Public Speaking Do’s From The “Communications Go Box”
DO Make Sure Your Public Speaking Presentation And Take-Aways Are Relevant For Your Audience
Remember that the “Communications Go Box” ensures consistency in the message(s) being delivered to selected audiences, and makes it easy to walk into a meeting with a specific agenda and an orderly flow of talking points — with or without AV support.
Let’s review some of the “DO’s” (and contents) of the COMMUNICATIONS GO BOX:
DO have a “select” group, a communications committee, to take care of writing and design. Nothing will stall the development of creative content more than the ENTIRE board attempting to create. You’ll NEVER get anything done.
DO make sure the contents of the GO BOX are designed with “creativity”, “thought”, “direction”, and most importantly, developed to be flexible for the size and variety of audience. Don’t allow your materials to be amateurish. Your Brand, Your Image is at stake.
DO prepare an outline and keep it to One-page — One-page! If it goes beyond one page, you’ve already set yourself up to bore your audience to tears. Always follow the very important speaking rule: “Don’t Say ‘BOO BOO’, When ‘BOO’ Will Do”!
DO bear in mind that you’re probably presenting at a breakfast or luncheon. Thus, you have LIMITED time for introductions, stating your premise, and getting from “A” to “Z” as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
DO have your handouts, AV, power cords, computer, and all support materials set out and organized. And DO get to the site early to prepare. Preparation makes for effective public speaking.
DO prepare an agenda for the attendees, and tailored for the specific group and time allotted. Agendas need to be printed and distributed if it is not part of your AV/PowerPoint presentation. AND, remember to leave time for Q’s & A’s, and SIGN-UP’s!
DO prepare a Positioning Statement: The WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHERE, and HOW of the organization (this can also be in your PowerPoint presentation if you have AV available). Make believe your presentation is a verbal Website. It won’t take long for your audience to lose interest in you, your organization AND your presentation if you don’t focus on “SOUND BITES”.
DO have your personal “Belief Statement” ready. Remember that this is the speaker’s “credibility” statement that needs to be reinforced throughout the presentation to generate a more personal organization to the audience! You may be asked, “Just Why did you accept becoming a board member for this particular organization?” It’s a fair question and needs to be answered. What are the altruistic reasons you accepted this position. How do your core beliefs and values mesh with the organization’s Vision and Mission.
DO review the best PowerPoint presentation training-guide I’ve ever seen. It’s wonderful. The YouTube presentation entitled “How NOT To Use PowerPoint” by Comedian Don McMillan conveys some EXCELLENT advice while you’re laughing. See if you’re guilty of what he explains in his presentation or you’ve seen it in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB7S-KOJIfE&feature=player_embedded#!
DO remember that the quickest death for a public speaking opportunity is a poorly prepared, non-artistic, amateurish PowerPoint. It can quickly turn off your audience, so be careful and take the time to look at various sites that will give advice about WHITE SPACE, color and font selection, LIMITED slides and transitions! KNOW THY AUDIENCE — KNOW THY CONTENT! And when in doubt, go back and review Don McMillan’s YouTube presentation.
DO have FAQ’s written out and prepared for either handouts or “hip pocket” information. How do you develop those FAQ’s? Go to your website and turn ALL the pages of data into questions with short answers. Anticipate the obvious questions, which will typically revolve around your Who, What, Why, Where, When, and How statements. Compare your organization to similar organizations — everyone is vying for the same limited dollar donations — so be prepared to answer why your organization is worthy of earning those dollars and that person’s membership.
DO spend a few dollars and develop some giveaways or logo (brand identity) collateral for your organization. People love STUFF, i.e. pens, pencils, key chains, magnets. The stuff is inexpensive, but very valuable for keeping your organization’s name in front of the intended donor/member.
DO have a one-pager (front-and-back is ok) in color describing your organization, pluses, benefits, and accomplishments. Tri-fold brochures are not always necessary — plus they’re expensive. One-pagers are easy to re-produce, edit, and mail.
DO have a pack of enrollment or membership Cards and some form of business card, since your presentation will obviously a smashing success.
Your organization will look more professional, polished, and in control when a board member comes into a public speaking opportunity fully prepared and follows a structured presentation thanks to the COMMUNICATIONS GO BOX.