You can’t assume anything prior to speaking. You need to do your
homework, even if you are asked to give a “quick” status update on
a project to your manager and a group of his or her peers. You have
the right and obligation to ask how long you are expected to speak
for, who will be there, who else may be speaking, and if there will be
a question-and-answer session. Even though questions are typically
asked at this kind of event, it’s still worth checking. Wouldn’t it be better
to know ahead of time if the questions will be asked during the
presentation or after the presentation?
You must also confirm the time and place. I know it sounds obvious,
but I was embarrassed once when I showed up for a speaking engagement
at a local Kiwanis Club and saw that there was another speaker. I
had failed to re-confirm the time with the sponsor. The sponsor didn’t
reach out to me, but I hold myself accountable for assuming I was confirmed
after the first email I received. Even if you think you know the
answers, ask questions anyway to ensure that everyone is on the same
page. Clarifying and confirming are key tools in your speaking arsenal.
Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):
- Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
- Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
- Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
- The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
- From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
- The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood
See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only) purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com