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Preparing To Speak or Write When You Have "No Time"

By Lynn Grasberg

 

Sometimes a deadline creeps up on you and suddenly have to prepare and produce material when you have very little time. What can you do?

I was in that situation this morning. It's time to get my newsletter out! But where's my new article? Better write one right now. Here are the principles I applied to get it done.

 

1. Encourage Yourself.
There's no point to give in to the inner critic who is saying nasty things like, "Why didn't you start earlier?" or the ever-popular, "What's wrong with you?" Focusing here just wastes time. Instead, give yourself some support.

For example, before I choose a topic or do any writing, I entitle my page, "Fabulous Article." This way, I have given myself permission to be brilliant. And then, miraculously, an idea appears and I start writing.

Similarly, when I am called to speak with little time to prepare, I remember that I am connected to myself and my audience, and find my "script" in their eyes. (I have a more extended article about the art of structuring yourself -- and your talk -- this way. If you would like a copy, send me an email with the subject, "Send me the article" and I will email you a copy of The Audience Is Your Script.

 

2. Get help - call a friend.
A brief conversation with another human has an amazing way of helping to break down isolation and clear your head. When time is short, you may think you have to soldier on alone, but it may actually slow you down. I expedited this article by calling my good friend and co-teacher, Nick Peterson. We use each other as sounding boards when we are stuck and find that it decreases the time it takes to get ourselves moving.

 

3. Be brief.
It's not about how much you say. It's the quality and usefulness that count. Sometimes, when we're nervous or worried, we cover up by using too many words. I'm not doing that this time!

You can accomplish a lot in a short time if you do these three things:

• Encourage yourself,
• Get help, and
• Allow yourself to make your point briefly and clearly.

Come to think of it, these are useful things to do even when you have plenty of time!

 

Copyright ©2008 Lynn Grasberg

This article is excerpted from Ta-DAH! Lynn Grasberg’s free monthly newsletter.

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Lynn Grasberg lights up the stage at conferences, conventions and retreats as a keynote speaker and musical comedienne. As a presentation skills coach, she helps individuals and organizations make powerful presentations, handle change with humor and resilience, and develop top-notch communication skills.  Contact her at 303.913.5226, LynnGrasberg.com. 

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