BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Editor's Note: March is National Reading Month. Everyday reading increases knowledge and develops personal and professional skills. Throughout the month, the DLA Disposition Services Pathways to Career Excellence program participants are sharing insights from books* they recently finished.
*No official Department of Defense endorsement implied
The book, “Public Speaking” by Matt Avery caught my eye because, at the time, I had less than a month to prepare for my first in-progress review briefing to our Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon, in addition to other members of leadership.
I thought this book could help me accomplish my goal of being a better presenter.
Public speaking advice is broken down into days of the week.
Sunday: Preparing Your Speech
A good speech is not written – it is rewritten – and that is the truth if you saw how many rough drafts I had. I felt like I was going in circles but after rewriting my briefs, I noticed that I was able to present my material in an organized, memorable way.
When presenting a speech, Avery recommends “1) Tell them what you are going to tell them, 2) Tell them, and 3) Tell them what you have told them.” This was not the first time I had heard this saying, but after reading about it in this book and then living through the steps, it really sticks to me now.
Monday: Art of Delivering a Speech
This section focuses on delivering a speech with your tone of voice and getting used to your own voice out loud.
I am going to be honest, while walking my dog in the evening, I practiced my introduction speech out. As the days went by, I noticed that I could present it without any errors or note cards which made me feel more confident in presenting it in front of others.
Another focus on this lesson is how you present yourself in front of others, like stance and tone of voice. A motto from the book that stuck out to me was, “train hard, fight easy” by Russian General Aleksandr Suvorov. I feel like our agency is developed around this motto.
Tuesday: Advancement of Public Speaking Techniques
This lesson made me anxious, but I was ready to learn more about the challenge of public speaking. The focus was a deep dive on how to present your speech and how to add appropriate audio, visual, tone, pitch, and pace of your voice.
When briefing, especially to Mr. Cannon, I really want to emphasize the part about modernization and in a high pitch. This topic is important because it is the focus in fiscal year 2023 - I know everyone at DLA Disposition Services Susquehanna site is probably laughing because you all think I have a high pitch voice 24/7.
Wednesday: Maximum Impact Delivery of Speech
This section covered doing research on the audience and where you are delivering your speech. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Thursday: Practicing Your Speech
“Practice makes perfect.” Even though we learn that writing out our speech and learning techniques, can help ease the delivery of our speech.
We need to put them into action; pretending that there is an audience in front of you and being prepared for the unexpected.
Friday: Dealing with Nerves
I was completely nervous delivering a speech, let alone going into a room with others. However, with practice and understanding, it is completely normal to be nervous and it made me feel confident that I was able to overcome this obstacle in my career.
Additionally, this section provided numerous warm-up exercises and relaxation techniques - I keep a copy on-hand to use in the future.
Saturday: Common Mistakes and Avoiding Them
Mistakes are always unavoidable but having a plan to make a comeback makes delivering a speech easier and less stressful.
I felt this book was a great guide to public speaking. We present information on a daily basis – to our customer, other employees and to ourselves. Public speaking should not feel like a chore, tt should be fun and exciting.
*This book is available through LMS/Skillsoft for DLA associates.