Public speaking’s no picnic, but with Karen Sander’s culinary analogy, you need never fear giving a speech again.
You’ve been dreading this moment. The annual conference with the entire company here for the occasion, only this year you’re tasked with presenting an award to a colleague, someone who’s being recognised for their incredible dedication and achievements over the past decade. Wow. No pressure.
You are unaccustomed to public speaking, but that won’t prevent all eyes from soon being fixed upon you. Time to sink or swim. The MC turns your way, go time, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the moment you have all been waiting for. Please welcome to the stage…” You!
Repeat after me, to yourself not out loud: “I Can. I Will. Watch Me.” You can do this. You stand, weak at the knees, heart racing, hands clammy but still, you’re moving, slowly, walking to the stage. So far, so good.
Settle yourself at the lectern. Take a deep breath. Relax. Look to the audience. Smile. This is a piece of cake. You can do this. Look down at your foundations, your notes, your recipe. You’ve planned this speech out like an oratory three course dinner, a delicious, scrummy, spoken meal with all the trimmings.
No time to waste, you launch into the entrée. Whetting the appetite and grabbing the audience’s attention with stories only you and your colleague are truly acquainted with, reliving the tireless work ten years ago to set the stage for a stellar career.
Now it’s onto the main course, the most important part of the meal. Satisfying the appetite, your main course takes everyone on the journey of your colleague’s career, all the good stuff, some of the bad, tugging on their emotions, evoking smiles and tears, steeped in colour, loading up the calories.
It’s time for dessert, the finishing touch sweetener that will leave a lasting impression on us all. With the decade career journey complete, you return to the essence of the story, the colleague whose dedication and commitment is what’s being celebrated, finishing with a toast and enjoying a standing ovation from staff moved to tears by the wonder of your words.
Finally, and this is optional, but much like Judas himself, you lead the crowd in gesturing
to your shy and completely unprepared colleague with the age-old, fear-inducing call to arms, “Speech! Speech! Speech!”
Karen’s Top Ten Tips for Public Speaking:
1. Preparation is key. Rehearse at home in front of the mirror.
2. When you arrive at the venue wander around and get a feel of the room. Where will you be standing? What does the room look like? Are the audience seated at tables or theatre style?
3. When you are introduced, take your time walking to the stage. Relax your shoulders and stand tall.
4. Place your notes on the lectern. Have dot points as reminders. If you are concerned, have a copy of your speech nearby but try not to read it.
5. Take slow deep breaths before you start. Centre yourself.
6. Collect your thoughts.
7. Nod to the audience, acknowledging them.
8. If it takes you a moment, the suspense is good.
9. Remember – no one will know if you make an error.
10. Try to smile and enjoy the moment.
Karen is the founder and host of Story Room Aus and The Ageing Fearlessly Podcast
StoryRoom Aus is a storytelling event, held on first Tuesday of each month – at Bucketty’s Brewing Co. Brookvale – whose mission is to connect community through the power of true stories.
Find out more at www.karensander.com