Speak Up
by Dera DeRoche-Jolet

We’ve all attended our share of seminars. As an alarm dealer, you’ve no doubt taken CEU courses or sat in on a seminar at an ISC show. This industry is filled with opportunities to better your business that range from the technical information to business insights. Outside of the industry there are also many to choose from that may not specifically deal with security but are definitely beneficial such as management and sales.

You’ve sat there listening as an attendee, but have you ever thought of speaking up? There is no reason that you can’t conducting a seminar and become a public speaker. You have good, solid information and it can be a great opportunity to network and inform the public or other businesses about security and safety.

If the thought of speaking before a group terrifies you, you are not alone. Surveys indicate that public speaking strikes the most fear into the hearts and minds of most people including some in high positions of business.

But there are ways that you can overcome the anxiety of speaking in front of groups - both large and small - and even enjoy yourself. I have been on both sides of the fence. I have attended seminars as an attendee and have given many presentations before groups both within the security industry and locally. Let me tell you a secret: I have a great time and always meet interesting people. Whether you will be speaking with the rotary club, other businesses or even kids, here are a few suggestions that have helped me overcome the fear:

Nothing lasts forever. No matter how much you dread and fear what you are about to do, it will soon be over.

Get there early and greet everyone as the come in. You’ll personally connect and help everybody to relax. Do this even if you know most of the people. Getting there early also gives you time to check out the room, make adjustments to seating and test the audio-visual equipment.

Know your material. The more familiar you are with your material, the more comfortable you will be with presenting the material. When you talk about things you know, the easier it will be.

Because the first five minutes or less will set the tone for the rest of the presentation, be organized right from the start and stay that way. Use notes, but don’t read.
Just because you are in front of the room doesn’t mean that you have to do all the talking. Get everyone involved right from the beginning and they will be more apt to accept you and your ideas.

Personal stories work wonders. Share a personal anecdote relating to the topic and the seminar subject will become more meaningful for your audience. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Sometimes an interactive activity helps people get involved and makes your points that much more powerful.

Keep track of the time and people’s energy levels. People will only hear you if they are paying attention. They won’t be paying attention if you they are restless or bored.
Practice beforehand so you know how long what you have planned will be (you read faster than you speak). Consider planning a break in the middle of the presentation.
Speak with enthusiasm and emotion. The more excited you are about your topic, the more excited your audience will be.

Use effective body language. The way you come across is as important as what you say out loud. Make eye contact. Don’t stand in one place. Move among the participants and don’t talk with your back to the group.

Keep a glass of water nearby and use it to take a break and gain your composure.
Even when the unexpected happens, such as equipment failure, don’t let it get to you. Smile, and laugh, it’s not the end of the world. Your attitude will be infectious.

Speaking and presenting in front of a group isn’t a fate worse than death. You will always be a little nervous, no matter how often you do it. Take advantage of that nervousness. Learn to use the adrenaline your body produces to build up your enthusiasm and reduce your fear.

Finally, pat yourself on the back for all the hard work and a job well done. Do something nice for yourself to celebrate. Look for ways to improve but don’t be too critical. People tend to view you more favorably than you think.

So speak up! Besides any gain you might achieve for your business, there’s always the thought that you might wind up helping someone or indirectly saving someone’s life.