What a disappointment. The man had the experience of excellence
in both public service and entrepreneurship. In addition he had served the
university in many roles over several decades. This was clearly a fascinating
person.
You might think that he would have something interesting and
engaging to say in his speech.
Instead, he parked himself behind the lectern and dutifully
read the speech that someone else wrote for him. Cleary the speech writer wanted
to demonstrate his vocabulary by including several ten dollar words. That doesn’t
enhance comprehension, rapport or trust.
Occasionally the speaker shifted his stance, planted his
hands in his pockets then withdrew them a few minutes later. It looked like
nerves not intent. That is not making effective use of body language to support
your message.
The presentation was disappointing, boring and uninspiring.
There was nothing personal about this speech. It started
with an old joke that got a laugh – but it did not have a point – other than to
discredit his credentials. That’s not the same as a personal self-deprecation.
There was no call to action to his audience. I’m not sure
why he gave that speech.
We didn’t learn a thing about this fascinating person and I
don’t know what he wanted us to do.
That makes for a failed presentation.
It was a wasted presentation. So much potential was lost. What
a shame. Oh well, the chicken lunch was good.
Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives
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