you an opportunity to connect with the room, they are no longer strangers.
4. Before you go on stage - take some time out if you are feeling nervous or just to set yourself up - typically a toilet break. When in the toilet I take 3 to 5 deep diaphragmatic breaths. Remember to breathe out for longer than the in-breath as this will calm the thoughts in the mind. If you haven't already, visualise the end result (like a 15 second movie) of whatever success means to you. It could be a standing ovation, or positive audience feedback coming up afterward authentically with emotion letting you know what they learnt, felt or took away as a result of your presentation.
5. Finally something which a great friend and supporter Rebecca Tapp helped me to improve upon ie. by bathing myself in white light and asking the #higherpower how can I be of best value to the room? Sometimes I also use an inspiring piece of music or vivdly recall a past speaking success. But no matter what, prior to going on stage - I ask myself, how can I be of best value to the room? I am ego-less and in the moment ready for intuition to also guide me.

Very Special thanks to Jason at Platinum Speakers & Entertainers Teresa, Wendy, Jo from the Department of Education and Training and the venue team at Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College which ensured it all went smoothly.  

* More about The Australian Training Awards.

The majority of the Awards are the culmination of the state and territory training awards with winners from each state and territory eligible to compete at the national level in aligned categories. There are also seven award categories available by entering directly.

Through showcasing best practice the Awards' Real Stories Real Achievements video series, promote continuous improvement and innovation in the design and delivery of VET which has led to national and international awareness and respect for Australia's VET sector and skilled-based careers.

The Awards are held annually in November in a different state or territory. This year's Australian Training Awards will be held in Sydney, New South Wales, on Monday 12 November at the Southern Cross Catholic Vocational College.

Soul Survivor Book.

My name is Robert Ian Bonnick or "RiB" Inspirational Speaker, Coach and Author of #soulsurvivorbook published by New Holland Publishers (cover photo courtesy of Robert Villarosa). If you haven't picked up a copy of #soulsurvivorbook go to Robert Ian Bonnick - Inspirational Speaker to retrieve the online links to amazon etc.

Bookings.

To book Robert Ian Bonnick or find our more please visit Platinum Speakers & Entertainers or Robert Ian Bonnick Website or email [email protected] .

RiB x