Be the Message of Hope

Thinking about volunteering to speak? You'll never find a more friendly audience than your friends at TRC -- and your message could really reach someone.

​Here are a few pointers you may want to incorporate:

1. Nervousness Is Normal
   The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. 
2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You
   I always start with a prayer that my 'tongue' might get out of the way of my message.
3. Stay close to the microphone.
   If you hear feedback, while it may seem natural to back off the mic, you actually want to move towards the mic.
4. End on time
   Make part of your practicing to get your thoughts across within the time allotted.
5. Let Your Personality Come Through.
   Be yourself. 
6. Tell Stories, Use Humor, and Effective Language.
   Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can also accomplish that.
7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to; work from an Outline.
   ​Reading from a script fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on track. Eyes-up also allows you to see any time-keeper's signals.