Overcome the fear of forgetting what to say
Making speeches and presentations is a powerful way to influence, create change, get your message out there, make sales.
We know that power, you and I.
We know the feeling of communicating, connecting, making a difference, creating the difference.
And when we focus on that outcome,
then it becomes high stakes
“What if I forget the most important part of my speech?”
What if I use the wrong words?
I have written about it in many places – collected here…
but today I want to focus on one very simple, very effective way to set yourself up for overcoming this fear.
And that simple effective technique is the first thing we all should be doing before we even begin to create a speech.
That simple effective technique arose when I was brainstorming with a client last week, and I was reminded again of its power.
That simple effective technique is embodied in one word which will give you the confidence and the focus for your whole presentation.
And what I want to give you is three little questions you can use to find your one word.
Three little questions that will give you the focus you need.
Three little questions that will give you clarity.
Three little questions that will quiet the uncertainty, organically and easily.
Question 1:
If I were to ask you “What is your speech about – in one word – what would that word be?
What is the one word that you can use to encompass your speech?
What one word names the content of your speech?
It may be that that question is enough. You know right now, before you even begin what that word is.
If not…
Question 2:
What are you offering to your audience?
What is the outcome if they take the next step that you recommend?
What is your audience need that you can satisfy?
That do they want?
One word describes that offering, that outcome.
Question 3:
What is your expertise?
What one word describes your skill?
That one word will give you clarity of message.
It will give you the criteria for content inclusion.
Most importantly, for today, it will give you a piece of driftwood to cling to,
a spotlight that illuminates
when you need to absolutely ensure that your audience gets your message, follows your inspirational lead, and moves to the outcome you have chosen for them.
The words may be as diverse as
happiness
or
winning
or
freedom
or
control.
But that word has its own meaning for you, and connection to the message you want and the outcomes you want to achieve.
Hold that word as the very centre of your presentation
as the guiding light,
and it will help you overcome the fear of not saying what needs to be said.
Hold that word in the centre of your attention
and it will return you always to your message that is so important to you
and the outcome you are achieving.
