Many people - especially political figures - read their speeches word for word, rarely deviating from their speeches. They try to "look" spontaneous, but the listeners know the truth. There is no "life" in these speeches. The speaker fails to connect with the audience in a meaningful way.

You can practice your presentation until it becomes second nature. You may even memorize your speech. However, 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 never connect with the audience. Even worse, their speech will likely be forgotten as quickly as the session is over.

A STARTLED MAYOR

I once heard about a big-city mayor who hired a young speechwriter and became so dependent on him that he would not even proofread the copy - he would just start reading.

Unfortunately, the speechwriter felt he was underpaid and under-appreciated. One afternoon, at a Rotary Club meeting, as the mayor was well into his address, he turned to page three and stopped dead in his tracks. At the top of the page were these words: "Okay, big guy. You're on your own. My resignation is effective immediately!"

"CANNED" OR IMPROMPTU

You may wonder, "If I'm not supposed to read my speech, why do I see world leaders sticking to a script or reading from a teleprompter?" Certainly, there are times when a speaker - knowing the words will be reported and analyzed in the media - will speak from a prepared text. Unless you are in that category, forget about reading.

One of the most memorable moments of recent political conventions was when Elizabeth Dole left the podium and walked through the audience - delivering her address without notes. It was both riveting and effective.

The next time you watch a presidential press conference, notice the difference between the "canned," stilted opening remarks versus the responses during the question-answer session. You'll see clearly that impromptu, off-the-cuff answers result in a speaker who is more animated, humorous and captivating.

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

It is natural to be anxious and feel the adrenaline pumping before beginning your speech. Some speakers, however, write out every word and cling to their texts like children clutching a mother's skirt. They are nervous about losing their train of thought or "freezing" on the platform.

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, choosing words that will remind you of the content in each main point.

Since eye contact is so important, avoid the temptation to read complete phrases.

FROM YOUR HEART

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 takes only a split second to glance down, look at the word, and deliver the material from your heart.
Some speakers draw symbols or pictures on their note cards in place of keywords. Let's say your speech includes a point about the dangers of violence on television. You might want to draw a gun on a TV screen.

If it gives you reassurance, go ahead and write out the first two or three phrases of your speech on a note card. Don't plan to read these words. Memorize them. Just knowing they are available on the card can boost your confidence.

The only time you may want to read from a note card or a sheet of paper is when referring to a detailed statistic or when delivering a quote that must be exact.

UNDETECTED NOTES

An audience handout containing the outline of your presentation can become your lecture notes. Your copy will be an "annotated" version, complete with keywords and reminders. The audience will expect you to look at your notes, since they are following along.

Visual aids can also replace your note cards. Some speakers use either a flip chart, overhead projector or LCD projector. The headings and subheadings are not only for the audience; they are cues for the speaker.

When you glance at the handout or the visual, so will your listeners. It reinforces the message and helps maintain maximum eye contact.

EIGHT KEYS

Here are eight keys for more effective use of notes:

1. Use 4x6" cards or an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of paper. Be sure you can easily see your keywords while the card or paper is on the lectern. My personal preference is to use key words in 18-point type on a sheet of paper.

2. Number your pages or notes - in case you drop them.

3. Use only one side for notes. It's far less confusing.

4. Don't worry about glancing at your notes when necessary - at least it shows your listeners that you are prepared. But bring your eyes quickly back to the audience. 

5. Review your keywords just before the speech. Be sure each word reminds you of the complete point you need to make.

6. Don't fumble with your notes. Keep them on the lectern.

7. Practice until you feel comfortable moving away from the lectern. Stay animated. Although you may occasionally glance at your notes, consider using annotated handouts.

8. Here's a trick used by the pros. They glance at their notes only when they make a sweeping gesture or move their body. The audience is looking at the movement - and rarely notices the speaker's eyes referring to the notes.

The more you use this approach to your notes, the more comfortable you will feel, and more professional and relaxed you will appear on the platform. 

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