Have you ever watched a speaker bomb so badly that your own heart hurt for her? 

That recently happened in front of 1,000+ of us and you may have been there, too. During lunch at a recent large PCMA meeting, the sponsor of the luncheon was invited to speak to the group. She deserved our respect simply because she was buying (all of us) lunch.  On top of that, she holds an esteemed position of political importance in her country and she was honoring us by being at our meeting. Most of us intended to listen but after a few minutes lost interest and patience. What happened at that luncheon should have never happened.  

Here are 6 tips to ensure it never happens to you:

1. Just because you have 15 minutes doesn't mean you should use them. 

It's difficult to speak at lunch while people are eating, especially at a lunch billed as a networking opportunity. If you're ever asked to speak, make sure the food is served and the majority of people are done eating before you attempt to deliver your message. Servers should never be clearing (scraping, stacking, etc.) when you're talking. It's hard enough to keep attention under perfect circumstances, commanding attention when there are a million distractions (Can you pass the salt please, oh and the pepper? Is that a vegetarian meal? Are you still waiting for your vegetarian meal? Would it be okay if we start? May I have the bread, please?) it's almost impossible. If you have to talk under these circumstances, keep it fun and short. Start with a story that creates an emotional appeal, make your point, and get off the stage. Quickly.

2. Make it a game.

If you must talk under less than ideal conditions, don't. Instead create a game, provide an interactive challenge at individual tables, create something that inspires networking and talking about your product or service. Encourage the group to talk about your idea so you don't have to. Years ago I remember a brilliant Director of Sales at the Renaissance Grand in St. Louis who had 10 minutes to talk about his newly renovated hotel at the luncheon the hotel was sponsoring (very similar to the other situation here). But he didn't. Instead, he asked: "How many of you know anything about this hotel?" A bunch of hands went up. "Perfect," he said. "If you can come up with a factoid at each table, your entire table will get a prize." Then, he kept quiet. For the next  3- 4 minutes, the entire group talked about what they knew about his hotel! "Okay," he broke in, "Who wants to be first?" It was amazing! The adult group turned into second graders jumping out of their seats... me, me, over here! It was awesome! If you have to speak when people want to do other things, make it as much fun for them as possible. (And a video doesn't count ... it's not even impolite to talk over a video!)

3. Never speak over people.

When people are talking and you, the presenter, talks over them, all they do is talk louder. Make a rule to never talk over people. Instead, wait for them to pay attention to you before you start. You can use "house" tricks like dimming the lights or having a Voice ask for their attention. If those aren't options, start speaking very, very quietly and ask people if they would help you get the others' attention. Say something like, "I'm wondering if you can help me so we can get started/end on time/move on with the program. Can you tap the person next to you who might be talking?" If they like you at all, they'll do just as you ask and will probably even add a couple of "shhhhh's" to the mix.

4. Create slides that are worthy.

Back to the speaker at lunch.... her slides (without exaggeration) must have had 15 bullet points each and she was determined to talk about each one. Don't do this! Instead, use a great photo on your slide, and at most, one or two key words on each slide. Let your slides create an emotion while you tell your story about them. The fact that anyone still uses long bulleted lists is just wrong; at lunch, it's presenter-suicide. Check out Garr Reynold's book, Presentation Zen, to see how slides should look to create interest and support your message.

5. Have 3 ready.

No matter how long you're given to speak, be prepared to speak for less time. Be prepared to present your idea in half of the allotted time. Have slides or whatever you need to make your point quickly, clearly and with polish no matter how long you actually get to speak. This starts with having clarity of your message; what do you want them to know or do when you're finished speaking? 

6. Love and respect your audience.

Over all, the most important thing you can do, I believe, is to remember your presentation (any presentation) isn't about you nor your idea or product. It's about your audience and their needs. The more you can craft a message that matters and resonates for them, the more likely they'll be to listen. When people know you care about them more than you care about the presentation points you're delivering, they'll be more likely to care about what you have to say even when dishes are clanging! My hero, Paul McCartney, said it best: "In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."

Sue Hershkowitz-Coore - SpeakerSue - is the best choice for your next meeting. An author (Power Sales Writing - McGraw Hill; How to Say it to Sell It! - Prentice Hall) and award winning speaker, Sue energizes groups with practical content ensuring they are prepared to be their best selves. A communications expert, Sue will help your staff and attendees communicate their messages more respectfully and more successfully. From Communicating When Strangling Isn't an Option to Bringing Sexy Back: How to Make Email Work Today to Taking Care of Business: Looking for a 2nd Right Answer, you can count on your attendees laughing and learning how to communicate more productively and profitably. Call SpeakerSue today to schedule her for your next meeting. Your CEO will thank you!