So, one day your boss comes to you and gives you a glowing review on your new idea. But there is only one catch, you have to present it to the board or the group at the convention. The fear and panic starts to grip you and the speech is still three weeks away. Don’t worry. I will give you some tips on how to over come that.
I too, hated to speak in public, but after doing some improvisation classes and stand-up over several years I learned to relax. Unlike these, most of you will have a guideline of topics to discuss and will not have to make things up on the spot.
YOU ARE THE MAN (or WOMAN)
Remember that the boss or someone loved your idea or proposal enough to ask you to speak. They WANT to hear what you have to say. So take comfort in that fact first.
BEATS or THE OUTLINE
Just like you did when presenting the information or sales pitch, outline the information. Like in sketch writing, you put down the beats of a scene. These are the bullet points and the go to spot if you lose your place. That’s what most comedians do. The joke or idea of the joke(set-up) is what launches them into the comedy bit. The rest is from memory on the topic.
The same goes true for any speech. The most boring of all speeches are ones that are rehearsed to death. After the first few minutes most people in the room start to think about dinner, if the hotel has pay per view movies, or any number of things OTHER than the information you are trying to provide.
You know this stuff!
MAKING IT INTERESTING
The first words from your mouth after the clapping (there’s always clapping after an introduction) should be “Thank you.”
I know you have heard it a thousand times — Start with a joke.
Well, that is true but it doesn’t mean any old joke. Never, never start your presentation with anything along the lines of two “whatevers” walk into a bar or “knock, knock”. What most people mean by a joke is an anecdote about you, the job, or the place you are speaking.
For example: If the location is less than be desired, comment on how cheap the company is. “Wow, the Days Inn off the expressway, I guess the homeless shelter was booked.”
The reason for any joke or witty comment is to connect with the audience immediately. The things you are thinking, or were thinking when you were them, are also running through their minds now. Use that knowledge to come up with an amusing connection.
If you want a sure fire opener, here you go:
“Thank you, thank you very much. I know we all want to get back to (work, the pool, the open bar, whatever) so I’ll make this brief. Smart Technology and it’s Future [replace with your topic] (then pause for effect.). Thank you, good night.”
Witty topics that might help:
-The length of your speech: “Hope everyone has plenty of food and drinks in front of them before I begin”
-The company or organization: All the employees have similar complaints about the company (be careful of joking yourself out of a job) These are the same type jokes as “What’s with airline food?”
-Your speech giving ability: “The last time I was in front of an audience I was an oak tree and six. So, this should go well.”
You just released the tension in the room with a laugh and hopefully the tension in you. Now get on with it. Be informative with some energy. The crowd feeds off the energy you exude. Think about the difference between a golf announcer and a hockey announcer. They both are presenting a sporting event but their tone and energy matches the play. Yours should match the presentation. Don’t go all crazy if you are introducing a line of caskets. But be enthusiastic about what you are presenting and the crowd will be too.
QUESTIONS
During your presentation the use of questions can help keep you moving. Not from the audience so much, more from what the audience might ask. Almost like autopilot, we can expound upon a topic with enthusiasm and unwavering communication when we know the answer all too well.
KEEP IT SHORT
The best thing to do when preparing is to practice the presentation a few times. Don’t over rehearse. You want to seem very natural in your delivery. Time it as you run over it. There is a happy median between too short and too long. If it feels way too long and you are even boring yourself, cut it back. Just hit the interesting and important information. This also leaves them wanting more.
CONCLUSION
Wrap it up with a small summary (bullet points). Then close with another little witty remark like:”I hope you all enjoyed your nap.”
I hope this helped and gave you an idea of how to over come some of the issues most people face when they have to speak in public. Remember to have fun as much as you can. If you want additional help please feel free to contact me and we can work something out.