Speakers!

Speakers!

Start and stop on time.

         One of the first rules of speaking no matter where or when is to start and stop on time. This shows you are prepared and that you savor the listener’s time as your own. Both are important for different reasons.

Use your own quotes more than someone else’s.

         It is OK to use someone else’s quotes. Make sure you say who the quote was from and why you are using it. Starting out with someone else’s quote though sends the message that the information about to be shared is from that person and not from you. Start out with one of your own quotes sending the message these are your thoughts and not someone else’s.

Never chastise the audience at the beginning opening statement.

         If you are going to chastise the audience, even in jest, the opening dialog is not the place. Maybe the podium is not the place at all. Sometimes the humor is not absorbed as humorous. Often when an audience hears a reprimand sandwiched in the humor, they sort of turn off the rest of the speech. They will be closed off and hard to restart. The real message is lost. Whatever follows is tainted by the opening censure, whether it applies to them or not.

Place your main point in the opening statement.

         State what you will be speaking about in your opening few words. If it is important, make it important. It is reasonable to repeat and rephrase the main point. Don’t make the mistake thinking, oh, they will get it after a while. Have a beginning, middle, and an end with overview of the main message. The old method of telling what you are going to tell them, telling them and making your point, those telling them what you just told them may be the most effective way to get the point across.

Preparation

Write out your thoughts quickly and without worrying about spelling or punctuation. Write it out quickly and then walk away from it for a few minutes or a day.

           Read what you have written aloud.

Reading aloud will let you hear the words. Is this what you meant to say? Can I pronounce these words? Do I know what each one means? Does it sound like me talking or someone else?

Re-write it in bullet points or outline form. Add memory joggers.

                       Can you read at a distance or memorize the points?

           Go through the points aloud.

Get up in front of the mirror and start at the beginning and go through it all the way to the end. Are there stumbling places? Are there words or phrases that need to be changed? Did you accomplish the result you were looking for? Did you make your point?

           Practice

I like to read my bullet points and hear myself speaking every word in my head. Then out loud. Then out loud with my eyes closed, seeing the crowd in my mind. Finally practice in front of the mirror to watch my facial inflections and body language.

           Stand and deliver

                       You are ready. Speak with confidence and panache.

Sounds pretty easy does it not? When you do this over and over you will be able to speak more clearly off the cuff when asked. Never forget to do your preparation for that is the mark of a great speaker.

D.W.(Dick) Powell The Leadership Wrangler [email protected]

www.LeadershipWrangler.com 727-422-1833