Overcome speaker lock

You’ve probably heard of writer’s block. As many public speakers know, we often suffer from a similar problem. Often times, even if you are unfamiliar with the subject, you will find yourself sitting at your computer or pencil and paper staring blankly, unsure of what to say. It can be quite frustrating!

Public speakers want to offer unique content in their presentations. Often this means giving a talk on a familiar topic in a fresh and interesting way. What do you do when you are faced with a “speaker crash”? Maybe you could chime in in the comment section below. For now, let us offer you some suggestions.

Stop thinking about your topic and start thinking about your audience.

This may sound strange, but if you’re not careful, you can more easily focus on the content than on those to whom you will deliver that content. Step away from your notes and think about how this topic could help your audience. For example, if you talk about family relationships, instead of trying to create unique content first, think about the relationships of those who will listen to you. put yourself in their place. How have they struggled lately? How would their lives be better if they could grasp and apply your message?

Stay away from your notes and practice delivering your speech extemporaneously.

Imagination is a wonderful thing. When released, it will prosper. Like a wild animal, it will suffocate in captivity. Put down your notes and go out and deliver your message to an imaginary audience. You might be surprised how the creative juices start to flow. Chances are, you will soon be back in your notes writing furiously about what came to your mind in this exercise.

Think about your message.

The message is not delivery. The message is the grain of truth … the only central idea that you came to convey. Unfortunately, you can’t just stand up and speak that truth in a sentence and then sit down. (Although sometimes that would be preferable!) Instead, you should include stories, humor, and lots of other words in an effort to convey a message that would likely only take a couple of sentences. take time to think about that message, idea or truth. Think how important it is. Think about what it means to you. Sometimes this is enough to get things working again.

Go do something else for a bit.

This may not be possible if you have postponed your preparation to the last minute or if you have not been given much advance notice. However, in most cases you can afford a break. Go for a walk. Bake something. Take a nap. Do anything other than think about your talk. Sometimes this is just the rest you need.

Delivering unique content consistently is difficult. It requires work, time and experience. The best public speakers struggle to stay cool. What is your experience?

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