Check Your Hair, Make Sure Your Mic Is On – Speaking Is About More Than Speaking

This week sees the kick off of this new series of posts about speaking written by speakers that I know do a great job. I intend this series to be of interest to those who are already speakers, those looking to get better at speaking and to those who aspire to speak in public.

 

 

This week the post is written by Thom Singer.

 

Thom  is a professional speaker, sales trainer and the author of nine books on the power of business relationships, networking, and presentation skills.  He has spent over 20 years in sales, marketing, and business development roles with major corporations. He regularly consults with corporations and individuals on how to cultivate their personal brands and establish professional connections that will lead to more referral business. His speaking includes impactful keynotes, break-outs sessions, training programs and the "Conference Networking Catalyst" program, which sets the tone for better meetings.

 

Speaking Is About More Than Speaking

Simon Salt recently made a profound statement on Google+ when he said "Speaking is the new blogging". It was only a few short years ago that seemingly everyone you met was a self proclaimed "blogger". But what the classification meant was as varied as the number of people holding claim to the title. Now in 2012 it seems that the label of "speaker" or "conference speaker" has been added to countless LinkedIn profiles, resumes, and bios.

PR professionals work hard to get their clients onto agendas as speakers or panelists at all sorts of industry events, and open calls for presentations for meetings are often bombarded with proposals (some that fit the needs of the conference organizers, others that are just fishing expeditions). But is calling yourself a speaker and submitting proposals enough?

Speaking in public is a great way to promote your business, your cause or yourself. But just because someone is smart or has done something cool, it does not mean they belong on the stage. Presenting a blah presentation (or worse… being awful )can bring no results or even harm a reputation.

Presenting Can't Be Faked

Presenting is a skill. Like playing golf, it is evident to all who watch if someone has experience. You cannot fake it or wing it if you wish to make a meaningful connection with the audience. A bad presentation can suck the energy out of the whole conference, which is why it is important that people who call themselves speakers and pursue the opportunity to present are dedicated to bettering their skills and serving the audience.

There is often an argument about content vs. style when selecting speakers. However, there is no reason this should be debated. I am not advocating for "fluffy" speakers who are good performers but have nothing to add to the audience. I am stating that it is not too much to want both style and content.

I am passionate about presentation skills. Every time I watch anyone give a talk I call it "Speaker's College". The person on stage, be it at a conference, in classroom, in church, etc…, is the professor and I am the student. It is exciting to see a person educate, inspire and connect with an audience. It is also painful to see someone bomb on the platform. In every case it is the mix of their information and their abilities to communicate that make them memorable or forgettable. Relying only on the data can be very stale, and thus it is important to work on your public speaking skills.

I have watched thousands of speakers, from the famous industry professionals to regular people in a variety of settings. I have learned from every one of them. I have also delivered over 300 "professional level" speeches over the last decade. To be a "speaker" is more than a line on your bio. I believe a "speaker" must be excited by the opportunity to present to an audience and be dedicated to serving the greater good of the conference or meeting. The necessary preparation that the audience deserves is more than just showing up to promote your business.

It is an honor to be asked to speak, and those who can cultivate an experience that advances all aspects of the meeting will be asked to speak again, and again, and again.

I'm glad you took the time to read this post.


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