About two weeks ago, I’m wrapping up a video coaching session with a client named Gary. Always inquisitive, Gary said “Dez, one last question before we finish up . . . what is the sparkling jewel (glaringly obvious thing) that most speakers overlook during the presentation process?” For a moment, I struggled to answer his question, not because I couldn’t think of anything . . . in fact, just the opposite. I thought of everything! In my expert opinion, every aspect of public speaking is equally critical. But I digress.
After giving it some thought, I replied, “Mindset. Many speakers lack the proper mindset when they speak to an audience.” Gary gave me the look and accompanying hand gesture as if to say tell me more. And of course, I couldn’t resist. . .
As you probably know, mindset is the foundation for success in any undertaking. Public speaking is no exception. There are three general mindsets of a public speaker.
The first is the professor mindset. This type of speaker tends to talk down their noses at audiences as if they are all knowing. It’s no surprise their presentations fall flat. They are usually logical, fact-based presentations that only appeal to the head.
Another common but flawed speaker mindset is the Rockstar, who’s usually extremely high energy, motivational and legitimately renowned or even revered in their industry. The problem with most of these celebrity types is that they make you feel good by appealing to your heart but the substance of their message either doesn’t exist or doesn’t stick.
The ideal speaker mindset is that of a tour guide . . . a person who guides others in a language of their choice as they explainer and interpret the ins and outs of a particular discipline. Tour guides are excellent at balancing education and entertainment. Another notable characteristic of a tour guide is that they are normally qualified by an appropriate authority.
Having a tour guide mentality ensures that your responsibility to serve your audience remains top of mind. Here are the 10 reasons you should approach your next speech like a tour guide. I know ten is a lot. They are worth it and they go fast. Stick with me!
Tour Guides:
Researches environmental conditions and clients’ skill and ability levels in order to plan expeditions, instruction, and commentary that are appropriate.
Speakers:
The most critical thing you can do in preparation for your presentation is assess your audience’s education and experience levels regarding your topic. This sets the starting point for your presentation.
Tour Guides:
Selects travel routes and sites to be visited, based on their knowledge of specific areas.
Speakers:
You should predetermine the learning path that your audience will follow by establishing an agenda, otherwise known as a roadmap.
Tour Guide:
Greets and registers visitors, and issues any required identification badges and/or safety devices.
Speaker:
Near the beginning of your presentation, you should let the audience know that you understand their pain and assure them that they are in the right room and you will provide the tools they need for success.
Tour Guide:
Teaches skills, such as proper climbing methods, and demonstrates and advises on the use of equipment.
Speaker:
As a speaker, you are expected to teach skills in your area of expertise. You should also perform demonstrations, like role-playing a sales call to teach your audience how to overcome objections. Or, if you are pitching a product, you should demo that product to create more interest.
Tour Guide:
Provides directions and other pertinent information to visitors.
Speaker:
As a speaker, this is where you might sequentially walk your audience through an experience or process.
Tour Guide:
Describes local points of interest to members of the group.
Speaker:
This compares to your emphasizing the most interesting or critical points in your presentation.
Tour Guide:
Escorts individuals or groups on sightseeing tours, or through places of interest such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.
Speaker:
This is where you get to use your imagination and create word pictures to make your audience feel like they are participating in a guided tour of your expertise. Give them an experience.
Tour Guide:
Monitors visitors’ activities in order to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.
Speaker:
As a speaker, you should occasionally check in with your audience to make sure they’re still listening. (Novel idea, huh?) Stop and summarize your main points and ask your audience for questions.
Tour Guide:
Provides information about any relevant regulations, such as those pertaining to hunting and fishing.
Speaker:
You have a responsibility to point out possible pitfalls or restrictions that could ensnare your audience.
Tour Guide:
Distributes brochures, explains processes and shows audiovisual presentations.
Speaker:
Need I say more?
A brief note: I found all of this background on tour guides at careerplanner.com, which has been in the business of guiding careers for over two decades.
Dez Thornton is a communications coach who helps you say the right words in the right way when they matter most! For more information, see www.dezthornton.com.
Helpful analogy! Thanks!