Today I was going to a networking meeting but unfortunately broke down in the pouring rain on the way.  I was, however, well prepared and can therefore go next time with little preparation.

As someone who has been to many networking events I always try to find a different way of being remembered.  Of course business cards are useful but I collect more than I give out as this gives me added contacts.  Today I thought “What prop can I take to enable me to stand out from the crowd?”

I am  a voice coach and presentation skills trainer and have written two books on various aspects of public speaking.  When networking I usually prepare a few questions such as:

You know when people have to chair a meeting and really feel nervous?  or..

Have you ever felt you needed more confidence when addressing a business seminar?  or

How do you think and plan for a business presentation?

However today I decided to make a mock microphone and thrust it under the nose of my speed networking partners!  Have you ever had that done to you? It’s quite scary if you aren’t prepared and people always tell me they get so nervous they can’t think clearly.  Then I proceed to tell them that there are some really useful tips to prepare for even the most last minute situations.  We end up laughing and they feel relieved that the mic isn’t real!!

If you go to networking events on a fairly regular basis you will know that people get tired of hearing the same old lines.  What they never get tired of,  is amusing or genuine stories about your customers or services. 

Last time when I did a 10 mins presentation at a local event I told of a client of mine who had to meet and greet Prince William and introduce him to his staff.  He was simply terrified.  This was a very experienced engineer but he was totally unused to speaking in public.  However, when I asked him to tell me some amusing incidents that had happened during the year he was able to come up with several.  He then wove these stories into his welcoming speech and then introduced some of his staff who had been in the stories (naturally he got their permission first!)   This took the “Oh no now I have to speak in public” fear away as he was, in effect, just telling stories and enjoying the chance to show how hard he and his team had worked. 

My home made microphone has been a great prop in the past.  People always remember it and I was only sorry that today the weather got the better of my car (it needed a new battery!!)

Next time I think I’ll do a competition by numbering my business cards and pulling one out of a hat.  The winner will receive one of my “Speaking on Special Occasions” Hodder Ed. books. – www.howtobooks.com