Speaker's Checklist

Speakers Checklist : Major(R)Khalid Nasr
1.Prior to the speech : a.Preparing your speech. b.Topic – If at all possible speak only on what you know well. c.Time limit – This gives you a guide for what you can include. d.Structure .... Introduction – STRONG introduction! Body – Simple, understandable, and memorable. Conclusion – Bring them to where you want them to be. Anecdotes/ stories – Appropriate, not too many, carefully placed. Facts/ information – Not too much, enough to convince. e.Style ----Formal – College graduation, staunch. Informal – Small classroom, interactive. Informational – To inform only. Selling/ Persuading – To move the listener to action. Motivational/ Inspirational – To move the listener to believe. f.Presentation------ Transcript – Boring, few can pull it off. Notes – The best, especially if you know your material well. Without notes – Too much room for TROUBLE. Powerpoint etc. – Just know the pro’s and cons. Backup! g.Goals – What, exactly, do you want to accomplish with this speech? h.Understand your audience ---- Size – Will determine style. Age(s) – May determine style. Background – Determines understanding, bias, etc. Profession(s) – May determine understanding, bias, etc. Why they are there – May affect receptivity, level of response. What will have happened just before your speech? - Atmosphere. What will be happening right after your speech? - Expectations. Level of expertise in the subject - Know how exact you must be. Formality of dress – Don’t be underdressed or overdressed. Decision-makers – Are they? Can this group of people act on information? Other notes i.Rest – Get enough. j.Eat – Very light.k.Dress – Always be dressed in the top 10% 2.During the Speech: a.Introduction ----- Get their attention – Make them think they should listen. b.Language “Insider-eese” – Make sure they understand. Education – Don’t speak on a different level. Slang – Only for effect, the rest MUST go. Pronunciation – Work on clear pronunciation. Clarity – They need to hear you. Speed – Delicate balance, don’t slur words. Pace – Change it up, it keeps them listening. Volume – See pace. Ums and ahs – Ummm, it’s best to eliminate them. Pet words – Brings diversity if used selectively. Body . c.Keep it simple – best to move too little than too much. d.Mouth---- Relax – People are looking at your face, relax. Drink water – Dry-mouth can ruin a speech. e.Eyes – Keep them moving, like you’re checking your mirrors. f.Face – Smile! Except at a funeral. g.Hands--- Where to put them – Podium, pockets, folded. Don’t move them too much – Distracting. Gestures – Make sure they match your words. h.Feet – Steady, purposeful movement. i.Shoulders – Good posture helps confidence and breathing. j.Style Formal/ Informal - Affects the way you go about the speech. k.Audience l.Participation---- Questions – Best to hold them until the end. Feedback – Controlled, call on hands. Activities – Always takes longer than you count on. Reading them --- It’s all in the eyes – Where are they looking? Not you? Bored. Changing midstream – If you’ve lost them, improvise a bit. m.Conclusion --- What do you want from it? End powerfully. Call for something. 3. After the Speech: a.Questions---- Written – Best. Controlled. From the floor – Risky. Be sure you are good. b..Follow-up : Individuals – If you can, talk to as many as possible. Future clients. Exchange numbers – Always get the contact information! Follow-up – Call, write, email. Don’t just think about them. Company/ group that hired or sponsored you Pleased? - Ask how you might improve. Not-pleased? – Make it up to them. Ask about improvement. Sales - Ask for the sale. Follow-up – Same as with individuals. Letter of recommendation – Get one for your records.

Effective Speaking

Effective Speaking : Major(R)Khalid Nasr
At one point or another, those of us in business are called upon to do some public speaking. The way we present ourselves is important because it is representative of who we are, our competencies, and how people will view our businesses. Here are some simple rules to help you improve your speaking skills: 1.Keep it simple .2.Speak naturally. 3.Make eye contact . 4.Don’t do crazy things with your hands. 5.Be impassioned. 6.No matter what you speak about, people want to know that you are excited about it. Now, don’t fake it, but let you passion for your business or product come through! 7.Balance the format of your information. 8.Don’t try to cram too much into the presentation. Instead, when speaking, cover the basics and leave the details to a handouts that can be read later. Use a powerpoint slide or a few but don’t overdo it. 9.Manage the relationships beforehand. If at all possible, get to know the people who will be listening to you prior to your presentation. This will give them a built-in trust of you and what you have to say. 10.Show, don’t tell. Show them with stories, examples and personal experience. Don’t just list facts. 11.Get rid of distracting idiosyncrasies. Ummms and Ahhhs have got to go. So does jingling coins in your pockets. 12.Know your material. Nothing beats having the material down pat. If you do, it will cover a multitude of other problems that may arise. 13.Get the audience to participate at varying levels if effective. You can use different methods, such as taking time to work alone or with a partner, feedback on certain points or questions and answers. 14.Don’t misinterpret people’s response and get discouraged. You never know why a person may not be listening or get up and walk out. There are lots of reasons that have nothing to do with you or your speaking. Assume it is something else and keep on going! And perhaps the most important – NEVER go longer than you are allotted!