Today, i have read an interesting article by Ric Phillips about the 75% Rule.
This topic came to my attention because i also face the same problems as Ric. In several training programs as well as my projects over the Toastmasters Club, i tend to speak very fast and always give a lot of content in a small margin of time. I will take this rule and put it to practice at my next training.
This basic 75% rule states that we have to prepare our speech for 75% of the total time, in order to leave the rest of time to pause, to interact with the audience and to put on a pace in an average speed. Depending on the complexitiy of the topic, you should set the appropriate pace to allow people to understand your ideas and concepts (it would be hard to define it!).
This rule is always difficult to aplly, once every speaker faces the dramatic issue of closing it before the estimate hour to end the speech. I usually face this anxiety! What if i end up before the time is over ? Of course, as my experience is getting stronger, i can rely on my capacity to overcome these moments.
Has anyone ever faced these anxiety of a premature speech? How did you handle this situation?
I am glad you liked the article, but it is too bad we both share the same challenge. I have found that the more ‘conversational’ we make the presentation, regardless of topic or guests, the better things go, including time management.
Thanks Pedro!