Still writing out a script whenever you have to present?

My ten year old son had to give a speech to run for a student council position in his fifth grade classroom.  I did everything I could to STAY OUT of his speech preparation process.  And I largely succeeded.

He sat down with a notepad and wrote up a speech after googling a few videos of random student council speeches on YouTube.  He then read off his speech a couple of times to various family members.

I didn't want to influence his content or delivery.  I mean, let's face it, what ten year old needs professional speech coaching from someone, his mother by the way, with a doctorate in communication who teaches oral communication at a university?

Well, I'm happy to say he won the election:  he was one of two students with the most votes.  I asked him a million questions about the speeches he heard from the other candidates.  Of the seven candidates, all but one wrote out and read their speeches.  I'm collecting data....six out of seven ten year olds will write out their student council speeches.  Only one will speak extemporaneously, or conversationally.

I guess that's why so many adults still rely on writing out a script when they have a presentation to prepare.  It's what we know.  It's how we've always done it.   I contend that reading off a prepared manuscript is not the most effective way to present.  It's okay for some occasions, like eulogies and commencements.  But as speakers gain experience and content knowledge, they should aim to speak conversationally from key words on note cards.

Think of it this way:  when we can't swim, we rely on floaties or inflatables to stay afloat.  When we take the time to learn how to have confidence and skill in the water, we learn to swim unassisted.  And to do that, it takes time and practice.

I hope you will spend the time to learn how to swim without inflatable assistance.  And by that I mean, take the time to speak conversationally from key words on note cards.  Your audience will thank you.

When Kids Are in Your Audience

In another lifetime, I took my young kids on a lot of field trips.  One Saturday night, a huge bunch of moms and kids went down to the WDIV television studio in Detroit.  Meteorologist Andrew Humphrey had offered to give us tour of the studio.

It took some time for all the suburban moms and their kids to make it to the studio.  When we all had finally arrived, Andrew came over to our waiting area to officially welcome us.  I was eager for the tour to start.  The first thing he did, though, was say, "Who has to go to bathroom?"  Many of the kids said they did.  He pointed out the restrooms and told us to do our business and that he would begin once we were ready.

I'll never know if this was his typical opening for groups of kids or if he had to unexpectedly attend to something in his office or what.  But what a brilliant idea:  get the group settled in every conceivable way before beginning to make sure you will have their full attention.

In an average meeting room, that may mean having adequate ventilation, lighting and a comfortable temperature.  It might mean making sure everyone has had time to refill their coffee one more time.  Or it may mean specifying that cell phones are off or that restrooms, private nursing areas or even prayer locations have been designated and made accessible.

Andrew Humphrey was great with the kids.  He kept the tour moving, involved even the youngest kids with tasks, spoke loudly and with a lot of enthusiasm, and genuinely seemed interested in hosting us.  When it was time to watch the live broadcast, parents could choose between watching from the studio or from the green room - perfect for those whose children weren't quite ready to be completely quiet.

A good host anticipates the needs of her guests.  Try to anticipate your audience's needs before you launch into your presentation.