Google Alerts for Speech Research

Here’s a quick way to research your speech topic – use Google Alerts. While most people will use the Google Search engine when working on a speech, most of that information is old. It could be years old, months old or at least weeks old. Wouldn’t it be great if you could get the very latest, hot off the press, what’s happening now news! Well you can if you use Google alerts. First, if you haven’t already setup an account with Google, you do have a Gmail account don’t you? Then just go the Google Alerts site and enter in the terms you want to search for on a once a day, as it happens, or once a week. Now the alerts will come to you email address automatically and your speech will almost write itself – NOT. At least now you’ll have some up to date information and stories you can use to backup your main speech topic. Give it a try. It’s FREE.

Lecterns 101

Here are a few tips on using a lectern. No, it’s not a podium – see wikipedia.

1. If you’re the Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies, you should try to sit right next to the lectern. This facilitates the transition from one speaker back to the Toastmaster and doesn’t waste everyone’s time waiting for the Toastmaster to walk back up to the lectern from the back of the room.

2. After the Toastmaster introduces a speaker, he/she should lead the applause, wait for the next speaker, shake hands and then let the speaker walk in front to take charge of the lectern.

3. In general, don’t leave the lectern unattended. If you are doing a presentation or an evaluation or any other job, when you are finished, wait until the Toastmaster comes back up to the lectern, shake hands and move on back to your seat.

4. If you’re a speaker and the lectern is cluttered with materials from the previous speaker, go ahead and remove them. On the other hand if you are a speaker and are leaving the lectern, remove your materials so that the lectern is free for the next speaker.

5. If you choose to use notes on the lectern, learn to slide them off to the side rather than turning them over page by page. It’s a bit less distracting.

6. If you are the main or only speaker, try and position the lectern where it will be best for you. You want to be as close to the audience as possible, but you also need to consider whether that position will give you enough lighting. Do you need to bring your own portable light? Are you using a projector and screen? Where is the best place for the lectern in that case?

7. Don’t grab the lectern. It’s not a security blanket and it will only inhibit your normal gestures if you get it in a death lock.

8. Don’t lean on the lectern. It makes you look too casual and a bit lazy. You want an energetic and energized performance, not one that will put people to sleep.

9. While it’s more intimate to get away from the lectern and closer to the audience, realize that by walking out front you may be turning your back on some members of the audience.

10. Ignore the lectern during the first 30 seconds. Memorize your opening , look at your audience and give them that first 30 seconds just like a pro. Then if you have to check your notes glance down at the lectern.

11. If your notes are complicated, you can leave on hand on the lectern to mark your place in the notes and then gesture with your other hand.

12. Don’t read your speech at the lectern. Nothing is more boring than watch a speaker read his/her speech while looking at the lectern.

Speaking Like They Sing – Ambassadors of Harmony

The Ambassadors of Harmony encapsulate a lot of things we would like to bring as a speaker. Energy, movement, hand gestures, facial expression and surprise.  The next time you find yourself scheduled as a speaker ask yourself the question, “How can I be more like the AOH?

(Note – they practice in St. Charles Mo., and it’s a “wow” experience to hear and see them practice.

Say It Like Obama

There are very few “Advanced” speaking technique books available, but this one shows you most of the techniques of a masterful speaker. “Say It Like Obama,” shows us the art of speaking as  presented by our President. If you’re interested in becoming a great speaker, this book is a must.

Note – I wonder why the book doesn’t mention the President’s speech-writing team headed by Jon Favreau? Newsweek has a good article on this very young writer. It’s interesting to note that in one part of the article it mentions that it took three people, three weeks to finish one speech.(click here)