Presentation Pointers - November 2007

If you're in the US, I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday. We only went out of town for half the day - drove down to Orange County and came back the same night. Friday and Saturday, we just lounged around, watching movies and Arrested Development episodes, drinking tea and resting our brains.

We were supposed to drive down to LA on Sunday to visit friends, but instead ended up at IKEA, when one of our friends came down with a bug. I'm just glad the nearest IKEA is over an hour away, because I could spend an entire year's income there. Beware the compact fluorescent light bulbs - they're not nearly as bright as your incandescents.

I don't think I've had such a leisurely holiday in a long time; staying home has its advantages!

That's me. What's new with you?

News

~ I'll be announcing several new services in the next couple of months, which will make public speaking coaching even more accessible and affordable for you. More info to come!

~ Be on the lookout for the upcoming contest on my blog - the winner will receive my new and improved public speaking e-course, "7-Week Shortcut to Public Speaking Confidence," relaunching in January! If you already own the e-course, you will have your choice of items from the Speak Schmeak shop. 

Sign up here to get on the list for e-course updates leading up to the e-course relaunch.

The contest will be posted by the end of the week, and you can only participate by reading the blog.

~ There's a new design this week in the Speak Schmeak Shop at CafePress.  It says, "Old speakers never die, they just go on and on." Stay tuned for more designs, just in time for the holidays!

~ Listen to clips from some of my presentations on my new audio page.

Blog 

In the Speak Schmeak blog this month, I posted results from the annoying PowerPoint survey, talked about how less is more, posted about having an objective, asked "What's in it for me?", gave tips for practicing public speaking at work, discussed shyness vs. social anxiety . . . and more!

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Feature Article ~ When There's no Time to Prepare: Tips for Speaking off the Cuff

These can be the most nerve-wracking of presentations; after all, we're taught that thorough preparation is the foundation of a successful presentation. When there's no time to prepare, a key building block of your talk is missing. 

No need to sweat; you can do it! Just follow the tips below for an off-the-cuff speech that makes you sound like the clever, articulate, unruffled genius you are. 

Pointer 1: Stall for time!

If you're asked to speak at an event where there will be several speakers, see if you can put off your time slot for a few minutes. Even five minutes will give you the time you need to do some speedy homework.

Pointer 2: Write out some quick notes.

Take a moment to think about your audience, the purpose of the occasion, and what you want to convey. Make some quick bullet points (on a napkin, if necessary), but no more than three so you don't overwhelm yourself or the audience. 

Because no one is expecting a long dissertation, don't feel pressured to say more than is necessary. 

Take your notes with you when it's your turn to speak; because you only have a couple of bullet points, you won't be tempted to stare at the paper the whole time you're speaking, neglecting to make eye contact with your audience. 

Write out your first sentence and memorize it, so that you can start off your remarks with an air of confidence. And make an effort to fit in an eloquent closing. 

Remember, it's about the audience, not you. If you're saying a few words about a colleague, say something personal, but don't bring up negative or embarrassing stories. Share positive memories, but most importantly, speak sincerely and from the heart. Give the audience what they want, and you will find your anxiety melting away.

Pointer 3: Get it together.

If you can get away, go to the restroom or another room for some privacy. Breathe deeply and do some neck rolls and stretches to get the blood flowing. Clench and unclench your hands and feet a few times if you're sitting at a table and your hands and feet are hidden. 

This is where visualization and positive self-talk can be useful. You've been asked to speak because someone believes you have something important to say. Remember this as you're doing relaxation exercises and tell yourself that this is an opportunity, not a punishment.

If you are generally an informal speaker, don't try to be formal just because the occasion is formal. Likewise, if you are a more reserved and formal speaker, don't attempt a laid-back style. As a last-minute speaker, the last thing you should be doing is trying on a new persona in front of the audience. Do what you do best, and don't try to be someone you're not. 

Ideally, you will always anticipate being asked to speak in certain situations, and won't be caught off guard. Plan ahead if you think it's possible that you will be asked to speak; have a few remarks in mind, just in case. 

Last of all: Don't panic. With a few moments to pull yourself together and make some pertinent notes, your last-minute speech can be genuine, natural, succinct, and meaningful, as though you had plenty of time to prepare.

Send your questions to me and you may see your issue in a future newsletter!