You’ve been selected to deliver your company’s keynote address at a big upcoming conference, but the only problem is you have no idea how to do one. The following are a few simple tips you can follow in order to make things go more smoothly.
Tip #1 – Preparation
Every good speech needs to have a theme, and in this case it should be about something that your company finds important. It could be as simple as connectivity, or as complicated as dedicated fulltime support. Whatever the theme is, be certain that it’s something that you yourself believe in as well. Nothing can drag your delivery down quicker than speaking about something that you can’t really get behind.
Tip #2 – Delivery
Practice makes perfect, or so the saying goes. Brush up on your public speaking skills, and be sure you hit all of your points. Try to allow for some audience participation by leaving time for applause, or other suitable reactions that may occur. If you’re going to take questions at some point during your speech, be sure you mention that early on, so everyone knows to wait for the appropriate point. A good delivery can make or break a keynote address, so you better be ready to put your best foot forward.
Tip #3 – Keeping Track Of Minutes
When you write your speech, you should definitely keep an accurate clock on how long it’s going to take. Compare that time to the amount that’s been allotted to you. You can’t afford to be running out of those precious minutes three quarters of the way through your address. It won’t reflect well on you, or your company. If you do need to do some cutting, or have to improvise on the fly then make sure you follow your theme and hit your points as best that you can.
Tip #4 – Take Questions As Needed At The End
Not all endeavors require question and answer periods, but if yours does then it should be done at the end of your speech if any time remains. Please note if you plan on having a Q&A then you should make sure to include that in your allotted timeslot.
Nothing can be more rattling to your confidence than coming up short when your company asks you to do their presentation. Take your time to get reacquainted with any information, and brush up on your public speaking skills.
