Like it or not, the CEO must be — or become— a good public speaker. Whether at a Rotary lunch, a congressional hearing, a United Way rally or an economics forum, it’s all the same. You’re speaking to people who will judge you and your company on how well you perform. Find a tutor if it makes you feel better.
A few tips:
- It’s good to be nervous beforehand. It keeps you on your toes.
- Speak slowly, enunciate clearly.
- Don’t make wisecracks that no one understands. No quips looking for that faint snicker. You’re not the comedian hired to make the audience laugh.
- If you must tell a story to illustrate your topic, make it short. Brevity is the hallmark of a good speech.
- Find a cadence in your words. Modulate your voice so you don’t sound robotic.
- Find three faces across the middle of the room, rotate your head speaking to each one of them personally.
- Never, ever, read a speech unless you are presenting at a medical conference.
- Make it fun. Look like you’re enjoying yourself. You’re not in a dentist chair.
A few tips for appearing on television:
Always hire a tutor before you go on TV for the first time. They’ll tell you the following:
- Remember to speak to the person asking you the questions, not the camera
- never wear a white shirt or blouse.
- speak slowly and crisply.
- keep your hands still, folded on the desk in front of you or on your lap.
- Smile— You know more than the person asking the question.
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