Today is the 11th November, Armistice Day, when in England at the 11th hour on the 11th day the country observes a 2 minute silence.   It commemorates the ending of World War 1 at “the eleventh hour”.

Here in New Zealand we don’t usually observe the 2 minute silence – but this tip comes to you early enough in the day for you to observe if if you choose to.  In New Zealand and Australia we commemorate those who served on Anzac Day, and we do so with the reading of the ANZAC dedication, and the lines from Binyon’s poem:

"At this hour, on this day, ANZAC received its baptism of fire and became one of the immortal names in history. We who are gathered here think of the comrades who went out with us to battle but did not return. We feel them still near us in spirit. We wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice. Let us, therefore, once again dedicate ourselves to the service of the ideals for which they died. As the dawn is even now about to pierce the night, so let their memory inspire us to work for the coming of the new light into the dark places of the world."

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

The ANZAC Dedication is beautifully written, and Binyon's words ring in the memory.    I find the dedication moving, every time I hear it, or think of it. 

On a technical level, when speaking we would do well to emulate the vivid imagery of a “baptism of fire” that came as the dawn was about to “pierce the night”.  We can adopt the rhetorical techniques: repetition, contrast, rhythm to name three.

Here is another thing to remember:  The ANZACS, Allies and Turks were under far more pressure, threatening and dangerous situations at Gallipoli, at Anzac Cove than you or I will ever face in front of an audience.   They faced enemy fire, cramped trenches and the wind and weather.  

However bad your nerves may become, your audience will never be as hostile (and almost always the audience wants you to succeed and is not your enemy!)  and you will always survive what ever difficult conditions  you face when you speak (or in your business).   And coming through those conditions, surviving whatever baptisms of fire you face may just be the making of you, as the battles at Gallipoli were for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish nation.

Rachel

Note 1: Speaking and Rugby will return next week : I had planned to write more about how speaking is like rugby, but realized the date and decided to take a break for a week

Note 2: New time for the FREE Help for Speakers Q and A session will now run half an hour later - every Wednesday from 1.30-2.00pm NZT.   Ring in if you have a question, need inspiration or ideas for an upcoming presentation.    Instructions to call in are below.
 

Note 3: Teleclass for speaking at weddings.
I'm trying something new too especially for people who have to speak at a wedding.  Whether you're a Father of the Bride, BestMan, Bridesmaid, Bride or Groom, you'll get something out of the "Making a Wedding Speech Seem Easy " teleclasses series.   It will run over four weeks, for half an hour at a time, and will help you plan, write and practice a great speech for an upcoming wedding.  If you're interested (or know someone who is), then let me know.  The time will be arranged to suit participants - probably a Monday evening or Saturday  morning.  Cost for the first series is $50, including GST for four sessions and a written tip-sheet.  E-mail me at rachel@helpforspeakers.com or phone or text 021 0275 9023 for more information.

How to join the Q and A
Ring the freephone line for your country (below)
Enter the guest code 5405 2101#
From New Zealand call at 1.30pm Wednesday- 0800 449 288.
From Australia call at 11.30am Australian EST on 1800 036 0901,
From the US call in Tuesdays at 6.30pm Pacific/9.30pm Eastern  on 1866 814 5210.

For more speaker tips and ideas visit www.HelpforSpeakers.com or the Archive of Speaking Tips

E-mail Rachel@HelpforSpeakers.com  or phone +64 ((0)21 0275 9023