The Teeny Secrets of Successful Big Speech Delivery

Congrats on landing a lovely big booking. Now, what?

To present like a star, here are some tried and true insights that help speakers deliver well.

Stage 1: Ideation

Do not, and please hear this very loudly, do not start planning your presentation by opening the first screen of your slideshow software.

Instead, open with a blank googledoc, sheet of paper, or a whiteboard. This is where you plan - and you withhold judgement.

5 topics

1. Identify expertise

2. Work experience

3. Specific projects you've worked on

4. Challenges you've overcome

5. Area you’re passionate about within your field

   
   
   
   

   Now, throw down around these topics something you've learned

   
   

   + One thing that surprised you

   + What’s changed? What’s new?

   + One thing you learned in the last six months

   + One thing that excited, disappointed, satisfied, worried

   + What’s next?

   
   

   (Drum roll, please)

   And now add this layer:

   How your unique perspective colors your viewpoint of that subject.

Use these practical tips, you'll be well on your way to delivering speeches that are loud and clear.

Stage 2

The good news is you can only talk about one topic. That's also the bad news.

A good presentation is often the result of ruthless editing. Focus on what will be relevant to your audience. Only. Only share what is directly relevant to moving the one idea you want to share from your mind to that of your audience

Stage 3

Practice out loud.

Nothing competes with it. Nothing ever will.

It's how you become familiar with all the chunks of text you will share.

Stage 4

Get to the space early. Triple check your tech.

If you can get a moment on stage before the event, it'll help you feel comfortable and raise your eyes to the back row of the hall.

Congrats again. Go get ém!