I'd like to Make a Toast...to Your Career?!

Familiar with the saying - "Always a [groomsmen], but never a [groom]."? Well, you can say I have. Over the years, I've been asked to give celebratory toasts in my good friends' weddings!

Two things off the bat - 1) No, I'm not jealous as I except the same from my posse on my special day. 2) Yes, giving the toast is the most stressful - over-preparing beforehand is a piece of cake! For instance, I was honored when one of my best friend's Yaowen asked me to deliver a toast at his wedding. Quesions did come to mind - How long should it be? What, if any jokes, will land solidly? Will I convey the message of how much he and his bride Michelle mean to everyone on their special day? Thankfully, it went without a hitch - albeit longer than anticipated (I'm long-winded, what can I say?!)

How can you be a trusted voice in your profession? Common with wedding toast and speaking engagement acts - you're (most likely) going into a pleasant experience with interested people! Not just for weddings, but similar tools are effective for speaking engagements, conferences, and company-wide meetings. Engaging with a crowd can increase your exposure, build your network base, and secure future engagements (on a larger scale - even nationally or internationally). Rarely do folks object when the blissful couple are at the altar - same for when you're doing a keynote or talking at a happy occasion.

It's imperative with a captive audience to smoothly get your points across! Now we've addressed the benefits of public speaking, here are 4 C's I've come up to effectively hit your talk outta the ballpark:

1) Clarity - Be clear wiith the message you're trying to convey. Break down any layered concepts piece-by-piece so your audience can digest the information.

2) Conciseness - Narrow down word choice; odds are increased when people absorb your point with fewer words and some visual graphics (charts, aids, single quote slides, etc.)

3) Confidence - Crucial for influencers and content creators who monetize and draw off folks from social media. A speaker who knows and stands behind their presentation will be much better respected and asked to share again!

4) Content - Be relevant to the topic at hand. Use personal examples as a way of connecting with your audience, but remember they gravitated to your event for a reason. Don't bait and switch - embrace their need to receive your information and assume your position as the "thought leader"! Also, when people ask questions afterwards don't be afraid to admit you don't have the answers. The audience members will better appreciate your honesty instead of making up a conclusion that can rob your credibility.

Just raise your glasses high, this one's for you tonight! - "Raise Your Glass" by Dena Deadly

Now, you've got the 4C's, its time to use them! Speaking may not come easy right away; practice makes perfect. Remember not to psych yourself out of an opportunity! Reference my earlier article "Don't Just Show Up" for inspiration!

Whether you celebrate your best friend or conduct a TED Talk to thousands of people...your voice matters! It's a gift to spread your message and be heard. To quote Dena Deadly's song "Raise Your Glass" - Just raise your glasses high, this one's for you tonight!