Working in With a Limited Environment

I have received several questions from people regarding making presentations in a meeting environment. Such environments often restrict the use of the techniques that we have been talking about – such as gestures. They also prevent you from making eye contact with everyone in your audience. Here is an example of such a question:

I too would like to hear about making presentations at a table. For example, I often present at conferences and they have a panel… I would love to hear your perspective of the situation. Thanks so much…

B.L.

First, let’s go back to the foundation of speechmaking. Remember that a speech is primarily about communicating a message. We have a variety of methods and tools that we can use to communicate messages. These include:
• the written word
• the spoken word
• pictorial images such as paintings and photographs
• audio/visual presentation

Now let’s take a moment to consider a book. The book’s primary purpose is to communicate a message. In most cases that objective is going to be met through the written word. There may be some opportunities to supplement the writing with diagrams or pictures but without the text most books will be meaningless. With this in mind, an author will consider the words that communicate her/his message first and then look for supporting material such as the diagrams and photographs.

The same is true for presentations – the primary means of communicating is through a verbal message. Without a verbal message their really isn’t much point in the presentation.

Whenever you have an opportunity to deliver a presentation you should consider the verbal portion of the message first. One suggestion I like is that a speech should be able to stand on its own – as if it is being heard through a radio. Once you have a strong foundation you can start supplementing it with additional techniques such as props, gestures and vocal variety.

So how do we get started composing a presentation that is focused on the verbal message? Keep the fundamentals in mind:
• What is it that you want to accomplish with the speech? Are you communicating some information? Are you trying to persuade your audience to adopt a position? The answer to these questions will give you some idea of what your theme or purpose is?
• What are the points that support your purpose? Do you have anecdotal evidence (stories), data, or some other information that you should include?
• What is your audience’s knowledge/background/interest? How much information should you give them in order to hold their attention without boring them?
• How can you best organize this information in order to communicate it and hold your audience’s attention? What should the order of the points be? What should you use as an introduction (attention grabber) and conclusion (call to action)?

This list is just to help you get started. You will find more information about speech composition in the captivate section of the EffectivelySpeaking website.

Now we can talk about specific situations. If you are delivering a presentation where you are required to remain sitting at a table, use of movement is going to be restricted – however, keeping in mind that gestures are only a reinforcement of the foundation will help you understand that this is a much smaller problem than it may appear to be.

After all, you can still use other techniques to supplement your (well crafted) verbal message. Gestures might not work but you may be able to use props - if not in the form of an actual object then in the form of handouts and PowerPoint presentations. In addition you can almost always use some variety in your voice to supplement your message.

If you can’t make eye contact with everyone in the room start by making it with those that you can see. Then perhaps acknowledge those that you can not see. You could say something like, “I’m sorry that I can’t see everyone who is listening but I’m going to do my best to communicate my message in a manner that will not be affected by that.” This will help them feel included and draw them in.

A speaking situation may have limitations on what techniques you can use – but by returning to the basics of speech creation you will have the ability to use the techniques that are available to you and captivate the audience.

You are granted permission to reproduce and distribute this article provided that all of it (including these notices) is included.

Visit http://www.EffectivelySpeking.com to get your own free newsletter subscription and start overcoming your fear of public speaking.

The author and publisher of the website have used their best efforts in preparing this material. The author and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this website. They disclaim any warranties (expressed or implied) or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages from the website. Use of the informationon the website is the sole decision and at the risk of the individual(s) choosing to do so.