I‘ve heard it said that at a funeral most people would       rather be in the casket then giving the eulogy. Whether it be a short speech during a monthly meeting at work or a presentation that promotes you or your business, speaking is a great way to help you get noticed and move toward your goals. Here are a few tips that will help you present like the pros:

    1) Get Focused. Take time out for these three steps to help you focus before each presentation and you’ll notice a tremendous difference. a) Always arrive early and find a spot where you can be alone for some quiet time. Take 5-10 minutes to do some deep breathing or meditation before your speech; b) Set your intention. What do you want people to get from this speech? (i.e.: My intention is to help this audience manage their finances better so that they can live with less stress.); c) Visualize the outcome. What do you want people to say to you when the speech is finished? Do you want them to give you a standing ovation, or better yet, book you for more speaking engagements? Will they tell you that you have changed their life? Get a clear picture of the outcome in your mind.

    2) Have a Plan. Never try to ‘wing’ a speech. You can certainly make it look like you are giving your presentation ‘off the cuff’, but preparing your presentation ahead of time will increase your chances for success. Know what you are going to say and the points that you want to get across have them written down for reference. Planning allows you to edit the presentation so that only your best material is being offered. If you tend to ramble or veer off topic, try using Microsoft PowerPoint (without reading word for word from the screen). It is very effective for keeping you on track and allowing the audience to experience your presentation visually as well as verbally.

    3) Be Passionate and Enthusiastic. Even dry information (like, say…taxes) can be made into something exciting if the speaker is wound up about the topic. If you’re speaking about something you love, then the audience will love it with you. Speak right from your heart, with passion. Gage your energy level throughout the presentation and try to keep the energy high through the beginning, middle and end of the speech. It should flow like a roller coaster.

    4) Engage Your Audience. Here are a few ideas for building rapport with your audience and infusing the room with energy. Use a wireless microphone and stand where people can see your entire body. Walk around, make eye contact, interact with people one-on-one, ask compelling questions and have the audience shout out the answers. Have the audience discuss something with their neighbour.

    5) Point-Story-Point. Using stories to illustrate your key points is a great way to bring a message home. The more an audience can relate to the topic, the better. Sitting through a presentation that is all theory makes you feel like you are back in school - and maybe a little sleepy.

    6) Know Your Audience. The best speakers make their presentation relate directly to the people in the audience. If you are speaking to a room full of lawyers, then adjust your stories so they can relate. Take some time beforehand to ask the meeting planner or prospective members of the audience what issues are relevant to the audience, and customize your presentation. When planning your presentation, ask yourself, “How is this going to benefit them?”

    7) Timing is Everything. Practice your presentation at least twice from beginning to end to make sure that you are staying within your allotted time. The meeting planner will not be happy if you take 15 minutes extra and throw the agenda off schedule. Be prepared to cut some of your speech, as many meetings will tend to run behind schedule. Know ahead of time which parts you can leave out if required.

     The bottom line is when you speak from the heart, know your stuff and have fun, your audience will receive your information openly. A little planning goes a long way toward giving a ‘knock ‘em dead’ speech!

    Jane Atkinson, president of Speaker Launcher, is a business coach specializing in professional speakers. For more information call 403.241.6367 www.speakerlauncher.com