Through my "walk and talk " sessions, I'm often working with business owners and people who want to raise their profiles. They are often required to do this through presenting and I make no apology for borrowing from my husband and business partner Alan Stevens - http://www.mediacoach.co.uk/ for this posting.
When I read Alan's ezine, this really resonated with me and I'm sure it will with you too.
I don't know if you've ever sat through a speech or conference presentation and thought afterwards "What was that about?" If that is your reaction, then the speaker has failed badly. The point that the speaker wishes to make should be crystal clear, and even if you disagree, you should definitely understand their point of view.
When you are delivering a speech, the same rule applies. In order to make a point, you must have a point. It isn't good enough to turn up and tell a few stories. In order to help you prepare, write down your key message in large letters on a piece of A4 paper, and stick it to your wall, or keep it on your desk, as you write your speech notes. Keep checking to make sure that your speech is about your main point.
How do you know when you have a great message in your speech? Apply this test. It should be
Brief
Relevant
Memorable
Best of all, it should pass this test too. Will members of your audience say "I heard a great speech last week - it was about......"
Makes you think, doesn't it?
