Last weekend I spoke for a Career Builder group on one of my favorite presentations entitled, "I Hate My Job But I Love the Money." The idea behind this topic is that many folks stay at their jobs not because of their passion for their profession but solely based on the income they make; thus leaving them feeling depleted and defeated.
I had this presentation scheduled with Career Builder for about three months and was really excited to meet my audience as well as present on this topic. While things went great at the workshop they didn't go quite as planned; what I consider to be every speaker's nightmare happened to me! I did not get through all of my material, yikes!
I was given an hour to present and I had 10 principles to cover. Sadly, I only made it through three. The reason: the audience was so excited over the material, they just could not stop asking questions! While I feel this is a great sign, I do believe it is imperative that a good speakerharnesses his/her audience by taking a few questions and when noticing the time is slipping away, asks the audience to write the questions down or leaves them for the end. I had broken my number one rule.
If you are just starting out in public speaking or wish to train on the subject, here are some pointers:
1. Before the presentation takes place, practice your presentation in front of an audience of at least two members (family or friends). See what questions come up for them and how long it takes you to answer them. Keep that timer handy!
2. Challenge yourself to set boundaries and adhere to them. For example, while practicing in front of your mock-audience, use specific verbiage such as, "That is a great question and it is important to me that I answer it appropriately, however I am on a time-schedule so may I come back to it and answer at the end?" Trust me on this, an audience member is going to appreciate that you acknowledged their question, wish to spend time giving them a good answer, and will respect that you are on a time-schedule.
3. And when all else fails, if you are not able to get through your material, don't hesitate in asking the speaker coordinator to return on a future date to complete the presentation. Also, remind yourself that you probably did not get through the material because the audience was engaged and connected with you. More-than-likely, they were truly enjoying themselves as were you. Lastly, speaker coordinators need speakers desperately so don't be shy in asking to return so that you may finish what you had intended to do.
If there is anything that I have learned during my years of speaking, mistakes are made and we have to accept them as gold nuggets of learning. These learning lessons only make you a better presenter.
In this case, I learned not to break my number one rule because I realized following it just makes my presentations smoother and I feel better about my work. Thank goodness I was asked by this group to return for two more future dates! Phewwww : o )
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