How often have you thought to yourself, "I'd really like to be a better speaker"?

            Cynthia, an accountant, hates to go to networking events because when she has to introduce herself, she's chagrined at the nervousness that overwhelms her. It's not her competence that's in question. She's a very good accountant, has no problem with tax returns, profit & loss statements, budgets or anything else financial. But when she has to tell potential clients just how good she really is and why they should work with her, she freezes. It's hard to remember her own name.

            Cynthia would really like to get over this nervousness. She sees other people speaking easily in front of the group, and wonders why the thought of getting up and giving a speech ties her in knots. Her business limps along while she dreams of being more successful and providing the good life for herself and her family. For several years now she's been thinking about it... and thinking about it... and thinking about it. But when it comes to actually doing something to overcome her fears, she procrastinates.

             Cynthia is an expert at playing the procrastination game. 

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            The other day I needed to ask for telephone help to access an account I hadn’t used in awhile.  I’d forgotten the entry sequence and just wanted a quick, two sentence reminder: “First you do this, then you do that.  That’s all there is to it.”  Unfortunately, that’s not what I got.                        

            For close to 15 agonizing minutes I sat there biting my nails and listening to the person on the other end of the phone repeat the same information at least twice even though I got it the first time.  That was only the beginning. I had the ill-advised temerity to ask a clarifying question.  Big mistake.  He had to start again from the beginning and repeat the same information a third time without, it seems, stopping to take a breath.  No matter how many times or how loudly I asked him to please stop talking, he never heard me.  There was no pause long enough for me to say, “Wait a minute!  I got that.”  He was paying no attention to me on the other end of the phone at all. I pictured him in a little cubicle somewhere, staring at his computer, in a kind of hypnotic state where the information he was reading off the screen went in through his eyes and out through his mouth, bypassing his brain, and certainly his ears, completely!

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     Often I'm approached after a speaking appearance by people who say, "I'd really like to be a better speaker." 

     "Great!" I respond. "How can I help?"
     "Oh, well, I'm doing all right at the moment," they reply. "I'd like to speak better, but I've got other things I have to take care of first. But someday I'd really like to talk to you about it."
     Are you a Someday Speaker? Are you a Someday Book Author, Article Writer, Workshop Presenter, or... you name it, there's probably something connected to your business that you fully intend to do "Someday".
     What are you waiting for? Ask yourself honestly: is Someday really ever going to come? Chances are it isn't.
     Why not? What's holding you back? Who's the gremlin that's whispering in your ear, "You're doing okay the way you are. You don't really need this, do you? It's too much effort. So why bother?"

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            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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