Mastering public speaking timing is essential if you want to progress as a speaker. Why is mastering public speaking timing important?

Your timing is part of how you present yourself. It speaks of your preparation, your concern for the audience and even your respect for the other speakers you may be sharing the podium with.

This true story that happened at a health care seminar illustrates why it is so important. You will also see the number one reason you should be concerned.

The last speaker of the program said, "I have just a little more. I don’t think anyone will mind if I go over time." His little was about 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, he went through the information so fast, was impossible to take notes. To add insult to my personal injury was an hour trip to hear another speaker who flew in from South Africa. Mr. Healthcare's not limiting his public speaking time resulted in my missing the beginnings of a once in a life time speaker from South Africa.

You are probably thinking, why not get up and walk out? It came down to which would be more rude, to leave or to be late. Because a speaker is rude does not mean we have the right to be rude back. There is no Double O Zero designation in the world of public speaking where any of us are 'Licensed to be Rude.' If you are a public speaker, even sitting in the audience, people look to you as an example.

The first speaker could not see that he had an eye problem. His eye problem is spelled with the single letter I. The first "I" was he felt that his time was more important than the time of the audience. Otherwise why would he take the liberty to run over time.

The second "I" problem was he felt his speaking was so important or so good that the audience would not mind if he went over time. This is discernible in the words...I have...then ...I don’t think... followed by...If I go over.....

He was right on one count. He did not think. Or maybe he did. He thought too much of himself. There are few speakers who are so great they can afford to go overtime and not damage their reputations. Could it have been that he just did not allow enough time to prepare properly.

The the third "I" problem was he felt we needed "all" the information he had so diligently researched. It was more information than could be shared in the allotted time. So he tried to cram it down our brains. Had he given it a bit of thought, he might have pared it down to the most important and given the rest as a handout.

Or was the information not so important that it needed to be remembered? After all, it was not delivered in such a way that the audience could retain it.

However you look at it, he did not address the audience needs and speak for our benefit.

Finally he had no regard for the other speakers who did stay on time and showed respect for the audience.

So, if you think of going over time on any of your speeches, remember this article. Not only could you be rude, possibly bore and even frustrate your audience, you may have an article written about your "I" problem for prosperity.

What can you do if a speaker you know constantly goes over time. Please print this out and share it with him. Be kind and let him know it is from you.

Oh yes, and keep your public speaking timing on time. Do it for yourself, the other speakers, but especially for your audience.