Do not read your speech

Do not read your speech – with these exceptions:

Your lawyer instructed you to read it.
You are introducing a piece of legislation.
You are the elected leader of your country.

Reading your speech sounds cold, uncommitted and unconvincing.

If you want to sound warm – don’t read your speech.
If you want to sound passionate – don’t read your speech.
If you want to sound credible – don’t read your speech.

Don’t read your speech. It will feel like a lecture – cold and detached.

Do not read your speech.

It is okay to work from notes. Your notes should consist of key words and phrases – to remind you of what you intend to say. Glance at the key words – then deliver the rehearsed message directly to your audience.

Do not read your speech.

George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That is some sound advice. It's amazing how often people rely on a word for word written out speach only to get flustered and lost. That's even more of a disaster than seeming cold and detached.