subject: Being Adaptable While Giving A Speech [print this page] Imagine that you are giving a speech for your daughter. It is her wedding, her day of happiness, and you are the proud father. Your speech is going off without a hitch when a sudden power outage strikes the building. You may have practiced for weeks, but nothing can prepare you for these type of events. Being adaptable is an important part of public speaking. Expect the unexpected by following these tips.
First off, always have a back up joke. If you cannot think of a good joke and find yourself in the dark, try making light of the situation. Bad Pun, I know, but it is this type of simple humor that can take the edge away from the silence. Of course, not every situation is going to require a good joke. If you can go on with your speech without interruption, you can do so. However, it is polite to wait until things return to normal to continue.
Not all interruptions are accidents. What happens when you get that annoying guest who has to be heard. Those can be distracting, especially if they have had a bit more wine than the rest of the guests. Do not engage these people. Keep going and extend a bit of patience. Remember, you cannot control people, and sometimes they are not the best at saving face. If it is good humor, you can play along, but make sure to keep back at your speech.
The last bit to be wary about is your own stumbles. Remember, you are not perfect. If you stumble or are having problems getting your thoughts together, stop and collect yourself. A pause is not unheard of or frowned upon. Repose yourself and keep going on your delivery. These tips will help keep you adaptable in any situation.
If you need more help and inspiration for your next speech check out the SpeechMachine website. They have an interactive speech creation tool and a number of example speeches. The site has sections dedicated to wedding speeches, retirement speeches and graduation speeches.
