No matter how experienced some people may be in their profession, when it comes to telling others what they know or how they know it, their mind suddenly goes blank and they come down with a massive case of procrastination. They'll do almost anything to avoid writing that speech, down to scrubbing the kitchen floor, doing the ironing, handwaxing the car or even repainting the living room. Worthwhile tasks, all of them, but really only excuses to avoid facing the computer or the old-fashioned yellow pad and actually creating that speech.

            Almost everyone is a victim of the Procrastination Gremlin at one time or another. The question we need to answer is why does it appear when we have to put down a few well-chosen words of wisdom on a subject we're supposed to know well?

            Here are a few ideas:

1)    We really don't know our subject well enough to explain it to an audience.

2)    We have too much information and too many choices, and we're not sure what would interest our audience most.

3)    We have all the information we need, but we're afraid we won't say it in an interesting way. Worst case scenario: we'll be boring; the audience will tune us out.

4)    Our topic is technical, precise and exciting to us, but we don't know how to make it clear and attractive to an audience who doesn't love it like we do. We're afraid our talk will be incomprehensible and dull.

5)    When we've spoken in the past, the audience was unresponsive or critical. We're afraid history will repeat itself and we'll be left feeling stupid and incompetent.

6)    We haven't the time to write a great speech, so we'd rather not write one at all. We'll wait for another opportunity.

            Who are we hurting when we give in to the Procrastination Gremlin? What will we gain if we defy the P.G., look it in the face and say, "Nuts to you! I can do this and I can do it well. Just stand back and watch me!"

            The quickest way to defeat the Procrastination Gremlin is to Just Get Started!

            Use the Random Order Technique: put all your thoughts down just as they come to you, quickly before you forget them. Then move them around into groups that make sense for the progression of your speech. Pick out the three most important groups and make the key idea of each group one of your bullet points. Use the rest of your information as evidence to support each bullet point.

            Now that you know what you're going to say how should you say it?

            Be a storyteller. The audience will remember more of what you say if you can tell it as an incident that happened to you or someone you know, a journey or a treasure hunt from point A to B to C, or a reference to common knowledge or well-known people that everyone in the audience can relate to. Also consider the Courtroom Technique, asking a question and then answering it with content you want them to know, or the Laundry List, where you itemize what they need to learn in a clear and easy to follow manner.

            You're almost done. Now all you need is a Call to Action: what do you want the audience to do as a result of hearing your talk? Take a particular action? Buy a product, make an appointment, join your cause? Let them know clearly what action you want them to take and be sure to ask them to take it!

            Home stretch! All that's left is to leave them with a memorable thought or quote to take with them. The last thing you say leaves a lasting impression. Make it important.

            That's it! You've done it! You've written your speech. You can kick that old Procrastination Gremlin back in the closet. Then pat yourself on the back five times and say, "I deserve it!" Because you do!