PUBLIC SPEAKING
Over 12 years ago I was to speak in front of a group of 22 women (in my new business). I had NO official public speaking experience, except for the nerdy presentations I made it through in college. I went in the back room, shaking, and told the host of the event that I didn’t really think I could do it and I think we should cancel......? She told me cancelling was not an option.. She looked me right in the eye and said “These people are here to enjoy each other’s company, see what you have to offer, and they’re not here to be critical of you. Frankly, they don’t know what you DO or DON’T know about your product, so they’ll be none the wiser. You ARE prepared, you like people, go out there and talk to them.”
That single event was pivotal in my life and career.
A. She showed confidence in my ability.
B. She made me 'snap out of it'......it wasn't about ME!
C. I was there to offer value/product to enhance THEIR lives.
I realized I needed to have a conversation and NOT do a demonstration.
As my sales career grew with that company, I became more and more relaxed when speaking to groups of people, and sometimes as many as 600 people. Here’s why……..I had a conversation with those in the group..
While it's not realistic to plan a conversation with an audience of 600.....there are many ways to keep it interactive. Interaction is key because then the audience feels that it really IS about THEM.....
We all know how it feels to go into a meeting or presentation. We hear the mockery about it all the time. The yawning gesture, the “how boring” remarks…..etc. The bottom line is………when we are INVOLVED in the topic and get to actually participate……that makes us feel important. If you want to give value to someone, ask their opinion. EVEN if you never intend to stray from your plan, ask for a suggestion, and you’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn from someone else.
If you’re speaking with a large group………do your homework. Why are they there? What is important to them? What are they struggling with? What do they know that you don’t?
Audience participation is VERY DYNAMIC during any speaking event. Obviously in a group of more than ten people it will be anything other than a round-table discussion because you won’t have the time to ask everyone’s individual opinion and suggestion for each topic. You can however, bounce around the room. Make eye contact.....good body-language......smiling.....nodding, etc...
By the end of your event........everyone will have felt included. When we feel included, we feel important. When we feel important, our ideas are shared freely......they matter. When we share we encourage and enrich others.
Connect the Dots: Get them involved.
Over 12 years ago I was to speak in front of a group of 22 women (in my new business). I had NO official public speaking experience, except for the nerdy presentations I made it through in college. I went in the back room, shaking, and told the host of the event that I didn’t really think I could do it and I think we should cancel......? She told me cancelling was not an option.. She looked me right in the eye and said “These people are here to enjoy each other’s company, see what you have to offer, and they’re not here to be critical of you. Frankly, they don’t know what you DO or DON’T know about your product, so they’ll be none the wiser. You ARE prepared, you like people, go out there and talk to them.”
That single event was pivotal in my life and career.
A. She showed confidence in my ability.
B. She made me 'snap out of it'......it wasn't about ME!
C. I was there to offer value/product to enhance THEIR lives.
I realized I needed to have a conversation and NOT do a demonstration.
As my sales career grew with that company, I became more and more relaxed when speaking to groups of people, and sometimes as many as 600 people. Here’s why……..I had a conversation with those in the group..
While it's not realistic to plan a conversation with an audience of 600.....there are many ways to keep it interactive. Interaction is key because then the audience feels that it really IS about THEM.....
We all know how it feels to go into a meeting or presentation. We hear the mockery about it all the time. The yawning gesture, the “how boring” remarks…..etc. The bottom line is………when we are INVOLVED in the topic and get to actually participate……that makes us feel important. If you want to give value to someone, ask their opinion. EVEN if you never intend to stray from your plan, ask for a suggestion, and you’ll be surprised at what you’ll learn from someone else.
If you’re speaking with a large group………do your homework. Why are they there? What is important to them? What are they struggling with? What do they know that you don’t?
Audience participation is VERY DYNAMIC during any speaking event. Obviously in a group of more than ten people it will be anything other than a round-table discussion because you won’t have the time to ask everyone’s individual opinion and suggestion for each topic. You can however, bounce around the room. Make eye contact.....good body-language......smiling.....nodding, etc...
By the end of your event........everyone will have felt included. When we feel included, we feel important. When we feel important, our ideas are shared freely......they matter. When we share we encourage and enrich others.
Connect the Dots: Get them involved.
