It was in 2018 when I received a call that the former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, would be in town for a town hall session with the youth of Oyo State, and I had been selected to give a speech at the occasion.
I had a few days to prepare. I didn’t know the criteria for my selection, but I made up my mind to maximize the opportunity given. I had spoken on different platforms, but one that would have the Vice President of the nation and the Governor of Oyo State was indeed exceptional.
I wasn’t given any specific topic, but I was informed I had 20 minutes. I outlined several topics on paper and started eliminating them in view of the expected audience. I pictured the demographics in my mind as I prepared my speech after settling on a topic.
I scribbled on paper, did extensive research on the topic, infused personal stories, added a dose of inspiration, and adapted my topic for my audience. I kept on fine-tuning the speech and committed a significant portion to memory.
I knew I wouldn’t have a teleprompter, and I would rather not keep looking at a paper. So I jotted the main bullet points while I committed the main speaking points to memory. I did this until I was so familiar with the topic and could start even if I was woken up from sleep.
I settled for my opening remarks, which I knew was the most important part and needed to carry a punch so I could command the attention of the audience. I was largely an unknown name, so it was absolutely important I put my best foot forward.
Some opportunities come only once in a lifetime, and when you miss them, you live with regrets about what might have been.
The D-Day arrived. I had settled on what to wear. I selected a good bow tie and a blue suit. Blue always looks good on me. It’s my favourite colour for a suit.
Of course, my shirt was white. You can’t catch me dead wearing any other colour. I only wear white shirts except on weekends or when off-work. If you see me in a suit, I would be wearing a white shirt underneath. I dress intentionally. You have to look the part.
We sat in the hall waiting for the arrival of the Vice President. I actually got there early. You don’t arrive at such events late and put yourself under unnecessary pressure. Arriving early helps you to soak in the energy of the place and make adjustments as required.
I usually use that opportunity to consider if I have a podium to place my paper or iPad on, the space available as I like to move around a bit as I speak, the elevation of the platform, and the seating arrangement, among others.
Some opportunities come only once. It’s better to be over-prepared than to regret what might have been. Share on XThe VP arrived. The programme had to change because he didn’t have much time. He looked exhausted. I actually thought I wouldn’t be able to give the speech anymore with the flurry of activities. One of the VP’s aides beckoned and asked if I could sum up my speech in 15 minutes.
Of course, I answered. I knew what to remove so I could stay within the time frame. My pastor had always admonished us never to stay beyond our allotted time, no matter how fired up the audience was.
As I was getting ready to be called, the VP’s aide beckoned again and asked if I could do it in five minutes. “Yes,” I answered affirmatively. I made a mental note and deleted some content immediately.
After the national anthem, I was called up for my speech. As I walked up the stage, I muttered a prayer. I remembered the words of Abraham Lincoln, “I will prepare myself, and one day my chance will come.”
I looked at several cameras that clicked away. I was the cynosure of all eyes. It was a moment that may end up defining me.
Then, the VP’s aide stepped up to me and whispered into my ear, “Please, can you do this in two minutes?” I nodded in affirmation. Even one minute was okay. Opportunities like this don’t come every time.
I took the microphone, saluted the VP and Governor as protocols demanded, and charged the audience. I spoke to the youth about the importance of continuous education and personal development. I said the person who won’t read has no advantage over the person who can’t read.
I also charged them not to do drugs or engage in substance abuse. I said the greatest inspiration they need is within themselves and not drugs. I rounded up by sharing a short story about giving back to society.
I said it is good when we expect our country to give to us, but it is better when we give back to our country. And I was done within two minutes. I got a rousing ovation.
Abraham Lincoln said, "I will prepare myself, and one day my chance will come." Are you preparing for your big moment, or are you just hoping to wing it? Share on XSo, here’s a summary of what you need to understand about the law of preparation.
1. When you’re given an opportunity, prepare as if your life depends on it because sometimes it does. Don’t leave anything to chance.
2. It is better to be over-prepared than to be under-prepared. A first class is always better than a simple pass. Rehearse. Be mentally prepared.
3. Stage fright is common and even happens to the best of us, but understand that no one knows you’re nervous. Don’t give voice to your fear.
4. Smile. Your smile will disarm your audience.
5. You don’t have to be an orator to give the best speeches. Just choose your words carefully.
And what happens if, in spite of your preparation, things don’t go according to plan? Did you miss your lines or commit some gaffes?
Remember Steve Harvey? In 2015, as the host of the Miss Universe pageant, he announced the wrong winner to a global audience. It was so embarrassing that many thought his career was over. But he took responsibility for his error.
He didn’t explain it away or excuse it. He apologized to a global audience. They booed him, but how many remember the incident 10 years after?
If you make an error, don’t kill yourself. Do the right thing and move on. Memories are fickle, especially when you learn from your mistakes.
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