Comments on: MARKETING MATTERS: Talking Points–Ten Tips for Taking the Stage

By: Karen MacGowan

Karen MacGowan — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:26:23 +0000

I am by no means an expert at giving speeches. That said, I noticed during my talk at a local MOPS meeting there were concerns in the group that were not part of my prepared speech. Because I was well versed we were able to explore those concepts and then re-direct to the balance of my prepared presentation. Going with the flow and meeting those needs made my presentation stand out from the paid professionals.

By: Crystal Laine Miller

Crystal Laine Miller — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:36:51 +0000

I also, like Valerie, keep some water nearby because almost always I get a “tickle” in my throat. I also have tissues somewhere near.

If you’re standing above people (kids on the floor!) it’s best to wear pants instead of a skirt. Wear layers–sometimes it’s cold and sometimes it gets hot.

And don’t get too upset/distracted if someone in your audience goes to sleep–I was speaking to high school writers once and one gal right in front fell asleep! I just went right on. It was warm in the room and she was really fatigued for a reason.

I was doing a Powerpoint once and the place I was at didn’t have a “clicker” for some reason. I had my wireless mouse and just used that (on my handy clipboard I always carry) and it worked great.

By: Janet Ann Collins

Janet Ann Collins — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:52:07 +0000

I always bring an extra copy of my outline in my purse or pocket and another in the car if I’m driving. I brought the wrong notes once and had given the correct talk enough times so I did without them comfortably, but that event made me realize it could happen again. Better safe than sorry.

By: Lynette Sowell

Lynette Sowell — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:47:08 +0000

Talk more slowly than you think you need to, and you do just fine. When we get butterflies (or at least when I do), our speech tends to get faster. So if you take your time, your pacing will be just right.

By: KC Frantzen

KC Frantzen — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:36:41 +0000

Wonderful tips!

To add to your excellent point about jewelry – avoid dangly earrings especially if you are animated. Every time you move your head, your audience will watch your earrings instead of listening to what you have to say.

(A very gracious mentor advised me of this at a trade show. It was very good advice. I was wondering why I wasn’t connecting with people!! What a difference after I removed those earrings! Since then I wear studs if I’m going to be in a professional setting.)

By: Bill Giovannetti

Bill Giovannetti — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:56:52 +0000

Kathleen… great advice!
I might suggest that you have some way of keeping track of time. A microphone automatically creates a warp in the space-time continuum, and your normal sense of time is waaaaaay distorted. Know how much time you’ve been allotted, and make sure there’s a clock visible.

Oh yeah, don’t use your wrist watch for obvious reasons… take it off and lay it on your podium if you must.

By: Valerie C.

Valerie C. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:49:56 +0000

Keep a discrete bottle of water nearby. A dry mouth sounds different that a well-wet whistle and amplifying that difference can sound terrible. I find that just knowing I have it means I don’t need it but just in case … excusing yourself for a small sip if necessary can leave people free to concentrate on what you have to say.