THE PERILS AND PLEASURES OF

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Laurence Harper
5 years ago
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1 THE PERILS AND PLEASURES OF PUBLIC SPEAKING BY JEFF SWYSTUN THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS IN WHICH MEDIOCRITY IS NOT TO BE ENDURED, SUCH AS POETRY, MUSIC, PAINTING, PUBLIC SPEAKING. So said Jean de la Bruyere. He was right. Especially if you happen to be in the audience when a poor speaker takes the stage. I recently spoke at a client s retreat and it marked the 125th time doing so. This does not include pitches and client presentations, guest lectures at schools, and media appearances. There has also been a large number of webinars, seminars, and panels. Along the way I have witnessed thousands of presentations representing the absolutely brilliant to the unbearably bad (I count some of my own in both camps). Every conference provides new lessons in public speaking or reinforces what works best. Whether these events are valuable, necessary evils, boondoggles, idea stimulators, fiascos, ego-fests, networking opportunities, money grabs, or highly entertaining surprises one can take away something to apply when your turn to at the rostrum comes up. Based on experience and observation, I have compiled ideas and lessons for consideration while avoiding a few of the obvious and well-stated ones.

The problem with speeches isn t so much not knowing when to stop, as knowing when not to begin. Frances Rodman Why Do It? Before even saying yes to an offer to present, one has to ask, Why do it?

A huge benefit to me personally is improving based on feedback and not just my presenting style but the substance of my thinking. It makes me better in my profession.

2 The problem with speeches isn t so much not knowing when to stop, as knowing when not to begin. Frances Rodman Why Do It? Before even saying yes to an offer to present, one has to ask, Why do it? I am not talking about the age-old question of comfort as a speaker but rather motivation and value. I speak because I love to share, entertain, and educate. A huge benefit to me personally is improving based on feedback and not just my presenting style but the substance of my thinking. It makes me better in my profession. So here are considerations when contemplating a speaking opportunity: Are you doing it because you must or because you enjoy it? If you enjoy it, the audience should enjoy you. Either way you can do it and perhaps do it well but if you truly display enjoyment then you will more successful. Can you commit to the entire event? From my experience it is best to be there for the entire conference to demonstrate commitment, network, and witness other presenters. Attendees may not enjoy you coming in for just your time slot. How do you fit with the overall agenda? Make sure the event is of quality (organizer, location, fellow speakers, audience). Also ensure your time slot makes sense for flow of content. How sophisticated is the audience? Your content should err on the side of being more complex. An attendee will appreciate being challenged versus being condescended to. Speaking means you are a thought leader so is your content top notch? Expectations are set long before the day arrives, make sure you can at least meet or, better yet, surpass them. Page 2

3 There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars. Mark Twain Be Prepared Making things look easy is hard. Presenters who exude a natural confidence are extremely well rehearsed (TED presenters are now over rehearsed). The real percentage of speakers who are naturals is considerably lower than you would expect. More often audiences are subjected to speakers who read their slides, umm a lot, and make us as uncomfortable as they are. Here are a few questions to help guide your preparation: What do you want them to remember? This is the best question to ask yourself in preparing your material and envisioning delivery. Think about how you want them to describe you after (e.g., authoritative, compelling, intelligent, humorous). Is rehearsing really necessary? YES. Do it a few times in front of a few different people. Have them ask questions as additional preparation. It is amazing to discover that what you thought was coherent is really messy and confusing. This is also the opportunity to ensure no technology wrinkles. How much is too much before content becomes overwhelming? Less is more definitely may be true but I counsel going deep on content not long. It was Dianna Booher who said, If you can t write your message in a sentence, you can t say it in an hour. Do I need a theme? A theme is the rallying point for your content. Think of it as the brand for your presentation. A theme should be clear, concise and entertain. It is a great construct to engage with your audience and to communicate to them what you are addressing. What is the best way to organize my content? That depends on the subject matter but once you arrive at what you think best, share it with the audience at the outset so they are prepared for length and for key areas within your presentation. The most entertaining and clear tend to be those built as a story. Page 3

Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. Ralph Waldo Emerson Wow Them Presenting is theater and a primary responsibility is to put on a show.

This requires having a clear, compelling and differentiated point of view. Do you truly know your style? Do not stray too far from who you really are. If you try to over impress it will come through.

4 Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel. Ralph Waldo Emerson Wow Them Presenting is theater and a primary responsibility is to put on a show. If your audience is entertained they will leave the room remembering something of value and hopefully it is the message you planned. This requires having a clear, compelling and differentiated point of view. Do you truly know your style? Do not stray too far from who you really are. If you try to over impress it will come through. Same too, if you are overly humble. Audiences are a smart collective so keep it real. You will not win over the entire room every time but you will have engendered respect. What will make me stand out? Try for that one unforgettable moment. Think of it as an unveiling of sorts. It could involve a physical item or a point that you encourage people to remember. I often stop before key content and joke, Now if there is one thing you should tweet, this is it. Create some drama and modulate your timing, as Mark Twain said, The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause. Should I be concerned with my first impression? It is important and you have to be confident. Among the best ways to accomplish this is to engage your audience without any visual aid. Connect with them in a few simple, short words telling them how they will benefit from the presentation. Find something relevant from that day as an ice breaker. Page 4

Your first go will bring challenges but you will probably do much better than you think.

5 There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave. Dale Carnegie Learn From It If you are speaking for the first time, manage your expectations. Speaking is a skill that is developed over time. Your first go will bring challenges but you will probably do much better than you think. Whether you are a frequent speaker or a firsttimer, document what you learned from each presentation and apply it the next time. Remember that 99% of the population is challenged by public speaking. Do not take it too seriously and take comfort from George Jessel who said, The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public. Page 5

6 THE HUMAN BRAIN STARTS WORKING THE MOMENT YOU ARE BORN AND NEVER STOPS UNTIL YOU STAND UP TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC. GEORGE JESSEL

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