The Handshake Clubwith J.D. Gershbein
As an experienced keynote speaker, I like to think of myself as a poised, confident, and quick-on-my-feet articulator in front of an audience. I’m jazzed from start to finish and play off the energy of the room. Nerves? Me? Not a factor. However, when I am in a networking setting, and we’re all taking turns standing up to deliver that 15-second elevator speech, it’s a different story altogether.
I feel it start to come on when there’s about a half-dozen or so people to go before me. Oh, it’s quite the physiological response ~ palms sweating, heart rate increasing, abdominals tightening, blood sugar dropping, and head lightening. What if I go blank? What if I can’t remember what I do? What if nobody takes me seriously?
All of a sudden, I’m next up. I knock down a small sip of water then shift to laser-focus mode, taking those last few moments to oxygenate and collect my thoughts – stand up straight; show a hint of smile; project voice; don’t forget to mention the company name; E-NUN-SEE-ATE!
Finally, it’s show time. I propel myself out of my chair, give the room a quick scan, and let a last-second adrenaline surge guide my speech. Somehow, I always get through it. And when I sit down, it’s never as bad as I thought. I’ve learned that the key to the powerful elevator speech is to not appear rattled. That can be difficult, nearly impossible, for some.
J.D. Gershbein is the President of Owlish Communications, an Internet Marketing firm based in the Chicago, Illinois suburb of Vernon Hills. When he’s not helping his clients shine on LinkedIn, J.D. creates business cartoons and comic strips that brand businesses and make them memorable. He is the creator of the comic strip, The Handshake Club™, which features such notable characters as Will Banter™ and Brandy Share ™.
I feel it start to come on when there’s about a half-dozen or so people to go before me. Oh, it’s quite the physiological response ~ palms sweating, heart rate increasing, abdominals tightening, blood sugar dropping, and head lightening. What if I go blank? What if I can’t remember what I do? What if nobody takes me seriously?
All of a sudden, I’m next up. I knock down a small sip of water then shift to laser-focus mode, taking those last few moments to oxygenate and collect my thoughts – stand up straight; show a hint of smile; project voice; don’t forget to mention the company name; E-NUN-SEE-ATE!
Finally, it’s show time. I propel myself out of my chair, give the room a quick scan, and let a last-second adrenaline surge guide my speech. Somehow, I always get through it. And when I sit down, it’s never as bad as I thought. I’ve learned that the key to the powerful elevator speech is to not appear rattled. That can be difficult, nearly impossible, for some.
J.D. Gershbein is the President of Owlish Communications, an Internet Marketing firm based in the Chicago, Illinois suburb of Vernon Hills. When he’s not helping his clients shine on LinkedIn, J.D. creates business cartoons and comic strips that brand businesses and make them memorable. He is the creator of the comic strip, The Handshake Club™, which features such notable characters as Will Banter™ and Brandy Share ™.
For more information, please visit J.D.'s TNNW Bio.
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2 comments:
Oh so familiar, J.D.
A hint I find sometimes helps is to find a link with something a previous speaker said. If you haven't found one or you're the first one up, try to hook into a detail involving the convenor/organizer. This way you at least get to make a connection with SOMEONE at a personal level, and you never know where that may lead.
I guess its the good old 5 Ps - preparation and planning prevent poor perofrmance. I NEVER try and wing it, always have it ready.
Often I will hav a couple ready just in case a previous speaker steals my thunder.
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