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From Dullsville To Dynamite
Expert tips for event speakers and presenters
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Business New Haven
2/17/2003
By: Lisa MiCali
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At some point in your professional career, you'll be asked to give a speech at some function or other. Public speaking is a great way to gain career exposure, perhaps acquire new clients for your company, and practice your company and industry expertise on real people in a non-threatening environment.
But seldom does any single request bring on a terrible case of "careeritis" fueled by fear, doubt, hesitation and uncertainty.
Sure, there is something unnerving about being the center of all that attention and having every eye on you. Sometimes, the only people that have a clear perspective and empathy for your plight are other event speakers who have traveled that nerve-wracking road before you.
Such as Julie Jansen, a motivational speaker, career coach, management consultant and author who helps individuals and businesses reach their fullest potential in today's rapidly changing business world.
Following a 15-year career as a sales and marketing executive generating millions in annual sales, at high profit margins, for clients such as American Express and Chase Manhattan Bank, Jansen started her own business to, as she puts it, "banish the unhappy-work syndrome."
A much-sought speaker and presenter, Stamford-based Jansen has inspired audiences at GE, Time Inc., Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and the March of Dimes, among others.
"Feeling nervous about such a daunting and challenging responsibility is natural, even healthy," explains Jansen, "and demonstrates that you care about your topic, delivery and audience, not to mention the effect your talk will have on how others perceive you as a professional.
"While a program's success hinges on a speaker's ability to engage an audience, it's your job to prepare, and present something you know and care about well," she says. "Believe it or not: someone actually thinks that you are very knowledgeable about a given subject and would deliver well. That's why you were chosen. If you are mentally prepared, emotionally prepared and physically prepared - there is no way you can flop up there."
To ease your mind, consider that there are few, if any, natural-born orators. "Most good speakers become good speakers through hard work, practice and determination," says Jansen. "And with practice and loads of patience, executives can learn to make effective, memorable presentations that will have the audience in the midst of a 'wow' effect. That means after your talk, they'll be asking you pertinent questions, clamoring for your business cards and generally, congratulating you on an informative presentation."
Here are some general tips, or what Jansen calls her "cheat sheet," for painless public speaking:
Prepare, prepare, prepare. This is the most important aspect of any presentation but it's surprising how few people actually do the legwork, notes Jansen. She recommends thinking through the content and the message you want to communicate and anticipate what visual and tactile aids will help express yourself better.
"Often, words alone can be lackluster," explains Jansen. Outline the main points. "Run it by colleagues, friends and family and remember to customize your message to the audience. Some people define 'customizing' as simply saying your company name and touting your expertise in the industry while promoting your products and services during a presentation. This is not what you want to do. Clearly organize your ideas and deliver them with panache. This means articulating your objective based upon what the event is trying to accomplish," Jansen adds.
Tailor the message to the event. An event's environment can range from your typical industry conference to an organization or group's annual meeting. The message should be considered within its context, says Jansen.
Some examples of underlying context include: industry updates, hot issues, company agenda or issues (such as motivation, productivity or improved communication), relaxation or stress reduction, even humor.
"As a speaker you have a great responsibility to learn about the theme of an event, understand what the organization or group wants to accomplish and tailor the program for the specific audience," says Jansen.
"Review the group's demographics and the group's interpersonal dynamics. Remember, preparation is critical here. If done correctly, there will be very little stress in speaking. Imagine seeing a room full of smiling people who are thinking a little bit differently than they were before your speech. That's a powerful motivator in itself. The more you prepare, the more confidant you'll be in deliverance."
Pull your words together. "Use appropriate and simple language that is natural to you and your audience," says Jansen. "Remember, the typical person in the United States reads at the fourth- to sixth-grade reading level. But, that doesn't mean you can't be articulate or take into consideration your audience's intelligence level. It does mean, you should avoid bookish language and technical jargon, unless its called for."
Colorful stories, non-threatening jokes (religious, racial or class jokes are definitely inappropriate) are always in order. Vivid adjectives can add texture and clarity to a speech.
"Integrating cross-cultural examples should be considered when relevant," adds Jansen. "It will appeal to everyone and you'll be politically correct." Screen for unintended words or situations that might offend unintentionally, she says, and watch for words with multiple meanings.
"What you say can have a profound impact on your audience and it's best to keep your content in line with their expectations," she stresses. Jansen suggests either use cue cards with bulleted points or write your entire speech down on paper.
Think about your delivery as you write out content. "Unless an audience knows you extremely well they will judge you more by how you say things than by what you say," Jansen says. Reading from a prepared speech is often dull and monotonous. (Trying to memorize it is also probably counterproductive.)
Cue cards will aid your recall and allow a more natural delivery. If you must read a prepared speech, add pauses and make sure to make eye contact with your audience; "it creates a much-needed instant rapport." Don't forget to "show polish and gracefulness at all times and speak in the 3 S's: slowly, soberly and statesman-like. Pronounce every name and designation correctly and take care to pronounce foreign names as they should be. Remember to bring variations to your voice naturally by changing loudness and tone as per the mood of your words and theme. Modulate your voice and use it to add emphasis, it brings life to your speech," Jansen says. "Think: perfect grammar, elegant language, gracious style and smooth fluent delivery - that's the objective." Also, when organizing and developing delivery, think about what you'll wear that day.
"Pay particular attention to your dress," says Jansen. "Once again, think appropriately about what you wear and how this conveys information about your stature," Jansen says. "Spotlights sometimes makes you look pasty, so wear brighter-than-average but comfortable, simple colors to stand out on the podium (think of GWB's trademark blue necktie). And don't forget gestures, too many can be distracting and unnerving - detrimental to your speech," she says. "Adjust your delivery style to create comfort and ease, without releasing your position of authority as an expert in your area."
Don't overlook the venue when preparing, Jansen says. "Problems with acoustics, lighting, equipment, seating arrangements and social atmosphere are much easier to avoid if you have know the layout of the space beforehand," she explains. "Be sure to visit the venue if you can, ask important questions about technical issues and find out where exactly you'll stand and deliver the speech and get behind the podium if possible. It's much easier to communicate effectively in a space you feel comfortable in."
And practice, practice, practice. "Never try to recall what you wrote and rehearsed. Speak as it comes naturally to you, it will be far superior to any write-up," Jansen adds. "And, above all, focus on all the people who are listening to you (not on those who are not). Don't get distracted by disturbances if there are any. If it is minor disturbance, ignore it and just go ahead. If it is a major [disturbance], wait until things settle down, tell a fitting joke, a cute remark, or make a sportive comment and then jump back in where you left off. If, for instance, a VIP has entered the room, announce his presence, and go ahead with the speech. Never lose your charm and your calm."
Professional Resources: The Heavyweights
Dale Carnegie Training - With 160 worldwide Dale Carnegie Training locations around the world, Dale Carnegie offers a comprehensive catalog of courses, seminars and training products that enable professionals to grow and prosper both professionally and personally. Two seminars they offer are "Successful Public Speaking" and "High Impact Presentations." Contact the Woodbridge office at 203-389-9551 or check out the office's Web site at www.southwestct.dalecarnegie.com.
Toastmasters - A well-known public speaking and presentation skills developmental organization. Toastmasters says its courses are the best way to improve your public communication skills. And that you'll "lose your fears of public speaking and learn skills that will help you be more successful in whatever path you've chosen in life." More than 20 chapters throughout Connecticut. Greater New Haven Club can be reached at 203-645 2403, e-mail cparasa@aol.com. They meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 6:30 p.m. at Bass Center Room 405, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven.
Also, check your professional industry organization. They often hold seminars aimed at improving public speaking.
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