We Call Upon Our President

This upcoming week, I am giving my first speech as the president of my synagogue.  Traditionally, the president speaks to the congregation on Kol Nidre, the night when Yom Kippur starts; this is generally a State of the Union type address.  I began thinking and writing ideas about this for weeks.  While I have spoken before, it has never been in this “official” capacity. 

Timing is everything…As the timing would have it, a friend this past week asked me about Toastmasters, what I learned and the benefits.  I am a big fan of this program, even though I have not attended in many months, but keep my membership active.  The questions were simple, “Has it been effective…in becoming a better overall speaker,” and “Would I recommend it?”  My answers were, “Yes and yes.  It has been a big help in how to structure a talk and engage the audience.”  Many years ago, I had dreamt about having the opportunity to speak publicly.  Yes, having been a consultant, speaking in front of people, giving what is known as a persuasion speech was part of the job.  However, with proper guidance and feedback (as with any type of education and mentoring), one can better hone their skills, receive guidance and focus, and advance his or her capabilities.

As I am finishing up preparing my speech, I keep in mind what I have learned:  introducing too many points (some speakers add too many points, have limited support), use an example or story as that helps to visualize, use vocal variety (monotone does not engage) and engage the audience.  While this is a lot to remember, practicing is key.  Yes, you can wing an off-the-cuff speech (i.e., back pocket speech).  However, a formal oration has to be tight with points well-made and not too long.  I am used to practicing 5 to 7 minute or 10 to 12 minute speeches.  That should be more than enough time to convey the points.

When the cue comes, “We now call upon our President…” I just have to remember to take a deep breath, step up to the lectern and enjoy the experience.

The Art of Public Speaking

I make no bones about it – I like to speak in front of an audience.  In a group, however, I am generally quiet…unless I am feeling very comfortable.  I know many people, that one-on-one, or in a small group, have no problems speaking, being open and honest and providing opinions.  Stand them in the front of the room (even behind the protection of a lectern) and everything falls apart.  I get it, I understand it and recognize that most people would rather undergo something painful against their bodies in lieu of speaking to an audience.  The ability to stand in front of a crowd, while seemingly natural to some people, is for most a learned skill.

I am a member of Toastmasters, which helps people to feel comfortable to speak in front of other people and provide leadership training.  Needless to say, I am a big fan and even though I enjoyed being on the stage prior to joining, the skills that I have learned and practiced over the past few years have enhanced my oration abilities.  On the way to earning an advanced speaker status, I had to give a 40 minute seminar.  As part of the seminar, I led the group in ways to improve their speaking experience in two ways, how we use our bodies and how we use our voices.  When we talk to our friends, most people will gesture.  If we are talking to someone (especially on the phone), based on their vocal usage, we can tell what they are feeling.  Too many times, I have watched speaker grasp the lectern with two hands and proceed to speak in a monotone voice, making them look uncomfortable and unpleasant to listen to.  Yes, there is a bit of theatrics that goes with public speaking!  Remember, the goal is get across some message (your reason for speaking), stay on point of the topic (i.e., 2 or 3 points supporting one thought), keep your audience’s attention and /or provide some measure of entertainment, so that afterwards they remember the message.

I need to spend a few lines on keeping on topic.  When we read a story, there is a basic format of beginning, middle and end.  When I first worked as a consultant, some 20+ years ago, my project manager, Charlie, made me present to the client and gave me the simple advice, go out and tell them our story.  I am not a natural storyteller, but the advice has stuck with me, so that when I present, there is always a beginning, middle and end (purpose, options / supporting info, conclusion).  Public speaking is no different.  If you want your audience to follow your message and have a chance of remembering your words, have an easy to follow beginning, middle and end.  Too many times, I feel that people speak just to hear themselves speak (yes, this happens at meetings too).  Unfortunately, even people that speak publicly are not always self aware of what they say, the message, nor how to “craft” a speech, or realize that sometimes a good message can be delivered in 7 to 10 minutes.

I recently had the opportunity to watch two people speak – one a novice and one seasoned at speaking to an audience.  Both of them had a beginning, middle and end, both asked for an action to occur and both did a great job.  One of the speakers asked if I could tell that they were nervous.  I responded that you looked up, engaged your audience and spoke slow and clear, and, you looked calm and comfortable.  Unless you are sweating profusely, have a weird waver in your voice or use some unusual gesturing, your audience will not know you are nervous.  I have a small confession – the truth is that I am always a little nervous before I speak, but I turn my nervousness into the energy I use to help deliver the message.