Public Speaking

Apparently, we need permission for things…  

When I’m coaching someone who’s looking for a job, I ask if they’ve asked their interviewer for the interview questions.  Almost invariably the reply comes back, “Am I allowed to do that?”

Sure, you are.  Don’t you want to be as prepared as you can be?  Of course, they’re allowed to say, ‘yes’ or ‘no’, or ‘you can have some of them, but we want to surprise you with a few’.

There’s often more scope than you think to get what would be helpful to you.  That applies to other aspects of public speaking too.  Here are a couple:

1. Introductions

If someone is introducing you, ask them to include certain information that helps to set up your speech/presentation.  You might want them to concentrate on a particular qualification you have so your credibility is established early.  You might want them to ask the audience a question that you will then answer.  

If there’s something you absolutely do NOT want them to say, tell them that too.  Introducers can inadvertently steal your thunder if you don’t work closely with them.

NB:  if you’re an MC, ask your speakers what they’d like in their introductions.

2. Your surroundings

Wherever possible, take a look at where you’ll be speaking well before you start.  Look from where you’ll be standing and look from where the audience will be sitting.  Also, test out whether people will be able to hear you.  If there’s anything getting in the way of people seeing and hearing you, ask for things to be changed.

Similarly, if you want a certain type of mic or lectern or lighting, ask.  You might not get exactly what you want but, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Clients often talk about having ‘permission’ to do things, but I prefer to send them on a ‘mission’ to get what they want.