Often I'm approached after a speaking appearance by people who say, "I'd really like to be a better speaker." 

     "Great!" I respond. "How can I help?"
     "Oh, well, I'm doing all right at the moment," they reply. "I'd like to speak better, but I've got other things I have to take care of first. But someday I'd really like to talk to you about it."
     Are you a Someday Speaker? Are you a Someday Book Author, Article Writer, Workshop Presenter, or... you name it, there's probably something connected to your business that you fully intend to do "Someday".
     What are you waiting for? Ask yourself honestly: is Someday really ever going to come? Chances are it isn't.
     Why not? What's holding you back? Who's the gremlin that's whispering in your ear, "You're doing okay the way you are. You don't really need this, do you? It's too much effort. So why bother?"

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            When is it appropriate to read your speech word for word from a prepared text?

            Most speeches nowadays are given more as informal talks than formal orations.  There are, however, occasions when it’s important to read your speech from a prepared text.  For example:

            When the subject is complex, i.e. presenting a scientific paper, and you don’t want to make a mistake.

            When it’s a formal event, i.e. an international conference, where you need to say every word correctly in a limited amount of time.

            When it’s an emotional setting, i.e. a memorial service, and you don’t want to forget anything or be overwhelmed by your feelings.

            Or any other occasion when misstating a phrase or omitting a word could cause a misunderstanding that might have critical consequences, i.e. speaking to the United Nations.

            Many folks prefer to read their remarks rather than just talk to the audience because they’re afraid they won’t say it right, will forget something important or run out of time before they’ve said all they want to say.  Having the speech in front of them and reading it is like having a Linus blanket.  It gives them the confidence they need to speak to the audience at all.

            If you feel you absolutely have to read your speech in order to say it properly, there are a couple of dangers you need to be aware of. 

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