I can't believe it's already December and the holiday season is in full swing!
Of course, that brings with it all sorts of celebrations....and even 'presentations'. Usually in the form of 'welcome' speeches, 'thank you' speeches, 'wishing you all the best' speeches. You know how it goes, all the formalities - very important ones though.
All too often, those important messages are lost on the crowd.
Just the other day, I saw this unfold...
I was attending an event where various leaders took the podium to appreciate members of the audience. And while they were...good...they could have been WAY better. Just by following one simple strategy EVERY speaker should use:
Don't read your notes! 60 second video below.
You probably already know this - but have you ever considered WHY it's so important?
🥶 When you read your notes, you disconnect from the audience - it's like creating a barrier between you.
🥶 If you sound like you're reading (think robot), you also risk sounding disingenuous. Or at the very least: BORING.
🥶 Bottom line: your words have less impact.
I know it can be hard to speak without a script - especially when it's a long talk. You may not have much time to prepare. Heck, you may not have written it in the first place.
And hey, it's perfectly ok if you use notes, even for a short speech. It just comes down to how you use them.
Here's how you can be awesome, even when you're reading:
Always practice out loud, at least a few times.
As you practice, use vocal variety to make it sound like you're talking (play with expression, volume and pace).
Smile. 🙂
Don't read everything - look up from time to time, especially at the beginning and end.
Make it personal with a story, thought or reaction of your own (the more the better).
☝🏼 That last point is especially important when you don't write your own script.
But all of these tips are equally valuable for giving toasts, speeches and presentations...
whether speaking your own words, or someone else's...
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