Well spoken.

• Author: Fleming, Lee
• Position: Fundamentals - Public speaking

When it comes to activities people hate most, public speaking usually tops the list. But preparing and delivering "a few words" doesn't have to be torture. Remember, "communicate" and "community" have the same Latin root, communis--"to share." That's why you've been asked to speak, and that's why those at the gathering are prepared to listen: They want you to share your knowledge with them, and they're prepared to share their time (and probably their concerns and questions) with you.

Adjusting your attitude toward the task is half the battle. Try to see your talk as an opportunity, not an invitation to fail. They want to hear from you--after all, that's why they invited you to speak.

But before you sit down to make that outline or write that speech, find out what's expected. You and your audience will have a better experience if you get the answers to these questions up front:

1. Where is the talk going to be held, when and for how long?

   Most hosts, out of politeness or laziness, may leave the topic and even the time frame up to you. Try to maintain as much control as possible over the circumstances of your talk. For example, if you're speaking in the middle of a reception or a meal, you will find yourself competing with the cocktail chatter or clatter of forks in the chicken entree. In such unstructured circumstances, it's better to prepare short, off-the-cuff remarks rather than a written oration.

2. Who are your listeners?

   Don't hesitate to ask your host about your audience. What are their ages? Their interests? Their hopes and concerns? Obviously, you'll approach a group of Golden Agers differently from a class of finance and banking students. The former may want to hear about bank services, senior programs and any good opportunities you can offer that will safeguard or grow their assets. On the other hand, depending on their educational level, students will probably be more interested in how a bank like yours operates--either within the current marketplace or in the community or both. Career opportunities are also on their minds, so make this part of the discussion: You may be inspiring your future workforce.

3. What might they already know about your bank? And (more importantly) what do you want them to know?

   Every speaker relies on boilerplate--the who, what, when, where and why of your bank that you can trot out for most groups. There's nothing wrong with this: People need to be reminded that you've been in business 80 years or...