…and other top tips to power up your communications

Many (if not most of us), prepare for public speaking engagements as though there was no distinction between being in front of our audience or emailing them. If you’re sitting in that audience however, the difference is obvious. It’s not easy connecting with a speaker no matter the subject, when you’re being read to. Here then are some top tips to keep in mind when you’re in the spotlight:

1.) It’s the movie, not the book
Your audience didn’t come to be read to. Try distilling your ideas into some higher level, key messages. Use an outline or notecards to help you stay on track. (Don’t try to memorize or you’ll be concentrating on that and not being “present”). It’s not about remembering every word and phrase you had prepared. Your audience doesn’t know what you were supposed to say and doesn’t care about perfection. It’s about establishing a real connection with those listening.

2.) Keep it tight
No one is going to complain your speech wasn’t long enough. For many in the audience, the q and a afterwards is far more interesting because that’s about them; the chance to interact with a speaker, measure your commitment and believability. If you struggle with public appearances, keep them shorter and use your time for Q and A.

3.) There is no substitute for preparation
No matter how much you know or think you know about a subject, never “wing it” in front of an audience. The stakes are too high to your reputation in any public appearance to appear ill-prepared. Ask yourself what your audience knows, what they don’t, what your purpose is in speaking to them and what you want to say. Then deliver. If you don’t have time to prepare, find someone else who can, or just say no.

4.) Copy the Best
Even the most polished performers get help. They either learn to use teleprompters to help keep them on track, work with coaches on preparation or both. Devote the time you need and use the tools you need, to be at your most confident, every time you’re in front of an audience, whether that audience be one or one thousand. Get inspiration from others (TedTalks or watching the best at your own company) but find your own style and voice.

We hope you’ll contact us for a free consultation at www.thepincusgroup.com
Get the coaching to gain the confidence you need for every speaking engagement. Connect, Power Up and display the presence that gives your ideas real power.