When giving a speech surely you know to be prepared, better yet immaculately prepared. If the only reason to give a speech is to change the world, why would you not be prepared? I confess that I have not been as prepared as I should have when giving a talk. I was encouraged and empathetic last year when I watched one of America's most popular biz speakersgive a speech that he was not prepared for. I could not believe it nor could several thousand others in the audience. He pulled it off as no other could, but nonetheless it was a mess. Why was I encouraged? I guess if you play golf, it's like watching a tour player hit one in the woods - everybody is human and is never perfect.
However, we cannot be the best if we are not the best prepared. I have been blessed in my life with the good fortune to observe some amazing communicators and even receive coaching from the very best. Some of the most valuable coaching/criticism I have received pertains to preparation. Here is a solid sampling of what has really helped me prepare:
1) Have fun while preparing. You "get to" give your talk. Do not worry about getting up in front of people. You have the chance to improve the lives of those people. So, realize what you "get to" do and envision your words touching someones life in a way they will never forget or landing that big deal you are after. Put those words in an order that you know will move someone or something to action.
2) Prepare in the right place. What type of environment stimulates your thoughts and inspires you. Is it a certain type of music, a busy starbucks, a pin-drop quiet room? Prepare in the right environment that works for you - NOT the environment that works best for others. YOU are the one giving the speech.
3) Catch your mind on the fly. How many times do you get an idea while working out, driving, conversing, reading, praying? Capture these ideas wherever you can. I have left myself voice mails, sent myself emails, etc. I have a journal that I use only for potential speaking material. Any of my random ideas ultimately get transferred to that book. Capture capture...read an old post on this = (Defeat the thief of your thoughts)
4) Design your talk before you start writing it down sentence by sentence or point by point. A big white-board or storyboards work well. Just start tossing words up there and ideas - as many as you can. You can organize and eliminate appropriately later. Let your mind go wild while never losing site of your waiting audience. You will find platinum in your thoughts that might lead to your very best line. For an incredible resource on designing speeches, power points, etc you will want to purchase Presentation Zen! by Garr Reynolds.
5) The very best advice I have been given numerous times is going to be the one you are most likely to skip. Please don't. REHEARSE REHEARSE REHEARSE. It is super beneficial to run through your talk in front of others. Even if it is your family or a few close friends, giving your talk out loud will improve your final product incredibly. Your confidence will increase greatly. No, it will not delete your nerves, but it will bring them down a notch. At least do it once and more if you can. Even if you cannot get more than one full rehearsal do this: think about the part of your speech that you are most uncomfortable with, at least two hours before your talk, give that part of your speech into a voice recorder and play it back while getting ready. You will win by hearing yourself and you will improve your final delivery. This is the exact advice that was given to me following a talk that I got a wee bit jumbled on.
Following these simple steps will improve your next delivery whether it be to thousands or your two team members.
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