For fun this holiday season, we imagined what it might be like if Dickens wrote “A Christmas Carol” for public speakers. Would you be chosen to be visited by three spirits tonight?
If so, it may not be because you have a “bah humbug” attitude. In fact, it may be a welcome refresher!
Consider questions you may be asked by the Ghost of Speeches Past: What have you learned along the way that you can use to tweak your message? How could you have better engaged with your audience? What went well, and what might you do differently?
Next might be lessons from the Ghost of Speeches Present. The visiting spirit may ask what you’re doing now to stay current on the topics you cover. Are you using updated examples? Have you considered using new presentation tools?
Our favorite spirit is the Ghost of Speeches Future. That’s because everything that you learned from the past and present will help make you an even better speaker!
We’re not suggesting you awake tomorrow morning and flip open your laptop to get started (but we love your enthusiasm if that’s what you choose to do). We are suggesting that – after you enjoy special time with special people – that you consider past lessons and current updates when planning to take the mic in 2023.
Photo credit: Nadi Lindsay on Pexels