Chris Widener's MadeForSuccess.com

e-Mail this page to a friend!
Click Here

Read on...
Other articles by:
Chris Widener

Other articles in:
Public Speaking

Speakers Checklist
Chris Widener

Prior to the speech

Preparing your speech
Topic – If at all possible speak only on what you know well.
Time limit – This gives you a guide for what you can include.
Structure

Introduction – STRONG introduction!
Body – Simple, understandable, and memorable.
Conclusion – Bring them to where you want them to be.

Anecdotes/ stories – Appropriate, not too many, carefully placed.
Facts/ information – Not too much, enough to convince.
Style

Formal – College graduation, staunch.
Informal – Small classroom, interactive.
Informational – To inform only.
Selling/ Persuading – To move the listener to action.
Motivational/ Inspirational – To move the listener to believe.

Presentation

Transcript – Boring, few can pull it off.
Notes – The best, especially if you know your material well.
Without notes – Too much room for TROUBLE.
Powerpoint etc. – Just know the pro’s and cons. Backup!

Goals – What, exactly, do you want to accomplish with this speech?

Understand your audience
Size – Will determine style.
Age(s) – May determine style.
Background – Determines understanding, bias, etc.
Profession(s) – May determine understanding, bias, etc.
Why they are there – May affect receptivity, level of response.
What will have happened just before your speech? - Atmosphere.
What will be happening right after your speech? - Expectations.
Level of expertise in the subject - Know how exact you must be.
Formality of dress – Don’t be underdressed or overdressed.
Decision-makers – Are they? Can this group of people act on information?

Other notes
Rest – Get enough.
Eat – Very light.
Dress – Always be dressed in the top 10%

During the Speech:

Introduction
Get their attention – Make them think they should listen.

Language
“Insider-eese” – Make sure they understand.
Education – Don’t speak on a different level.
Slang – Only for effect, the rest MUST go.
Pronunciation – Work on clear pronunciation.
Clarity – They need to hear you.
Speed – Delicate balance, don’t slur words.
Pace – Change it up, it keeps them listening.
Volume – See pace.
Ums and ahs – Ummm, it’s best to eliminate them.
Pet words – Brings diversity if used selectively.

Body
Keep it simple – best to move too little than too much.
Mouth

Relax – People are looking at your face, relax.
Drink water – Dry-mouth can ruin a speech.

Eyes – Keep them moving, like you’re checking your mirrors.
Face – Smile! Except at a funeral.
Hands

Where to put them – Podium, pockets, folded.
Don’t move them too much – Distracting.
Gestures – Make sure they match your words.

Feet – Steady, purposeful movement.
Shoulders – Good posture helps confidence and breathing.

Style
Formal/ Informal - Affects the way you go about the speech.

Audience
Participation

Questions – Best to hold them until the end.
Feedback – Controlled, call on hands.
Activities – Always takes longer than you count on.

Reading them

It’s all in the eyes – Where are they looking? Not you? Bored.
Changing midstream – If you’ve lost them, improvise a bit.

Conclusion
What do you want from it? End powerfully. Call for something.

After the Speech:

Questions
Written – Best. Controlled.
From the floor – Risky. Be sure you are good.

Follow-up
Individuals – If you can, talk to as many as possible. Future clients.

Exchange numbers – Always get the contact information!
Follow-up – Call, write, email. Don’t just think about them.

Company/ group that hired or sponsored you

Pleased? - Ask how you might improve.
Not-pleased? – Make it up to them. Ask about improvement.
Sales - Ask for the sale.
Follow-up – Same as with individuals.
Letter of recommendation – Get one for your records.

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and author who has shared the podium with US Presidents, helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams. Join subscribers in over 100 countries for a weekly leadership & success eZine by clicking here. Enjoy motivational audio programs from Chris Widener & other top speakers including Zig Ziglar & Brian Tracy by visiting www.MadeForSuccess.net.