Public Speaking -- Keep it Short, Sweet and to the Point Please

Like many authors, I belong to professional associations that have regular meetings which include a guest speaker. Most of the time these speakers provide information that is beneficial, and that's the reason why most people join these associations in the first place. Likewise, many of you who are authors or writers probably do some public speaking as well. It's a good way to make money off your books, and some authors are  able to support themselves through their speaking programs.  That said, there are a few rules of the road that you need to be aware of.

One of the  most important rules for public speaking is keeping your presentation within a reasonable time frame.  If any of you have ever been involved with Toastmasters, you'll know that keeping your speech within the allotted time frame is a big part of their program.  The reason is simple--you have to keep meetings running on time.  Many, if not most, associations meet for breakfast or lunch, and their members have to get back to the office.

That said, the last speaker at my author's association meeting presented a topic of particular interest to me--social media, you know, Facebook and all that.  His presentation got off to a good start, but then it ran way too long, and after awhile I was beginning to feel like I was in a seminar. The problem was, I hadn't signed up for a seminar that day. I had other things I had to do, and because the meeting was running late, it was causing me to run late too. I finally ended up having to leave before the presentation ended.

Again, let's show some common courtesy to the audience. When it comes to speaking at associations you need to discuss your time frame with the meeting planner. My own experience has taught me that most meeting planners will allow about thirty minutes for a speech, and I've learned that thirty minutes is an ideal time frame.  It gives you plenty of time to make your point, and have a few minutes left for a Q & A afterwards. It's also not going to wear out people's attention spans.

If you are planning on doing any public speaking I recommended testing your speech with family or friends, or, my personal favorite, test it in front of your Toastmasters club.  If you can't cover everything you want to cover within twenty to thirty minutes you need to break it down. 

Be kind to your audience.  Keep it short, sweet and to the point. You can always make yourself available for one-on-one time after the presentation, or, better yet, come back for another meeting and present another speech.

My tip for the day.

GM