I remember it so clearly: I had the opportunity to stand in front of a crowd and pay tribute to my dear friend, a retiring museum director. I also remember, as I got out of the car in the museum parking lot, I left my notes there. I didn’t need them, I had memorized the words I would say in her honor.
It started out fine. But then I lost my place.
I froze.
Not a word came out of my mouth. My brain was on overdrive, trying to find the exact words I wanted to say. Eventually, I mumbled something and walked off the stage.
Phew, that is still embarrassing twenty years later.
I’ve learned a lot since then and I’m happy to share with you the 5 tips that I will ensure you do better than I did:
- Know the ONE message or lesson you want your audience to take away from your talk. The biggest mistake speakers make is having too many messages, trying to fit everything into one speech. You have one central theme to get across, everything you say supports it.
- Memorize the first sentence and the last. Nothing else. You have words. Getting hung up on phrasing leaves you mute like I was at the museum. Make a simple bullet point outline, keep it in front of you, each item will be a cue and one will flow to the next.
- Plan a speech that is shorter than your allotted time. It always goes longer than you anticipated. And a too-short speech beats a too-long speech!
- Include one story – with vivid details, and a happy ending – that brings your message to life. Stories are remembered and retold. Use them to connect with your audience, the more personal the better. Here’s my magic formula for telling a story.
- Make eye contact and use your body in a way that is comfortable for you. There is no right way to stand or move, do what feels good but definitely lock eyes occasionally to keep it real. If it is virtual, remember to look right at the camera!
Use these 5 tips to prepare and deliver a great speech. Seek out every opportunity to tell that speech, practice and repetition will make it better and better.
Merle Benny is a speaker, author, and trainer. She believes there are Nonprofit Champions at every level and role in an organization. Connect to Nonprofit Champion on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.