Tips on Public Speaking: Over Noting

Today, I was giving a presentation on “Coaching and Mentoring Skills for Leadership Success,” a six hour public seminar designed for middle to upper managers. During the seminar I heard my inner voice come up with a story to illustrate what I was talking about.

But all of a sudden… I heard another voice in my head say, “Don't do it. You may go over time. If you say that story – you will have to include so much more information it may cause you to go over-time.” Yes, while I am speaking, I can hear my own thoughts. Thank goodness it is not distracting or gets in the way. (I believe this is from my over 10 years of public speaking!)

I quickly glanced at my “cheat clock” – I explain this tip in another post – and quickly calculated that if I told this enjoyable and related story it would bring us over-time.

So… I did not tell the story.

And this gave me our tip on public speaking: Over Noting. Now you may be asking yourself, “What the heck is Over Noting?” I believe this is a word that I may have made up – does not mean we cannot learn from it. “Over Noting” is the act of giving too much content during your presentation. Doing such an act may cause you to go over time, bore your audience and sound as if you are trying to take up time.

I would love to know: what do you think? Can you fall into a spell of over noting during your presentation? Also… what is your core message? Leave a comment.

Love & Happiness

Ciao from Phoenix, AZ, Maurice