Two weeks ago I was delivering a leadership workshop. As part of that program I ask audience members to stand up and present on behalf of the people at their table. When I mentioned that to this group I could see several people become anxious. So I asked them this question, “How many of you here get nervous when you have to stand up and talk in front of a group of people?” Nearly every hand in the room went up. And I raised mine as well.
I told them that after more than 30 years as a professional speaker, giving talks to groups as large as 10,000 people, I still get nervous, even in front of a group of a few dozen. I shared with them that I was shaking, sweating, and had a dry mouth. They told me that it looked like I was completely comfortable. I assured them I was still feeling some anxiety. Then I explained two ideas to help them get past the fear.
The Audience Wants You to Succeed
Only a few months into my first job out of college the CEO of the company I worked for told me that I would have to give some introductory remarks at a major scientific symposium that our organization was sponsoring. On the day of the event I walked to the podium and while welcoming some of the most eminent scientists in the world, I mispronounced several of their names. About halfway through my speech, the microphone got turned off and I was signaled to leave the stage. I was devastated. It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.
That evening at dinner I was seated with several of the scientists whose names I had mangled. I thought I was going to get criticism, but instead they gave me support. They were very understanding and kind. They knew that I had been put in an unfair situation and felt bad for me. That taught me an extremely important lesson. The audience does not want you to fail.
When you get up to make a presentation, everybody in the room wants you to do a good job. They want to hear a wonderful presentation. They are not there to scrutinize every word you say or catch you in a mistake. The audience is on your team. Which brings me to my second point.
No One Knows What You Planned to Say
Many years ago I was giving a keynote speech to a group of about 1,200 executives. I had rehearsed my speech dozens of times. I had three major points I wanted to cover. When I took the stage I nailed the first point, and then as I was finishing up delivering the third point, I realized had completely forgotten to mention the second point. I was freaking out in my head. I was sure that everyone in the audience saw me having a meltdown. But after describing the third point I simply said, “Now that I think of it, there’s one more thing that needs to be added.” And I circled back and explained point number two. The speech turned out great. I got a standing ovation. And no one in the room knew that I had made a huge mistake.
It is critical that you have a clear roadmap for what you want to cover and how you’d like to say it. However, if you get off course, no one in the room knows exactly what you planned to say. Just adapt and keep moving forward.
Remember, the audience is on your team. They want you to be successful.
Take a deep breath, try to relax, and do the best you can. It will all be fine.
Organizations are expecting more from the people they bring in to speak.
A strong keynote still matters. But leaders are also looking for practical tools, planning support, useful takeaways, and someone who understands the pressure behind the event.
John Spence does not just walk on stage, deliver a keynote, and leave. He works with you as a trusted partner from the first planning conversation through the final follow-up.
