The
10 Biggest Mistakes Speakers Make..
...When
They Take The Platform To Speak
Some
of the top executives in the country step to
the platform and fall flat on their faces as speakers.
How could these intelligent, business savvy executives,
who are so adept at running a company, end up boring
an audience?
After
watching and working with executives from all
walks of life, I've compiled this list of the 10 biggest
mistakes business leaders make when
they speak. Avoid these mistakes and you will speak
like the leader!
1. Starting with a whimper
Many
speakers begin with a polite, "Thank you
very much for that kind introduction." Rather trite,
don't you think? Instead, start with a bang not a whimper.
Give them a startling statistic, an "in your face"
statement, an interesting quote, a news headline . .
. something powerful that will get their attention immediately.
2.
Attempting to imitate other speakers
Famous
speakers can lend guidance to your speaking
style, but it is a mistake to attempt to emulate these
individuals. Effective
speakers adapt their own style to the platform,
speak conversationally and do not attempt a wholesale
conversion of their personas. You cannot connect
with an audience without authenticity. Authenticity
is lost when you aren't yourself on the platform.
3.
Failing to "work" the room
If
you fail to take advantage of the time before your presentation,
you have lost an opportunity to enhance your credibility
with your listeners. You should always arrive early
to greet your audience prior to your talk. Of course
you would do this at your own functions. But when you
speak to external groups, make it a point to "work
the room" - don't arrive two minutes before your
speech and leave immediately after it. Your audience
wants to meet you. Give them this opportunity.
4.
Failing to use
relaxation techniques before saying a word
Every
speaker has some anxiety before taking the platform.
Use your time before the presentation
to relax. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm for two
minutes. Simple exercises such as shrugging the shoulders
or tensing/releasing your body are helpful. Listening
to music in the car helps relieve pressure. Do whatever
it takes to relieve some of the anxiety that accompanies
every speech.
5.
Reading a speech word for word
It
has been said that the last time someone read to you
it was your mother and she was trying to get you to
sleep. Instead of reading, use a "keyword"
outline. These keywords will prompt complete thoughts
as you speak. Look down at the keyword, look into the
eyes of the audience - then speak.
6.
Using someone else's stories
Rule
1 - Your audience wants to connect with you. Rule 2
- Your audience will connect with you when you tell
your own stories . . . not stories from Chicken Soup
for the Soul that they might have heard or age-old tales
from Winston Churchill. While you might weave in brief
quotes or short stories from other sources, you must
illustrate your most profound thoughts from your own
actual life experiences. And if you don't think you
have any interesting personal stories to tell, you aren't
looking deeply enough. They are there for the telling.
7.
Speaking on a subject without passion
You
want your audience to do something as a result of your
presentation. Whatever you want them to
do, there is a better chance that they will do it if
you show that you are passionate about your subject.
An added benefit is that your fears will dissipate when
you are truly excited about your subject matter. Speak
with passion . . . and you will inspire others.
8.
Ending with questions and answers
Most
executives end their sessions with a question
and answer session. Instead, tell the audience that
you will take questions and then say, "We will
move to our closing point." After the Q&A,
tell them a story that ties in to your main theme. Or
summarize the points made during the presentation.
Conclude with a quote or call to action. Whatever you
end with, make it memorable.
9.
Failing
to adequately prepare
It
is amazing how many executives will take the
stage without adequately preparing. They may have someone
else write their speeches without their input. They
may write their own rambling presentation
that has no organization or purpose. These amazingly
bright individuals end up losing an incredible opportunity
to demonstrate their leadership skills in a way
that can immediately increase their credibility. Twenty
minutes before the right group of people can better
enhance their perception of you as a leader than a year
behind your desk!
10.
Failing to recognize that speaking is an acquired skill
Many
executives believe that speaking before groups
is easy and does not take any special training
or skill development. Nothing could be farther
from the truth. Effective
speakers learn how to present in the same
way they learn the tools needed to operate their business.
Speaking is like any learned skill. It takes
time and practice.
The
good news is that these common speaking
mistakes are easy to avoid if you recognize them.
The even better news is that most executives
will not take the time to make these adjustments in
their speaking styles. Those who do make these changes
will find themselves alone at the top, and the top of
the leadership ladder is a great place to be when making
a presentation!
SHERMAN'S
LAWS OF SPEAKING
*
Become aware of your
distracting habits.
* Keep both hands free.
* Gestures should mirror your thoughts.
* Make your movements deliberate.
* Dress conservatively.
* Don't seek perfection, but naturalness.
by
Rob Sherman
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