Live or virtually, 2020’s summer will bring changes of command, retirements, goings away, and team get togethers all the same. Your organizations’ speakers are going to need your guidance. Here’s what I’ll tell speech givers this year; what are your best tips?
Take it all in.
Everyone in the audience has to stand there and look at you, so take a few seconds to look at them before speaking. Take a breath and survey your audience; they will feel seen and valued.
Put the notecard in your pocket.
It’s vitally important that you do not use a script. Having trouble breaking away? In the course of prepping, write out your script, then reduce it to its main points on one index card. Rehearse several times, then keep the index card in your pocket as a safety net. I’m willing to bet you’ll remember what’s on it without looking.
Start giving your speech years in advance.
Think someday you’ll give a speech about how much you appreciate your team? Start telling them now. Whatever your message, now’s the time to start setting the ball so you can spike it later with the microphone. If you’ve been telegraphing your punches, the speech is your chance to double down on one important, big idea. Bonus: you’ll be most comfortable with the material from your greatest hits album.
For example: the next speech I give will probably talk about Protecting America, and the ways in which time is our only limited resource. I doubt it will be the first time anyone hears it from me.
Previous years’ advice here and here.
(Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Zachary Anderson, DVIDS)
