Be Careful When You Read Your Speech

It's only been a few weeks since we noted how you can prepare yourself for your next speech. And a prompt always makes the list of things to do early on when you prepare. Your choice of prompt is certainly a matter of personal choice. However, you still need to be careful when you read your speech. No matter what prompt you choose.

So when we spotted rapper Cardi B, in a full-on speech in support for Presidential candidate and Vice President Kamala Harris this week in Milwaukee, we were intrigued. Her choice of prompt was the teleprompter (autocue). However it didn't work out, and Cardi B asked her personal assistant to bring her mobile phone on the podium, so she could read her speaker's notes from the small screen instead of the big teleprompter screen.

She sorted the problem, but it wasn't ideal. Fortunately, her phone didn't ring and there was no invasion of privacy.

Press Ahead and Read Your Speech

Typically we can only guess at the inner turmoil of such a public speaking debacle. Yes, we can gain an insight from the reactions of speakers. Famously we watched the melt-down of the Nintendo presentation as the autocue (teleprompter) failed. And the Sarah Palin reaction to her teleprompter freeze was both admirable and bizarre. An equally admirable reaction was that of the early morning conference speaker who totally misread his line as he thought about breakfast.

But Cardi B has actually recorded a piece to camera, outlying why she wanted her phone on the podium, and why she wanted her personal assistant to bring it to her. Well, good for her. It's an excellent reveal, albeit we're choosing to 'hide' some of the transcript language!

Read Your Speech Right Now

Oh, it's so hard. I work so hard on my speech. And I can't talk about it. Oh, why are you reading your phone, my phone?

Bitch, I have to write this down because I have to make bitch. I'm 32 years old, bitch. And I have three kids. My mind before I raise my whole goddamn day, bitch.

Like sometimes, you sometimes, I be f****** happy arguing on the whole of my shop. Like I can't rehearse where I'm going to go.

So when I see them, and you know what, I forget. I'm like, they don't put me shut off. I can't even say to the mother f*****, but you know what?

Then when I mean face to face, I get to get it. So, you know, when it comes to this shit right here, I've been you what I've been wanting to say, but I have to make sure I forget.

There's no room there. She could talk there. I'm going to hear what the f*** I have to say. And I'm part of myself. There you go.

Yes. I like it.

When you aim to speak on the big stage, you'll want to be fully prepared and rehearsed, and having a backup plan is always ideal.

You'll discover plenty of top tips for speakers as well as presentation tips here at the Art of Presentation. And with more than 100 top tips, videos and podcasts, there's something here for every event.

Also, don't forget that when you want to really improve your own public speaking skills, then you can take advantage of an online skills course whenever you're ready.