Y’all know what time it is.
We’re neck-deep in another summer of ceremonies and speeches as our leaders and colleagues change command, gain rank, retire, or move along to new assignments.
And you, the organization’s top communications coach, will be in the center of it. You’ll write your leaders’ speeches, or at the very least give bullets or feedback. Embrace the opportunity to help the men and women standing in front of your members represent the organization and deliver messages with pride.
It’s part of your job.
Here are a few nuggets we sling when looking over speeches and remarks:
It’s Not About You. Even your own promotion or retirement ceremony isn’t about you. Headline with the organization, service, and values and then double down on them. Anything you say about yourself should directly reinforce the organization, service and values your audience understands and supports. Protect America much? Along that line …
Thank People for a Purpose. It’s easy to spend most of your speech thanking your senior leaders for their leadership, mentors for their mentorship, service members for their service, and loved ones for their love. Make it count for something bigger. Thank your commander for empowering you to take action and solve problems, then remind the audience that they’re all trusted to do the same. Thank your family for being your rock through uncertain times (a Change of Command must-have), then tell your new formations you’re even more committed to supporting their families throughout your tour.
Keep it Brief. Years ago when I left the mighty 382nd Public Affairs Detachment, I showed my draft remarks to a trusted PAO colleague. She quickly pointed out I attempted to make 12 distinct points across the outline. Yikes. Keep it to two or three must-make points, then get off the X.
Limit Yourself to One Solid Self-Depracating Joke. This is a tough one. You want to make people laugh but you know it’s unprofessional to poke fun at others or stray into controversial topics. I’ll give you one pass to break the ice, but never forget, you’re a leader and the U.S. military is serious business. Like I said, it’s not about you, even at your own expense.
Get Away from the Podium. When you’re speaking from the heart, you’re not going to need a script. Take control of your audience’s eyes and ears. Grab the mic with confidence and walk the stage like a boss. You’ve only got two or three must-make points, so drive them home in your own words. If you’re reading, you’ve already lost the crowd.
There are so many worthwhile books about presentations, speeches and engagements. I like Talk Like TED, and Dave B. has had a copy of The Lost Art of the Great Speech on his desk for at least eight years. Read and be better.
(Photo by Cpl. Robert G. Gavaldon, DVIDS)
