Yesterday, when I began to talk about overcoming the fear and anxiety of presenting and public speaking, I said preparation was my number one weapon. I gave you six basic questions to ask yourself to help you make your talk smaller and thus, more conquerable.
Prep helps. I asked another professional speaker – also getting ready for a big, new talk – what his advice was.
Will Miles, 7, is preparing a talk (his wonderful teachers at Stephens College Children’s School call them Independent Inquiries) on NASCAR and racing.
In the video below, Will suggests coming up with a list of questions your audience might have. Will thinks you should build your talk around answering those questions.
He’s brilliant. Clearly, he takes after his mother.
I had a couple other great suggestions in the comments yesterday. Tomorrow, I’ll show you how I store ideas that pop into my head that I want to (maybe) be a part of the speech.
Yep. On Thursday, I’ll show you the great big brain dump.
(Why is my son giggling?)
Please welcome to The Daily Blur stage, Will Miles:
Click here If you can’t see the embedded video.
Love it. We may have some work for Will.
Hi Will: What an inspiration your interview was to me. I’m facilitating a women’s retreat this weekend, and just sent out a request for each participant to email me what questions they want answered at the retreat. That will be my focus and will shape the desired outcomes I will shoot for. Thanks for affirming my instincts, and for also showing me the power of taking time before a presentation to think like your audience. You thought of all the questions I would have about NASCAR racing. I’m sure you will do a fantastic job on your NASCAR talk. Yes, your Dad seems very cool (and I’m guessing your Mom is, too). Have fun with your talk!
Great work Will. I would like to hear the answers to these questions. You’ll your Dad to bring u along to IL when he comes to speak so we can meet you. Have an Awesome inquiry.
Tim,
Great advice Will gives. It’s funny we just read Winston Churchhills , Blood, Toil, sweat and tears speech. Where he follows Wills advice to a tee.
Will, you are DA BOMB. I will be trying to get you some work (but I get a 20% commission).
Inspiring!
This is freakin’ brilliant. Thanks for sharing this : )
Will Miles Rocks! And, just so you know, WillMilesRocks.com IS available.
Oh my GOSH! That was so precious! I want to hear his speech when the time comes! You must share. The cuts in that are a riot and I’m sure D appreciates the subtitles. =) Hilarious.
Great speech prep, Will! You’re going to rock!
I vote with Ryan above to secure the WillMilesRocks.com domain. Will will thank you later.