How an Advisor Can Become a Better Public Speaker

I started telling stories and immediately improved. However, where was I going to improve my skills if I had no audiences. I decided to gather a troop of young ladies who would be willing to entertain residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and retirement communities. I convinced them that dancing and singing for any audience is good training. I was the Master of Ceremonies, telling jokes and introducing the young ladies. We all improved. I was no longer fearful of audiences and I learned to build content, entertain and enjoy the experience.

Failures teach also. I was invited to speak before an audience of three hundred at their annual gala. I was to bring the ladies and do my part. A tropical storm blew through the area and the only attendees were the audience. They all showed, but only one of my twenty entertainers showed. The program director was in a panic. We were the entertainment. My dancer only knew one two minute routine and we were responsible for an hour. My responsibilities changed instantly. In fifteen minutes I had to devise a plan that would entertain three hundred tuxedo and gown clad dinner partiers for an hour and I was no showman.

Because of the repetition of over two years of hosting presentations the needed material was in my head. After assuring the wildly panicked program director that I could pull it off, I went to work. After one hour of story and joke telling about the exploits of a young father and husband, I left the stage with an extended standing ovation, a very excited and happy event producer, a sweat soaked suit and an extremely emotional exit and drive home. I came to the conclusion that I was ready for the big time. I was going to be paid to do this.

Since then speaking to audiences has paid off in many millions of dollars in sales revenue.

I was not paid for two years, and many of my speeches today are unpaid setup speeches that lead to a payday. Practice alone does not make perfect. Practice with constructive advice from audience attendees, other presenters, and self reflection requires a humility that will pay off, but you must be malleable and accept criticism as advice to be accepted or rejected, but always appreciated. They are trying to help.

Present frequently. Present honestly for the audience and yourself. Introduce emotion to your talks. Tell stories to illustrate points. Have fun.

By the way, I took an F for a final class grade because I refused to give a two minute book report and glad to do it. Fear of speaking is only an acceptable excuse to those who easily accept defeat.

— Read California Court Makes Insurer Cover Residential Anorexia Care on ThinkAdvisor.