Page 35 - How To Get Rich

vivid, so real, that I tuned in and tried to figure out why they’d captured
my attention. Aside from the fact that they had a captive audience for a
short amount of time, I realized that their speaking rhythm was
syncopated, quick, and to the point. What they were saying wasn’t all that

fascinating, but their delivery was. They made a normally mundane
subject—what they were getting for lunch and how they were getting it—
seem interesting.
Have a good time.
It’s contagious. If your audience believes you are enjoying what you
are doing, they’ll enjoy being in your company. If it’s an obvious chore to
you, forget it and find someone else to speak for you. If you’re a busy

executive, there’s probably someone within your organization who can
speak effectively in your place. Sometimes when I’m asked to speak and
my schedule won’t allow it, I will ask someone who works for me if
they’d be interested in filling in. Charlie Reiss, executive VP of
development in my organization, was a professor at Columbia University
before he came to work for me. He’s a dynamic speaker, but I wouldn’t

have known this if I hadn’t asked him to help out when I was in a bind. He
has a gift for public speaking because he enjoys teaching and is
enthusiastic about what he does. At first I worried he might turn out to be
a bit pedantic, considering his background, but he wasn’t. Everyone had a
good time.
Another important aspect of having a good time: Before you speak,
remind yourself that it doesn’t matter all that much. Don’t feel that the

weight of the world is on you. Most of the people in the room don’t care
how well or poorly you do. It’s just not that important. It’s merely a speech
—not an earthquake or a war. You’ll have a better time and be a better
speaker if you keep it all in perspective.
That said, public speaking and presentations may be a necessary step

on your ladder to success. For quick reference, here’s my procedure for
discovering a talent you thought you didn’t have:
1.
Think about your audience first.
2.
Get your audience involved.
3.
Be prepared.