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 Unlike the original space, this room also lacked a lectern, microphone, or projection. (Yes, 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 for the ideal; two, to toss that out the window and take what the situation brings.

Visualize your success at the lectern. 'When When you visualize your success, you will be successful.' Arrive early and become familiar with the room in which you will give your presentation. Check the audio/visual equipment as needed. Here are some tips to reduce speech anxiety that I have gleaned from working with professional speakers over the last 24 years. Greet your audience as they arrive in the room.

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., MY PROFILE EVENTS INSIDE NSA TOOLS MEMBER SERVICES CHAPTERS/GROUPS PUBLICATIONS BLOGS Related Topics

When going over room setup and audio / visual requirements with a foreign logistics person, make sure you do it in advance of the presentation (hopefully several times), and have a bilingual person there to ensure that both you and the logistics person are on the same wavelength. Be in the room very early on the day of the speaking engagement (at least two hours before the public enters the room) and, if possible, have your bilingual helper there too. Terms that are familiar to most English speaking speakers are difficult to translate into a foreign language.

If you need the room set up a particular way, say so. Some of my clients fear being perceived as "pushy" if they ask for a specific room setup or equipment. We set up the room a certain way, use a microphone, bring handouts or provide certain activities so the audience learns better and retains the information that is shared . In this case, the 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!). It's always satisfying to work with an organization

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. You may need (as I have done in the past) everything from a laptop brought to your room to someone to sprint across town with new handouts. I've got a full slate of speaking engagements , already in motion, between mid-April and late May--and all over the U.S.,

About the logistics: Tell me about the room's size and shape, and how it will be set up. Be ready to share your equipment needs.) Are there any limits to the technology, room space or other logistics that I should know about? Who is managing the audio-visual equipment? 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. Stephanie's a beginning speaker who needs to establish herself with the people who can invite her to speak, but every

From the audio-visual team to the organizers or audience, be sure to take the time to let them know how much they helped you. Think of the audience beyond the room you're speaking in. 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 speech.

If you're going this route, be sure to work with the audio-visual technicians to be sure your microphone can move with you). And if you can get access to a room with a lectern, go ahead and try it out with a few remarks (perhaps practicing your message) then come out in front of it and say the same remarks. Choosing whether you'll use or lose the lectern is a major factor in adding presence to your presentation. In this week's coaching session for Stephanie Benoit, I want to give her enough to consider so she can choose the speaking style and setting that works best for her.