View source for Crisis Communications Speaker Presentation The Do's In a Crisis

== Crisis Communications Speaker Presentation The Do's In a Crisis ==
 
== When preparing to give a speech ==

* Use a full script with LARGE TYPE for easy reading.
* Leave wide margin for notes to yourself.
* Leave pages unstapled for easier handling at podium.
* Highlight and mark your script to guide your delivery.
* Time your presentation to fit the program schedule of the group you will address.
* Practice: Read it aloud using a mirror and tape recorder until it sounds like you are talking, not reading.
* Be sure you have the facts about your audience-size, contact person's name, facility, etc.
* Based on your audience and your presentation, determine what, if any, equipment you will use. If you are not familiar with the equipment, contact the Communications Department to arrange a briefing on how to use slide projectors, video players, or overhead equipment.

== When you arrive at your engagement ==

* Be at least 15 minutes early.
* Check equipment in advance if possible.

== Slides ==

* Be sure slides are in correct order and clearly focused.
* Be sure slide advance mechanism is convenient to you where you are speaking, or arrange for someone else to advance the slides.
* Check the lighting in the room to be sure the slides will be visible to the audience.
* Check microphone (whether it is free standing or lavaliere) before beginning- "Can you hear me?"
* Check lighting to podium to be sure you can read.

== Overhead Transparencies ==

* Be sure the type of room and size of crowd are appropriate for the use of overhead equipment.
* Be sure the words/graphics are large enough for people to read.
* Check to be sure you are situated correctly in the room with the overhead projector, screen, microphone and audience.

== When you are speaking ==

* Stand erect and direct voice toward audience.
* Speak loudly, slowly and distinctly.
* Establish eye contact (or appear to do so) with audience from time to time.
* Stay within the allotted presentation time.

== When you are answering questions ==

*Remain friendly, cool-headed and confident.

* Answer only the questions asked and do so as succinctly and clearly as possible.
* Remember that you do not always have to know everything. You can say "I will have to check that out for you--please see me after the meeting.
* Avoid allowing one person to dominate the questions by moving on
** "Thank you for your interest. I'll be glad to talk to you about your concerns after the meeting. Right now let's see if anyone else has questions for the group."

== When you are finished with your presentation ==

* Remain long enough to give individuals an opportunity to talk with you.
* See to it that arrangements are made for distributing information materials to the group, if requested/appropriate.