No matter how much
applause or great feedback we get, the truth is that the only opinion
that really counts is our own. While it's the meeting planner or conference
organizer who pays us, invites us back or refers us to others, we're still
sometimes stuck with the weight of our own opinions.
And as speakers, we're
often really tough on ourselves. While there may be some among us who
suffer from delusions of grandeur, there are far more speakers who suffer
from delusions of insignificance.
We often go over our
past performances with a very critical eye. The truth is, we can't be
objective about ourselves on the platform - the way we view our abilities
depends on how clear our vision is.
For many, it's clouded
by misperceptions that end up holding us back. But how do we know whether
our vision is clear or not?
Here's an assessment
form that helps make any critique more objective and tells speakers what
areas of speaking they might need to work on.
In a field where there
are few tools to measure progress or to determine problem areas, this
assessment is an invaluable guide to determining exactly where one's natural
talents lie and where one needs to polish and practice.
PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER'S
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Check off any area
that you feel you need to work on. Put a star next to any item that you
feel you've mastered.
| ______
|
build
rapport with conference organizer |
| ______
|
submit professionally
designed material |
| ______
|
build rapport with audience members |
| ______
|
dynamic opening
of speech or presentation that captures audience attention
|
| ______
|
well-paced presentation
|
| ______
|
well-modulated
voice |
| ______ |
gripping material that holds audience attention |
| ______ |
a well-practiced speech based on stories, acted with spontaneity rather
than read or memorized |
| ______ |
authentic (personal) use of humour, stories and material. (No borrowed
stories and no unattributed quotes) |
| ______ |
fresh material,
customized for every different audience |
| ______ |
an uncontrived
genuine closing that touches or motivates audience members
|
| ______ |
demonstration of
absolute professionalism throughout, from booking to end of conference.
(As speakers, we're required to be 'on' the entire time and available
to audience members during coffee breaks, etc.) |
| ______ |
follow-up note
of appreciation to conference organizer |
| ______ |
keeping in touch with former clients and colleagues |
| ______ |
constantly increasing
database of prospective clients |
| ______ |
taking a course
or attending a professional development seminar at least once a month |
| ______ |
staying on top
of administrative matters |
| ______ |
managing cash flow
|
| ______ |
mastering use of
technology in presentations |
That's it! How did
you measure up? Did a pattern emerge from your profile? This simple assessment
tool will help you to stay on track and on top of your career.