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***Public Speaking is a Great Form of Free Advertising- ARM Yourself and Knockout Stage Fright for Good - by Submitted on Aug 11, 2009 from Stephanie ScottiTrembling hands. Dry mouth. Weak legs. Your mind is racing and so is your heart. Sound familiar? Welcome to the very popular “glossophobia” club, more commonly known as stage fright. If you suffer from speaker’s anxiety, you’re in excellent company. Fear of speaking in public still ranks ...
Views: 2121(1 vote) - 3 Techniques Guaranteed to Engage Your Audience - by Submitted on Aug 11, 2009 from Stephanie ScottiWhile visiting a friend recently in Chapel Hill, NC, we attended a lecture on the University of North Carolina campus. When the speaker started presenting, I noticed that the audience — which ranged in age from 6 to well over 60 — was completely enthralled (including me!) from start to ...
Views: 1345(1 vote) - ***What You Can Learn from Clint Eastwood for Improving Your Presentation Skills - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2009 from Nancy DanielsActors wow us, amaze us, and inspire us but one, in particular, displays a level of confidence that I would wish for all in public speaking. The actor I am referring to is Clint Eastwood. In all the roles he plays, he never doubts himself. It is that level of belief in yourself and your ...
Views: 2932(1 vote) - ***What Should You Do With Your Hands When Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Aug 07, 2009 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most common questions I hear from my clients when they are practicing their presentation skills, is what should they do with their hands? That is a good question, so let me answer that question with a question to you? What do you do with your hands when you are in conversation? ...
Views: 2943(1 vote) - Presentations that S.U.C.K! - by Submitted on Aug 07, 2009 from Michael JonesDo your presentations S.U.C.K.? If they don’t then you are not being as successful as you could be! “That is the most insane thing I have ever heard, please explain!” No, No, I don’t mean that your presentations should literally suck! S.U.C.K. is an incredibly simple to remember ...
Views: 1308(1 vote) - Tell Stories - by Submitted on Aug 06, 2009 from Paul SloaneWe live in a world with information overload. We are flooded with data, facts, statistics and information in all forms. Definitive answers to specific questions are immediately available from search engines on the internet. But people want more than facts. They want understanding. They want ...
Views: 1608 - Media Coaching Tips: 5 Mistakes to Avoid - by Submitted on Aug 06, 2009 from Susan HarrowI just heard a very skilled interviewee on the radio make several gaffs that made me not want to listen to him. Even though he was clearly lively and entertaining his attitude was a condescending and a bit snooty. Tone is more important than words. If we're turned off by your tone, most likely ...
Views: 1440(3 votes) - The Physiology of Stress and What You Can Do About It - by Submitted on Aug 06, 2009 from Kell TremaynWith increasing information and the demands of workers to provide real-time responses, it is no wonder that stress is on the rise. Stress is an everyday part of life. While we intuitively understand what stress is, a definition of stress is more elusive. Many theories of stress suggest that ...
Views: 2469 - Baby Steps! - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Michael JonesThink back to a time in your life when you had to learn a new skill. Were you able to perform that skill to complete perfection the very first time you tried it? My guess is no. Chances are you made a mistake. Maybe even a lot of mistakes. But, if you stuck with it, you gradually ...
Views: 1313(1 vote) - Public Speaking Will Be Your Most Important Skill in the Future - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Michael LeeThe days of the shrinking violets are over. The world is changing, and there is no longer a future for people who are unable to promote themselves and sell their services and skills. As the economy changes and hopefully eventually shakes off the current recession, one thing that is not going ...
Views: 5060 - Learning to Become a Powerful, Persuasive Speaker is Like Training to Run in a Marathon - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2009 from Arvee RobinsonAfter diligently training for over five months to run in the Los Angeles Marathon, I can’t help but notice the similarity between learning how to become a more powerful speaker and how to become a powerful long distance runner. 1. The first similarity is overcoming the fear. Fear comes ...
Views: 948 - Peter Fogel's "Three Types of Great Stories to Use That’ll Keep Your Audience Spellbound! (And Where to find Them!)" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelThe beleaguered carpenter ran his hand over the wood the way a horse trainer stokes the back of the thoroughbred that he is about to take out for a run. In happier times this artisan was in high demand. Of course, this was before “the accident” that shocked the town. “No mistakes… not THIS ...
Views: 3949(5 votes) - Peter Fogel's "8 Sure Fire Ways to Brand Your Message!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelThere’s no doubt that speakers put a lot of time into developing the content for their speeches. Unfortunately, as you’re well aware of, because of sensory overload audiences will only be able to digest two to three points of your talk. (yes, they will channel surf when you speak) So your rule ...
Views: 2808(13 votes) - Peter Fogel's "Why You Never Want to Turn Your Back on Your Audience!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelThere is a major 'problemo' that a lot of speakers sometime fall into when using Power Point. I call it upstaging yourself. 'Upstaging' is a 'technique' that stage actors have been using 'against' each other since Greek times. It happens when one actor moves up the stage which in turn makes ...
Views: 3221(5 votes) - Peter Fogel's "High Self-Esteem and Public Speaking…Do You Really Need It?" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelAccording to a poll take by MSNBC men and women were asked what personal qualities had the greatest impact on the success of their careers. Naturally, men and women differed when it came to the importance of intelligence, ability and 'looks.' (I know... what a surprise) BUT the one thing they ...
Views: 3585(7 votes) - Peter Fogel's "How to Break 'The Fourth Wall' to Connect with Your Audience!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelPersuasive public speaking is all about connecting with your audience. One of the quickest ways to heighten your audience connection is to use a theatre acting technique called 'Breaking the Fourth Wall. One of the reasons you go to the theatre is to be transported to a different time and ...
Views: 3453(6 votes) - Peter Fogel's "Humour Techniques for Keynote Speeches (Five Commandmants for Getting The Big Bucks for Big Yuks!)" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelWith over twenty-four years experience performing stand-up comedy, writing comedy, and doing audience warm-up on sitcoms, I've learned that using humor in a corporate setting is a lot different than in a comedy club. For success here, you must tread carefully. To that end, I offer you my five ...
Views: 3705(6 votes) - Peter Fogel's “The Best Time of the Day to Get Your Audience Laughing!” - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelBiorhythmic differences aside, generally speaking, the majority of people are not at their peak first thing in the morning. What does this mean for you if you want to public speak like a pro? Especially if you're expected to "warm them up" with your witty repartee? Well, it means that ...
Views: 3426(4 votes) - Peter Fogel's "Should a Speaker LAUGH at Their Own Jokes!? (The Answer Might Surprise You!)" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelIt seems the jury is out on this one, with opinion divided on whether or not it is okay for a professional public speaker to laugh at your own jokes. Maybe it's just me (although I doubt it given the number of comedians and humorists who also laugh at their own jokes), but I believe the aim ...
Views: 4166(5 votes) - Peter Fogel's “How to Deliver an Effecting Closing to Your Speech or Presentation" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelNew speakers make the mistake of focusing all their creative efforts on the body of their talk, and maybe the opening. But guess what? The 'close' is just as important as the 'opening' of your talk. In fact, your audience may remember you more from your close than from your opening. If ...
Views: 3420(5 votes) - Peter Fogel's “How to Effectively Add Passion and Feeling to Your Speech or Presentation!” - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelAs a professional speaker, not all of your talks will be designed to be humorous or entertaining in that fashion. Sometimes your talk may be on serious subjects to elicit donations or certain actions from people in positions of influence. In these instances, you still need to wear your ...
Views: 4077(4 votes) - Enthusiasm is Contagious! - by Submitted on Jul 28, 2009 from Michael JonesHave you ever seen a speaker who thrilled you down to your toes? How about just the opposite? I’ve seen both and unfortunately, the boring ones far outweigh the exciting ones! Let’s examine two people; Ferris Bueller and his teacher - played by Ben Stein. The teacher just plodded ...
Views: 1233(1 vote) - Become a Confident Public Speaker - by Submitted on Jul 27, 2009 from Todd HicksAre you a person who has a natural tendency to become timid and shy around other people? Are you usually afflicted with stage fright whenever you have to get on stage or address an audience? Are you planning on going into a career field that involves delivering public speeches? There is ...
Views: 1331 - Powerful Lessons from a $20 Bill - by Submitted on Jul 26, 2009 from Catherine FranzRecently I was speaking to a group of 50 women and men. I opened my presentation in silence and by just holding up a $20 and saying, “Who wants this $20 bill?” With a space afterwards and more quietly I added, “No strings attached.” Now who in their right mind wouldn't want an extra ...
Views: 1703(4 votes) - Achieving Effective Powerpoint - by Submitted on Jul 22, 2009 from Ian PriceProficient PowerPoint skills have become a relevant advantage for business today. Centered on communication, creating PowerPoint presentations allows business people to deliver a message, a product and a business proposal in different ways and approaches. As one masters the different PowerPoint ...
Views: 1910(3 votes) - In the Strictest of Confidence - by Submitted on Jul 19, 2009 from Marshall NorthcottAre you entrusted with proprietary information? It’s very easy to innocently divulge confidential information just in passing. Years ago while calling on a small construction company the owner’s wife (let’s call her Joan) told me a story that emphasizes the significance of what you share ...
Views: 2969(1 vote) - Great Introductions - by Submitted on Jul 19, 2009 from Marshall NorthcottIn business we are often faced with occasions where we are called upon to make introductions. These introductions can vary from a small group setting involving as few as three individuals up to a large group at a corporate function. Never underestimate your ability to positively influence the ...
Views: 3243(3 votes) - Secrets from Teleprompter Pros - by Submitted on Jul 16, 2009 from Stephanie ScottiWatch any skilled speaker on TV - a celebrity, news commentator, or political leader - and chances are, much of their seemingly "effortless" delivery is due to practiced use of a teleprompter. It's also likely that, at some point in your role as a professional communicator, you'll be called ...
Views: 2997(2 votes) - The Three-Step Close That Attracts Clients Like Crazy - by Submitted on Jul 16, 2009 from Arvee RobinsonNine out of ten business presentations end with either an unimpressive “Thank you” or a feeble “Are there any questions?” Both are ineffective when it comes to persuading your audience to buy your products and services. After many years of making business presentations, I discovered the most ...
Views: 879 - What to Look for in Public Speaking Courses? - by Submitted on Jul 16, 2009 from Ian PriceGreat speakers are not born but made. You too can become a good orator by taking up the public speaking courses. The art of public speaking must be practiced by everybody who wants to reach great heights in their career. Those who are incapable of speaking infront of the public cannot come up in ...
Views: 2247(2 votes) - ***How Important Is Your Walk to the Lectern? - by Submitted on Jul 15, 2009 from Nancy DanielsThis past April when Susan Boyle walked onto the stage and approached the microphone on Britian’s Got Talent, the Irish singer was judged entirely on her appearance. Her audience assumed that her performance would be a disaster and responded to her entrance most negatively and with laughter. ...
Views: 1650(1 vote) - The Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Publicly Speak - by Submitted on Jul 15, 2009 from Andrew RondeauYou have been aked to present. Oh no…where do you start? Here are several questions that will help you prepare: Does the presentation fall within the scope set for the speech? Is it too long – have you fallen into the trap of trying to tell your audience everything you know, ...
Views: 2260(1 vote) - Learn the Dynamic Power of Persuasive Speaking and Watch as Your Sales Skyrocket! - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Arvee RobinsonGreat speakers seem to present to an audience effortlessly, without a drop of sweat on their brow, not a flutter in their voice, and no bungled words. They hold us in awe, captivate us, leave us hanging on their every word and easily persuade us to respond to anything they ask of us. If you ...
Views: 1451(2 votes) - *** What Constitutes Perfection in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhat constitutes perfection in public speaking? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You can type a paper perfectly. You can have a perfect score on a test. You can sew or cut a perfectly straight line. But who is to say that a presentation or a speech is delivered perfectly? Perfection in such a ...
Views: 1899(1 vote) - Questions to Ask When You're Presenting - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2009 from Gilda BonannoLately, I've been hearing from a lot of people who have been asked to present at a meeting for a different department or group. Essentially, they're told (by phone or email), "be there at 1 pm to talk for a few minutes about your project." That's not enough information. If you're asked ...
Views: 1070(5 votes) - How to Listen & Not Interrupt - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2009 from Gilda BonannoA reader emailed me with a question: "You give points on being a good listener. I try, but I find myself at times interrupting because I'm so afraid I'm going to forget what I have to say. I've been told to keep a pen and paper handy to jot down what I want to say once the speaker has finished. ...
Views: 11243(14 votes) - White Papers: Interactivity in PowerPoint - Key to Effective Sales Presentations - by Submitted on Jul 09, 2009 from Seema ChaudharySome of the well-known key pointers for a successful presentation are: - Understand needs and interests of the audience through meaningful conversation - Gain attention, channel it to build engagement and get the audience actively involved - Render complex information in a simple ...
Views: 938(2 votes) - *** 3 Steps to End Breathlessness in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Jul 09, 2009 from Nancy DanielsA common complaint for those giving presentations or speeches is that they run out of air and can never seem to catch up on their air supply. The biggest problem with breathlessness is that your body is starved for oxygen because you are not allowing yourself the luxury of breathing. Instead, ...
Views: 3319(3 votes) - *** If You Are Not Nervous in Public Speaking, Then I Am! - by Submitted on Jul 09, 2009 from Nancy DanielsMany years ago when I first started my business, one of my clients, a woman billing herself as a professional speaker, was quite adamant in her disagreement with me about nervousness. She said that she was never nervous making a presentation and did not think nervousness was good. Had I been ...
Views: 2061(1 vote) - 4 Tips to Take the Terror Out of Giving Presentations - by Submitted on Jul 07, 2009 from Roger SeipWhat’s scarier to most Americans than spiders, heights, or even death? There hasn’t been a horror movie made about it yet, but more than 75% of Americans surveyed report that they suffer from “glossophobia,” a debilitating fear of public speaking. Statistically, far more of us claim that we ...
Views: 2626(7 votes) - *** Get Your Voice Out of Your Throat and Let Your Chest Do Your Talking - by Submitted on Jul 05, 2009 from Nancy DanielsThrough the years, I have been amazed at how many people are totally unaware that they have a richer, warmer, resonant, and even sexier speaking voice inside. Most people believe that the voice they are using out of habit is something they cannot change. Nothing could be further from the ...
Views: 6389(6 votes) - Public Speaking Fears - 5 Top Tips to Have You Speaking with Calm Self Assurance! - by Submitted on Jul 05, 2009 from Jonathan RoachThe act of Public Speaking is feared by the majority of the population even more so that death itself, so major studies have revealed! It is however a fear worth defeating and a skill worth mastering if you can, as to do so will boost your confidence tremendously and enhance greatly your career ...
Views: 2158(1 vote) - We Always Teach What We Need to Learn - by Submitted on Jul 03, 2009 from Saskia ShakinLet me be frank: I have mixed feelings about getting up in public to speak before large groups. This should come as no surprise since the fear of public speaking tops almost everyone’s list—surpassing death itself! As Jerry Seinfeld puts it, “If you were invited to give a eulogy at a funeral, ...
Views: 987(3 votes) - Then and Now: Public Speaking in the Media Age - by Submitted on Jul 03, 2009 from Saskia ShakinOnce upon a time, in the distant past, people did what they were trained to do: dancers danced, authors wrote, lawyers argued, doctors doctored, corporate heads led, and everyone lived happily ever after in their neat little niche. End of story! But times have changed. Now, it seems, ...
Views: 901(3 votes) - Our Cranky Critic Self-Talk & Public Speaking: What One Reveals About the Other - by Submitted on Jul 03, 2009 from Saskia ShakinThe stories we make up about ourselves will either support us or derail us. And most of us are masters of enabling our Cranky Critic—you know, the one who lives inside our head and stomps on our dreams. Our Cranky Critic always sounds as if it has woken up on the wrong side of bed, murmuring ...
Views: 1033(3 votes) - How To Put Together a Short Speech – part one - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2009 from Mark GarnhamBecause high quality speech writing and presentation is quite a refined art, I have decided to write this article as a series so that all aspects of speech writing and presenting can be covered in suitable depth. The reader can then determine what level of requirement they have and reference ...
Views: 2636(5 votes) - Three Explosive Ways to Grab Your Audience’s Attention and Keep it! - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2009 from Arvee RobinsonSpeakers can open their presentation using one of a host of methods. So why do most non-professional speakers begin their speech with those attention-grabbing words, “Ah, I am so-in-so, ah . . . um”? Beginning your speech with filler words such as “ah” or “um” immediately tells your audience ...
Views: 4040(1 vote) - Overcome Your Speaking Fear - by Submitted on Jul 02, 2009 from Anneesh ElizabethThe fear of speaking ranks higher than the fear of dying. A great many people shudder at the thought of addressing an audience. The primary reason for this reaction is that people are generally afraid of looking foolish under the spotlight. It is this concern about doing or saying ...
Views: 1442(2 votes) - ***Have You Been Told That You Speak in a Monotone? - by Submitted on Jun 22, 2009 from Nancy DanielsOften those who speak in a monotone are not allowing their emotions to be heard or be seen. They have a tendency to repress their feelings, keeping them on the inside. Expressing emotion is normal; it is natural; and, it is referred to as color – the life, the animation, and the passion which ...
Views: 2669(1 vote) - 7 Secrets to Speaking Like A Pro! - by Submitted on Jun 19, 2009 from Anneesh Elizabeth7 WAYS TO SPEAKING LIKE A PRO! The difference between the ranked beginner and the polished public speaker is what they know, and how they apply what they know. To ensure that you remain ‘in the know’, here are 7 things that you could start doing to boost your public speaking performance. 1. ...
Views: 1520(2 votes)