How to make speeches
The Collection Manager will speak before groups, especially to his/her trade association (NACM, ICCA, HFMA, MGMA, UBI... etc). This enhances personal reputation and is viewed with favor by the organization, because of its high PR value. Try this:
Bring to the lectern (it is not a podium) questions relevant to your subject. The questions should begin with any combination of six words:
Who... What... Where... When... Why... How
Why? Because such questions cannot be answered simply yes or no. Any answer must provide data.
For a 45-minute speech, eight questions are more than enough. Because the conferees will have questions, too. Your entire speech will be answering the questions you brought. As you know the answers, you don't need to write them.
When a conferee raises a hand, answer the question. Otherwise, ask and answer your own.
List questions you feel the conferees would ask, had they known to be prepared. Rather soon, after you've asked and answered the questions you brought, the conferees will take over. They will ask questions. You'll never get to all of your own. But your questions are there, just in case conferees are silent (they won't be, for long).
Introduce your subject with a simple comment. Use your natural humor, but do not tell a joke. No invective or suggestive and sly comment, either (both are sure signs of an amateur).
End your speech on time by simply walking off on time. Do not say "thank you..." because that's what they are supposed to think.
The act of ending on time will trigger solid applause. If you speak well (and do not read any part of your talk, except the questions), the applause will be tumultuous.
The key: Be in your natural habitat... answering questions about a subject you understand. You do that on the job... all day long. So do it at a lectern.
