Stage Fright? Here’s the First Thing to Say When Making a Speech

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking.

Lisa Vioni, CEO of Hedge Connection asks: “When I step on stage to make a speech, I’m never sure of the best way to start! What should I do first?”

Dear Lisa,

I understand this scenario perfectly. It’s a question almost every speaker encounters. The way to begin, if you have not yet been introduced to your audience, is to state your name distinctly and clearly, your professional or personal association, where you are from and where you’re based. The audience wants to identify. They will quickly think “Oh I lived near there once, or have relatives there, or I own a company near there.” It’s an excellent and easy way to make a connection.

Next, you’ll want to thank your host by name. After that, you’ll want to say how happy you are to be there! Then make a comment about how nice the hall is or how impressive the local community is. Make a statement about people and place.

Now you’re probably thinking: “These things are all intuitive and any speaker will know how to do these things.” Not so! Most speakers don’t know how to do these things. These few introductory things are essential bridge builders. Once you’ve done these basic and critically important things, launch right into repeating the topic of your speech and then plunge quickly into your opening story.

Grab the audience quickly, before they drift away and start thinking about what they need to do the following day. Then you are on your way — telling your whole story and at the end, key points to remember.

That is the best way to begin — It’s a perfect formula.

Let’s hear from our readers on this topic. Tell me what has worked for you in the comments below.

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask about public speaking? Email James at JSRosebush@impactspeakercoach.com and your answer may feature here.

Talking to a Crowd? Get Personal

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking

I have a fear of public speaking and try to avoid it at all costs. I feel that most people who know me personally would think that I would be a very good public speaker, which actually compounds the fear I have of public speaking. I’ve noticed that I’m most sensitive to it, when I’m unexpectedly asked to stand up in front of people and talk about myself or a subject that is being discussed. I would love to hear any ways to deal with this in the future,” asks Randy Lefaivre, CEO of Metrologo Inc.

Dear Randy,

You just perfectly summarized how a majority of us feel! You are not alone! Our fear and anxiety usually stem from our perfectionist tendencies. We don’t want to fail, especially in front of people we care about. It may be small comfort, but when you look out at your audience, you are staring at people who feel for you and are not really judging you. 

In fact, they may be quietly praising you for even standing up in the heat of battle or the spur of the moment. I see a lot of people who write out their speeches, including their own names, titles and names of their companies. I always say, “Now, you know your name, where you work and what you do.  You don’t need to look at a piece of paper to read that.” 

Look out at your audience and see just one person, who has a kind face or a smile and talk to just them — say your name and what you do. It’s easier that way. Just talk to one person. Then think about the kindest person you know and what they would like to know about you. Tell them something about your family, maybe about how much you love them and how much fun you have with your kids or grandchildren. 

Then a good rule is to read a newspaper or news feed every day and think back to something non-confrontational you’ve read and share that news and how it made you feel — it might be a sports score, a discovery or new scientific device — something you’ve read or heard about.  This is impersonal and amounts to sharing something of mutual interest. Then, you can move into talking about your career and company once you’ve warmed up on these topics.

Randy, this is a big question you have asked — let’s invite some readers to chime in here, in the comments below, with suggestions and examples of how they have conquered this challenge.

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask about public speaking? Email James at JSRosebush@impactspeakercoach.com and your answer may feature here.

Make a Great Speech: Pretend You’re Drowning

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking

Claire Harvey, CEO, Claire Harvey Photography asks: “Maybe others have this problem too, but I always have trouble getting started with my speech. Where do I start?” 

Dear Claire,

Have you ever just sat in front of your screen wondering where to start? I know I have, and it’s a good topic for us to discuss. Here’s one way: Imagine you’re drowning and have to pass one last, very important tip to those on shore. What would you be screaming to them? Ok, that’s the starting point. Now, tell a story about yourself or someone you know that is related to that outburst; tell it to your audience. 

Next, build an outline for your speech around what questions you think the audience might ask about that message and story. Why did it happen? Did it really happen? What is the likelihood it might happen to me? Then, state your answers in numbered points. In other words, use three points to reinforce your main thesis and story. Then, ask yourself: “Will my audience be able to repeat my three points and my story to their spouse, partner or roommate when they get home tonight?”  If not, then back to the drawing board. 

This dramatic way of kick-starting a speech can work wonders and will guarantee some value and a little drama, too. Every speech is a performance, so be memorable!  You’re on stage after all — like any actor in a film. See yourself that way and the audience will, too.

The Secret to a Great Speech? Breathe

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking

Lauren Hilyard, Founder and CEO of Hilyard Art Advisory asks: “Do you have any tips on how to breathe before, and during, a speech? I always feel a little out of breath.”

Dear Lauren,

What a practical question, that many can relate to! Thanks for asking. Shortness of breath is a symptom of fear, of course, so we defeat the fear by talking ourselves out of it. Fear is mostly illogical. It’s anxiety about something we think could happen in the future — despite no evidence of it being present.

It’s always better to address fear well before arriving at your speech venue or mounting the stage. If you get to your speaking spot, take the podium and still have a shortness of breath, accept it and ride the tide of the rhythm, don’t buck it or try and arrest it.

I have a practice of stopping at the doorway to each room toward the stage, to take a momentary breath and gather myself before starting my speech and being introduced by the host. Then, I observe my surroundings and listen within for a new idea to come to mind, maybe something new I’d like to share with my audience when I begin my speech.

Every speech is a performance, and a great performer realizes that the show must go on. As a result, you need to take on this responsibility in an impersonal way. This is a good strategy for making yourself impervious to criticism — which is typically what fear of speaking is all about — Glossophobia.

You have a job to do, and you need to separate yourself from the personality (you) who might be harboring fear or reservations. You have a job to do — so do it.

I recall the words of one American first lady as she descended the grand staircase at the White House for the first time: “As I walked down those stairs to a waiting crowd I realized it was I, but not I — it was the first lady of the United States. That made all the difference.”

You may not be a president or first lady, but you can adopt this impersonal view of yourself for the sake of performing a job or role, without feeling personal vulnerability or fear. I hope that helps!

How to Trick Your Audience into Listening to You

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT

Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking.

Last week we had a great response to a reader’s question about what to do if you are on the platform and people in the audience start using their cellphones.  This must be a common occurrence because we had several funny and fearsome responses. 

One leader said that he stopped cellphone use by telling the audience they were free to use their phones as long as they were taking notes on what he said. This comment kind of shamed them. Another said not to worry because most people can double or triple task today, and that it was something of a badge of honor to have phones come out. Another suggested that a speaker should always asks the audience to silence their phones.

One comment was really funny. The executive said that showing a provocative and shocking slide or photo at the beginning of a speech always kept the audience on their toes, imagining what might come next. They never turned to their phones out of fear they would miss something.

I still think the best strategy is to start off like a racehorse at Churchill Downs and never let up the pace in your discourse. Tell your audience to hold on to their seats because they are about to become owners of some new critical information and insights that they cannot fail to learn from. Then launch right into a fascinating story of some kind.

Also, use the point system — tell the audience you have five things to say to them. They will tend to keep track and will not want to miss one of them, because there will be a conversation afterward about the five points. Oh, and don’t tell the audience to silence their phones. You’ll sound like a Nanny. If this is absolutely necessary, ask your introducer to take care of the housekeeping for you.

What do you think? Have you had any funny things happen to you regarding cellphone usage in the audience? Let me know at the contact email below!

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask about public speaking? Email James at JSRosebush@impactspeakercoach.com and your answer may feature here.

How to Stop Your Audience Being Distracted by Their Phones

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking.

Benjamin Marasco, CEO of Waystride.com asks: In today’s connected age, several people in my audiences get distracted with their phones. Do you have any tricks to reengage those lost in social media?

Dear Ben,

I wish I could say I have an easy answer. This problem perplexes me as well, and it frankly makes me insecure when I see cellphones come out while I am diving into a subject on stage, hoping my audience will follow my remarks and even hear what I am sharing. Let’s invite the other readers of this column to share tactics they have used to defeat this major distraction! All ideas welcome in the comments section below!

Now to attempt an answer that may be helpful to you, I can say that in your preparation for a speech you should forewarn yourself that the phone addiction will invariably appear during your talk. Telling yourself that this will happen and that it has little to do with you or your speech is the first step in steadying your personal confidence and readiness. This will ensure you are not caught by surprise and so distracted and unnerved that you lose your place.

Next, I have found that starting my talk with a bold prediction related to my subject and then launching into a story to illustrate or support this prediction is the best way to keep hands and eyes off cellphones. If you begin your talk in a powerful and compelling way, you have a higher chance that the phones will not come out.

Wake up your audience in your first two sentences and make them follow you on a journey through your talk. Tell them right away that you have something vital to share with them, and you even may include a secret they may be able to use. You may also have to fictionalize your presentation — not by telling untruths, but telling truths with fictional illustrations.

You might also tell your audience that you have hidden three keys to some valuable resources in your talk and that at the end, you will ask volunteers from the audience to guess what they are. Short of giving an exam at the end, which will rarely happen, you simply have to step up your game and energy levels and make your speech more compelling in content, and more lively and bold in presentation. Lace your speech with storytelling and build that most crucial bridge to your audience that I am always talking about — engagement.

If the audience knows you have significant and valuable information to impart to them, they will probably recognize the value, and as you keep up a good pace in speaking, you may just keep those mesmeric tech devices in the pockets of your listeners.

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask about public speaking? Email James at JSRosebush@impactspeakercoach.com and your answer may feature here.

Don’t Say This When Making a Speech!

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking.

Stephen Bates, CEO, Global Interconnect Inc. asks: “What shouldn’t I say, and what should I say, when speaking in public?”

Dear Stephen,

You have asked a question at the starting gate of all public speaking. You will always want to start with identifying and outlining the content or your message. Ask yourself: “What essential, knowledge, experience, or facts do I have that are unique to me and would be valuable to the audience?” A speech is really about you, giving. Giving from your insights, analysis, struggles and victories. Once you have your message in mind, ask yourself the next vital question: “Is this message something my audience wants to hear, and will they value it?”

To hit a speech out the ballpark, the message has to resonate with the audience and have them leaving the room wanting more. Are they walking away smarter, more enabled and inspired by what you have shared? Have you addressed what they came looking for? Have you stayed on target?

The toughest speeches are like commencement addresses or when there is no specific topic assigned to you by the host. That doesn’t mean you can’t ask the college or host what the foremost issues might be in the minds of the graduates or audience. Be thoughtful about the fears and vulnerabilities of the audience, and address them. It’s your job to make a connection with the audience, so don’t launch a missile that soars over their heads or misses the mark. Once you’ve settled on your theme, stay with it and come back to it, but drive it home with stories to illustrate the points. Today’s most successful speeches are ones that are laced with stories.

What you don’t want to say are things that are all focused on yourself and your own greatness. Building yourself up in a speech will provoke the opposite reaction and will build yourself down in the minds of the listeners. They will appreciate you more if you share your struggles, rather than your victories. They want you to be like them, but still maintain a level of authority which justifies their coming to hear you in the first place! If you must refer to accomplishments, never use the personal pronoun “I.” Always say, “We did it!”

Lastly, build up your audience. Tell them how good they are, how accomplished they are, and how honored you are to be sharing your thoughts with them. Never, ever, denigrate your audience or look down on them, not only in what you say and how you speak but also in want you think. Remember, thoughts are often audible, even though they go unspoken!

Good luck!

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask about public speaking? Email James at JSRosebush@impactspeakercoach.com and your answer may feature here.

 

What Reagan and The Queen Learned About Podium Speeches

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking.

Ben Press, a Television and Film Producer from Los Angeles, asks: “When speaking at a podium, is it an effective tool to move aside and speak more face-to-face with the audience or even in front of the podium?” 

 

Dear Ben,

When I worked in the White House for President Reagan, I learned that the big podium presidents typically speak from what is called “The Blue Goose.” That’s because it’s wrapped in blue cloth to which the presidential seal is affixed. It travels wherever the president goes and is a clearly identifiable symbol of power. Presidents rarely deviate from speaking behind the podium because they often read tele-prompters which are positioned with close proximity of the podium. Occasionally the president uses what is called a “toast lectern’ which is a music stand sort of column with a small desktop affixed. These are for more causal remarks.

Now, most of us are mere mortals and not presidents of countries so being positioned behind a huge podium might seem to distance you from the audience and seem pretentious. The first rule, however, is to make sure you can be seen well above the podium. It should not come higher than mid-chest.  If it does you will want to find a riser to stand on. The military officer who plans south lawn ceremonials at the White House almost lost his job when he positioned a podium so high that visiting Queen Elizbeth could not even be seen when she spoke from behind it! That speech was dubbed the “talking hat speech” and was an embarrassment to her which she did not soon forget!

Podiums can be good places for your notes or if you will refer to a written script or if you are reading from a book, which I often do. It can also feel like a nice protection. You do not want it to be a barrier to and from your audience, however. To stand and deliver behind a podium will require you to make an extra effort at energy and imagination. If a boring and dull speaker presents behind a big podium after dinner you may have a recipe for nap-taking. If you are behind one you may have to show your arms and shoulders moving a bit more to give confidence and energy as you build your bridge to those in the room.  There is one more plus to being behind the podium and that is the likelihood that the microphone will work without much fuss, as it is typically solidly affixed. When in doubt remain behind the podium.

If at a certain point in your presentation you would like to move out to the side of the podium, make sure you do not appear to favor one side over the other! I have seen this happen and you would need to compensate for that. If you want to step out in front to appear more friendly and if you have a hand held or lavier mic to enable you to do this, then do it at a point when you want to say something more personal or to help draw your audience up close — as if you want to tell them a secret —which is a smart tool.

It can be fun to do that but be careful you do not lose your place in your remarks and fumble. That would make you lose the value of moving around in the first place. TED talks require that the speaker uses no podium, and this is ideal when telling stories, which TED talks always do. By being completely out in the open you make yourself more vulnerable to the audience and that typically gains more acceptance and connection. It put you in the same plane as the audience. It also fits with the more causal style of public speaking today. One caveat is: it must be done well. Otherwise get a podium.

Have some fun with it and be warm and approachable but always maintain your position as the authority on your topic. Podiums can help with that.

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask about public speaking? Email James at JSRosebush@impactspeakercoach.com and your answer may feature here.

How to Convey Complex Ideas to Your Audience During a Speech

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking.

Justin McKinney, CEO of Ivani, LLC asks: When talking about sophisticated technologies, is there a rule of thumb on how to best to strike a balance between being too high-level vs. too in the weeds? 

Dear Justin,

Great question. The first rule is to know your audience. You could be easily embarrassed or discredited if you do not. If you were invited, for example, to speak for my friend, David Edelman’s, Advanced Technology Security Policy class at MIT, you want to be sure your talk is rigorous and carefully vetted. When you present technology solutions you want to make sure they are tested and that you can back them up through quotations from experts brighter and more generally acknowledged than you are.

So, in the case of David’s course you want to clear your message with the person who has invited you to lecture and try out your presentation on a critical friend or two. This is high-stakes communication.

You get one chance to make it right. Any intellectual laziness will be picked up right away, and you may even find people walking out. In between presenting technical data, pause, and check in with your audience and ask “Is any of this making sense with you?” That will make you human and approachable.

On the other hand, with a more generally educated audience, you could risk losing their interest if you are too technical. Let’s say you want to convey the same data but in a less academic way. Then tell a story about how the application works, when it will be available in the marketplace, and how it will improve people’s lives. Then tell a story about how its use could affect the people present in the audience.

Make sure they know the impact on them and make sure you do not use a vocabulary containing words generally unknown to them. If you do, you will be thought haughty and will quickly torpedo that bridge to the audience we always talk about. I would love to hear your next talk!  Good luck.

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask about public speaking? Email James at JSRosebush@impactspeakercoach.com and your answer may feature here.

Giving a Speech? Here’s How to Make Your Entire Audience Pay Attention

Posted on by James Rosebush

SPEAKING WITH IMPACT
Each week, speech coach and leadership mentor James Rosebush will answer a question on how to improve your public speaking.

 

James Wolf, CEO of CurioCapital asks: “Are there any techniques you prefer to make the entire audience pay attention?”

Dear James,

The most important thing you must do is to make sure people can hear you! Almost 100% of all speakers I coach are not innately aware that they must take charge of the amplification system.  There may be a team of sound technicians assigned to your speech, but you alone are responsible for the audience hearing you. There is no excuse for a lack of responsibility in this area of work. I often host panel discussions. There has never been a panel where I have not had to go over to them and place the mic up closer to the mouth of the one speaking — and much to my frustration they often move it away! 

If you have something important to say, for heaven’s sake make sure your audience can hear it!  You will have a sense if you can be heard by listening yourself!  Speak up — loudly enough to reach the audience even without amplification. Rarely is there ever a speaker who speaks too loudly as to draw complaints. Sound technicians can lower your voice, but they cannot always raise it. 

Few people know this but the more your voice has to rely on artificial amplification, the more inauthentic and thin your voice sounds. In the extreme you get that irritating feedback because the amplification has reached its limits or is in conflict with its own system.  Before you go on stage go to your car or a secluded space and sing your favorite song (even you think you cannot sing) to warm the vocal chords. Never ever drink ice water before you speak. That will tighten the vocal cords.  Open and breathe deeply to warm up the chest area and then have an expansive thought about your message and be glad to have this opportunity to share a message. 

Next time we will talk more about this subject of getting the audience to pay attention and I will tell you a story about how I got a teenage audience to get off their phones and listen! Good luck!

Have a question you’ve always wanted to ask about public speaking? Email James at JSRosebush@impactspeakercoach.com and your answer may feature here.