The moment you rise to speak you assume a position of leadership. It doesn't matter if you are standing before two, 2,000, or 20,000 people. The very essence of any presentation is to move others to action - to inspire change.

Great leaders are great communicators, yet not everyone can utter a phrase like Winston Churchill. Few of us can hold the attention of an audience like Colin Powell. And it's a rare person who can tell a story like Paul Harvey. 


You don't have to be a media star or reside in the pages of our history books to make presentations with power and confidence. You can learn from these power presenters by simply following their examples.

Why should you be concerned about polishing your speaking abilities? Think about the individuals at the top of your profession and you will no doubt find excellent presenters. Isn't their success tied to their ability to persuade?

John Graham of Graham Communications summed up the value of speaking in these terms: "Speaking, like writing, is valuable in business because it reflects an ability to think, analyze ideas, make judgments, develop arguments that command attention and organize information in a way that moves people to action."

As one executive observed, "Just five minutes in front of the right audience can be worth more than a whole year behind your desk."

Here are three ways for executive "leader" speakers to move people to action:

"Discover" your best speaking style

My experience in training executives to be effective presenters has reinforced the fact that many leaders who are not natural speakers have learned the techniques necessary to communicate forcefully. Their voices are not typical of the so-called "professional" speaker, yet they do captivate their audiences.

If you think you must dramatically change your style when standing before a group, you are making a serious misconception that will perpetuate your speaking fear. After all, if you try to alter your natural manner on the platform, how can you possibly relax and "be yourself." 

To find your "best" speaking style, speak conversationally - it will break down any barriers that exist between you and your audience.

Is there really a great difference between talking while you are sitting down or standing behind a lectern? Perhaps that is our perception, but the objective while speaking publicly is to communicate as naturally as possible. Remember, effective speaking is simple speaking

Never read your speech

You can practice your presentation until it becomes second nature. You may even memorize your speech, yet there is one rule you must not break: Never, never read your speech. What are the results of reading? It's been said, "The last time someone deliberately read to you, it was your mother, and she was trying to put you to sleep." 

Speakers who read a presentation will likely never connect with the audience. Even worse, their speech will probably be forgotten as quickly as the session is over.

What glues so many speakers to the written text? Fear!

You should expect to be anxious and feel the adrenaline pumping before beginning your speech. But some speakers write out every word and tenaciously cling to their text. They are nervous about losing their train of thought or "freezing" on the platform. 

So, how do we neutralize these fears and give a memorable presentation - without reading? Great keynote speakers are usually great "keyword" speakers. They arrive at their destination by carefully following this "three-step" method of preparation:

Step one: Write your speech completely - word for word.
Step two: From the finished product, make an outline.
Step three: Create a "keyword" outline - choose words that will remind you of the content in each main point.

See your notes as a vital part of your presentation, not an escape hatch in case your mind suddenly goes blank. When you know your material, the keyword outline is all you need. It only takes a split second to glance down, look at the word, and deliver the material from your heart

Speak with passion and you'll inspire others

Powerful, memorable addresses are the result of a deep passion the speaker has for his or her subject. It is virtually impossible to inspire others if you are not personally committed.

However, it is not enough to speak with passion and enthusiasm - you must transfer those same feelings to your audience. The transference comes through your voice, your gestures, your body movement and your mastery of platform skills.

Inspiration is contagious - even more so in the hands of a capable leader. You cannot fake enthusiasm; it must rise to the surface from deep within. There's no substitute for that fire-in-the-belly passion that causes your audience to feel something.

SHERMAN'S LAWS OF SPEAKING

* Become aware of your distracting habits.
* Keep both hands free.
* Gestures should mirror your thoughts.
* Make your movements deliberate.
* Dress conservatively.
* Don't seek perfection, but naturalness. 

Rob Sherman is an attorney, speaker and author of Sherman's 21 Laws of Speaking: How to Inspire Others to Action. Cedar Creek Press. $14.95 plus $3 S/H. To order, call toll-free: 877-532-3372. Rob founded the Sherman Leadership Group based in Columbus, Ohio, and works with business and association executives who want to take their speaking and leadership skills to a higher level.

For more information about our executive speech coaching workshops and our highly interactive half-day or day long seminar programs, please call the Sherman Leadership Group at 614-472-3200 or email us at RobSherman@ShermanLeadership.com