Tee Up Your Speech: Golf is Like Public Speaking Tips 9-12

Let’s talk about some more ways that golf is like public speaking.

Tip #9: Be Aware of the Time

When playing golf, you don’t want to slow down the course. Be ready and keep moving! No one wants to have to wait unnecessarily.

The same holds true for public speaking. Know your time allotment and stick to it. We must respect our audience; we all have busy schedules. It's better to end early than finish late.

If one person is monopolizing our question-and-answer session, be sure to take control and recommend continuing the discussion afterward. Your audience will appreciate that. 

A professional speaker should start and end on time! 

Tip #10: Don't Worry What People Think of You

When we focus on performing and being judged by others, we lose sight of the task. In golf, if we think too much about how we look and play, it certainly won't help our game!

In public speaking, it should be all about our audience and the message we are delivering. One of the reasons people become nervous during public speaking is that they are focusing on themselves and how they are perceived. Know your message and serve your audiences' needs. They will appreciate that! And... you’ll forget to think so much about yourself!

Tip #11: Tee Up Your Ball!

The first thing you do in golf is tee up your ball.

In public speaking, 'tee up’ your idea or objective at the beginning of your presentation. Do you know your objective? If you don't, how are you going to communicate it to your audience? You should be able to state your objective or message in one sentence! Then, you can build your presentation around it. 

Grab your audience’s attention immediately.  As they said in the movie, Jerry McGuire, "You had me at hello." That's your goal! You don't have to tell them what you are going to do...do it!

What are some ways you grab the audience's attention at the beginning of your speech?

Tip #12: Breathe and Focus Before You Begin

Breathing is an excellent way to calm yourself before performing. It helps control the nerves and helps us reset and focus. 

This is important in golf. If you get distracted or start to think negative thoughts, step away from the ball, take a breath, and reset. You'll be amazed at how much this can help your game.

In public speaking, it's critical to remain focused. Breathing can help harness the anxiety or adrenaline rush that you feel before you get started. Before you speak, take a breath and exhale to help center yourself.  There are several different breathing techniques that can calm your nerves. 

What else can you do to focus?

Let me know if you have any tips or examples to add. Contact me HERE

Hit ‘em straight! Stay tuned for more tips!

Lynda Katz Wilner, MS, CCC-SLP

Speech and Communication Trainer/Coach

410.356.5666