If you want to take advantage of a speaking opportunity, then take your time planning, preparing and practicing in advance.
Let me suggest a few tips that could motivate you immediately.
- Picture how you want the event to end. Applause, heads nodding, smiles, bodies shifting toward you with hands extended, etc.
- Plan questions that unify them to the topic, then ask them first thing. You want them engaged from the moment you walk in front of them.
- Consider how you can create the result of #1- or one close to it – in the beginning. Celebrate who they are, if you know specifics (maybe you networked with them prior) share in what way they create awe, etc.
- Recall why you were invited to speak. Testimonials past presentations? Accomplishments? Believe you are the best one for the job.
Now get busy.
Had a bad experience as a presenter? It’s time for a good one.
March 26, 2013 at 8:00 pm[…] 1. Do so as quickly after your presentation as possible. Your goal is to keep the material fresh, to recall the essence of the good and to reconnect with the motivation to present again. And if you haven’t spoken in awhile and just feel squeamish getting back in front of folks, read this. […]