In 2 days (less than 2 days) I’ll be standing in front of many of my peers as well as more than a few people that I love and very much admire – and I’m nervous as all get out!
Sure, I’ve spoken in front of crowds before and even crowds a bit larger than this one but I’m not a professional speaker or a communicator by any stretch of the imagination and it takes me a long time to get emotionally and psychologically ready as well as just getting my slides together in a cohesive and understandable way.
In fact, I’m not one to prepare much at all for these things – but for Plywood Presents I’m busting all stops to be as polished as I can be! This is because it’s one of the three skills I wanted to improve on this year that (I feel) directly impact my blogging.
I walked through the entire presentation last Friday with my team and made an attempt to walk through it with my wife last night as well. I’ve been thinking and brainstorming for two months and working on my presentation for two solid weeks.
For many of you who do this for a living this might seem like barely any time at all but for me it’s huge! My wife said it best a week or so ago:
I’ve never seen you prepare for a presentation like this… ever!
And she’s right!
Got Any Words of Wisdom?
I’m at a really humble and open spot when it comes to speaking since it’s obviously outside my core strengths as a person so I’m willing to hear anything and everything from those that have any experience.
Love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and words of wisdom when it comes to preparation, especially in the last few days – I’ll read every single word you’ve got to offer me!
Thanks so much and hopefully you’ve got some personal goals that can help you become a better blogger that aren’t directly related to blogging itself!
And of course, hope to see you there! The speaking lineup is going to be awesome!
You were invited to speak because of who you are and what you’ve created… be that person… don’t try to portray yourself as someone you are not… have fun… and ask God for help for your nerves, etc.
Solid.
John, in follow-up to my comment, this video is from Pastor Ed young – perfect for the situation… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQcp-J-3njw
thanks herb! i really appreciated this!
you know how they say “imagine everyone naked” well.. i’m going to come naked.. thats just how much i support you.
That may be a little TOO MUCH support, Jared…
Hopefully this event won’t be live streaming!
you didn’t come naked. i’m so sad.
I use an outline. I focus more on stories and the outline guides me on what’s next. My outline might be a list of story titles. I’m not huge on prepping. And for that matter, I’m not into speaking either.
This is a great idea on presentation. I alway make an outline and focus on one or two things to talk about. This is the best way to get audiences’ attention.
i’m an outline person too. worked like a charm.
Just relax and you’ll do great!
Show up early and mingle with the people before hand so you already have some “fans” who want to see you do well.
Smile a smile that shows your crows feet!
Relate to the group by showing them how you already interact with them (maybe a picture of you using a bag you bought from Plywood?)
I’m getting all these tips from Guy Kawasaki in his book Enchantment.
I highly agree with the first point above. Show your face and shake hands before the keynote. Too many people who are nervous want to hide in the back and read their notes once more. At that point you’re as prepared as you can be.
Go mingle!
i did this as well just because you guys mentioned it! otherwise i’d be in the corner……..
“That’s me in the corner. That’s me in the spot – light – losing my religion…”
I read your followup post. Glad to hear things went so well. The advice above is one that’s really paid off for me.
thanks daniel! i could probably learn a thing or two from you since you do this all the time.
The crows feet advice will change your life; love that. Wish I could have been at the talk.
>+ +<
next time!
Make sure you write long paragraphs on your Powerpoint slides and read directly from them.
……………………………
P.s. Praying all runs smoothly and I know you will do awesome. This is great and really excited for ya. Can never practice enough, the only way to get good is to do it!
thanks christina. i practiced enough.. i felt like i could have done it a few more times though!
John- When I preach, speak, or lead a conference, I always remind myself of 3 P’s. Prayer (first and foremost), Passion (you’re speaking about something you love and know about, so let that show!), Perspective (remember, the audience is there because they already know you know your stuff, they are there to listen and learn, so relax and enjoy). Hope this helps!
i talked about perspective as one of my points…!
Know who speaks before you and who is after you to hand-off the platform too.
Small, but good tip!
well said. in fact, i asked the organizer if i could move some of them around since i needed one in particular for an example.
If you’re a pro blogger, you’re a pro communicator in my opinion. You’re talented and intelligent — maintain confidence and wear a really awesome shirt.
but being a problogger doesn’t mean that i’m excellent at communicating publicly, right?
Most importantly, remember the people there showed up because they WANT to hear you and genuinely want you to do well. Your audience are your friends. So talk like you’re talking to friends, not strangers.
Make. Eye. Contact. Scan the room. Don’t stare into one spot or everyone will wonder what you’re looking at. Make it your goal to speak directly to every person whose face you can see.
Watch the filler words like “um,” “uh,” “you know,” and “like.” A second of silence is better than a meaningless word.
Be careful of nervous ticks and habits, such as pacing, rocking, or gripping the lectern. What you do with your hands means something. Don’t allow your gestures to distract. Movement carries meaning.
Don’t apologize for anything, especially at the beginning! I’m amazed at how often I hear a speaker say he/she is sorry for being there, or not being prepared enough, or some other reason your audience knows nothing about. Never make an excuse – your audience will become uncomfortable because of it.
Have fun. If you’re speaking about something you care about, it will show.
Dan beat me to it in his first graf.
You’re already prepping, so you don’t need advice there, but to repeat Dan, the audience is there to see you. They want to be pleased, and they’re in a mood to be pleased.
You’re already ahead of the game, there.
Just be glad you’re not a congresscritter. They’d have their tar and feathers waiting for you.
You’ll do fine. I had to do three presentations after my book came out in November, and each time, I got more comfortable onstage, in part because I realized I could ramble on until I remembered my next point in my talk. Confidence in your ability to yap will help overcome nerves.
dan… i did apologize as i walked up… and i’m thinking about whether that was the right thing. it was a “joke” though… but it was about my communication skills…
i’d have to see the replay to have another look.
I’ve had to give presentations before 2-3 people and several times before hundreds.
One thing I learned was to not stick to the script. I understand you have a time limit to work within, but working in something personal or making an observation that is not part of your notes is something I learned to do. It only takes a few seconds (and it doesn’t always have to be funny) but I have found it makes people feel as if you’re talking to them and not at them.
You’re going to kill it dude!
and this…. was truth. i wish you were there bro!
I have seen you speak before John. I think you don’t give yourself enough credit. You do a good job.
I will be there Thursday, looking forward to what you have to say
good to see you there kyle! how’d i do?
Don’t chew gum (yes… learned that the hard way), and when you are scanning, find the people that are giving you positive feedback such as smiling or nodding in agreement. Knowing someone actually likes and agrees with what you are saying is very encouraging… and they will, because you have so many awesome and helpful things to say!!
And like others have said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13… although that verse doesn’t say anything about it being easy! lol.
You are going to be awesome. My husband and I will be praying for you
kristin,
i chew gum… a lot. i was reminded by this and i threw it out when i got there!
Thats awesome John. All the best for you!
When I get nervous at speaking, I try to go slow at the beginning and not start of rushing. Do some small talk till your nerves calms down. Prayers for you.
i did this. in the beginning. i talked about comic books.
I have a pefect post I wrote a few months back about my experience with speaking…
You can find it here: http://bigb94.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/4-steps-to-become-an-effective-speaker/
brandon,
checking this out! i wasn’t able to before i did mine…!
It depends on the person but for me I need a little bit of caffeine to get me pumped up and to sound energetic. So I either drink a redbull or a little bit of coffee before my presentation. It depends on the person though because some people those caffeinated drinks can have ill side effects. The most important thing offcourse is just to be yourself. Best of luck out there, and let us know how it went!
-Jean
redbull…. now that would have given me wings…!
You already received a ton of good suggestions and heartfelt support, but I’ll throw my two cents worth in, and you can even keep the change.
Think of it as recording a video blog post, something your familiar with and comfortable doing. You will do fine.
dude. i used this advice! i thought about it!
Really, and truly – you just need to be yourself. Don’t put on a false air, or “Public Speaking Voice.”
Be you.
You rock!
i think i did this well. thanks rick!
Hey John, it’s been awhile since I’ve spoken in public but I did take a speaking class in college! I just remembered to talk slower than you think you are talking. When you’re nervous, you’ll start talking fast but won’t realize it. We had to videotape our speeches and go back and watch it.
i used this. thanks benny!
I’ll see you tomorrow and before you get up to speak I’ll stand up and yell really loud. I’ll look like an idiot and it won’t matter what you do after that. So don’t worry. You are good.
Taking one for the team. Good man!
he did. he got up and danced for me.
I suspect you’ll do quite well. Of course, you could always use Henry Fonda’s trick – throw up before you go on.
While mingling with the crowd? That would be a great attention getter ( he first part of any god speech?)
……… at one point i was feeling sick… yes….
You’ve gotten lots of great advice here Jon. I would just encourage you in that you ARE a communicator by virtue of the very thing you are passionate about…Blogging! Your passion for what you do and the expertise you have developed will enable you to come across to your audience in a way that will draw them in. The idea of interacting with them before you speak is a great bit of advice. The fact that you love what you do and are passionate about will be communicated in your presentation. I would add…the attitude you have of pouring into people’s lives is going to come through loud and clear. When we met at Catalyst, your question to me was “How can I be of help to you.” Let that heart will be evident in your presentation and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
As far as structure of your presentation, one suggestion is the Hook, Book, Look and Took approach…laying out the presentation in this order:
Hook – interesting story to grab their attention (often best if it’s a personal story with some humor or human interest).
Book – in a sermon this would be the passage…for you it is the nuts and bolts of your material.
Look – this is the application…how does this information apply to your audience, what can they expect to gain if they put it into action.
Took – in a sermon this is the “Big Question”…the “ask”. What do you want them to do now that you’ve given them all of this great stuff? It could be the “take-aways” or the “challenge to action.”
I hope that’s helpful. “Good luck”…or “break a leg” haha
Great tips Randy!
Thanks, Dewitt! Hope things are going well for you, man.
i took the “took” and tried to wrap it up strongly. i’m not sure i did as well as i would have liked, but next time!
As a pastor and guest speaker for churches around California, I have the opportunity to speak often and in many different settings. But I always get nervous. Always. But as I pray beforehand, and even while they are getting ready to call me up on stage, I always remind myself that the people are wanting to hear God’s Word, and that’s why they’re there. I’ve been asked to preach God’s Word and that’s why I’m there. Everyone is hoping for something good and encouraging.
The same goes for your presentation. The people there are there because they want to hear what you have to say. You were invited because you know about the subject matter. You’re an expert. The people listening to you are hoping to learn. Just remember that you are giving them exactly what they want to hear and know, and they are thankful for it!
charles.
i remember your comment via twitter and that stuck with me… perhaps for life. thank you for that!
Jon, I’ve done a good bit of public speaking and the one piece of advice that changed it all for me was this: remember that the audience WANTS you to do well. Sounds obvious, right? But that realization was huge for me. No one is sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for you to flub up. “ah, there is it! He screwed up.” Not happening.
The audience wants to hear what YOU have to say. They want to see who YOU are. Just relax and be yourself. Everyone will be entertained, enlightened and educated.
Good luck!
thanks kathy! this was a key thing to remember while i was preparing!
Never see the room as being naked! HA a teacher told us students this in I believe it was like 5th grade as a joke to get us to not be shy! NOW it just makes me laugh out loud in the middle of my speeches!
Always be prepared and confendant on the information you are presenting, this way you never have to look at notes. Your attention can be on your listeners at all times.
Great idea for a blog post!
Thanks to all others who shared
thanks annamarie! i never thought about how it might just make me laugh… i never actually understood why that “might” work anyways…..!