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Public Speaking Positioning |
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Written by Paul Evans
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Monday, 25 September 2006 |
Public Speaking Positioning
by Paul Evans
Who you think you are does not matter as much as
who the audience thinks you are.
If you feel insecure as a speaker, but the
audience views you as an expert who is going to
solve their problems, your position is that of
valued friend and expert.
If you think you're great and have all the
answers, but the audience sees you as a
know-it-all, you position is that of the
arrogantly confused.
Your positioning to the audience is controllable.
First, determine how you want to be viewed in
public speaking. (expert, friend, funny,
approachable, etc.)
Second, use the following ways to make your
positioning visible.
1. Your Pre-event materials. Will the group you're
speaking to be given anything before the event?
Will they know your topic? Then make sure your
title fits your positioning. Will they see your
picture? Make sure it matches your position. Will
they get to read a short biography? If it reads
like a novel, commentary, social roster, a dry
lecture, or letter will determine how you're seen
before you arrive.
2. Your arrival. Immediately meeting as many
attendees as possible will position you as amiable
and friendly. Staying to yourself and avoiding
conversation will position you as unapproachable.
Telling a few jokes and smiling will position you
as light and humorous.
3. Your introduction. What will the introducer
read about you to the group? If the person is a
friend it may help you. If he or she is not, then
make sure you give the person exactly what you
want said about you. This will be many of the
audience member's first impression of you. Make it
an accurate reflection.
4. Your opening words. Choosing to begin with a
statistic, story, quote, or whatever will make the
biggest impact on your position. The first three
minutes of any speech goes to the audience. They
are sizing you up. Wondering if it will be worth
hanging in there. Wondering if you're worth
listening to. Wondering if they will be yawning or
yelping or yelling at the end of the message.
Choose the first few words with wisdom and to
accurately put you in their heart just where you
want.
5. Post speech. Hang around a few minutes
afterwards to absorb the accolades. Shake hands.
Smile. Do this especially if you feel you didn't
do your best. Most of the time we're tempted to
flee after a poor engagement. Don't. By staying
and being personal you will leave an impression
that will actually strengthen your speech. That's
right. If they like you, they will like what you
said more - even after the fact. They will
position you as a friend. They will review the
message and reflect on it as better than it really
was. That's the power of positioning.
6. Your leave behinds. Do you have a hand out? A
book? A tape? A business card? Make sure all these
reflect you accurately as well. After you're long
gone they may pull your materials out again and
say, "Why don't we have (your name here) back? I
really like (him/her)."
Never underestimate the law of positioning. And
never forget that you control it.
Paul Evans is the creator of Instant Speaking
Success, helping over 17,000 speakers move from
dull to dynamic.
http://www.instantspeakingsuccess.com
This article is free for republishing
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com
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