Speaking Is Sexy Tip #23, Vol. 2
Be A Sexy Speaker Sooner
Almost every time people find out that I'm a speaker's coach, they immediately say, "Oh, boy, I could sure use your help!" Or words to that effect. Yet, when asked what they'd specifically like help with, probably 90% reply, "Oh, I'm not ready to do anything about it now. Maybe someday."
'Someday,' for most folks, is anywhere from a month to a week before they absolutely have to give a speech. It could be a motivational address to their company, a wedding toast, a fundraiser for their favorite charity or something else. Whatever the subject, the feelings are the same, "I wish I didn't have to do this but I can't get out of it. How can I do it without looking like a total idiot?"
Instead of agonizing over it, why not just get the help you need to make it a big success? Why is it that folks are so reluctant to seek help?
Being a sexy speaker is a skill like any other and most of us have to learn the most effective presentation techniques and how to use them. Whatever your profession, you wouldn't expect to get hired without knowing the skills you need to do the job well. Why don't we apply this same logic to facing a crowd and giving an appealing speech?
Let's say you feel nervous just thinking about speaking in front of a crowd. All those eyes staring at you make you feel weak, sweaty, short of breath. You're sure they'll judge you and not like what they see. How can you overcome those feelings?
First, remember that what you have to say is your gift to the audience. You have knowledge they need. They've come to learn and be influenced by what you say. They're not here to judge. They want to receive your gift. They're on your side.
Second, discover the previous experiences in your life that caused your fear in the first place. The quickest and easiest way is to work with a speaker's coach who can help you uncover and overcome those buried memories so you can become a sexy speaker today.
What if you're afraid you'll be so nervous that you'll forget the important points in your presentation or stutter, stammer and trip over your words? The audience will think you're not prepared and won't pay attention.
First, make an outline of your key points and list them on 3x5 cards that you can place on the lectern or carry in your hand. Note down the key words you need to explain each point. Pause for a moment to consult your cards after you've completed one point and before you start the next. The audience will wait for you. Remember, you're giving them your gift and they're focused on receiving it.
Second, take a speech class, go to Toastmasters International and/or work with a speaker's coach to learn to create and use various memory aids. Working with a coach usually brings quicker results because together you can tailor these techniques to your personal needs to make you a sexy speaker.
You're so anxious to get it over with and get off the stage that you tend to speak too fast, in machine-gun bursts, or in meandering, incomplete or complicated sentences connected with lots of uh's and er's, y'know's, and-uh's, to cover the silence between phrases. You fear that if you pause in your presentation they'll realize what a terrible speaker you are.
First, take a deep breath, take another, and then just speak slower than you think you need to. Concentrate on breathing and speaking slowly. You'll be amazed how much more comfortable you'll feel when you focus on making sure the audience can follow and understand every word you say.
Second, practice, practice, practice. Toastmasters offers lots of opportunities to speak. Find books by experienced speakers and read how they've overcome stagefright or performance jitters. Work with a coach to pinpoint your specific vocal needs so you can more quickly and easily become a sexy speaker.
You can become a sexy speaker as soon as you wish to. All it takes is a little help.
