Working with other speakers helps program

Congratulations! You have been asked to speak to a group. One of the first questions you need to ask your host is "Will anyone else be speaking?" It is important to know this so you can work with the other speaker or speakers to avoid confusion and help all speakers look like pros.

Struggling through a speech
We have all seen it happen. The first speaker is giving their speech and speaker number two is looking more anxious by the moment. Then speaker number two stands up and begins their speech by saying "Bob just said everything I was going to say." They struggle through their speech trying to say the same thing using different words. How do you prevent this from happening? Communicate with your host and the other speakers before preparing your speech.

What you need to know
Ask your host for the agenda of the meeting. If there are other speakers find out when they are speaking, what they are speaking about, and how long they are speaking. Call them to introduce yourself and get the speech title and what they plan to include in their speech. You may agree to approach the same topic from different angles, or discuss different aspects of the issue. That way you are not giving the same speech or information. If you speak first, mention to the speaker to follow and what they will discuss in their speech. If you follow, be sure to link their information to yours. This "team speaking" benefits both speakers and makes a lasting impression on the audience.

Time is critical
Make it clear to other speakers that timing is very important. I have seen speakers backed up against the clock and forced to condense a thirty-minute speech into ten minutes because other speakers went over their time. Not all hosts manage meeting time well. Communication may help to prevent long-winded speeches, but always be ready to quickly switch to an abbreviated program if necessary.

Following a great speaker
Everyone fears following a great speaker. Don't worry about it. Listen and learn from them. It is certainly appropriate to begin by praising the speaker. You may even lead the audience in another round of applause for the person. Don't put yourself down or tell the audience that you are not as good as the previous speaker. Instead you may honestly say that you hope to someday be as good at public speaking as they are. Then move on. The stage is now yours!

Sharing the lectern with other speakers can be a great experience if you communicate with them in advance so there are no surprises at show time. Communication will help you look like a pro every time you speak.