Tip #1 The purpose of your speech is to get results; to help people make changes and think or act differently. So start with the end in mind. What do you want people to do as a result of your speech? What do they need to know to do this? What do they need to feel to do this?
Tip #2 Show your audience that coaching is a process. It is different from consulting. Do some coaching (role playing) during your presentation. Let audience members see what it would be like to have you as their coach.
Tip #3 Determine what kind of coaching the client wants and needs. Interview a few people before you give your program to find out what challenges they are experiencing. The program chair can provide you with a few names to contact. Then use this information in your speech content.
Tip #4 People learn in three ways: Visual (what they can see), Auditory (what they can hear), and Kinesthetic (what they can touch). Try to include all three ways in your speech. Most of your audience will be visual and need to see what they hear from you. So tell your personal stories to support your points. When the audience hears your story(ies) they will feel connected to you.
Tip #5 People have short attention spans. Review your main points before you end your speech. Dont give them too much information. Most people only remember one or two concepts so provide your best one or two ideas that will have the most significance to that particular audience.
Tip #6 Be conversational by engaging the audience. Don’t lecture the audience. Adults love to learn but dont like to think they are in school. Be interactive. Remember, the audience that gets involved with your material will learn something they can use immediately. A great speaker wants the audience to own his/her material.
Tip #7 Use humor. This keeps the audience interested and they learn better. I dont mean telling jokes. Use deprecating humor or make comments on common every day events, you know, the human condition. Bill Cosby is great at this. Think of others who do this well and emulate their style.
