When is it appropriate to read your speech word for word from a prepared text?

            Most speeches nowadays are given more as informal talks than formal orations.  There are, however, occasions when it’s important to read your speech from a prepared text.  For example:

            When the subject is complex, i.e. presenting a scientific paper, and you don’t want to make a mistake.

            When it’s a formal event, i.e. an international conference, where you need to say every word correctly in a limited amount of time.

            When it’s an emotional setting, i.e. a memorial service, and you don’t want to forget anything or be overwhelmed by your feelings.

            Or any other occasion when misstating a phrase or omitting a word could cause a misunderstanding that might have critical consequences, i.e. speaking to the United Nations.

            Many folks prefer to read their remarks rather than just talk to the audience because they’re afraid they won’t say it right, will forget something important or run out of time before they’ve said all they want to say.  Having the speech in front of them and reading it is like having a Linus blanket.  It gives them the confidence they need to speak to the audience at all.

            If you feel you absolutely have to read your speech in order to say it properly, there are a couple of dangers you need to be aware of. 

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            Have you ever wondered why some speakers always speak from behind a lectern or a podium and others don't like to have anything between themselves and the audience? Is it just personal preference? Are some speakers more comfortable when they can get right down among their listeners and look them in the eye? Do others feel they should always maintain a safe distance between them? Are there any rules that govern when there should be something between you and the audience and when there shouldn't?

            To be or not to be closer to your audience? That is the question.

            The answer is: it depends.

            First, just what is the difference between a lectern and a podium? And does it matter?

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When you have to give a speech, no matter what the occasion, what’s the first thing you do?

            If you said, “Panic!”, you’re not alone. 

            The question is, why?  What is so fearful about having to give a speech?

            Let’s start with the basics.  The first thing you need to do is write the speech.  How hard is that?  Here are a few comments I’ve heard recently.                                                           

            “I want to sound like Steve Jobs, but I feel like Elmer Fudd.”

            “I don’t know where to begin or how to organize my ideas.”

            “I’m not funny.  Nobody ever laughs at my jokes.”

            “I don’t have a problem getting up to speak. I just don’t have time to write a speech!”

There’s a solution to all of these difficulties. 

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At a recent networking meeting, the M.C., a very bright, capable woman and an excellent speaker, was outlining the program for the evening, highlighting the various events and speakers we were going to hear from. She knew how to use humor to liven up the laundry list of information she needed to convey and all was going along swimmingly, until the moment came to introduce the first speaker. And then she said, "So, without further ado, please welcome..." and gave the speaker's name.

            "What's wrong with that?", you might ask.       

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As I was preparing my talk on "How to Become a Unique & Sexy Speaker" for the So. Cal. MENSA Regional Gathering a few weeks ago, the Evil Gremlin on my left shoulder whispered in my ear, "You don't need to rehearse. You've written a whole book about this. You know this stuff cold. All you need is an outline, and you can wing it from there. Just go for it!          

There’s an erroneous belief firmly entrenched in the minds of many folks who hate to give a speech.  They’re convinced the audience is there to judge them and find them wanting.  They’re sure they’ll forget something important or say something bass-ackwards, garble a sentence, turn red from embarrassment, speak too fast or too slow, and generally show that they’re totally lacking in confidence or competence.  They endure hot flashes, cold sweats, upset stomachs, the shakes, and can’t wait to get it over with.                                               

            Flash!  It’s not true.  The audience is not waiting for....