SPEAKERS AND TIME MANAGEMENT. WHY IT MATTERS?


Speaker and Time Management. Why it matters?
Tick tock tick tock


I looked at my watch.

It was 8.15am

20 minutes later...

I looked at my watch again.

8.35am…

The speaker was supposed to start his presentation at 8.am. Still there were no sign of him.

I was not the only one who was waiting for him. There were 200 other participants. We were in the hall since 7.30am

Everyone was restless. The organiser apologised for the delay.

They say he was the best. I thought he was too…

But after 35 minutes of waiting, I began to wonder….



You see, time management is very important. As a speaker, you should avoid being late for your presentation. Unless of course, there was an emergency or something happened which was beyond your control.

However, when a speaker or a presenter is always late, I can assure you it’s not a good thing.

Why does it matter? Why speakers and time management are inseparable? Why should you (as a speaker) understand the importance of time management? Now let me tell you why.

1) Good time management help get the job done effectively.

In order to deliver a great presentation, you must obtain certain details before the actual day.

You need to know, for example:

How long is the presentation or the speech?

What time and which day is the event?

How much time is given to you, (the speaker) to deliver the presentation?

By getting this useful information, you will be able to make specific plans and be well prepared. You will know what time you should be there to be ready. Thus, it can reduce a huge amount of stress for you.

In doing so, you will be more efficient and confident. Good news is; there will be no case of arriving late to the event or giving a long winded presentation!

2) Good time management save time

Now you know that good time management results in efficiency. And efficiently save time! This shall ensure a smooth event and determine the effectiveness of any event; training session, seminar or workshop.

But it’s not just about the success of an event. And this is not only about delivering an awesome presentation or a remarkable speech. In my humble opinion, you should never waste time; yours or theirs (your audience). As a speaker, you must always arrive early because arriving late for your own presentation is simply rude!

Please don’t let people wait for you. Be on time for your speech or presentation. Start on time and end it on time. You must always respect other people’s time. Bear in mind, they have other places to go too. Therefore, please value their time. Punctuality is the key.

3) Good time management reflect your credibility as a speaker

The way you value time shows what type of a person you are. A speaker, who manages time well, shows professionalism. This will reflect your credibility as a speaker or presenter. People who attended your presentations will remember you as a reliable speaker who value time. Words travel very fast and it will definitely build a good reputation for you.

When you manage time well, people will see you as;
    a)  Well-organised
    b) Well-discipline
    c)  Reliable
    d) Selfless
    d) Respectful
    e)Professional
    f) Focus

   Having excellent speaking skills does not make you a great speaker. Your attitude and the way you treat your audience are equally important. Remember, these people came to listen to you. Be mindful, acknowledge and appreciate them.

   Time is precious. You can’t replace time once it is gone. Time management benefits you in so many ways. Never take it for granted.

One last point to ponder…

As a speaker, try to be in your audience’s shoes. I don’t mean literally of course. Imagine that you are the audience. Ask yourself these questions.

Do I like waiting for a late speaker?

How do I feel about the speaker if he or she is late for no valid reason?

Do I like a speaker who speaks longer than the time allocated?

What is my opinion of a speaker who does not respect other people’s time?

Yes. Some of our audience do not mind waiting for us.


But does that give us the right to waste their time?



Written By: Intan Salwana Anis
@2018 Public Speaking Is Cool. All Rights Reserved.

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