"Nice Speech" Could Be "Polite Speak" - Did You Really Do A Good Job?

Executives that stink at public speaking often do not know they stink..... Because nobody ever tells them.  In fact, they are encouraged to keep coming up short when they take the stage.

What do you say to a speaker after a great presentation?

"Nice speech!".

What do you say to a speaker after an average speech that was on the edge of blah?

"Nice speech".

We live in a mostly polite society, so the feedback a speaker hears from an audience can be deceiving.  "Polite Speak" could just be idol chit-chat, but too many professionals are taking this to heart and self-deciding they are above average speakers.   Many business executives who have to give a speech at a luncheon or conference have never given much thought to their speaking ability.  Many have had no training since their 8th grade book reports, but since they are an industry expert they feel confident (or cocky) enough to "wing it".

The people who come to events deserve better than unprepared off-the-cuff remarks.  But most business speakers are sure they are doing a great job because they are hearing what they think is positive feedback.

Several years ago a mentor of mine, Jim Pancero, asked the question "What do you want people to say to you after a presentation?".  Most speakers answer that they want the meeting planner and the audience to say "good job".  But this is what everyone says, even when the speaker was dull.

The response you want to hear, according to Jim, was "What else can you do for me?"  Nice speech does NOT translate to "I want to hire you or refer you to others".  I have learned to not put too much stock in the onsite praise, but to review the new business that spins off from a presentation (even months or years later).  Since my speaking opportunities almost always come from word-of-mouth... this is the most important data point for my business!

I can be critical of those I watch speak at conferences.  Having seen thousands of presentation I have a good eye for how an audience is reacting to a speaker.  Too many speakers are business professionals who are there to sell their services to an audience and are not present to serve the audience.  Some are so cocky they have no idea how many times they mentioned their own MBA degree during their remarks.  Others are happy to meet the low expectations and are not concerned with raising the bar to a higher level as long as they do not forget their place in the middle of the talk.

Next time you present to a business audience be suspect of the "Nice Speech" feedback.  Instead, look deeper for ways to enhance your public speaking skills.  Learn from every talk.  Challenge yourself and your audience to have greater expectations from your interaction as a speaker and an audience.  

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Three Mistakes Made When Giving A Speech

As a successful business professional you will find the higher you climb on the ladder, the more often you will be asked to give a speech. Since you are not a "professional speaker", you might believe it is okay to "wing it" and babble on to the audience without investing the time to craft a meaningful presentation.

Heck you are smart and you have accomplished great things - people will want to hear what you have to say, right?

WRONG!

Always remember, just because someone is smart or they have done something interesting does not mean they belong on a stage talking to an audience. We have all sat through too many presentation where the audience would have rather stick needles in our ears than have to stay in the chairs.

Placing unqualified and inexperienced speakers on stage is a mistake that is made by countless amateurs who are coordinating meetings. Professional meeting planners know that you do not just put anyone on the schedule to fill a "spot", but instead you must vet everyone who will be on the platform to ensure they have public speaking skills.

A bad speaker can ruin your event and make people think twice before attending next time.

Here are the top three mistakes that executives make when giving a speech. Avoid these blunders and your audiences will be eternally grateful:

1. Opening with a joke. Somewhere along the line, about 50 years ago, a fable was told to public speakers that if you open with a joke, you will put your audience at ease. This only works if you are a professionally trained comedian. If you are not, it usually makes you look dumb. While using humor in your presentation is an excellent idea, there is a difference between humor and jokes.

On the flip side do not start by just telling the audience who you are and what you will be talking about. Someone else should do your introduction. The first few sentences out of your mouth will be the most important part of your whole presentation. Make sure you start strong.

Begin with a story. If it relates to your topic, and has the ability to spark interest in you and your presentation, it will have the power to win you the right to the audience's attention for the duration of your talk.

Yes it takes time to prepare a strong opening story, but if your audience is not worth the effort, do not accept the invitation to speak in the first place.

2. Not dressing the part. In our uber-casual society too many people feel they can show up to speak without giving any thought to how they are dressed. But the truth is that what you wear sends a message to the audience. When you dress correctly (and that will depend on the type of event, the venue, and how the audience will be dressed), it sends the message that you considered them before you showed up.

Too many speakers (even professionals) forget that it is called "giving a speech", which means anytime you address a crowd it is your gift. How you dress is the wrapping paper. You would not give your bosses daughter a wedding gift wrapped in old newspaper that smelled like rotten fish, so do not do the same thing when presenting your gift of a speech to an audience.

Many executive that I coach argue that "Steve Jobs" never dresses up when he speaks. My answer, when you bank account matches Steve Jobs' bank account then you can do whatever you want. In the meantime.... think seriously about what you wear.

3. Overuse of the word "I". When we are asked to come share with an audience, we all mistakenly think they want to hear about our accomplishments. Too many speakers only tell stories where they are the hero. Nobody would want to hear you brag about your life while sitting across from you at lunch, what makes you think that just because you are on stage they want to hear you profess your own greatness?

The best speakers provide a mix of their own successes with examples from other people. I suggest you arrive early and get some ideas from people in the audience. When you praise and quote someone from the crowd, the whole audience responds favorably because you are singling out one of them. It raises them all up. If all you can do is talk at them from your own high point, it makes them feel small in comparison.

Take a look at how often you talk about yourself and make sure that it is not the whole presentation. When you do site yourself as an example, have a motivating purpose that helps the audiences. Why do they care about what you did, and how can they learn from your experiences?

Reading books about speaking can help you become a better speaker, but nothing beats practice. If you want to become a talented public speaker then speak often, video tape your presentations, and review them regularly.

Also, every time you get the chance to see someone else give a speech, watch their elements of style in addition to listening to their content. I call this "Speaker's College". Anyone on stage can be my professor (professionals and amateurs), and I always learn something through observation. Never be afraid to try new things. Keep what works, and continue to grow your own unique speaking style.

Have A Great Day.

thom

You can purchase a copy of "The ABC's of Speaking" at Amazon.com.

Take Action To Change Your Life

Last week I received a call from Scott, a childhood friend with whom I had not talked with in over 25 years. He sought me out because he has a desire for a career as professional speaker, but was unsure how to begin.

We had a great chat. For over an hour he answered questions and shared with me his life's journey, which is honestly inspirational. His personal history is a powerful story that will lend itself to motivate others. He has already been speaking to youth groups, churches and school,s but knows his message could have a strong impact on corporate audiences. His interest in this career path was genuine, and I gave him some advice on what steps to take (this is not a career that you can jump into quickly). I was happy to share and excited by his enthusiasm.

Six days later I sent him a follow up email asking "What steps have you taken since our conversation that would lead you closer to this dream?" The question is something a mentor of mine did years ago when I had been seeking similar advice. His point was that many people look for advice, but few take fast action (thankfully I had taken the actions he suggested!). If you really are serious you will do something.

I get a lot of calls from people who want to write a book, be a speaker, or make other career changes. Most have not taken any action in the week (or a month) after our discussion. They usually say they have "been thinking" or "gathering more information". Not this time. Scott's response was fast, to the point, and honestly amazing.

Here is what he said:

"I just got back from a local NSA (National Speakers Association) meeting. It was really good. I am going to print up some cards saying "Scott (insert last name), Professional Speaker" and write out my speech that I have been giving an see how I can get a powerful business message out of it. Thanks for the follow up. Are you going to the NSA convention in Orlando next month?"

Wow. After one phone call he hung up and took the actions necessary to move his life in a new direction immediately. He had obviously thought about this before our call, but once he received tangible advice, he took action.

If you want something, you have to take the action. Writers write and speakers speak. They do not think about it. A career change into a new industry requires information and participation. I recently heard Steven Tomlinson (Professor, Playwright, Pastor, Economist, and all around brilliant person) give the advice that "if you want to change careers you should seek out and make friends with people in your field of interest". I agree. Scott's attending a local NSA meeting does not make him a professional speaker, but it does expose him to more people in his city who are committed to this career. And it is proof that he is taking action to change his life.

My prediction is that Scott will be earning a fantastic living as a professional speaker faster than most who succeed in the business. I look forward to sharing the stage with him soon at a major corporate convention (and eventually adding him to the NYP Speaker's team!).

Have A Great Day!

thom

Have You Read "The ABC's of Speaking"?

Have you read "The ABC's of Speaking"?



Available at Amazon.com

Have A Great Day

thom

My-Oh-My, What A Jaded Marketing World We Live In!!!!

My new book "The ABC's of Speaking", which has gotten a lot of attention this week after a great story in Monday's Austin American-Statesman, is now available as a downloadable iPhone App. We had just put up "Batteries Not Included" last week, and more of the New Year Publishing titles are on the way.

Our iPhone developer accidentally listed the price as "FREE" for the small book of public speaking tips. While it is our intent to charge for the book, we decided to announce on Twitter that the book was temporarily available at no charge. It should take about 24 hours for it to update, so we figured we would share the book with those who wanted to act fast.

It was funny how many people accused me of a "marketing stunt". The immediate reaction was that there was no mistake made by a developer, but instead this was a New Year Publishing ploy to promote the new book.

My-Oh-My, what a jaded marketing world we live in nowadays. In the online social media world everyone thinks that people have an angle everytime something happens. Can't things just be what they appear to be?

In this case we saw that the book was listed for free and decided to tell everyone who follows me on Twitter to let them grab the book while they had the chance. I would rather people read my books, blogs, and other pontifications.... even if they do so without paying me any money (Now, do not get me wrong... I like, respect and appreciate everyone who buys a book!).

Not sure when the price point will kick in, but if you search "ABCs of Speaking" in the App Store you will find the book. Enjoy!

Have A Great Day.

CLICK HERE to read the article in Monday's paper.

thom

Speaking AT SXSW or Another Conference?

I was interviewed by Austin American-Statesman reporter Sarah Beckham for an article that appears in today's Life & Arts section.

With Austin's SXSW conference only a month away, there are hundreds of speakers and panelists from the local area (and beyond) who are preparing to present at the music, film and interactive conferences. Not everyone is a professional speaker, or even experienced on the stage. Many are subject experts who are not comfortable or confident in public speaking.

My new book, The ABC's of Speaking is a great resource for anyone who has to stand up before a crowd. Sarah's article does a great job of sharing these ideas for would-be speakers.

CLICK HERE to read her article in today's paper.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking -Z is for Zipper

Z is for Zipper

Make sure yours is up!

....And pay attention to other seemingly minor details before you go on stage!

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - Y is for Yes

Y is for Yes

If you desire to improve your speaking skills, and I assume you do if you have made it this far in The ABC's of Speaking, then you must speak. Say "YES" to every opportunity you can find to address an audience. The more often you speak, the more comfortable you will become and your experiences will help you fine tune your oratory skills.

Let people know that you are available to talk to their company, association, conference, club, or other group. Be clear about your range of topics and be excited to be asked to speak to crowds of all sizes.

The skills it takes to be on the big stage speaking to thousands of people are both the same and different from those needed to speak to half a dozen. The only way you will know how to react to different audiences is to have hundreds of presentations under your belt.

Do not over think the opportunity or pre-judge the group. Your goal is to get the stage time (See "S is for Stage Time"), and thus you should be excited about every chance you are given to speak.

Making yourself available and agreeable to speak will be part of a continuous cycle. The more you speak, the better you will get at speaking. The more you say "yes" to speaking, the more organizations will pop up with invitations for you to speak. Do not rationalize that you might become "over-exposed" in your city if you speak too often. If you are good, and have a powerful message that is important to people, smart groups will invite you to speak.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - X is for eXtra

X is for eXtra

Because it is called "giving a speech" it is a good policy to remember that as the presenter it is your duty to "give" to your audience. Your talk is a gift to your listeners. Everything you do when you are on stage must be done with the listener in mind.

When you focus on giving to your audience you will always be a more successful speaker.

Deliver inspiration, advice, humor, compassion, knowledge, and challenging motivation to those in the crowd. Always be prepared to put 100% of your ability as a speaker into your preparation and execution of your speech. That is expected of all speakers.

But always give something extra that the audience does not anticipate. Speakers who bring something more are always remembered. Several years ago I witnessed the CFO of Brown-Forman Corporation speak at an event. Brown-Forman owns several adult beverage brands including Jack Daniels. She had a gift of a bottle of Jack Daniels for each person in the audience, which was a big hit with the crowd! Years later those who attended her talk remember it very well!

If your company's product or service is too expensive to give to everyone, consider doing a drawing a rewarding one or two audience members with the valuable sample.

When you do not have a product or service that that lends itself as something you can give away, then create a hand-out that has the most valuable points from your presentation so that every audience member recieves something to take home.

Anytime you can give the audience something extra, they will remember your presentation with greater intensity.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - W is for Walking Around

W is for Walking Around

Effective speakers move around the room. Do not forget to walk when you are speaking, as nobody wants to see as statue deliver a presentation. If you appear stiff or stuck the audience will see that as part of your personality. If you utilize the freedom to command the space, you will be seen being in control.

Many people feel a sense of security if they can hold onto the lectern and keep close to their notes. Having their body shielded saves them from needing to worry about how to stand or what do do with their hands. They grip the sides of the wooden structure and rotate their head from left to right, thinking that their eye contact is enough of a connection with the audience to show their humanity.

When you are given the choice of a stationary microphone on the lectern, or a wireless microphone, always choose wireless, as it provides you with flexibility to move when appropriate. If you are speaking to a large crowd where a sound system is necessary you do not want to be tethered to one place on the stage. This is especially true on a large stage with a big audience, as staying in one spot will make you appear small.

If you don't need sound amplification, then there is no excuse for being stuck in one spot - but even in talks in a small room to a dozen people, you still need to walk around.

The best orators go beyond the stage. They walk into the crowd as they deliver their remarks. Oprah Winfrey is famous for this style of speaking while amongst the audience, and it is one of the reasons that people feel connected to her when she speaks.

The best non-professional speaker I have ever seen was a CEO delivering a lunch-time talk to a group of 200 professionals at a meeting of the Central Texas Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. This group has successful business professionals address their members each month, but this one speaker stood out because he was one with the audience. He flowed away from the front of the room walked around, looking into the eyes of the people. Everyone was captivated. While his message, words, gestures, eye contact, poise and style were all great, it was his movements that made him spectacular.

I have seen equally successful businessmen and women stand anchored to one spot barely ever even shifting their weight from foot to foot whose presentations fell flat.

While it can seem awkward at first to move around, or to roam into the crowd, while speaking, it quickly will become a natural part of your speaking style with a little practice. Make it a point to review your speaking area before you begin your presentation and plan where you can go. Only move when it feels natural, never force yourself into situations that make you uncomfortable.

No matter what the stage set up, at the end of your presentation or during the Q&A part of your talk, move closer to the audience. By crossing toward them you become part of the group. Since the last moments of your talk are your final impressions, this feeling of intimacy will solidify the connection you have to the individuals who have been listening to your talk.

Pay attention to how and when you walk around and you will improve your speaking style in a subtle, yet powerful, way.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - V is for Verbal Tics

Ummm, Ahhhh, You know, this is a tough topic for those who speak.

Many who are nervous or inexperienced about speaking in front of an audience are scared of pauses, and they fill in the gaps with filler words, repeated sayings, grunts and other noises. They often do not know they are doing it, and have no idea how the continuous use of such "verbal tics" can cause the audience to lose track of their message.

If your verbal fillers are too prevalent some members of the audience will begin to count your "ums" and "ahs". I once tallied 65 such tics from a speaker in a thirty minute presentation. Another speaker said "Ya know?" so many times in his talk that I wanted to stand up and scream "YES, I know!". I have no idea what either speaker was there to say to the crowd, but their repeated unwanted sayings were forever burned into my memory.

While these verbal tics are usually seen in inexperienced speakers, I have witnessed highly paid professional speakers and top politicians who also suffer from this unfortunate distraction.

The best way to know if you are making the mistake of overusing "ums" and "ahs" is to ask a friend or co-worker to attend your presentation and to look for the little things (like verbal tics) in your speaking style that are harming the effectiveness of your message. Recording your speech and reviewing it yourself will also make you aware of the bad habits.

Having someone count the number of times you make these noises to fill in your pauses will surprise some people. However, your awareness is the first step to getting past this bad habit.

Do not be scared of a pause in your speech, even if you are searching your mind for the next word. While it may seem like an eternity, often it is only a second or two that you are there without making a sound. While your fears will wrongly make you feel it is awkward, if you learn to hold the silence with confidence, the audience will be drawn in by your powerful use of a pause.

As with all parts of public speaking, your awareness and practice will help you improve your skills.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - U is for Understanding

U is for Understanding

When giving a talk to an audience it is important that you understand what the people in the chairs are expecting to hear from the speaker. If you get up and deliver a genre of presentation that is not in line with what the people signed up for, they will not be in sync with your from the start.

Many professionals are so nervous about delivering a presentation that they spend all of their time thinking about themselves. They devote time to the flow of the words, the creation of the slides, and their own delivery while forgetting about the needs of the audience.

Sitting in a meeting and listening to a presentation is a commitment. Nobody enjoys being stuck hearing someone who is going through the motions of speaking, but who clearly has no concern for the audience. If you do not have an understanding of the audience, they will see you as a fraud or a wast of time.

People gather for many reasons. Groups that invite speakers are made up of different types of people with a variety of backgrounds. Speakers are often invited to educate, entertain, motivate, convince, inspire, provoke, sell, inform, etc...

Before you accept an offer to speak, ask about the make up of the audience. Age, gender, occupations, backgrounds, job titles, purpose of the group, and the expectations of the talk are part of the information you need to prepare. While many people who speak occasionally have a standard speech that they give, you must be sure that you customize your remarks to the demographics and needs of the individual audience.

The more you understand about who will be hearing you speak, the better you can tailor your presentation to create a connection with the group. Think about those who will sit in the uncomfortable chairs and make them the priority.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - T is for Toastmasters

Any business professional who wishes to improve their public speaking skills should investigate Toastmasters International.

Founded in 1924 in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown into the leading organization in the world in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience. Great speaking talent needs to be cultivated and practiced, and joining a Toastmasters group in your local community will provide you with a venue and a peer group that will allow you to expand your communication capabilities.

With over 250,000 members in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries, there are most likely several Toastmasters Clubs in your geographic area. Most clubs meet weekly. You can select a breakfast, lunch or dinner club that meets in a location near your home or office (I belong to a club that meets at 6:45 AM at a local IHOP Restaurant).

I joined Toastmasters nearly twenty years ago and openly share that it was the best career decision I ever made. Being able to speak well in front of an audience led me to several job opportunities and into my career as an author and professional speaker. While most readers of this blog post will not have the desire to speak for a living, having better confidence and poise when delivering a presentation will lead you to more success in any field.

Many large corporations have established internal Toastmasters Clubs that are exclusive for their employees, as smart employers realize that providing the tools that help the individual also helps the company.

Toastmasters meetings are comprised of approximately 20 people who take on a variety of roles during the one hour meeting. Participants assignments range from delivering a prepared speech, an impromptu presentation, timing, evaluating, or serving as the leader of the meeting. There is no instructor; instead, each speech and meeting is critiqued by a members in a positive manner, focusing on what was done right and what could be improved.

You can find more information and search for a Toastmasters Club near you at www.toastmasters.org.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - S is for Stage Time

S is for Stage Time

If you want to have better speaking skills you need to regularly be up in front of people giving speeches. There is nothing that will advance your abilities faster than delivering a high number of presentations. If you only present a few times a year it will take you much longer to see improvement compared to the person who speaks several times a month.

The higher the number of speeches you give, the more material you will have to review. Additionally you will find that with more experience you will become much more comfortable on the platform.

Professional stand-up comics call it "stage time". If you want to hone your skills and practice new techniques, there is no other way to do this that to be on stage. Comics spend a lot of time looking for comedy clubs that will give them even short amounts of time to test their material. They will drive for mile on any given night to get to venues where they can tell their jokes. (The leading magazine of stand-up comics is titled "Stage Time").

There are many organizations who are always looking for speakers who can deliver interesting information to their members. They do not usually have budgets to hire professional speakers, but need to provide informative programs. To do this they utilize people from the community to speak on a variety of topics. Business clubs such as Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, The Association of Corporate Growth and many others may be venues for professionals to speak. If you are not a business speaker, there are countless groups which are focused on other subjects who desire to find good speakers for their meetings..

In order to get invited to speak to these groups you need to develop a reputation for your presentation skills and position yourself as an expert on your topic. These organizations get many inquiries from people who want to speak, and they are wary of speakers who want to sell products or services from the stage. Many people belong to multiple groups, thus once they see you do a great job in one place, they will tell others about you.

Yes, it is a little bit of a "chicken and the egg" story. You need to be good to get speaking gigs, and you need speaking gigs to get good.

Tell people in your network that you are available to speak for local groups. Be certain to inform those people whom you know are active members in several organizations. Let them know your topic and that you are focused on providing useful information on your topic. Be sure they know that you are not just looking for a chance to deliver a commercial for your company from their stage.

Once you have talked to multiple organizations you will find it becomes easier to find other speaking opportunities.

The more you speak, the better speaker you will become. Seek out your own "stage time".

Have A Great Day

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - R is for Review

If you want to improve your speaking skills, you need to study and review your own presentations. When you are speaking to an audience, you can only view the experience from your own vantage point. But it is not what the speaker sees that it important, it is what is perceived by the audience that matters.

The process of evaluation is the most powerful tool that is used by Toastmasters International (see "T is for Toastmasters"... coming soon in this series). When a presenter can get timely and constructive feedback from someone who witnessed their presentation, they become aware of the little things that are working and not working in with their structured talk and their speaking style.

Ask a friend of co-worker to attend your speech and to take notes on the best and worst pieces of the overall program. If you can find someone who is an experienced speaker and / or a member or former member of Toastmasters you will receive the most useful input. A person with the speaking experience will instantly identify the areas where you can quickly improve.

If you are an executive who will be doing several presentations for your job, you may want to consider hiring a "speech coach". Investing the time and money in working with a professional coach will allow you to discover your natural speaking style and fine tune faster. Many assume that they are good speakers because they have risen up the corporate ladder, but the reality is that many executives are not nearly as good as they think they are on stage, and would benefit from the advice of a coach.

Beyond having someone else review your performance, you need to evaluate yourself. If the presentation is recorded by the organization who asked you to speak, request a digital copy of the audio or video. If the talk will not be recorded, consider bringing your own video camera and having a co-worker record you. A simple hand-held camera from the front row will give you enough of the view point you need to see yourself as the audience does. Watching yourself on video and listening to your voice will allow you to better understand what you are doing right, as well as painfully emphasize the area you must work on.

Reviewing your presentation and talking with others about your style and skills will allow you to achieve your goals to expand your presentation quality. If you never know your strength and weaknesses, you cannot improve.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - Q is for Q&A

Q is for Q&A

Traditionally at the end of a presentation a speaker will leave time for questions from the audience. Many people who only speak on occasion never give any thought to this important part of their presentation. They assume that there will be many hands up from curious people who want to hear more of their wisdom. They are sure there will be more questions than there will be time after they wrap up the talk.

The problem here is that the Q&A portion of your speech is the final thing that the audience will experience, and thus it is one of the most memorable parts of your whole presentation. Without planning, you are leaving your legacy of the talk to chance.

One mistake that you can make is to run long and talk through the allotted time and need to skip the Q&A part altogether. People plan to be able to get back to the office or another appointment, and thus ending on time is important. Talking up to the end of the meeting leaves many in the audience feeling cheated (I did this yesterday, and while the presentation was well received, I felt bad for running long and not having time for Q&A). Plan your speech so that you have enough time for audience questions.

The bigger issue is when you end your remarks with ten or fifteen minutes remaining and you ask the audience for questions and you receive a room full of blank stares. Nobody raises their hand and there is an uncomfortable pause until the person in charge leaps up and closes the meeting or awkwardly tosses out a weak question to try to throw you a lifeline.

The best thing to do is to plan ahead for questions. Ask a friend in advance if they would ask a question about a specific topic you would like to expend upon. It is best to be up front with them that it often takes someone to get the Q&A session moving along, and that if there is not any hands up right away, you would appreciate them jumping in. Once one or two people ask intelligent questions it lifts the veil of fear from over the rest of the audience. Some people are shy and being the first person to ask a question is difficult for them. Being the second or third one to raise their hand is much easier.

Additionally you should have a list of questions that other audiences have asked you about your topic. If nobody raises an inquiry when you request audience questions, you can jump right in with "the most common question I get on this topic is....." and then go into your answer. This, too, can help loosen up the audience and get you more hands up from the crowd.

Always have a Q&A closing remark. Occasionally an audience member could ask you a tough question, or one where the answer has a negative tone. You do not want to end your remarks on a dark note, so you should have an upbeat close or a positive challenge to the audience that you deliver after your answer to the final question. This will leave them in the right state of mind and more excited about your presentation.

Have A Great Day

The ABC's of Public Speaking - P is for PowerPoint

P is for PowerPoint

PowerPoint should be a tool to enhance the quality of your presentation, not a distraction.

The use of multi-media presentation graphic software by speakers has been standard for nearly two decades. Microsoft's PowerPoint has been the norm, but there are others on the market including Apple's Keynote, and Google Presentation.

The replacement of clear plastic transparencies on an overhead projector or a flip-chart brought with it an amazing visual tool that added to the audience experience. However, it also brought forth really horrible practices by speakers that can sink the effectiveness of a presentation.

The use of PowerPoint makes if simple to create visually pleasing, compelling, and colorful slide decks and drop in charts, photographs and video clips. Pre-made templates or simple customizations are available, as well as more complex unique background development available. PowerPoint allows easy last-minute changes to any presentation.

The problems with the use of PowerPoint are many. Whole books and presentations have been written about how speakers misuse and abuse the use of presentation software, including Seth Godin's wildly popular free e-book "Really Bad PowerPoint" (available for free on the internet by searing "Really Bad PowerPoint"). The most important thing to remember is that the PowerPoint slide is not there to communicate your message. You are giving a speech, not providing the audience with a group reading experience.

Here are 7 reminders of what NOT to do when using PowerPoint:

1. Do not use too much text. Keep the number of bullet points to a minimum (maximum of five per slide). The word count per bullet as short as possible (about 6 or 7 words at the most). The use of a slide in not intended to transfer the knowledge to the audience, but instead to be a gentle reminder for the speaker as to next point you will elaborate upon. It should jog your memory for the next story you will tell, not tell make your point.

2. Do not use complex charts or graphs. Simple pie charts or bar graphs do a great job of making a point about a statistic or trend. Detailed charts that make the audience squint and use their mathematical skills to deduce a conclusion will take away from your presentation. If your chart cannot immediately be understood, do not put it in your presentation.

3. Do not use wild backgrounds, animations or sounds. Your slide presentation should not be a Vaudeville style entertainment program. Using too many flying graphics or other distracting transitions will cause your PowerPoint to take over the attention from your audience. The spoken words should be the centerpiece of the presentation, not bells ringing each time you advance to the next slide.

4. Never read from your slides. Turning your back on the audience for any reason is usually a bad idea. Doing it to read from your PowerPoint will make you appear unprepared. This is your presentation and you should know the material well enough that the bullet on the screen is a clear reminder of the important point you wish to share.

5. Do not pass out your PowerPoint slides as handouts in advance of your presentation. If you give the audience your PowerPoint in advance, they will skim ahead of your as your speak and look ahead for important thoughts that you will be sharing. By tipping them off to all of your information in advance, you will remove the power you have of weaving them along the path of your presentation.

6. Do not use cheesy clip art. While visuals are an important element of your presentation, they should add to the presentation, not just be there for the sake of having a graphic. While the right photograph on a slide can help to emotionally connect with the soul of a person, a generic stick figure with an automated graphic dance will just look silly.

7. Do not skip past slides. Prepare in advance for the length of your presentation. Audiences feel cheated if you click past parts of your presentation in an effort to get back on schedule. Pay attention to your time frame when creating your slide deck and avoid getting distracted while speaking. If you are off track and need to skip ahead, know in advance the number of a slide toward the end of your presentation that will lead you to your powerful conclusion. Then press "#" (pound) and the "number of your desired slide" to jump ahead. If done right you will arrive at the later slide without the audience knowing you left out information.

If used correctly, PowerPoint will keep you on track and impact the power in the delivery of your presentation. Do not think that you always need to use slides in your presentation, as a good speaker can have an impact on his audience by making emotional connections with or without visual aids. PowerPoint can add to the emotional transfer, but it is up to you to express the passion from inside yourself. A graphic cannot do this for you.

BONUS TIP: Purchase your own remote control to advance your slide. Do not rely on the company or organization who asked you to speak to have a "clicker", or that the one they provide will have fresh batteries. Having your own remote will make you familiar with where the button is that advances or goes in reverse. Many a speaker has been thrown off by having to fiddle with his computer "enter" button to advance slides or scream "NEXT SLIDE" to some volunteer.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - O is for Open

O is for Open

When you desire to make a connection with an audience, you must open your heart and soul. If you are trying to speak as the "expert" and hiding your real self behind a facade, the people will know that you are not being real.

Show your audience your personal side, even in a business presentation. Expose pieces of your personal life and your past mistakes and vulnerabilities, as this will make you easier for the average person to relate to you as a human being.

Too often speakers mistakenly think that they need to appear that they have all the answers. They feel that if they do not seem in control, they will lose the respect of those listening. I believe the opposite is true. If you do not show all of yourself, then you will not be trusted.

Authenticity is what makes an audience connect to a speaker.

Also be open to the eclectic nature of those in the crowd. Anytime there is a gathering you must remember that everyone comes to the group with their own history, experiences, education, preconceived ideas, thoughts, desires and expected outcomes. In most cases the speaker cannot change the views of the audience in one presentation. Thus, you must be open minded to the reality that your audience may have a different perspectives. This is not about right and wrong, it about different. Be open to accepting others.

Be cautious to never be dismissive of the audience's views or make them feel you see their ideas as irrelevant. If you are speaking on a controversial topic, or one that can fuel emotions, be sure to accept that your opinion is one of many. Let them know you are open to the conflicting positions.

While there is certainly a time and a place for persuasive speech, make sure that your venue is correct for such a presentation. When challenging others to change their stance, you must make sure to be respectful of them.

Open yourself up to making connections with the people in your audience. All opportunities come from people, so be welcoming to those who you encounter at your presentation, as they might provide you with a path to your next big thing.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - N is for Networking

N is for Networking

When you are the speaker at an event you will have an above average opportunity to meet and make connections with the a variety of interesting people who are in the audience. Those who make presentations are often granted high levels of credibility, and thus will be sought out before and after the speech by people who are interested in shaking their hand and talking about the presentation.

All opportunities come from people, and you never know who you might meet that could become a valuable contact. Take advantage of your mini-celebrity status during an event to make connections with others. Always be interested in others and ask them questions about themselves, as if the whole conversation is just about you and your presentation, you will miss the chance to make a mutually beneficial connection.

Plan ahead before your presentation to maximize effective networking. Know who is going to present at the event and make plans to seek out any people whom you would like to meet. Ask the event organizer for a copy of the RSVP list a few days in advance, or arrive early and review the name tags.

Participate in the networking that takes place before the event gets started. Often the speaker uses this time to set up the PowerPoint projector or make other preparations. Arrive early enough to get equipment and props set up before people arrive and then actively socialize with the crowd before the event. In addition to quality networking opportunities, you will be able to learn interesting information about the organization and individuals that you can weave into your presentation.

Be sure that you bring plenty of business cards when you speak. You never want to run out of cards when you are shaking hands and socializing with those in attendance at your presentation. Not haveing cards will make you appear unprepared or uninterested in the people that you meet. Meeting a person one time does not make them part of your network. It takes several interaction to establish a real relationship, and thus a business card is an important tool for instigating a future follow up.

Allow plenty of time after the event to talk with people. While you may not be accustomed to being the center of attention, do not shy away from talking with those who seek you out after your presentation concludes. Some speakers create problems for themselves by scheduling other meetings too soon after a speech and thus have to leave quickly following the conclusion of their remarks. This will be viewed as rude by audience members who would like the chance to meet you. Spend as much time as necessary to allow everyone who desires shaking your hand to do so. Always be friendly and polite to everyone, as that will impact how they remember your speech.

If you do meet someone interesting, be sure to get their business card and then follow up with them in a timely manner. The biggest mistake in networking is not following up with the people you meet whom you would like to get to know better. Own the follow up and send an email or a handwritten note telling them you enjoyed meeting them at the event, and plan for a future contact.

Have A Great Day.

thom

The ABC's of Public Speaking - M is for Memorize

M is for Memorize

There is nothing worse than sitting in the audience listening to a speaker read their speech. I am always shocked when presenters go verbatim from a script or have to refer to their notes every fifteen seconds.

I am not suggesting that you must to memorize your entire talk, but you should know your material well enough that your notes or your PowerPoint slides are used to keep you on track, not as the center piece of your attention.

The thought of memorization makes people nervous. They fear that it will be too difficult or that they will fail in their efforts and be alone on stage with no brain wave activity. Nobody wants to forget their way when giving a speech, and thus they grab hold of notes and never let go.

The reality is that you do not need to memorize everything in your presentation to have that natural delivery style. To be effective you should put your attention into memorizing the opening, the close and your signature stories.

When you begin speaking you will have only about a minute to gain the attention of the audience. If you have a strong opening and deliver it with confidence and style, you will capture their interest and create a level of expectation.

The same is true with your conclusion. The audience will remember you most for your closing remarks and call to action than for any other part of your talk. Hit them with a strong and energetic finale and you will have more of an impact than if you just read your way to the end.

Having signature stories are also a powerful way to impact your audience. These are stories that are relevant to your topic and that you have memorized and practiced over time so that you can deliver them with captivating poise.

Many novice speakers worry about telling the same stories in subsequent presentations, as they fear that some in the audience will have seen them before, and thus will feel it is repetitive. The reality is that you will rarely have too many repeat audience members at your speeches, and those who have seen you in the past will not be critical if some of your material is the same each time. Professional speakers will often have powerful anecdotes which they weave into all presentations, as they know that these gems will impact the audience.

Put the time into developing and memorizing your beginning, ending and signature stories and do not refer to your notes or slides while delivering these forceful flashes of fancy. Look right into the eyes of the audience and make the connection with their hearts. If you do this correctly, you can use notes throughout the rest of your time on stage and most people will think you have memorized the entire presentation.

Have A Great Day.

thom