How can you manage your time and stay on schedule?

When I first started public speaking, I saw it as a data dump: how do I cram as much information as possible to raise my audience to my level of expertise. I realized that people don't have a lot of attention spans, in addition, if every slide or idea is important, then its hard for the audienec to know what to focus. The key was to reduce the presentation to its core idea, and treat it as the leitmotif I'd keep referring to and coming back to in my presentation. I saw the difference it made: people not only better followed the presentation, they had better recall of what the presentation was about.

Recognizing and understanding your natural pace is crucial. Rehearsing at home may differ from a live audience scenario, especially when adrenaline kicks in. Take note of your reactions during such situations; some speakers might speed up, while others may slow down. Being aware of your tendencies is essential for timing your talk effectively during rehearsals and allowing room for adaptability. Consider preparing for a slightly shorter talk, which provides flexibility to pause and interact with the audience as needed. Avoid the temptation to cram in all possible points; instead, focus on what truly matters and deliver a concise, impactful message.

Crafting a robust speech structure hinges on a well-organized approach. 1. Begin with a compelling introduction, capturing the audience's attention and emphasizing the topic's relevance and preview the main points. 2. Develop 2-4 key main points, supported by concise subpoints arranged logically for clarity. 3. Transition seamlessly between points with well-crafted sentences. 4. Visual aids can enhance understanding and engagement. 5. Incorporate relatable examples. 6. Summarize main points in the conclusion, reinforcing their importance, and end with a compelling closing statement. 7. Provide a key takeaway for lasting impact. This structured approach ensures a compelling and coherent speech that resonates with the audience.

Managing your time as a speaker is just important as your message. I agree with Isabelle Fortin on practicing your message while timing yourself. This will force you to recognize when you go off track versus staying the course. Sometimes new examples, stories or thought-provoking quotes pop up in the middle of your speech that can throw you off time. If you practice enough you have a better opportunity to catch them and incorporate them into your original speech from the beginning. Tweak, twist and redo your message until you have just the right recipe of value, humor, and takeaways.

Once you have your content, assess whether it's too much with a critical eye. Most people vastly overestimate the amount of information they can deliver in a given time. Shorten shorten shorten!

Pro tip: when using slides, mark your middle slide so you know when you're half-way through the content. Make a subtle time check and then adjust accordingly. If you have more time than you thought, slow things down and tell more stories and examples. If you're in a rush, omit those so you can complete on time.

In refining your speech delivery, a timer or stopwatch is a valuable tool. Begin by setting a timer for your desired speech duration during practice runs. This helps you gauge if your content fits the allocated time and prompts adjustments if needed. Allocate time for main points and subpoints, maintaining balance. Practice transitions, ensuring they're seamless and not time-consuming. Experiment with pacing, emphasis, and pauses while rehearsing, using the timer to simulate real-time pressure. Review recorded sessions for pacing issues. Rehearse live with a timer to simulate real conditions. Use the timer discreetly on presentation day. Timed practice refines pacing, enhances delivery, and ensures a polished speech within the time frame.

Use visual keys (like a progress bar or section headers) in the slides to let the audience know where you are. This is also a secret way of knowing where in the presentation you as the speaker are. If you add the headline of the next slide at the bottom of the current slide, it even makes the transitions smoother (sort of like in Netflix when an episode ends and it says "Next episode: [episode name]"

I not only practice the speech, out loud, as a dress rehearsal, with all time given for any interactions or discussions, I meditate before I practice. I imagine the event and the moments leading up to my stage time. This way I can get the most accurate sense of my time. It also prepares me for the unexpected. My message is internalized and I can adjust if needed. 🙂🙏🏽

Maintaining optimal timing in a speech involves a multifaceted approach. Begin by dividing your content into manageable segments, each with a designated time frame. Extensive practice with a timer helps internalize a suitable pace. During the presentation, discreetly monitor time with a watch or timer. Assess audience engagement to tailor your speed – delve deeper or pivot as required. Employ smooth transitions and strategic pauses for recalibration. Stay adaptable; prepare for time adjustments and vary your delivery. Embrace natural breathing patterns to set rhythm. Through consistent practice and real-time awareness, you'll master the delicate balance of precise pacing, ensuring an engaging and impactful presentation.

When it comes to public speaking, speeches and presentations, especially those being conducted within specific time frames, just remember that this particular moment in time doesn't have to be the only time you connect with your audience. You don't have to cram in EVERYTHING. Focus on the most important messages and allow your audience to follow up, read other things that you have written or said, to fill in the gaps. Create a foundation of other material for your speaking career and you'll be less inclined to overstuff your speeches.

Having a balanced approach ensures success. There is no one-size-fits-all. Finding the approach that works for you is in your best interest and that happens through trial and error. 1. Word for word memorization 2. Frameworks and flow 3. Off the cuff It's advisable to experiment with all of these methods and you may discover that a combination of these methods serves you best. Remember: 1. The 5 P's: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. 2. Proper practice gives us flexibility. 3. Proper practice gives us confidence. 4. Proper practice is the best "nerve killer" and the ultimate antidote to pre-speech nerves. 5. Familiarize and internalize your speech content and material as opposed to memorizing it word for word.