Last year, I conducted a series of training sessions for one of the world’s largest cruise lines and delivered numerous speeches during the course.  Although I’ve enjoyed cruising vacations, this was my first professional undertaking with the cruise industry.  It was a fascinating introduction and the entire program took place at the corporate headquarters — not “on-board.”

This taste of the industry has piqued my interest; so I’m now anticipating the next phase — as a guest speaker on an actual cruise.  I think of it as a departure from my usual stomping grounds — from boardroom to on-board.  The intention is to get both a better perspective of cruise staff training needs and passenger behaviour, to ultimately develop some timely protocols for both groups.  Although a guest speaker’s responsibility is “to speak”, the social aspect is equally as important.  Hosting a table at dinner, being available to discuss informally the finer points of your speech, and being sociable, friendly and approachable are all part of the job.

Fun and glamorous?  Perhaps. What most aspiring cruise guest speakers may not realize is that the remuneration is the cruise itself, and not, I might add, first class or a stateroom with balcony.  Most guest speakers, unless they are true celebrities, are assigned an inside cabin on a low deck.  Nevertheless, I’m getting ready, thinking about some new luggage and preparing myself for un bon voyage!

——————————————————————————————–

Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter

Many people are reluctant to ask a question. Call it inhibition or self-consciousness, bottom line; it’s good old-fashioned fear — getting in the way. On the other hand, there are folks just waiting to hear the sound of their own voices. Often “specialists” in one-upmanship, they tend to monopolize the time allowed, making everyone uncomfortable.

I’ve compiled a guide to help increase the comfort zone for everyone, so question periods become effective and useful tools.

Maximizing Q & A Period at Your Next Meeting

1. Frame your question carefully before raising your hand.
2. When there’s a large group, wait till you have the microphone, before asking your question.
3. Pause, and wait for the audience to settle down.
4. Briefly thank the speaker. A simple — “Thank you for taking my question” — is sufficient.
5. Don’t use the speaker’s first name unless the atmosphere is casual and all the participants are on equal footing.
6. Introduce yourself but keep it short; “I’m Bob Jones from IT and my question is…..”
7. Speak up. Your brief introduction is a personal sound check. Modify your voice if you think you can’t be heard.
8. One question only is the rule — stay focused. Weaving multiple questions together isn’t fair play.
9. Same goes for a complicated question requiring a long, drawn out answer. This isn’t the right forum for explaining the quantum theory. Keep your question simple.
10. If you’ve already asked your question but sense it overstepped boundaries — too complicated, requires an elaborate answer, has caught the speaker off-guard — immediately back off and say; “I think this is a subject for another time. Thank you.”
11. Avoid sensitive questions that could offend either the speaker or the audience. What works in the movies is just plain rude in real life.

We’d like to hear from you. Please let us know your thoughts.

——————————————————————————————-

Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter
Assess your Executive Presence with our NEW Self-Assessment Tool

Last month, I attended a conference on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation in Montreal.  As you may know, this is a cause I am passionate about.  Serious business is an understatement. 

And yet, I found myself consistently engaged, even entertained, by speakers who clearly shared my heartfelt feelings, but managed to convey their messages with clever presentations. The common thread was that all the presenters were doctors, not trained performers. This got me thinking about just what does make a successful speaker?

More than words

Here are eight tips to keep you on track at Speakers’ Corner:

• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. There is no substitute.
• Keep things moving – humour gets the ball rolling – but remember you’re not auditioning for comedy central.
• Lighten up – by all means make a joke at your own expense, never anyone else’s.
• Use power point for just that – to make a powerful point and not to dazzle with your techie finesse.
• All systems go? The more, multi-media involved, the more important a “dress-rehearsal” becomes. Double-check everything that plugs in, before the first speaker is called to the stage.
• Mistakes do happen. When you slip-up, acknowledge it and move on.
• Personalized – acknowledging you took the photos for your presentation. Personal – crossing a fine line and sharing too much information. When in doubt, leave it out.
• Focus on impeccable grooming and your poise and a polished performance will fall into place.

Read more about my commitment to Organ and Tissue Donation:  Readers Digest Feature Article

Sign up for my FREE teleseminar- How to Create a Professional and Personal Image Plan on Tuesday July 28th 12-1pm Eastern Standard Time- Check your time zone! * You will learn how to create a plan that includes- all of the topics you should be familiar with to get the professional and personal image you want to project.  Register Now

Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter