And I got a big taste of that last night in a talk I gave in New York City. I arrived and learned that the room booked for the event was under construction , a fact omitted from all the booking conversations the organizers had had. (They'd There’d been just enough notice of the room change that an organizer was able to bring a projector from his office, and it wasn’t quite compatible with my laptop—what were the odds of that happening?--so I’m always coaching speakers to plan ahead, then be ready for anything on the ground. That's two different mindsets: One to get ready, rehearsing

speaker introductions, room setup, proper staging and lighting, knowledge of audio/visual equipment and technology) Implementing techniques to understand, connect with, and engage audiences including those made up of diverse members Acquiring the skills for different delivery methods (e.g., purchasing supplies, managing inventory, cost control) Creating and organizing office systems (e.g., MY PROFILE EVENTS INSIDE NSA TOOLS MEMBER SERVICES CHAPTERS/GROUPS PUBLICATIONS BLOGS Related Topics

It's always satisfying to work with an organization that's on the ball, organized, well-prepared and cares enough about their own people to make sure everything is in place for them to get the most out of a training or conference. Survey the organization I have two questionnaires: one is about the company in general and how my presentation fits into the overall theme of the conference or training, and the other is a questionnaire for individuals who will be attending my workshop, to find out what their public speaking needs are. I just got back from a fabulous quickie trip to San Diego where I delivered a training at a gorgeous resort to a group of fun and willing participants (welcome, ECGMC blog visitors!).

Here's what's on my list of reminders that come in handy when you're lucky enough to be in demand as a speaker: Double-check and record all your logistical arrangements: From travel arrangements to audio-visual equipment, make sure you've got your bases covered--and can carry those details with you in a PDA, thumb drive or other portable device. Set up the path before or on your arrival. Don't forget the grace notes: Before, during and after your speech, take the time to listen to and thank the organizers--when women still have a tough time getting on programs, it's important

How and whether you follow up with your organizers, audience and followers can make the difference between a good speech and a great one . That may be a program committee or individual organizer, as well as anyone who recommended you as a speaker to the group in question. Organizers and meeting chairs need feedback, and you can use this opportunity to let them know your interest in speaking again. Plenty of speakers focus on preparation and delivery. But in week 13 of Stephanie's online coaching, I want to be sure she--and all of you--keep in mind what happens after your

It's also important to get to know program managers from a variety of groups, organizations, clubs and companies, to ensure that you have wider opportunities to speak . Who is managing the audio-visual equipment? Be prepared for the program organizer to ask whether you'll cover specific topics of interest to the group, and be honest about which of them you can handle and which you won't cover. If you're serious about public speaking, at some point you'll be working with a program manager--the person who arranges events and speakers--to get yourself on a program.

The Myers-Brigg Type Indication Made Easy or check with your organization's human resources department to see if they offer an assessment. Speakers face all sorts of variables that can and do go wrong, from broken audio-visual systems to less time than they prepared for. You may tell yourself you're no good at speaking--or succeed one time and do poorly another, for reasons that escape you. But if you haven't taken the time to think through factors like your personality type, gender and how you handle anxiety, you won't really know .