A pinch of preparation will save you in the spotlight

I had one of those big WOW moments recently.

Very unusually for me, I was lost for words. Can you relate to that?

In this case, it was for a great reason. I’d just been announced the recipient of the 2026 Educator of the Year award by Professional Speakers Australia. Wowser!

It was a big gala event with lots of flowing gowns and dinner suits. I’d put in a submission for the award months ago, but in the meantime I’d decided to just let it go – to surrender to the outcome and be OK with whether I won or not.

Sounds good in theory, but my heart was thumping in the lead-up to the big announcement.

So when they called my name and the room collectively rose to its feet, I had to think of something intelligent to say – and quickly.

Here’s my go-to in those situations: The Rule of Three.

It never gets old. It works for high-stakes communication that you can plan in advance – and its equally effective for those on-the-spot moments when there are seconds to get your act together.

Whatever you need to convey, break it into three sub-headings. Not rocket science, I know, but effective all the same.

You can easily remember your points, so you’ll stay on track. Your audience will easily digest them, so they’ll get your message.

In the moments it took to have photos taken with the presenter, I thought; “What’s my three?” In my case it was:

• Acknowledge the importance of what we do as educators (to involve everyone in the room)

• Thank key people (very briefly!)

• Mention the legacy of those who’ve contributed to make our association what it is.

What will yours be? You might need to draw on your three in your next spotlight situation – when the pressure’s on, the stakes are high and the outcome really matters.

Or, it could be one of those WOW moments like I experienced – when you need to be eloquent but there’s no time to plan. Or perhaps its everyday communication where you want to make an impact.

Whatever the case, remember this: Even seconds of preparation will make a difference to your credibility.