Practical guidance for communicating what you know to those who need to know it.

© Dr. Terry J. van der Werff, CMC

Consultants regularly stand in front of audiences - sometimes for their expert knowledge, frequently as a marketing tool, or increasingly as a regular part of their income-earning activities. From my vantage point of being in front of audiences most of my adult life and of now earning much of my income from professional speaking, let me share a few tips with you.

Have something to say. Speakers speak because they have a message. Consultants have a rich opportunity to learn from their clients and develop a message to share with others. Before you say "Yes!" to a speech request, be sure you have one.

Know how to say it. Learn the basic platform skills. Know how to use a microphone and visual aids. Make eye contact with individuals; don’t spray the crowd with your eyes. Use gestures to enhance your words. Dress appropriately.

Know why you are giving the talk. The three standard needs are for education, entertainment, and motivation. Know the mix needed by your audience before beginning your preparations, and keep them in mind while you are speaking.

Words are important. Your total performance makes an impression, but you generally want them to remember your message. Well-crafted words have lasting power. Prepare them carefully.

Tell stories. If you can, make or reinforce your key points with stories, the more personal the better. Use your own experiences, not someone else’s. The audience will connect with your message more easily and remember it longer.

Meet the audience’s needs. If you haven’t connected with your audience and given them something of value, then you have not succeeded. Learn their needs beforehand.

Be yourself. You cannot pretend to be anyone other than yourself. Don’t try. Learn from others, but adapt to your own style, comfort level, and experience.

Finish on time. Nothing kills a good talk faster than continuing beyond the scheduled finishing time. Leave them wanting more.

Get feedback. Ask the audience to take a few minutes at the end to fill in a feedback form to indicate how you did. This gives you valuable information for topic development and provides you with consulting or speaking leads.

Happy talking!

 

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