It’s all about Timing

I recently coached a wonderfully talented woman to prepare for a cosmopolitan speech contest.  That is, a speech contest for people for whom English is their second language.  What a rewarding and fantastic experience this has been.  She worked very hard indeed and wrote a strong and powerful presentation. 

Coaching someone for whom English is not their first language, has different challenges.  Ensuring the speech was powerful using appropriate language and emphasis was paramount as her message was dramatic.   She has a very good vocabulary and works hard on her language skills.  A few editing suggestions and the speech was ready.

With the speech itself sitting exactly where it needed to be, it was time to practice and perform.  My student was like a sponge soaking up all the advice.  She worked very hard on her pronunciation; her gestures were strong and effective , now for the timing.

There is a rule of thumb that if you speak at 110 words per minute  you will be heard and understood.  By that theory you can have 880 words to make up your 8 minute speech.  However, there must be time for pause; audience reaction and dramatic effect.

My student had about 680 words and after much practice, on the night the time was 7 minutes and 55 seconds.    Her timing was fantastic and her performance strong and effective.   She won the contest and will now go on to the National Competition in May. 

A presentation  is always about timing, go over time and you take someone else’s time, go under time and you let yourself down.  Whether its  a contest or not, it’s all about the timing.