You can save the day

In 2020, with three days' notice, I filled in for a speaker who was unable to shift to virtual in the first week of lockdown.

In 2023, I filled in—with zero notice—for a speaker who didn't show up at all. I was sitting in the room waiting for their presentation with the rest of the audience. The room was full, I had already presented once at the conference, so I volunteered to do the session. 🤷🏻

Next month, I'll be filling in for a speaker who had to change their session date at the last minute (three weeks is last-minute in the speaking world!).

Are you always ready to present? Or say a few impromptu words if asked?

If your boss or a colleague reached out and said "So-and-so can't make it tomorrow; can you fill in?" would you be able to say yes? 🤔

You can always be prepared to speak. And perhaps you should be!

Think about the next event you're attending. Is it a graduation, retirement dinner, birthday, wedding or other celebratory occasion? Are you close to the guest of honor in some way?

Don't be caught off guard if the host asks you to make some remarks! 

It doesn't have to be more complicated than, "I've enjoyed my six years working with Jackie. She always brought the best snacks, and I wish her all the best in her future adventures."

Always assuming you'll be asked to speak will serve you better than hoping you're never asked to speak. Write a few words in your phone or on a piece of paper in your pocket. Ready!

I'm a professional speaker, so people assume I enjoy impromptu speaking—which I don't.

But I could spend five minutes talking about a paperclip or my mom's meatloaf if someone requested it. And I'm always ready to help out by filling in.

Think about it:

You could save the day! 

You could be the go-to person everyone thinks of in a pinch.

You could be building your spontaneity muscles and providing critical support when needed. 

"But I'm not good at thinking on my feet!"

Most people who seem impressive at thinking on their feet have spent a lot of time "thinking at their seat" as TJ Walker puts it. 

Keep learning and writing about, reflecting on, and otherwise engaging with your topics of expertise. Note what questions people ask and anticipate new questions, objections and misconceptions.

You may have three weeks, three days, or three minutes to prepare mentally. But you CAN be ready. You can even save the day. 🦸🏻⚡

(Pics: March 2020, speaking for National Speakers Association - Michigan on three days notice. Shifted my existing workshop on webinars into my Go Virtual training with practical tools for remote live presenting! And April 2023 filling in at Associations West with a spontaneous session also on virtual presenting. Do I talk with my hands? YES.)

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