Think Before You Speak ~ Paul M Johnstone

A few days ago I read a story about a man who cleaned a fan with bleach, it was the one the family used in the living room. Then to his surprise, when he turned on the fan, bleach sprayed all over the room.  The result was white bleach spots on the curtains, upholstery, carpets, in fact everything in the room.  So what was he thinking about when he the fan on, quite clearly not the process.

Sometimes we make mistakes when we present, simply because we aren't thinking. Over the years, I have left my notes and props at home simply because I wasn’t thinking. I failed with the first part of the process, a check list.  More often than not this when I was attending a networking breakfast, too early and my brain was in neutral.  However if you are public speaking your thought process should be fully tuned in. One way to insure your success when you are speaking is to think ahead about what you need for the speaking occasion.  Back to your check list.

A good place to start is by thinking about the people you will meet. Go through in your notes the names of the important people for you should talk to.  Who do you need to speak to with when you arrive. If you are unsure of some people and positions their, check their websites.

Always, always check pronunciation of unusual names , a good tip is call the company and ask how they pronounce it.

Ok simple stuff, how are you going to get there? Train, Car, how? When you’re speaking in-house, check you have the right room specified in your notes. Consider rush hour traffic important for roads like the M6, M1 and M25, do you have to cross a large city? Never book the last flight so if there is a hold up or cancelation, you have a fall back position.  

Think about material that you may have struggled with in your preparation and review it again. It’s a good idea to check you have the latest set of data especially if it has been some time since you spoke on that topic.

Take a moment to think about questions audience members may ask you. Follow the three P’s on that one Plan, Prepare, Practice.  (There will be a blog just on that subject later in the year)  You may check internet sources to see if there is a new piece of research that will support your presentation.

What do you want from your presentation?  What do your audience expect? What take away have you prepared?  If you have any doubts about the first two call the organiser and ask questions.

Remember the process of one thought delivered to one person then one pause.  This allows you all the time you need to process your next thought. And remember Mt Franklin, who gave all speakers the best piece of information ever.  “Be sincere, be brief, be seated”

About the Author

Paul M Johnstone is a Professional Communicator, Speaker, Executive Coach and PowerPoint Guru!  He works with companies, organisations and individuals.  Helping people to speak and present more effectively, and to improve their personal and professional success. 

Paul can be reached at +44 (0)7711 324362 or through either of his websites at http://www.pmjohnstone.co.uk/ or http://www.paradigmshakers.co.uk/
For quick speaking tips take a look at this Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ParadigmShakers