I came across Mackay's 35 to Stay Alive, popular author and speaker Harvey Mackay's 35 tips to a successful speaking engagement. It seems that while Harvey is quite a successful author and businessman, his website is lacking. It's built using frames!! So, to access the entire list, click "How Harvey Can Help" and scroll down until you see "Public Speaking."
Nevertheless, the list is helpful and interesting. Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Room size
2. Room size
3. Room size. If a hundred are going to attend, the room size should hold 75. If five hundred people are coming, the room should hold four hundred. You want the excitement of a standing room only bumper to bumper crowd.
12. You can also use masking tape to seal off the back rows in order to insure the audience will fill in the front rows first. Your audience will want to scatter... you want them compact.
13. Always try to have a real pro introduce you... not someone who is a poor speaker being given the honor because of their status in the organization. Introducers are critical... the stage must be set.
14. Have the first row set very close to the stage. Too much space between the speaker and the first row creates a lack of chemistry with the audience.
16. Never, never, never end your program with a question and answer session. You cannot control the agenda or the quality of the questions and the fireworks of your topic can end with a fizzle. Start the Q & A five minutes before the end of your talk, then transition from one of your answers to a real climax.
17. Most people are shy about asking the first question; therefore, you may get stymied by an awkward silence. Break the ice by stating that problem and then saying... "Okay, we'll start with the second question!"
21. Allow every organization to audio or video tape you gratis. Put your bread on the water and don't get too big headed for your own good.
28. Send a creative gift to the key person who helped you with the logistics, set up, and preparation for your speech. They are often overworked and under appreciated. They will never forget you for it.
29. Whether it's ten minutes, or ten hours, do not go over your allotted time. This puts additional pressure on all concerned. Remember: Agreements prevent disagreements. Have a perfect understanding of your time frame and what is expected of you.
34. If you don't have a smashing "opener" and "closer," go back to the drawing board. And, don't step up to the microphone until you do.
35. Debrief yourself within twenty-four hours of a speech, and take ten minutes to write down what you could do better the next time. With so many unknowns, the amount to be learned is infinite. Try something new every time you speak and you'll never become stale.
