September 23, 2009
Scared Speechless? The mind is a wonderful thing. It starts working the minute you’re born and never stops until you get up to speak in public. – Roscoe Drummond
At some point in your life, you’re going to have to give a speech. It may be in a work or public setting or something as “simple” as offering a toast at a wedding or anniversary celebration. If you’ve been on your feet in front of an audience dozens or hundreds of times, this post is not for you. But, if you know you might have to address a group of colleagues or strangers sometime in the future, and are scared speechless, read on.
A few months ago while sorting books at the library, I saw a title that intrigued me – On Speaking Well by Peggy Noonan (http://tinyurl.com/ntdpzj). For regular readers of this blog, you’ll know that Ms. Noonan is a favorite of mine and so I quickly snatched the book. And I was not disappointed. As another reviewer notes, “[she] is so good with words that I would read that book if I had no concern with speechmaking.” I agree completely.
Beginning with the Drummond quote, and ending with the notion of seeking inspiration through the excellence of others, this book is filled with advice and anecdotes about the writing and giving of speeches. It is witty and conversational, and you’ll feel like you’re getting counsel from a trusted friend. Parenthetically, if you happen to be a Reagan fan, there are also examples and case studies of this natural orator.
After a chapter about overcoming anxiety (hers and yours), Ms. Noonan provides three tips:
- Never speak for more than 20 minutes. As she notes, “The Gettysburg address went three minutes or so, the Sermon on the Mount hardly more.”
- Write out the text. No, you don’t have to read it, but it’s a terrific prop if you step onto stage and your mind suddenly goes blank.
- Start with humor, but make it appropriate. The most serious people in the world have used humor to put an audience at ease or drive home a point. (Have you heard the one about the old Irish priest who was walking by a boy who was trying to sell a bunch of kittens? “Catholic kittens,” the boy said. Smiling the priest went on his way. The next day, as he was walking by the same spot, the priest heard the boy shouting, “Protestant kittens.” Confused, the priest inquired, “Why were they Catholic yesterday and Protestant today?” “Their eyes opened,” responded the lad.) Ok, I digress.
Sandwiched into 208 easy-to-read pages are numerous other examples and tips from how to develop your own authentic voice (or that of another if you’re writing for someone else), how to winnow your thoughts down to the essentials, and how to ace the all-important first paragraph.
Having covered nearly everything you’d want to know about how to write and deliver a speech, Ms. Noonan offers a few final suggestions:
- Always do Q&A
- Meet and greet your audience before (don’t skip the welcoming reception)
- Check out the mike and other props ahead of time
- Don’t worry about being slick and smooth – just be yourself
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