Presenting on a Moments Notice
I have been asked to speak at a graduation on a few ocassions with little or no time for preparation. Going thru this course has given me some excellent tools that although not given time to prepare should help me. I think the "hook" is something that can be applied to anything you will talk about to a group. Any other suggestions when asked to present with no prep time?
Sheryl,
this is a good point & it is the knowledge & general preparation ahead of time that can pay dividends.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I'd say that this an instance in which one can see a difference between a speaker who is a real "natural" and one who is just learned in the techniques. Even if you aren't a "natural," though, you can remember and apply the structure for a quality introduction and conclusion. Quickly plan these, then brainstorm your main points for the body of the speech. What do others think? Is there a difference between a "naturally" good speaker and one who have learned the techniques? In the end, do these two types of speakers come out equal?
This is a perfect point that even presenters and speakers who are renowned can always improve, I may have to access this and watch it or read it because it sounds interesting - this can even be applicable when we teach classes and don't improve or change our lessons and lectures every quarter
Cynthia,
we must all be careful that we don't become one-hit wonders & that we are constantly improving & changing.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Cynthia,
we must all be careful that we don't become one-hit wonders & that we are constantly improving & changing.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I read that "the late NBC political analyst and author Tim Russert, a popular speaker on college campuses, had delivered the same speech more than once. Finally, during a presentation at Harvard, students called his bluff:
Equipped with cards listing pat phrases from past speeches, set out in a bingo-like format, they ticked off the passages as Mr. Russert spoke and then, having completed a row, shouted out 'Bingo.'" - Andrew Mytelka, "This Just In: Tim Russert's Crimson Face." The Chronicle of higher Education. 10 June 2005. 12 June 2007 .
Ouch!
Lisa,
excellent point. When we are called on this quickly, it generally is best to use that laser focus rather than shotgun approach.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
My suggestion would be to focus on one key point and expand on the subject point. For instance, focus on the support needed by family and friends and how instrumental it is to student success.
Again being comfortable in your presentation will help. Even if its a topic you have not presented on in the past. Practice may make you feel better about the subject.
Juan,
some of it is having a "stock speech" for things like graduations that you can pull out. do a quick audience analysis & then you can switch a couple things up.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
