Coaching is a wonderful way of relating, one on one with clients, and it can also be a great method of facilitating small groups who are working towards change together. But now and again, we need to take the stage and speak to a larger group of people, although it’s pretty hard to coach more than 12 at a time!
However, we can still follow the same principles which I will cover shortly. But first, why would be put ourselves out there and do what many people would consider to be one of the most scary things imaginable…PUBLIC SPEAKING!?
Well public speaking literally gets us out there!
So:
- If you want to let people know what you do;
- If you want to attract new clients;
- If you want to share your passion for living a better life;
- If you want people to think about what they want and not keep looking for someone to give them the answers.
Get Out There and TALK!
If you follow the next set of guidelines, it will make the process a lot easier.
- Plan your talk.
What five things do you want them to take away? Or, what journey do you want to take them on? I prefer the second approach as we can then structure our talk around the coaching model. - Write the flow in key points from start to end.
Concise clear language of how one point will flow into the next - Keep your slides brief and clear.
Let them be prompts for you to talk about an area you are familiar with and passionate about. - Engage the audience – get them involved, sharing with the group or each other.
Make them think and you will open up their brains to new possibilities - Leave them wanting more.
Don’t give up everything. Tease your group with what else they can learn (from you). - Lighten up – use humour but don’t try too hard.
Laughter relaxes you and relaxes them. - End on an action.
What do they do next? You don’t need to sell your services as the only option, but you can certainly offer support. - Practice.
In front of the mirror, in the car, to the dogs, with slides and notes, without notes. The more familiar you are with the content the more relaxed you will be. - Smile a lot, and never apologise… For anything!
- Make sure your materials are professional and clear to read.
Give them handouts with questions, not the whole talk.
If you would prefer to use a ready to go talk, we have a single seminar or series of four available. Called Journey to Change, it takes the group through a process of change to improve health and wellness. This can save you time and recorded slides can help you prepare. For more information click here.
