Tip #1 The purpose of your speech is to get results; to help
people make changes and think or act differently. So start
with the end in mind. What do you want people to do as a
result of your speech? What do they need to know to do
this? What do they need to feel to do this?
Tip #2 Show your audience that coaching is a process. It is
different from consulting. Do some coaching (role playing)
during your presentation. Let audience members see what it
would be like to have you as their coach.
Tip #3 Determine what kind of coaching the client wants and
needs. Interview a few people before you give your program
to find out what challenges they are experiencing. The
program chair can provide you with a few names to contact.
Then use this information in your speech content.
Tip #4 People learn in three ways: Visual (what they can
see), Auditory (what they can hear), and Kinesthetic (what
they can touch). Try to include all three ways in your
speech. Most of your audience will be visual and need to
“see” what they “hear” from you. So tell your personal
stories to support your points. When the audience hears
your story(ies) they will feel connected to you.
Tip #5 People have short attention spans. Review your main
points before you end your speech. Don’t give them too much
information. Most people only remember one or two concepts
– so provide your best one or two ideas that will have the
most significance to that particular audience.
Tip #6 Be conversational by engaging the audience. Don’t
lecture the audience. Adults love to learn but don’t like
to think they are in school. Be interactive. Remember, the
audience that gets involved with your material will learn
something they can use immediately. A great speaker wants
the audience to “own” his/her material.
Tip #7 Use humor. This keeps the audience interested and
they learn better.
I don’t mean telling jokes. Use deprecating humor or make
comments on common every day events, you know, the human
condition. Bill Cosby is great at this. Think of others
who do this well and emulate their style.
Tip #8 Use strong openings. Examples: a story, a
significant statement, a quotation, a challenging question.
You really only have 60 seconds to connect with your
audience. Then you must provide a speech that engages them.
Using personal stories and sprinkling your remarks with
humor will keep them interested
Tip #9 Use Strong Closings. Examples: Provide a summary.
(Tell ‘em what you told them) Review the main points, make
a statement, tell an anecdote. Finally challenge them to
take some action . . . immediately, in the next 48 hours, in
one week, by the end of the year.
Tip #10 Use an evaluation form. This will provide you with
feedback to grow and make course corrections as needed.
Keep it short and always ask, “Who else would benefit from
this program?” “May I call you to get this information?”
Then follow up!