There are ethics and principles that we, as speakers, should embrace and follow. In this article I am going to highlight and explain the speakers ethics and principles in which I believe. The true professional presenter walks his or her talk. This means that we dont pretend to be someone we arent. We must be genuine. If, for example, we never set goals, I feel we shouldnt urge our listeners to set goals. It is difficult to learn about business, leadership and success from someone who has never run a business, been a leader or experienced success. A professional presenter honestly and accurately communicates his or her qualifications. This follows directly from the previous paragraph. We must never create qualifications -- like college degrees we didnt earn or clients we never had -- to make ourselves look more experienced than we are. I know wonderful speakers who are in demand and dont have that coveted degree, wealthy background or clients from Fortune 500 companies. A professional presenter never, never uses anothers material or materials without permission. A short quotation credited to the originator is fine, but when a speaker blatantly copies another speakers words and/or style of presentation, it is outright robbery. What makes us special as presenters is our own uniqueness and knowledge. If we do hear a story or an idea that we want to use and are sure that it would enhance our presentation notably, then we must get permission from the person who created it, or not use it at all. A professional presenter can be trusted completely by his or her clients and/or meeting planner to give the best presentation possible. When we are hired or asked to present for a group, we must be willing to give it our all. That means proper preparation, excellent research, practice and sufficient contact and communication with the client and meeting planner. This also includes minute attention to details, never assuming, always confirming. It means arriving early, dressing as a professional, sharing helpful handouts and always going the extra mile. The trustworthy presenter doesnt agree to give a presentation outside of his or her expertise or interests. Once people and groups know that we are speakers, they often ask us to speak on a topic of their choice -- not one of ours. I have even had someone ask if I would give mini-book reports -- she knew that I read a lot of the current business books and magazines. If this isnt in your field or one of your passions, dont agree to speak just because you would like to receive the fee. The ethical presenter treats all clients and other speakers with respect and fairness. This means never divulging confidentialities, charging different fees according to what the traffic will bear or speaking badly of or spreading rumors about another speaker or client. If, for example, someone asks what you think about another presenters abilities and you are not impressed by that presenter, it is better to say nothing or make a suggestion of someone I am more familiar with. A marketing truth is that people will hire those they know, like and trust. Can you be trusted as an ethical and honest presenter? |
