We all have had that terrifying moment when we were suddenly called upon to speak in front of others: the wedding host asks us to give a toast, the conference leader asks us to introduce a speaker, the meeting facilitator (or your boss) asks, “What’s your opinion about this?”
You don’t have to run away screaming; freeze in panic; or shrink into a corner sucking your thumb while rocking back and forth.
The first thing to do is to accept the opportunity. I try to never decline an opportunity to speak, if at all possible. Public speaking, even briefly, is a mandatory leadership skill.
Then manage your anxiety. Acknowledge it to yourself.
Stay centered. You are you. Stay oriented in the present moment.
Enjoy yourself. Take a deep breath. View it as a conversation, not as a performance.
You are in a no-lose, win situation if you do the above.
The next step is to have a template; a template that works in nearly every situation. Here are some suggestions.
First, reframe the situation in your own mind as an opportunity to explain and expand instead of a threat.
Slow down, focus and listen. Paraphrase any questions. This lets you understand the question, reframe it, and pause to think of your response. “Yes, and…”
Tell a story with structure.
- Problem, solution, benefit
- What, So What, Now What
- and my favorite: Here it is. Ain’t it great. However.
Here is a structure for an impromptu toast:
- Greet Them:
“Good day / morning / evening / …”
2. State the Event:
“As we all know, we are here to …”
3. Create Common Ground:
“We all …”
4. Explain Who You Are & Why You Are Here:
“I’ve …”
5. Call to action:
“So lets all …
- Raise a glass.”
- Give a round of applause”
- Bow our heads”
Toastmasters suggests a PREP template:
- Point
- Reason
- Example
- Point
Or they suggest a Pro / Con template:
- Pro
- Con
- Recommendation
I would add a “Frame the Subject” step before the Pro / Con.
In Summary,
Be yourself.
Hold a conversation with your friends (the audience.)
Tell them about your passion.
Call them to action.