TALLspeaking Communication Star: Keith Daw

Do you remember your first presentation? 

My first big public speaking engagement was a luncheon for a professional association. They’d called me with 48 hours’ notice and asked I speak for 45 minutes on a topic I’d briefly discussed with a colleague. Definitely a late night mind mapping exercise to create talking points and a flow for the talk. Yes, it was a big hit.

 Does anything give you anxiety in public presentations? 

My anxiety typically concerns creating that initial bond with the audience, to help them realize this isn’t going to be the boring talk they may have expected, and to help them understand audience participation is strongly encouraged.

How do you spot a bad speaker? 

A bad speaker relies too heavily on notes in front of them and is afraid to engage the audience. Speak with them, not to them. Ask yourself…are you speaking for their benefit, or yours?

Words of wisdom for someone who gets red faced when speaking? 

Introduce yourself to as many people BEFORE you speak. You’ll be less likely to turn red in front of people you’ve already spoken to, even if you don’t know much about them.

Who do you think is one of the best speakers?

Locally, I would say Dave Mattson, CEO of Sandler Training. In my opinion, a great example of sharing wisdom and experience, with professional humility, and allowing the audience to remain engaged, while finding value and feeling inspires to take action.

Keith Daw | VP, Business Development & Trainer| LinkedIn Trainer | Speaker

Sandler Training|McDonell Consulting & Development, Inc.

M: 443.866.3494| kdaw@sandler.com | www.mcdonell.sandler.com

Towson: 810 Gleneagles Court. Suite 103 Towson, MD 21286 | P: 410-339-5168