Last month, I attended a conference on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation in Montreal.
As you may know, this is a cause I am passionate about.
Serious business is an understatement.
And yet, I found myself consistently engaged, even entertained, by speakers who clearly shared my heartfelt feelings, but managed to convey their messages with clever presentations.
The common thread was that all the presenters were doctors, not trained performers.
This got me thinking about just what does make a successful speaker? More than words Here are ten tips to keep you on track at Speakers' Corner: 1.
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
There is no substitute.
2.
Keep things moving - humour gets the ball rolling - but remember you're not auditioning for comedy central.
3.
Lighten up - by all means make a joke at your own expense, never anyone else's.
4.
Use power point for just that - to make a powerful point and not to dazzle with your techie finesse.
5.
All systems go? The more, multi-media involved, the more important a "dress-rehearsal" becomes.
Double-check everything that plugs in, before the first speaker is called to the stage.
6.
Mistakes do happen.
When you slip-up, acknowledge it and move on.
7.
Personalized - acknowledging you took the photos for your presentation.
Personal - crossing a fine line and sharing too much information.
When in doubt, leave it out.
8.
Focus on impeccable grooming and your poise and a polished performance will fall into place.
9.
When you begin speaking, take a deep breath and begin speaking as you exhale.
Otherwise, if you begin speaking after you exhale, you will start speaking being out of breath and nervousness will appear.
10.
Don't take yourself too seriously and connect with your audience.