Like most people in their late 30s, I grew up watching the Simpsons. In one classic episode, Homer has to give a speech to the power plant leadership. Seeking advice, he turns to his oft-inebriated friend, Barney Gumble, who tells him that the secret to speaking in front of people, is picturing your audience in their underwear. While a unique approach that might for some people, that's not the advice I would provide if you're nervous about making a speech. The key to success is to make you comfortable with what you're going to say. If you're not a natural speaker, there is only one way, practice.
Before you ask, the answer is no, you don't have to ask someone to listen to you rehearse. This practice can occur on your own time, in the shower is always a great place to practice. But if you need help, find someone to give you constructive feedback. I'll be happy to do it. Some speakers - myself included - will try to memorize the broad strokes of the speech, especially the intro, which can get you going. But I never tell people to memorize a speech completely, because you want the content to appear natural and less rehearsed, it also gives you the chance to read the room and feed off your audience. The goal is to make giving this speech like telling a story that you know well, something where you can embellish and freelance based on your audience. Here are some key steps: 1. Practice your speech as you're writing it - It will help commit the content to memory and help you with delivery.
2. Memorize your introduction - The hardest part about giving a speech is the introduction, if you have a smooth start, you're home free.
3. Think of your speech as a story you know - If you've done your work, you'll know the content of your speech like a story you've told a thousand times. When you're comfortable, you can have fun.
When you work with me, my goal is to help you feel comfortable with your content. We'll write your speech together, and I will give you a sympathetic ear to help you refine it.
Let's get started.
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