All doctors are different, but just like any profession, standing in front of an audience and giving a speech doesn’t rank high on the list of things people like to do. In fact, nearly 75% of all people fear giving a public talk. But the ability to give a good speech can greatly benefit a doctor’s professional networking efforts because these events provide a perfect opportunity for doctors to connect with colleagues, potential patients, and other professionals in their field. While many professionals often struggle transforming their expertise into an effective and succinct speech, there are ways even the most reticent can deliver impactful speeches at networking events.
An effective speech has a defined audience
To give a good speech, doctors need to have a clear understanding of their audience. Knowing who will be attending the networking event can help doctors tailor their speech to the specific interests and needs of the listeners. Are the attendees fellow doctors, healthcare professionals, or the general public? At nearly every networking event, the organizer will have a good understanding of who plans to attend based on registrations. Asking for that information, and understanding the backgrounds, professional titles and demographics always helps a speaker craft a relevant talk.
The opening makes an effective speech
The opening of a speech is crucial for capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the presentation. The good thing is most doctors have attended hundreds of talks – spanning back from classroom lectures to professional events. If you’ve paid attention to those talks, you know which speakers grabbed your attention and which ones didn’t. More than likely, the best speakers started by sharing a personal anecdote or a thought-provoking statistic related to their field. By grabbing the audience’s interest from the beginning, whether through stories, stats, or even humor, doctors can take a giant first step to ensure their speech is memorable and engaging.
Keep the speech’s message simple
Doctors often have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, but it is important to remember that the audience may not have the same level of understanding. When delivering a speech at a networking event, doctors should avoid the temptation of explaining complex medical concepts and stick to simple terms, instead. Using everyday language and avoiding jargon can make the speech more accessible and relatable to a wider range of listeners.
Think conversation, not speech
Engagement is key when it comes to delivering a successful speech. Especially when it comes to networking events, attendees expect to be part of the conversation more so than if they’re sitting in a packed auditorium with hundreds of other listeners. Because these networking events lead to more interaction, doctors should take advantage of that (not to mention, lessen the pressure) by asking fun questions and encouraging audience participation. This not only keeps the listeners engaged but also allows doctors to gauge the level of interest and tailor their speech accordingly.
Visual aids always help a speech
Just like show-and-tell in kindergarten, the same concept applies when giving a speech at networking events. Visual aids can greatly enhance a doctor’s speech by providing visual representations of complex information. Using graphs, charts, or diagrams can make the content easier to understand and remember. Doctors should ensure that their visual aids are simple, well-designed, and complement the key points of their speech.
Tell stories in your speech
Storytelling is an effective way for doctors to convey their message and make an emotional connection with the audience. While there are always privacy concerns that must be respected, doctors see and hear some of the most interesting things about humankind. Taking these experiences and sharing real-life patient stories will keep your audience on edge and leave a lasting impression. By weaving compelling narratives into your speech, doctors can capture the attention and empathy of the listeners.
Practice your speech and get feedback
Like any skill, public speaking requires practice. Doctors should take the time to rehearse their speech, focusing on their delivery, timing, and body language. Additionally, seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors can provide valuable insights for improvement. By continuously refining their speaking skills, doctors can become more confident and persuasive speakers.
Giving a good speech at a networking event is a valuable skill for doctors. By understanding your audience, crafting a compelling opening, simplifying the message, engaging the audience, utilizing visual aids, telling stories, and practicing regularly, doctors can deliver impactful speeches that leave a lasting impression. More important, these speeches are one of many ways you can become a trusted expert in your community. It also doesn’t hurt the marketing your practice.
