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***Public Speaking is a Great Form of Free Advertising- Public Speaking - Don't Speak Too Little - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Gilda BonannoOne of the most common mistakes that speakers make is to go over their time limit. However, sometimes a speaker makes the opposite mistake, by not speaking long enough. A colleague recently sent me the following email describing her experience with a speaker who spoke too little. "Hi, ...
Views: 1455(2 votes) - Public Speaking - Avoid These 5 Common Voice Mistakes - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Gilda BonannoYour voice has the ability to convey an incredible range of meaning and emotion when you present. It's an important part of your non-verbal communications, or body language, and can help you can communicate your message clearly and effectively to your audience. Avoid these five common ...
Views: 2942(2 votes) - What Should I Do With My Hands When Presenting? - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Gilda BonannoWhat should I do with my hands when I'm presenting?" is a common question that I hear when I'm teaching public speaking. Your hands form an important part of your non-verbal communication, or body language, and can help you convey confidence and communicate more effectively to your audience. ...
Views: 3606(1 vote) - 10 Guidelines to Effective Public Presentation - by Submitted on May 06, 2010 from Rabison ShumbaIn my 13 year career as a businessman and trainer, I have either attended or presented papers at seminars and I am now accustomed to this subject. I have witnessed how even with the most detailed and exciting content most people usually see their presentation crumble for one reason or the other. ...
Views: 1416 - Fear is Your Co-Pilot: Ways to harness your fear and gain that edge with your audience! - by Submitted on May 05, 2010 from Sandra Dee RobinsonI saw a painful surveillance video the other day showing a thief attempting an escape from police by climbing a ten-foot ladder. He plummeted to the ground on the first attempt. The sirens grew louder and he tried again, and fell. In fact, he fell five more times to the cement floor of the ...
Views: 2175 - Presentation Success: The First Question You Must Ask - by Submitted on Apr 14, 2010 from George TorokBefore you deliver your next presentation you must ask yourself one critical question. If you ask yourself this question before every presentation you will create a more effective presentation every time - and you will write it faster. You will be better able to adapt the length of your ...
Views: 1442 - Is Public Speaking for Everyone? - by Submitted on Apr 13, 2010 from Ali BrownSome people are naturally poised and confident in front of a crowd. Then there's the rest of us. If you're not a born public speaker, are you doomed to sit on the sidelines? Certainly not! With coaching and practice, most people can develop their public speaking skills and improve their ...
Views: 1123(6 votes) - ***4 Methods for Closing Your Speech or Presentation That Will Leave a Lasting Impression - by Submitted on Apr 09, 2010 from Nancy DanielsThe last thing you want in public speaking is to leave your audience abruptly hanging without the knowledge that you have concluded. In my previous article, I discussed the need for signaling the end of your talk. The 2nd criterion, however, involves reinforcing your central idea. The most ...
Views: 15430(7 votes) - ***An Effective Closing is Just as Valuable as Your Opening in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Apr 09, 2010 from Nancy DanielsThe poet Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater the art is of ending.” While this 19th century poet was referring to the poem, his words are equally applicable to public speaking. Many great presentations and speeches are less than stellar because of a weak or ...
Views: 3125(3 votes) - ***Discover 5 Ways to Open Your Presentation That Are Guaranteed to Capture Their Attention - by Submitted on Apr 09, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhen I was teaching public speaking at the college level, I would fail any student who opened his or her presentation with the words, “Today I am going to talk about….” That is not a memorable opener and that is not the way to begin a speech or presentation. If those words are typical of ...
Views: 2699(5 votes) - ***Great Speaking Voice Vibrates in Your Chest – Not in Your Nose - by Submitted on Apr 09, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhen you listen to the greats, like James Earl Jones, Julia Ormond, George Clooney and Diane Sawyer, one characteristic which they all share is that their voice vibrates in their chest when they speak. While everyone vibrates in the area directly below the vocal folds, as well in the throat, ...
Views: 7151(4 votes) - Audience Participation… Through a Camera Lens? - by Submitted on Apr 08, 2010 from Sandra Dee RobinsonHave you ever noticed how some of the best motivational speakers seem to have trouble completing a thought? It’s not that they don’t know what to say, but I’m referring to the way some will leave a sentence hanging in anticipation of the audience completing it: For example, a speaker might ...
Views: 1082(2 votes) - Step Up Your Game: Four Strategies for Success Presentations - by Submitted on Apr 05, 2010 from Stephanie Scotti"As a presenter, how do you make sure you’re ready for the 'big leagues' and poised to make a positive impact in a high-stakes environment?"> This question came from Carolyn, a long-time client, as we were reviewing 100+ speakers at an annual trade show — a marquee event for this leading ...
Views: 1258(1 vote) - ***Preparation Is the Key in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2010 from Nancy DanielsI cannot tell you how many of my clients have admitted to me that they do not prepare for their presentations. When I hear that I am always stunned. If you know in advance that you are to speak to a group of people for whatever reason, how can you not prepare in advance? This is a no-brainer ...
Views: 3211(8 votes) - ***Public Speaking Is Not about You, It Is about Them - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDo you know what the purpose of public speaking is? Think about that for a moment. Too often, we are so consumed by our fear, our topic, or our delivery, that we often miss our reason for public speaking. You could be standing on a stage or in the front of a classroom or at the head of the ...
Views: 2542(8 votes) - ***What Is Color in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2010 from Nancy DanielsColor is the life, the emotion, the animation, and the passion you express in speaking. Whether you are in conversation, holding a conference call, or giving a speech or presentation, not expressing color when you talk is referred to as speaking in monotone. Another way of saying it is ...
Views: 4279(6 votes) - ***Is It Better to Speak Softly or Loudly? - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2010 from Nancy DanielsNeither is correct. The voice that is too loud hurts the listeners' ears -- the voice that is too soft is not being heard. In both cases, the message is being lost because listeners are unable to focus and it all boils down to volume. I just received an email from a Public Speaking Forum ...
Views: 8827(11 votes) - ***5 Rules for Reading a Speech and Not Sound Like You Are Reading It - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2010 from Nancy DanielsTorture is sitting through a long-winded speech in which the presenter is staring at his/her notes on the lectern, focused entirely on reading to the audience. My feeling is that if you are going to read something to me – and I’m not attending a reading at the library or Barnes and Noble – then ...
Views: 8999(6 votes) - Tips For Public Speaking - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2010 from Joe ClinePublic speaking can be fun when your mind is it ease and you perform well. However, most people view their public speaking engagement as the hot seat, and work themselves up into a frenzy with fear and anticipation. The key to performing well is to be exceptionally prepared and really know your ...
Views: 947(3 votes) - Overcoming Obstacles to Your Success Part Two - by Submitted on Mar 26, 2010 from Mary McKayAn obstacle is something material or nonmaterial that stands in the way of literal or figurative progress. As an expert who speaks, you’re paid to teach others what you know so that they can overcome obstacles and impediments to their own progress. How effective are you in overcoming ...
Views: 1104(3 votes) - ***Are You Losing Your Voice BEFORE the End of the Sermon? - by Submitted on Mar 24, 2010 from Nancy DanielsA frequent problem that is coming to my attention is the number of ministers, rabbis, those in the clergy, who get in touch with me because of voice loss. For many of these people, they are sometimes losing their voice before the end of the sermon. Unfortunately, microphones are not the answer ...
Views: 3024(6 votes) - ***Don’t Know What to Do with Hands in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Mar 24, 2010 from Nancy DanielsA problem for many novice public speakers is what to do with their hands during a presentation. Standing at a lectern giving a speech is the not the same as addressing an audience for 20, 30 or 40 minutes without benefit of a scripted text or lectern. The presentation is a different animal ...
Views: 2598(3 votes) - ***When “Um’s” & “Ah’s” Are Part of Your Vocabulary -- You Know? - by Submitted on Mar 24, 2010 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most annoying traits in speaking is the use of verbal tics. We have all heard them at one time or another. If you are aware that your speech is plagued with these filler words, it would be a good idea to work on eliminating them because they take away from your message: your ...
Views: 3075(5 votes) - Public Speaking: Doing the Bare Minimum - by Submitted on Mar 23, 2010 from Lisa BraithwaiteI drove by a neighborhood breakfast place the other day and felt a sense of sadness. We had given this restaurant several chances, but every time we went there, the food and service were just mediocre. Nothing special. The same old thing that half a dozen restaurants within a half mile were also ...
Views: 2241(2 votes) - Overcoming Obstacles to Your Success - by Submitted on Mar 22, 2010 from Mary McKayAn obstacle is something material or nonmaterial that stands in the way of literal or figurative progress. As an expert who speaks, you're paid to teach others what you know so that they can overcome obstacles and impediments to their own progress. How effective are you in overcoming ...
Views: 716 - ***Life, Emotion, Animation – Just How Colorful Are You in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2010 from Nancy DanielsYou can have the greatest voice in the world but if your delivery is not colorful then you are boring. There is no other way to say it. Speaking in a monotone does not sell, no matter what your business is. From all my years of experience, I have found that there are primarily three types ...
Views: 2995(4 votes) - ***Is There a Difference Between Fear and Nervousness in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2010 from Nancy DanielsSome people are terrified just by the thought of public speaking; other people are nervous right before and during the opening of their speech or presentation. Is there a difference between the two? Most definitely. Fear is debilitating while I find nervousness to be a blessing. Webster’s ...
Views: 2679(4 votes) - ***Allowing Nervousness to Work for You in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Mar 18, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDry mouth, sweaty palms, heart racing, wobbly knees, jittery hands, stomach in knots, quivering lips. How many of these symptoms are typical of you before you even walk to the podium? Hopefully, at least one! Yes, I want you nervous because if you aren’t excited, agitated, stressed, or ...
Views: 2726(4 votes) - ***Get Your Elevator Speech Ready Today! - by Submitted on Mar 10, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDo you know how many opportunities are missed by not striking up a conversation with someone in an elevator for example? How about when you are waiting in line at a popular restaurant? Maybe you are sitting at the airport in preparation for your flight. Perhaps you are waiting for the doors ...
Views: 2782(5 votes) - ***Telling Someone They Need Voice Improvement Is Like Handing Them a Bottle of Scope! - by Submitted on Mar 10, 2010 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most frequent questions I hear is how do I tell my spouse, my friend, or a colleague that they need to improve their speaking voice? This really is a tough issue because if you approach someone advising them that their speaking voice needs some work, they are probably going to be ...
Views: 3337(5 votes) - ***When Others Can’t Hear You, Your Message is Lost! - by Submitted on Mar 10, 2010 from Nancy DanielsA problem that affects a surprising number of people is that of speaking too softly. If you are not able to be heard, then much is being lost in your life because your communication skills are not being recognized. In short, you are not effective – either professionally or personally. On the ...
Views: 2712(6 votes) - Perfection Is Overrated! - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2010 from Sandra Dee RobinsonFind the freedom that comes from giving you a break Are you a perfectionist? If your automatic response is “no!” I invite you to take a closer look; there is a well-meaning perfectionist in every one of us! Wanting to be the best, and see things executed to the highest level of quality is ...
Views: 2741(3 votes) - ***Are You Nasal, Denasal, or Possibly Both? - by Submitted on Mar 04, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhile everyone recognizes a nasal voice in which excessive sound is traveling through the nose while speaking, many are unaware of the opposite extreme known as denasality. When you are congested or if you suffer from allergies, often the result is a voice in which little or no sound is able to ...
Views: 4260(5 votes) - Business Speaking Essential: Dust Off Your Enthusiasm! - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2010 from Janet HiltsDo you cringe when you hear an infomercial guy yelling with rollercoaster inflections in his voice? I know I do. He’s trying so hard to sound enthusiastic, but he just sounds annoying. All that hype-y up and down in his voice comes across as totally phony, doesn’t it? Enthusiasm Isn't ...
Views: 1241(4 votes) - ***What is Your Greatest Fear in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWith all the articles written on nervousness in public speaking, I thought I would approach this topic from a different perspective. Everyone gets nervous in public speaking (or should). There is a reason why it is man’s greatest fear. The question I would like to ask you is what is the one ...
Views: 4132(7 votes) - ***The Value of Body Language in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2010 from Nancy DanielsIn my last article I discussed the importance of using your face to express emotion in public speaking. In addition to your facial expression, though, is the language of your body because the latter talks as well during your presentation. The question is, ‘what is it saying?’ Standing ...
Views: 2899(4 votes) - ***What Your Face Is Expressing in Public Speaking – Or Isn’t! - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDid you know that your face and body talk? What are those two elements of your image saying about you when you deliver a speech or presentation? No matter how great your words, if your facial expression and body language are saying one thing but your voice is saying another, then you are ...
Views: 2595(3 votes) - ***The 3 Benefits of Nervousness in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 19, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhile you may not think that nervousness is beneficial in public speaking or for that matter in any other type of live performance, be it in the performing arts or in professional sports, the truth is that there are wonderful bonuses of the dreaded adrenaline rush. Many people, however, are ...
Views: 5205(6 votes) - ***Stop Worrying About the WHAT IF’s in Public Speaking and Start Focusing on the WHY NOT’s! - by Submitted on Feb 19, 2010 from Nancy DanielsSo much time is wasted worrying about what could go wrong in public speaking that the tremendous opportunities provided by speaking to an audience are often overlooked. No matter what your reason for speaking – be it a requirement of your job; be it the chance to introduce your new business, ...
Views: 2513(4 votes) - ***Had Enough of Chronic Hoarseness or Persistent Sore Throats? - by Submitted on Feb 19, 2010 from Nancy DanielsAre you experiencing chronic hoarseness or a persistent sore throat and you are not sick? If so, it is called vocal abuse and it will not go away on its own. In fact, it will more than likely get worse. There are some who suffer with these symptoms to the point that they even lose their voice ...
Views: 2652(4 votes) - Public Speaking Fears: Your Reason To Stay Small? - by Submitted on Feb 18, 2010 from Janet HiltsIf you have a fear of speaking up, you’re not alone. Studies show that 85% of people are more afraid of speaking in public than they are of death. Wow! That’s a huge fear. So you’re a fairly typical person if the thought of speaking makes you anxious. However, the consequences for you if ...
Views: 1148 - Flip the Switch: Let the Light You Shine Dispel Your Fears - by Submitted on Feb 17, 2010 from Sandra Dee RobinsonWe have heard the phrase, “God doesn’t make junk,” but do we realize how divinely equipped we each are? Do we wake up in the morning and see a reflection of God’s best work in our mirror, or do we focus on the negative? Do we see only the things that we would like to improve in our lives ...
Views: 2093 - Speak With Confidence Through Visualization - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2010 from Janet HiltsVisualization is a great tool to help you boost your confidence in business speaking. And I'm using the term "visualize" very loosely. Some of us are more kinesthetic or auditory than we are visual. That doesn't matter. You can use this tool anyway. More on that in just a minute... First, I ...
Views: 1682 - ***What is Your Greatest Fear in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWith all the articles written on nervousness in public speaking, I thought I would approach this topic from a different perspective. Everyone gets nervous in public speaking (or should). There is a reason why it is man’s greatest fear. The question I would like to ask you is what is the one ...
Views: 3998(8 votes) - ***A Monotone Voice Does Not Sell in Public Speaking or Anywhere Else for That Matter! - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2010 from Nancy DanielsSpeaking in monotone is more than just a problem. It is boring. There is no other way to say it. The problem with a monotone delivery is that it puts your audience to sleep and it does so very quickly. If actors were to speak in monotone, television, movies and theaters would not be one of ...
Views: 5628(4 votes) - ***3 Things You Must Do to Improve the Sound of Your Speaking Voice - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2010 from Nancy DanielsIf you are looking for answers when it comes to improving the sound of your speaking voice, there are 3 things you should seek in your training because there are sseveral different approaches. You will find articles, books, CDs, and DVDs all promising to improve your voice. Which approach is ...
Views: 4792(8 votes) - Elevator Speech: Does Yours Take You To The Top? - by Submitted on Feb 12, 2010 from Janet HiltsYou know the drill. You're supposed to follow your mentor's formula for writing your "elevator speech" or 30-second intro. And then deliver it with enthusiasm to everyone who will stop long enough to listen. Right? OK. You're following instructions. You've rewritten the thing at least 17 ...
Views: 1680(5 votes) - Business Speaking: Why You Resist Getting Better And What To Do About It - by Submitted on Feb 12, 2010 from Janet HiltsResistance usually comes from fear in some form (anxiety, worry, caution, or outright panic). But sometimes fear is a false alarm. It's just our "reptilian brain" telling us to watch out. That's how we're wired - and have been since cave people days. Consider the possibility that YOUR ...
Views: 1226(4 votes) - ***What Is the Image You Are Projecting If You Speak Too Loudly? - by Submitted on Feb 12, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhile there is no doubt that a loud voice can be most painful to your listeners’ ears, have you ever considered how your loud voice affects the image that you project? We are all concerned about image. Look at the number of articles and books written today on image and what it means for your ...
Views: 3217(4 votes) - ***Does Your LOUD Voice Make Your Listeners Cringe? - by Submitted on Feb 12, 2010 from Nancy DanielsHave you ever had a telephone conversation and the person on the other end of the line was speaking too loudly? What is your first reaction? Probably, to move the phone away from your ear. Talking too loudly is just as ineffective as speaking too softly except for one primary difference: the ...
Views: 7517(2 votes)