Page 135 - Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

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DELIVERING THE MESSAGE
CHAPTER 8
See your message. Videotape yourself. Again, you won’t like yourself

on the screen at first. But when you get over that, ask yourself the fol-
lowing questions:
Am I gesturing appropriately?

Do I look credible?

Would I buy something (a message or a product) from this guy?

The success of a presentation depends upon its delivery. Talk show host
Oprah Winfrey radiates empathy and understanding. Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a
professor, radiates energy and the enthusiasm of having something important
to say. When the words match the voice and body, magic can occur. It is a mat-
ter of practice and commitment to giving the audience something it can
remember.
REHEARSAL: PUTTING CONTENT TOGETHER
WITH VOICE AND BODY
No one likes to rehearse. Frankly, it is a pain. And with all the work you have put
into the presentation, you know the material, so there’s no need to worry. Right?
Wrong!
Rehearsal is important to the success of the presentation. Delivery is
where the content meets the audience. Essentially, you are taking a
two-dimensional presentation of words and pictures and moving it into three
dimensions by the addition of yourself. You are adding life to the presentation.
In this instance, you are the actor. And, to be blunt about it, actors rehearse.
Before you rehearse, take a good look at the room, starting from the rear.
If you stand at the back, you can judge for yourself how large or small you will
appear. Keep that in mind. If you plan to reveal something small, make certain
that everyone can see it, or else don’t show it.
Then go to the stage and take a moment to get familiar with it. Where will
you enter? Where will you exit? If you have visuals, where will they be? Then
go to the podium; how does it feel? Adjust the microphone to your height. That
way you can walk right up and speak. (If you have to adjust it in real time, do
it. Don’t try to talk without one.)
If time permits, run through your entire presentation, complete with visu-
als. Practice as much as you can. After your rehearsal, thank the stage crew, if
there is one. Your friendly demeanor can do a lot to improve the mood of the
crew. Treat the crew members respectfully and they will do wonders for you.
Then walk away. If you are happy, get a good night’s sleep. Read over your
speech in the morning and maybe practice in the mirror. Focus on the outcome
and relax. You are ready to stand and deliver.