The other day I attended a talk on procurement by a university lecturer who had vast experience in the corporate world.  The talk could have been really interesting but wasn’t.  Why? Because he assumed that his audience were all larger companies with full time purchasing and procurement departments.   In fact we were the opposite and had he done his homework he could have turned the talk around 180 degrees and looked at ways that smaller organisations can negotiate effectively with the buyers in larger companies.

He had all the knowledge and experience needed for an immensely useful talk but his chosen approach was not relevant to the audience.  What’s even worse is that he found out this mismatch early on in the presentation and did nothing about it.  he just stuck to his plan and thus continued to alienate his audience.

So what can we learn from this situation:

1) Do your research – understand your audience before you speak – don’t assume!

2) Tailor your message yo suit the needs of your audience – make it relevant.

It’s not rocket silence but yet still thousands of presenters fall into this trap every day!   I hope you won’t after reading this post.

Let me know your thoughts by posting a comment now!

I recently heard Sir Digby Jones being interviewed on BBC Radio 4.  When he admitted that he still got nervouse every time he spoke he took a bit of a ribbing from interviewer John Humphries.   Somehow people think that experienced speakers don’t get nervous.   What a load of rubbish.  Even the best speakers get nervous.  The difference is that they know how to manage those nerves.  One simple tip is to reframe or change the way you think about them.

1. See your nerves as something positive – Remember that the symptoms of nerves are caused by adrenalin and that is a source of energy which can be utilised to enhance your delivery.
2. Having nerves means that you care. If you don’t feel any nerves your speech will almost certainly be dull, boring and banal.

So next time you contemplate public speaking let go of your fear and welcome in those nerves.  Imagine the energy coursing through your body and channel it into your voice, gaze and gestures and  see it as a way of enhancing your connection with your audience.

I have been enjoying watching the first two episodes of “The Speaker”, the BBC’s new public speaking competition for teenagers. Already there have been some outstanding performances and it’s been interesting to see who and why the judges have chosen to go through to the top 20.

I have also been feeling for the people who dried up in mid speech. Why does this happen and what can be done about it?

Of course there isn’t a simple answer. In my book practice practice and more practice is critical when you have to deliver a strong message in a short time. Once you have developed a draft of the content, rehearse it and amend it a number of times until the language flows easily and “feels right”. If there are any stumbling blocks that you continually trip over then change them! Try alternative phrases until you get it right.

Finally, let go of the script and trust your ability in the moment. If you try to be word perfect and you make a mistake the whole flow is lost and self doubt comes crashing in on you. This was all to evident for some contestants in “The Speaker”.

Yes you need a structure and a logical flow but if you hold on too closely it can become a straitjacket.

Here in the UK, the BBC is about to launch an exciting series of bi-weekly programmes aimed at finding Britain’s best young speaker. The series which launches at 7pm on Tuesday 7th April in the UK is called “The speaker”. In this epic elimination show, thousands of 14 to 18 year olds will compete in a series of challenges. They’ll need passion, personality and confidence. Week on week they’ll be put through their paces to test every aspect of their communication skills.

The Speaker will see tough-talking teens, class jokers and shy, sensitive types go head to head as they learn to talk publicly and passionately about the things that matter to them.  Eventually one of them will become Britain’s Best Young Speaker.

This programme promises to be exciting, educational and entertaining and will be a must for adults and children alike.  If you want to learn how to improve your presentation and communication skills watch this programme if you can.    I’ll also be blogging on the result and and top tips on a regular basis so make sure you bookmark this site!

More about the show…

The Search

14-18 year olds from across the UK were invited to apply to take part in The Speaker. Their one minute application speeches could be on any subject from pop music to politics or hoodies to homework.

From the entries received our Judges selected 160 Speakers. They were invited to the next stage – the auditions being held in Manchester, London, Cardiff and Glasgow.

At the auditions, the Speakers delivered their one minute speech again, but this time it was in front of the Judging Panel. And they were watched by their competitors and an expectant audience.

The Speakers needed to keep their cool. Only 20 were selected by the Judges to go through to the next stage.

The Top Twenty

From here on in the competition gets tough as the 20 Speakers are put through their paces. They will have to impress the Judges as only eight will progress to the final stages. They will go through a series of challenges that test their communication, conviction and improvisational skills further.

The Top Eight

Over four shows the final eight will be helped by celebrity Mentors. The finalists will be set challenges that will see them learn new skills and put into practice everything they’ve learnt so far. The locations for these challenges could be anywhere in the world as The Speaker nears its nail-biting and dramatic conclusion.

Each show, their speeches are evaluated by the Judges and their Mentor. The three Speakers who fail to impress the judges will have to go head-to-head in a final speaking challenge. One hopeful youngster is then eliminated from the contest. By the last episode in the series, only three will remain.

The Final

The final three will face their biggest challenge yet. They will be asked to push themselves even further as they compete to win the title!

They’ll have to draw on every piece of advice and experience that they have learnt so far. This is the last chance to deliver the speech of their lives.

And as the Judges give their final verdict, the question on everyone’s lips is… Who will become Britain’s Best Young Speaker?