If something goes wrong - you forget your material, a loud crash comes from the next door room, or your carefully rehearsed PowerPoint fails - then remember this simple phrase:

"If you are comfortable, your audience will be" 

Your poise will make all the difference.    This means that:

• There is no need to apologise because you'd intended to bring handouts and forgot (they didn't know that)   
• They won't know that you've forgotten part of your speech, or made your points in the "wrong order"
• If you go blank, no need to tell them.  Simply move confidently over to your notes, take a quick check and continue.  You could say something like "There's another key point I want to make....
  
• If there's a disturbance, like an unexpected noise or visitor, and you take it in your stride, they will probably forget it happened.

"If you are comfortable, your audience will be"

Today on the Help for Speakers Q and A @ 1 the theme will be disaster recovery, but you can bring any speaking or marketing related area you'd like to discuss.  Join me by ringing 0800 449 288, and entering the guest code 54052101#.

For more speaker tips and ideas visit www.HelpforSpeakers.com. 
View the tip archive here. 


To talk to Rachel about coaching, speech-development, marketing support or training ring +64 21 0275 9023, or  e-mail rachel@HelpforSpeakers.com.

Join the Help for Speakers weekly Q and A session every Wednesday from 1.00-1.30pm NZT (that's 11.00-11.30 Australian EST).   Ring in if you have a question, need inspiration or ideas for an upcoming presentation, or want to talk about speaking as a way to get business.   From New Zealand call 0800 449 288.  From Australia call  at 11am on 1800 036 0901, from the US call in Tuesdays at 9pm EST and ring 1866 814 5210.