In the Presence of a Lectern
INTRODUCTION
There is one thing ALL good speakers have in common; that is, they look like they enjoy speaking - this is important because it puts the Audience at ease.
BODY
Setting the AUDIENCE at EASE starts before you get to the lectern and before you say your first word:
- As you are being introduced, make sure that you are physically presentable (tie straight. hair neat, jacket buttoned or unbuitoned as you wish, NOTES IN ORDER, etc.)
- DO NOT START for the lectern until you are sure the person introducing you is finished.
- When the person introducing you is finished, approach the lectern SMARTLY, shake their hand, SMILE and look confident.
- Place you notes on the lectern, organize any props that you may bring to the lectern. TAKE THE TIME NECESSARY.
- You do not have to begin speaking immediately.
- Bring "props" to the lectern only if you intend to use them. When displaying your props, show them so that all can see.
- WHEN READY -- take a half step back from the lectern, share your EYE CONTACT with your audience. and ...Begin your presentation with. "Mr./Madam Chairman, Ladies & Gentlemen...
- MEMORIZE YOUR OPENING for a smooth start.
- MEMORIZE YOUR CLOSE for an effective ending.
- DO NOT TOUCH THE LECTERN! It is there only to hold your notes.
- Regarding NOTES:
- make sure you can read them without bending over
- NEVER staple the pages together
- use 2 piles,sliding one to the other
- When not using your HANDS/ARMS for a gesture, let them hang comfortably at your sides, or you can have one bent at the elbow, waist high, ready for the next gesture -- whatever feels natural for you.
- (Maintain EYE CONTACT with your audience throughout the speech.
- STAND STILL, unless emphasizing a point requiring you to move.
- YOUR GOAL should be to give your presentation without the use of a lectern for effective use of BODY LANGUAGE.
- If you are going to have a "Question & Answer" session, end your presentation and allow the Chairman to call for questions. This allows the Chairman to maintain control of the meeting and should the awkward situation arise where there are no questions, the Chairman can graciously thank you, the speaker, and continue with the program.
CLOSE
- When you are finished, say "Mr/Madame Chairman,' wait for them to return to the lectern to assume control, shake their hand and sit down. There are two schools of thought about saying "Thank You" at the end of a speech. If necessary or appropriate (ie asking the audience to contribute money or donate their time) one may consider saying thank you, but the audience should be thanking your for you effort as a speaker with their hearty applause.