When was the last time you really had fun?
If it was prom night, then you really need to get out more.
As speakers, our audiences will only have as much fun as we do.
Many of my clients tell me, “I’m OK once I get warmed up.” Ah, so true for so many aspects of life…
Seriously, once we get a positive response from our audience, we relax. And, as we relax, so does our audience. Similarly, our enthusiasm for our topic can be contagious. Here are three ways to connect to your passion and take your audience with you:
1) As you prepare your remarks, remind yourself of your favorite stories and experiences around this topic. Telling a story you enjoy telling is nearly always a home run (YEAH SOX!).
2) Get warmed up before you go onstage. Take five minutes in a quiet hallway or even a restroom stall. Close your eyes and remind yourself why you agreed to give this speech in the first place (and not just because they comped your meal).
Chances are, you are speaking about a subject you know well. You never would have become an expert if you didn’t have some passion for the topic.
3) Ask yourself what gift you are giving your audience today. Unless you are going to recite the Periodic Table in Pig Latin, you are presenting some information of great value to this audience.
Keep in mind your greatest wish for this audience and you’ll find yourself speaking from your heart.
Audiences simply can’t resist that.
Are you preparing for a speech or presentation? There is one thing more valuable than practicing it outloud -- practicing it with an expert who only has one goal -- your success. Email us at: info@gabbettgroup.com. You can do this. And you can do it a whole lot better if we help.
Janie Gabbett is a writer, speaker and speech coach. She is a former news executive for the world's largest news and information company. Find out more about how she can help you and your company at www.gabbettgroup.com.
©Janie Gabbett 2005. All rights reserved.
