Unfortunately, many leaders can’t overcome those fears and never learn to be effective speakers. This gap might be a key reason for failing to have an inspiring culture of caring, nurturing and productivity. Here are 10 basic points on speaking before an audience.
1. Know how to write. Good writing makes for good speaking. Both methods of communication involve presenting an idea in an engaging, intelligible manner. If your memos are complicated and hard to follow, your speeches will be, too.
2. Keep it simple. Too many speakers try to say too much, which only confuses and frustrates their listeners. Don’t get carried away with being clever. Make your point without going into a lot of unnecessary detail. Learn to be appreciative of other peoples’ time. I’ve never heard anyone say they wished someone had spoken longer.
3. Understand your topic. Do your homework. Perform the necessary research so that people feel you know what you’re talking about. I’ve seen executives give a competent speech, then stumble at question-and-answer time. They showed they really didn’t understand the subject.
4. Speak with conviction. Speakers who really believe in their topic have a powerful influence over others. This is a cornerstone of motivational speaking.
5. Get plenty of feedback. Rehearse your talk in front of people you trust and ask for their input. Ask them how they think your message would be received. People are flattered to be asked for advice and frequently provide insights that will surprise you.
6. Reveal your topic at the start. Just as you shouldn’t wait to reveal the subject of a memo until the very end, you shouldn’t do so in a speech. Let people know what you are talking about right off the bat. Don’t make them have to figure it out.
7. Always dress up. Look sharp and be sharp. Wear a suit, shirt and tie. Look like a professional who is confident and competent. Your attire is a tribute to your audience. After all, they are there as a sign of respect to you.
8. Start off with some humor. Humor will help people focus and identify with you, but never, never tell an off-color story. Someone will be offended and that very person might later be key in getting a future project under way.
9. Maintain eye contact. Always look at your audience and give a certain amount of eye contact to each section of it. This demonstrates your respect and makes everyone feel significant.
10. Speak on a regular basis. Once you get started presenting yourself before an audience, keep doing it regularly. In this way you will hone your skills and it will begin to come as second nature.
Chuck Lauer (chuckspeaking@aol.com) was publisher of Modern Healthcare for more than 25 years. He is now an author, public speaker and career coach who is in demand for his motivational messages to top companies nationwide.
