Melissa Fitzpatrick is a respected healthcare and nursing professional who has earned worldwide recognition for her work as an author and motivational speaker. Though delivering a speech might sound easy, arousing your audience through words and presentation is anything but.
When you listen to an effective speech delivered by someone like Melissa Fitzpatrick, it’s easy to forget how many blunders they are actively avoiding. For example, mistakes like those below are easy to commit, but essential to eliminate:
- Complicated Points – New motivational speakers often assemble a variety of points and too much information and data in an attempt to make a lasting impression and to appear ‘expert.’ This can make a speech convoluted and obscure the primary focus. Find a balance between offering valuable insights and staying focused to prevent a ‘data dump’ that loses your audience.
- Irrelevant Stories -- Relating to your audience through personal experiences can engage them, but it can also bore them. Ask yourself why you are telling a story and what you want people to think as a result before cementing it into your speech. If it is irrelevant or too obscure, eliminate it.
- Bragging – If you’re a successful name in your industry, be proud, but avoid bragging. You are delivering your speech to motivate people, not to make them disinterested or demotivated.
- Unclear Endings – Once you have delivered your message, close it. Leaving your audience wondering if the speech is over can leave a negative impression on an otherwise positive experience. Having a clear beginning, middle and end provides a coherent and concise address to your audience.
If you find your speeches rife with blunders like those above, consider how a pro like Melissa Fitzpatrick might compose a presentation. If possible, seek a mentorship discussion with such a speaker for further advice and a review of your assessment on their process.
