Page 188 - The New Articulate Executive_ Look, Act and Sound Like a Leader

HOW TO READ A PREPARED TEXT LIKE A PRO 179

a response—and if you don’t respond, you could appear to be not
plugged in to what is happening around you. With luck, you will be
able to respond with a line that not only spins off the introduction
but also makes a business point relative to what you’ve come to talk
about.
But don’t push your luck. If you have a prepared text and can’t

figure out a way to weave in a one-liner without hurting your strong
start, forget it. Just go ahead and begin the way you had planned.
If you are carrying your speech with you (i.e., if it is not already
waiting at the lectern), conceal it as much as possible by wrapping it
around your thigh away from the audience. So as you walk to the
lectern, you are carrying the speech close to your leg.
You have already memorized at least the opening line or two, per-

haps the first couple of sentences, so there is no need to look down
once you get to the lectern. When at the lectern, still trying to keep
your manuscript hidden, ease the speech onto the lectern. Look at
your audience while you’re doing this. If you are right-handed, place
the body of the speech on the left side, with the top page on the right.
Reverse that procedure if you are left-handed. With the speech
spread out this way, you won’t have to move the page for at least the

first minute or so.
Now position yourself back far enough so you can still touch the
lectern, but at the same time have a good angle for your eye to hit the
page. If the lectern is adjustable and someone else spoke before you,
adjust the lectern so the rear portion is just below your sternum.
Once you begin speaking, slide the pages over as needed—never
turn them. Sliding will minimize the perception that you have a
prepared text and help give the impression you are speaking from
notes or an outline. This, in turn, will reinforce the perception that
you are not reading—which can only mean that you know what you
are talking about. After five or ten minutes you might begin to get

a little antsy—but resist the temptation to let it show by rocking or
swaying (see Chapter 23).