Professionally Speaking: Interviewing Global Speakers

If you want to increase your emcee skills and boost your professional speaking ability one of the key techniques I would encourage you try is to always have a list of five (5) questions you can ask any person you meet.

PS Tip 1: Remember to keep these questions highly professional, contextual and relevant.

PS Tip 2: Ensure these questions are not going to date your interview content later. For example you wouldn't ask someone - 'how do people survive this current recession?'. You would reword this and ask 'How can people get ahead during tough financial times?' - this simple change of language ensures you can use this interview content for years to come.

I am off to attend the National Speakers Association International Conference in New York City today and I am excited about watching other emcees 'do their thing' on the platform - until next time,

Keep professionally speaking,

Professionally Speaking-Are you nervous?

As a speaker or emcee, one of the biggest challenges is combating nervousness. While nerves are a good thing in that they help to keep you focussed, they can also trip you up which can create a snowball effect.

 High protocol events, such as the Sydney Institute's annual dinner, reported by Peter Hartcher of the SMH,   http://www.smh.com.au/news/peter-hartcher/australia-in-for-a-rudd-awakening/2008/04/17/1208025377  where the emcee " mangled the Prime Minister's name", can be particularly daunting.

 

PS Tip: Get the correct pronunciation of any names, even if it means contacting the speaker directly. If necessary write it phonetically or in code for yourself. (A miniature drawing of a martini once ensured I said Gin Jhin not Ghin).

Practice, Practice, Practice! Talk to the milk in the fridge so it rolls off your tongue, then take a few deep breaths and pause before you speak.