Relaying Your Credentials

By Deb Sofield, Public Speaking CoachOver the next few months, join Deb Sofield as she goes through her series 15 Rules for the Physician Leader, where she outlines how a physician leader can be successful when speaking, no matter where they are... 

Rule #4. Tell your audience your credentials... in a respectable way.

As a physician, when you speak to an audience, you have an opportunity to inform the audience of your credentials, but you also have an opportunity to give them a chance to be aware of who you are beyond your medical degree.

When speaking or being introduced, be careful that you don’t just transmit a list of facts about yourself; what we’re looking for is something to remember you by. Provide a clever phrase or twist on your title, job or education that will leave the listener with a positive impression.

One way you can do this is to sum up your reputation in a word and use it. Budget Diva, Sales Superman, Creative Honcho, Yoda of Coda (computer code) Chief Evangelist, Brand Champion, Director of Business Intelligence, Customer Loyalty Director, Blogger-in-Chief…you get the idea.

Another way is to weave within your presentation places you’ve been or education you received. It’s one thing to say, “I’m a guest lecturer at Harvard or Yale or choose the school, business or program of your choice.”  It’s another thing to say, “Last week when I was back at Harvard speaking to this year's class of leaders who want to change the world, the discussion turned to the world financial markets....” The first phrase sounds a little forced – the second flows more easily. Both tell the audience that you’re an in-demand speaker who has a wide sphere of influence, however, one sits well or better with the ears of the audience.

Use your words wisely, but don’t forget if you don’t toot your own horn – there is no music. So tell your audience your credentials in a respectable way.

Deb's Presentation Tip of the Month:
During your Power Point program – leave the room lights on bright. Your effectiveness as a speaker is only realized when the audience can actually see you.  I know your audience will complain, (It’s because they are tired and want to sleep) but to create an atmosphere conducive to laughter, interaction, and learning you need the lights on bright. It is easier to establish a bond when the speaker and audience can see each other.