Paprika and Parsley

I learned a valuable lesson a couple of years ago when I was launching my speaking business, and soaking up all that Toastmasters has to offer (which is considerable, btw!). For an Evaluation Workshop I was charged with delivering the well-organized speech of a speaking veteran. I conceived a masterpiece, if I do say so myself.

A week prior to delivering this three-minute wonder of words, I realized I was rehearsing so much that I had memorized the speech. Memorization can be a trap for even the most seasoned of speakers, professional or not. When we memorize a speech we open ourselves to forgetting a line, a word, a transition. In so doing we may draw a blank on the next line, word, or section of the speech. On the night of, I did the unthinkable, and forgot an entire minute of the three minutes speech!

However, at the conclusion of my remarks I was warmly congratulated on a well-delivered, and wonderfully organized speech. Truly it was the work of a seasoned, speaking veteran! I smiled, received the well wishes, and turned to the voice in my head where I heard, “But it was only two-thirds of the speech!!”

Have you ever prepared a dish for a family reunion or the random potluck dinner?  Things happen as we know and you may not have the paprika for the deviled eggs, or the parsley to garnish your signature dish.  You have to serve what you brought, and cannot go by the store.  Guess what?  NO ONE NOTICES! 

Therein is the lesson…. Your audience, like the folks at the family reunion or potluck dinner, are not aware of all you have put into the recipe for your speech or presentation. If you deliver on the expectation of your audience, which for this speech was organization, you have done your job. Make note of your omission, goal yourself to learn from your experience, and next time check the pantry of your mind for paprika and parsley before taking the stage!

Fearlessly,

JD