Will you SINK or SWIM?
Preparation is the key to success! It will make the difference between success and failure! It will make the difference in whether you will sink or swim! And, the buck stops with YOU!
When facing the task of making a speech presentation, it is your job to plan, prepare, and present the speech. Even with a great tool, like the SpeechShark app, you still have to make the time to work through the plan. Here are three easy steps to SUCCESS – three easy steps so that you are able to swim with the “sharks”!
Plan: There are several key questions that you need to ask yourself as you begin the
planning process. The answers to these questions will lead you to the topic and the main points that you will cover. Here are your questions:
Who is your audience (age, gender, culture, education, special interest, religion, political affiliation)?
How many people will hear this speech?
What is the occasion for your speech?
What basic purpose will you need to achieve (inform, entertain, motivate)?
What does your audience need to know?
How much time have you been given for the speech?
Where will you be presenting the speech?
Is there a stage? Will you have a lectern?
Will you need a microphone?
Will you need visual aids?
Will you need a Tech Team?
Will someone introduce you or will you introduce yourself?
What type of clothing should you wear for this audience?
Is this audience formal or casual?
Are there certain types of clothing and/or jewelry items that would distract your audience?
Now that you have the answers to these questions, you can begin to think of a topic that will interest your audience and a topic for which you have experience and prior knowledge! As you consider the topic, you will need to make sure that your topic is narrow enough to be completed within your allotted time frame. Next, consider the three main points that will support and develop the topic. But, there are still more questions:
Do you need to conduct research to support your topic?
Do you have personal stories about this topic that you can share?
Can you provide simple examples of your main points that are clear and easily understood?
Will you need to supply your audience with a handout after the speech?
Which of your three points will the handout support? Add the handout explanation to your outline at the point where it will have the biggest impact.
These may seem like endless questions, but now you have your topic, three main points, and sub-points (research, personal stories, and examples) to make your message and the way you deliver the message much more desirable for your audience! Are you ready for the next step?
Prepare: Even the simplest things need to be considered as you prepare for your presentation. And, yes, there are still more questions:
What can you say or do to get your audience’s attention from the very beginning?
How can you get your audience to relate immediately to your topic?
Why are YOU credible to talk to an audience about this topic?
How can you conclude the speech so that your audience continues thinking about your speech topic even after your speech is over?
Answering these questions will help you prepare an Introduction Step that introduces the topic to your audience and will have them in the palm of your hand before you begin speaking about the topic. A strong Introduction Step is important for an effective presentation, but this step cannot be written until AFTER you have planned the body of your speech (topic and three main points). This will also help you prepare a Conclusion Step that ends your speech with a BANG! You are on the right path – you are swimming easily toward your target!
Consider these areas carefully and pre-pack for your presentation. Begin to pack a bag of things you will need to carry with you on the day of the speech. If you need visual aids, you will also need to work with a Tech Team and have them rehearse with you so they understand all that you require them to do for your presentation. This means providing a script so that they will know when to set up your table display for props or they will know when to advance the slides of your PowerPoint presentation. All of these may seem time-consuming, but if you want to SWIM and not sink, these are details that cannot be overlooked. These details will not just happen and it is up to you to make sure that they do happen and at the time that you choose.
Preparation also includes rehearsal. First, rehearse without your Tech Team to smooth out the rough edges and to make decisions regarding the point in your speech when visual aids, sound, light changes, or PowerPoint slides should be introduced. Once you have worked through these details, then you can bring in your Tech Team. Be sure to time each rehearsal and then take an average of each rehearsal to get a good idea of the length of time for your speech. If you find that you are going “over time”, you will need to cut some of your sub-points. If you find that you are going “under time”, you will need to add sub-points. Now, you are almost ready!
Present: This is the easiest part, Sharks! This is where you are confident because you have taken the time to plan and prepare! All that you have to do at this point is to take a deep breath and dive in. There will be no sinking here – you will swim and you will swim with ease!
