Think Before You Cancel
---------Your Presentation
I gave a keynote speech the day after my father's funeral. And it was the best thing I could have done. It was a very emotional time, of course. It was sudden, it was traumatic, it was extremely sad, etc.But - I was scheduled to give a speech.People were counting on me, expecting me to show up, and some re-arranged their schedules to be there.But my Dad just died and I agonized over what I should do - to go or not to go - to speak or not to speak.That was the question.I finally chose to speak and I knew I had made the right decision.For one I know my Dad would never want me to do anything that would hinder business, two, I didn't want to disappoint my client and the audience members, and three I love presenting, especially on public speaking. I knew it would be good for me to do what I love to do.
When I arrived I chose to focus on the audience and my presentation rather than my father's untimely death.I thought about giving the audience what they came for (tips on public speaking) and to also be entertained.Remember, this was a keynote not a training program.I think it ended up being one of my best presentations.I decided to have fun with the audience, to be totally into my presentation, and to keep them awake, alert, and alive. Maybe I made more of an effort than usual because of my circumstance.I was so afraid of losing it in front of everyone with my sad feelings and emotions.But none of it came through.
I still respected my Dad and was there for my mother and family after the presentation, but I was actually in better spirits and was able to handle the rest of the week much easier than I probably would have.
There are several messages from this personal story that I have shared with you.
1 - When you have a presentation to give and you don't think you can handle it due to any certain circumstances that may arise, consider still giving that presentation.You will probably be glad you did.
2 - Always focus on your audience and what they need.Forget about your own feelings and be there for them.Get into the presentation and you will thrive.
3 - When something makes you sad, do something you love.If you love public speaking, go give a speech.If you hate public speaking, still go give a speech.Most people feel good after speaking in public no matter how scared they may be of it.
And - if you ever find yourself contemplating if you should give a speech or not (for whatever reason) choose to speak!
Great Presentation"
Receive this
free article
when you subscribe
to the
PEP Ezine
free monthly tips on public speaking.
Enter your
email address now
