SAY A FEW WORDS!

You’re enjoying your neighbor’s graduation party and suddenly, their dad points at you and says, “You’ve always encouraged my son Jay to pursue his dream. Please…SAY A FEW WORDS!”

YIKES! What do you do?

Here are a few ideas.

* ?USE YOUR CUES

What did dad say? “You’ve always encouraged my son to pursue his dream.” That’s your cue. As you SLOWLY step forward, mentally construct a short speech about encouragement with Jay as the central character.

* ?TELL A STORY

Recall memories of what Jay was like growing up, and how you saw his zest for his chosen profession develop.

* ?TIE IT ALL TOGETHER.

Use closing remarks that put the focus back on the central character.

Your speech could unfold thus:

“I remember when Bob and his family moved in next door. Jay must have been about eight. Where did ten years go? My son Eli was so happy that another boy was living nearby and they became fast friends.

Jay was always trying to figure out how things worked, and I called him ‘Tink’…he was always tinkering with something.

He and Jeff turned my garage into their personal workshop and my car spent many nights in the rain. Jay had a gleam in his eye and always perked up at the thought of figuring out how things worked.

Bob and Lakshmi…such wonderful parents…were delighted that he found his niche early in his life. They are proud of him…and so am I.

Jay, as you start down a new path, focus on your dream. Work hard. Keep learning. And encourage others in their dreams.

I wish you success in university and for the rest of your life. I think you’re figuring out how this thing called ‘life’ works. CONGRATULATIONS!”

OK. I just made up that short speech. But here’s good news. You will actually have LIVED the experiences in your speech, and you will be even better equipped to share those experiences with your audience.

You may never be called upon to deliver impromptu remarks, but if it DOES happen, apply these simple techniques: USE YOUR CUES, TELL A STORY, and TIE IT ALL TOGETHER. Then you’ll be ready when someone asks you to SAY A FEW WORDS.

?#speechcoaching #professionalspeaker #presentationskills