Iran’s President Ahmadinejad had another eventful day at the United Nations (UN) this week. Last year his speech to the UN was boycotted by numerous government delegations. This year no-one boycotted his speech. There again, they really didn’t need to because technical problems disrupted the opening two minutes of this Farsi speech. As if that wasn’t enough, the simultaneous translation of the speech then stopped altogether. What a farce.
The translators continued with a prepared translated text of the Farsi speech into English. The sense was that many of the President’s main points weren’t being picked up in the prepared transcript. I’d suggest that his audience managed to understand very little indeed. Since the whole point of this type of event is the translation into a multitude of languages. Since dialogue is meant to be the very essence of the UN. Unless it’s a Farsi speech, perhaps.
However, the President kept it together, in very difficult speaking conditions. His experience must add to his obvious belief that many countries get a raw deal from the UN. And we can’t blame him for thinking that. Because this really is one conference venue in the world that really should do better.
Farsi Language Farce For The President
But they don’t always get it right. Since India’s External Affairs Minister found out with the wrong speech at the United Nations. On that occasion, of course, they did manage to fix the problem. As did Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa when he found the lost speech for President Mugabe at a conference. Yes, it can happen!
Avoid a Technology Farce with Your next Speech
Nobody wants the technology to let them down when they give a speech. But, rarely, it can happen. So you should aim to be prepared.
- 1Be fully practised and prepared before you give your speech.
- 2If there's a problem, then explain to your audience that there's a technical blip. Pause, and carry on with your speech. Do this rather than try to fix the problem…you don't have the time.
- 3Use hard copy notes or a script if you are using an autocue or teleprompter.
- 4Use your knowledge, skills and experience to explain your speech.
- 5Take questions from your audience and then answer them. This always works.
Of course when you need to prepare for your next conference speech then you can find plenty of public speaking tips. Because our series of top tips for speakers and presenters everywhere has more than 100 tips, techniques and suggestions for you. Plus, when you want to give your public speaking skills that extra boost, then you’ll find that an online training session is always well-worthwhile. So, when the time is right, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
OUR CONTACT DETAILS
Phone Number
01344 859823
Email Address
training@timetomarket.co.uk
Training | Coaching | Online Courses | Seminars | Tips | Podcasts | Videos
Spoke too soon. His speech yesterday at the United Nations prompted another walk-out from some delegations. I wonder if that’s the audience reaction he’s looking for when he gets to work with the speech writer?
Peter
He is a braveman, Good, I’ll support you