Speaking tips blog
Communication matters. What are you saying?
11 for 10
Walked in to teach a class today to discover that the handouts I had requested were not present, two of the notebooks had the wrong cover sheet (and were thus not distributed correctly), and the printed roster was not accurate. A prop I had used the last time I...
Did you mean what you didn’t say?
Frequently in life the things that are not said carry meaning that goes well beyond words. But when action is expected from words, clear honesty is the best practice. I had a chance to spend some time with a world-reknown speaker over the weekend, and he said that...
Please be honest
Another of my TTPP (Top Ten Pet Peeves). This one is SOOOO prevalent. You'll hear it everywhere now.Speakers who begin a sentence with, "Well, to be honest..." If you're ever in a one-on-one conversation with me and say that, I'll fire back, "Yes, please be...
Position vs. proposition
Had someone ask me today who I thought were good presenters. Having asked that same question of people who I consider to be masters of the craft, I was surprised (pleased?) to find I had the same answer -- I've never found anyone (and certainly I include myself) that...
Apples to apples
Watched a C-level keynote today where the presenter had clearly done some research. Problem is, he then proceeded to quote random facts in differing units, making comparisons virtually impossible. At one point he quoted some important length of time from days of...
I know
Working with a student in class last week, helping him craft and refine his message. The student was an experienced speaker, having given his keynote many times, but had come for help because he "just wasn't satisified" with what he had presented those many times. ...
Don’t hope
Watched a chief address the troops. After a rather one-sided soliloquy and a tame/easy Q&A (planted?), Head Honcho ended with the statement, "I hope I hit some of the high points that you wanted to hear..." There are lots of things to hope for: world peace, sunny...
But I remember…
Just back from my High School reunion -- first time I'd seen most of those folks since we walked those many years ago. It was with mixed feelings that I attended, but I'm glad I did.One thing I found interesting with communication implications is that people...
Don’t ignore the hand
I've seen this several times, most recently today. A speaker in a public forum is taking questions. A hand is raised. The speaker keeps on speaking, or handles other questions, but one particular hand does not get acknowledged. The person asking tries once, twice,...
Research the facts
Watched an introduction today where the speaker being introduced was not only an accomplished author but had his own radio show. And the introducer got up and made mention of these points, but bungled them by not being prepared. First, he apparently made up the...
Are you with me?
Keeping an audiences' attention is a constant balance of showmanship, compelling content, efficient delivery, and a great audience. It is harder if a presentation is less interactive, since the audience does little except sit and listen.Saw a speaker today who had 7...
The reader speaks
Today's entry was submitted by a (the?) faithful reader (and no, it wasn't mom). While shehe did not wish to be identified, I thought it was good enough for publication, and submit it for your edification and enjoyment (and don't do this!).-----Attended a technical...
