…To help you execute with confidence in uncertain situations
You’ve accepted an invitation to speak at a prestigious event. You prepared the content of your talk, you have beautifully designed visuals supporting your message and you’ve rehearsed. Now it’s time to get yourself to the event. Feeling excited and also a bit nervous, you now realize you’re flying into the unknown.
“Fear of the unknown translates to fear of losing control. In order to feel safe, we feel we must control every variable--human, environmental, technical. And yet, as life, this just isn't realistic. Controlling everything that's around the corner simply isn't possible.” From Speak Without Fear, Ivy Naistadt Notable Quotes
While you can’t prepare for every eventually, there are Specific Actions you can take that will make a world of difference the day of your event and avoid unforseen problems. The most important suggestion for you is...
Arrive Early and Get into the Space.
If possible, arrange a quick walk-through. Get familiar with the environment. If there’s a stage or raised platform, walk on it.
I was in Kansas City at a Marriott hotel the night before a big event. The stage was still being built as I rehearsed. It was getting late and the meeting planner asked if I was all set to go. Except for one more thing, I said. As the stage was more or less completed by now, I wanted to take one run-through in the high heels I would be wearing the next day.
So I took off my sneakers and put them on. As I walked across the stage, I discovered a serious problem.
The stage consisted of large connected risers and in between each was a small gap. At any point during my presentation, a heel might have gotten snagged in one of these gaps, and, in theatrical terms, I might have broken a leg – literally! *
Good thing I took the time to check out this seemingly small detail.
Another useful piece of advice came from one of my trusted colleagues who speaks all over the world. He shared with me that he walks around the stage and notices if there’s an area that creaks when he walks on it. And if there is, he says he stays away from it. The repetition of the sound can become a distraction for your audience.
I know these seem like small details but in this case, they matter. They affect your performance.
Is there a podium? Where will you enter from? Are there stairs on the side of the stage? Is your image projected on large screens flanking the stage? It might be disconcerting for you to see a large image of yourself for the first time, as you begin speaking.
Of course there are other considerations but the idea is to develop an awareness of what’s going on around you. You’ve been invited to speak because your insights and perspective have meaning for your audience. By taking the extra step to feel secure in your surroundings, you stay focused on the task at hand - delivering an engaging and impactful presentation.
* By the way, the solution for my dilemma regarding the gaps in the risers? Old fashioned gaffer tape!
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