Innovative time tips when you don't have a designated timer
Do you lose track of time when you are presenting? Every presenter is subject to going overtime and getting off schedule. Going over time is an occupational hazard of public speaking, but you have no excuse for going over time.
I have seen experienced speakers, including Distinguished Toastmasters completely ignore all timing signals and blissfully sail way over the allotted time for a presentation. The best way to keep on time, is to find a reliable audience member to give you signals as listed on your Speech Timeline Tool.
In addition, I have found these techniques helpful to stay on time. Feel free to use any or all of these proven techniques to benefit your audience.
Firstly, you can put a clock on the lectern. Keep it in your pocket as you go forward to speak and then put the clock on the lectern out of sight of your audience.
Analog clocks are easier to read as you can see the hands on the clock with just a glance. I find that digital clocks are harder to analyze and instantly realize how much time I have left for the presentation.
Secondly, look around the room when you enter it. Are there clocks on the walls of the meeting room that you can glance at to keep your presentation on time? Free bonus hint. If you see a clock on the wall, make sure that it is functioning and accurate (Don't ask me how I came to learn this tip).
Finally, have your audience help you stay on track. Tell your audience that you will handout a prize for the person who interrupts you at 5 minutes and 32 minutes of your 40 minute presentation. Then, everyone in the audience will be watching the time and at 5 minutes you hand out a prize when the person interrupts you. You can be sure that this will train the audience to make sure you will know when you reach 32 minutes, and you can start to wrap - up your presentation.
You have no excuse for going over your allotted time in your presentation. Be creative and find ways to stay aware of the time.
You can read more innovative presentation tips in my monthly newsletters, and subscribe to get it delivered each month, for free.
I have seen experienced speakers, including Distinguished Toastmasters completely ignore all timing signals and blissfully sail way over the allotted time for a presentation. The best way to keep on time, is to find a reliable audience member to give you signals as listed on your Speech Timeline Tool.
In addition, I have found these techniques helpful to stay on time. Feel free to use any or all of these proven techniques to benefit your audience.
Firstly, you can put a clock on the lectern. Keep it in your pocket as you go forward to speak and then put the clock on the lectern out of sight of your audience.
Analog clocks are easier to read as you can see the hands on the clock with just a glance. I find that digital clocks are harder to analyze and instantly realize how much time I have left for the presentation.
Secondly, look around the room when you enter it. Are there clocks on the walls of the meeting room that you can glance at to keep your presentation on time? Free bonus hint. If you see a clock on the wall, make sure that it is functioning and accurate (Don't ask me how I came to learn this tip).
Finally, have your audience help you stay on track. Tell your audience that you will handout a prize for the person who interrupts you at 5 minutes and 32 minutes of your 40 minute presentation. Then, everyone in the audience will be watching the time and at 5 minutes you hand out a prize when the person interrupts you. You can be sure that this will train the audience to make sure you will know when you reach 32 minutes, and you can start to wrap - up your presentation.
You have no excuse for going over your allotted time in your presentation. Be creative and find ways to stay aware of the time.
You can read more innovative presentation tips in my monthly newsletters, and subscribe to get it delivered each month, for free.
Labels: Presentation Tips
posted by Wayne Botha @ 7:02 AM
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