Friday, June 10, 2011

The Ten Commandments of Speaking -- Part 1

It has been said that speaking in public is one of the greatest fears that people have. In fact, I know of people who would rather risk life and limb than to face an audience of real human beings (of any size). While this fact is often made light of, a successful business career demands that one have – at a minimum – average public speaking skills. And if one acquires above average speaking skills, one can differentiate themselves from their peers.

The purpose of this short primer on public speaking – entitled “The Ten Commandments of Public Speaking” – is to provide the reader with a starting point. What are the basic elements that one has to master to be an effective public speaker? What does one need to focus on to improve their speaking skills? This primer is the result of much study, much instruction, and much practice. I hope that you find these ten commandments of public speaking understandable, relevant, and actionable.

#1 – Thou shalt know thy audience.
Thom Singer writes in The ABC’s of Speaking (a must-have for your library): “Before you accept an offer to speak, ask about the makeup of the audience. Age, gender, occupations, backgrounds, job titles, purpose of the group, and their expectations are part of the information you need to prepare. While many people who speak infrequently have a standard speech that they give, you must be sure that you customize your remarks to the demographics and needs of the individual audience. The more you understand about whom will be hearing you speak, the better you can tailor your presentation to create a connection with the group. Think about those who will sit in the uncomfortable chairs and make them the priority.”

#2 – Thou shalt know thy purpose.
In his best-selling book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey tells us to “begin with the end in mind.” Too many people take on a speaking assignment with no specific purpose in mind. Others jump in and try to “wing it.” Before you speak, take a few moments (at least!) and focus on the purpose of your speech. “Are you there to educate? To inform? To entertain? To tell a story? To motivate? To influence or encourage those listening? To deliver good or bad news? Is your presentation designed as a call to action for others? What is your personal motivation for being the person speaking?..... Know why you are there and be intentional in everything you do with regards to your presentation” (Singer).

#3 – Thou shalt know that language matters.
In his best-selling book, Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs, Bill Hybels writes: “Leaders rise and fall by the language they use. Sometimes whole visions live or die on the basis of the words the leader chooses for articulating that vision. When you put the right words to a vision or a principle, it becomes axiomatic. It begins to live! It becomes memorable and powerful…..The very best leaders I know wrestle with words until they are able to communicate their big ideas in a way that captures the imagination, catalyzes action, and lifts spirits. They coin creeds and fashion slogans and creates rallying cries, all because they understand that language matters.” For example, when Willow Creek was setting forth a strategic vision for members of the church, one of their key values was compassion. Instead of saying they were going to “be compassionate” (big yawn), they said they were going to “unleash unprecedented amounts of compassion into our broken world.” Which do you think is more effective?