Dear Allan and Allan: Answers to Four Public Speaking Questions

Dear Allan and Allan,

I have been offered a new position at a company where I really would like to work. The only problem is this position would require me to give lots of presentations. I am just not comfortable or skilled in public speaking. What should I do?

Adlina in Washington, DC

Dear Adlina,

Becoming comfortable and skilled speaking in front of groups is becoming more necessary if you want to progress in your career. The US and other countries are in a service and information economy, and effective communications skills are critical. Here are some suggestions for you.

1. Take a course in public speaking.

2. Join Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org).

3. Invest in yourself by hiring a public speaking coach.

Whatever you do, do something. Once you become more comfortable and develop your skills, you will feel better about yourself and have many more opportunities to grow in your career.

Allan and Allan

Dear Allan and Allan,

At a break during a recent presentation, I was in the restroom and noticed that the top 3 buttons on my blouse were undone. I was horrified. My audience couldn't help notice what I had on under my blouse. I fastened the buttons and went out to reface my audience. I know the rest of my presentation was adversely affected by my embarrassment. What should I have done?

Red-faced in Rhode Island.

Dear Red-faced,

We understand how you must have felt. Be thankful that you had something on under your blouse. Once, Allan Misch's fly was open during the first half of his presentation. At the break, in the restroom, he too discovered the embarrassing problem. Here's what he did. Like you, he corrected the problem. He zipped up his fly. Then he continued to present to the audience as if nothing happened. Another speaker we know had his suit cleaned the night before he was to speak. The suit came back with all of the jacket buttons missing. At the beginning of his presentation, he called attention to the problem. He and his audience had a good laugh, then he proceeded. We recommend that you forget what you can't change, and either call attention to the potentially embarrassing situation, if appropriate, or just move on.

Allan and Allan

Dear Allan and Allan,

Recently, I briefed the vice president of our division. I wanted him to authorize additional money for my project. I had 3 reasons for him to do so. I only got through the first reason, my least important one, when he had to leave for another meeting. I didn't get the money I needed. How can I avoid this problem in the future?

Busted in Boston

Dear Busted,

Sorry about the missed opportunity. We tell our clients to order their points from most important to least important when presenting to decision makers. If you get cut off, as you did, you'll get your most important 1 or 2 points across and improve your possibilities for getting what you're requesting. If you don't get cut off, in your close, summarize by reordering your points from least important to most important. This way, you can make your request immediately after stating the most important point.

Allan and Allan

Dear Allan and Allan,

Recently I gave a presentation. At the end of my talk, I began a Question and Answer (Q&A) session, but nobody asked a question. So I just wrapped up my talk. What should I have done?

Max in Michigan

Dear Max,

You may not get questions if your program is running late, just before lunch, break, or the end of the day. You won't get questions if your audience doesn't understand your presentation, or if it doesn't meet their needs. In these situations, just conclude, and let them leave.

Also, most people don't like to be the first to ask a question. You can start by offering the first question from a list of questions for which you have prepared answers in advance. Say, "One question I get often is <question>?" Usually, audience questions will follow. If not, make your concluding remarks and end.

During a break, if someone asks you a question, you could say, "That's a great question. Others in the audience can benefit from hearing your question. Would you mind asking me it during the Q & A session?"

Allan and Allan

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Allan and Allan are public speaking coaches and trainers, specializing in helping professionals get rid of their speaking fears rapidly and develop effective speaking skills. Be the confident, engaging speaker you were meant to be. You can contact them at nosweatspeaking.com