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I guess I need to start somewhere, so I thought I'd start out by referring to something that actually got me started with Stand-up Comedy; "Public Speaking".
Now, many of you who know me today don't realize that I used to travel throughout the States and Europe, training various Network ... Views: 1359
A client recently asked, “How do I control my urge to give more information than my audience needs?”
Great (and very mindful) question! Consider this answer from authors Dan and Chip Heath in Made to Stick. They say that in an effort to be complete, we often feel obligated to share every ... Views: 1398
When I was on the high school Speech and Debate team, my specialty was Extemporaneous Speaking. Each speaker is given three topics to choose from, and is given 30 minutes to prepare seven-minute speech, which has to be delivered at the end of those 30 minutes. Although the speakers can bring ... Views: 1655
One of the best ways to build your business is to talk about it.
It's not just talking to your clients or prospective clients that helps your cause. Taking the conversation to a bigger stage can give your business a significant boost.
Talking to larger groups as a speaker can establish you ... Views: 1254
“There are three things to aim at in public speaking: first, to get into your subject, then to get your subject into yourself, and lastly, to get your subject into the heart of your audience”- Alexander Gregg
The ability to speak well does not ensure that you will become a great leader. It ... Views: 1444
Great 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: 1335
While I am always on the lookout for ways to market myself as a speaker it is often a time consuming task and one I am not overly fond of. Once in awhile something you do inadvertently turns out to be an effective marketing
strategy. Let me explain.
Last summer I was driving alone through ... Views: 1607
The Art of Using Notes
I’m often surprised that many speakers still fall prey to the fallacy that preparation means memorization — and that bringing notes to the podium might make you appear ill-prepared in the eyes of your audience. To the contrary, top presenters know it’s not what you ... Views: 1028
One of the easiest ways to be a better presenter is by organizing your content clearly and logically. It sounds so simple, yet many presenters don't organize their material; instead, they just throw everything at the audience, all jumbled together with no clear indication of how things relate ... Views: 1106
As a public speaker you MUST know what you’re talking about. That might seem obvious, but it’s amazing the number of speakers who really don’t have a clue about their subject.
How is this possible?
Well, someone, somewhere said, “Why don’t you come talk to our group.”
“What should I talk ... Views: 1304
If you're like most people having a colonoscopy might be a more pleasurable activity than giving a public speech. However, this activity will rapidly become one of your favorites when you let it give your career the huge boost it has given mine.
If you're an author, consultant, trainer, ... Views: 1666
Have you pictured yourself a go-to guest expert on TV or sharing your expertise to live audiences? Do you watch news segments with interviews on current topics and say, “Heck, I can do that!” Ever sit in an audience at an event and wish you could grab that microphone next?
Guest ... Views: 1377
The Apprentice is back on television in the UK, and with it comes the inevitable media focus on entrepreneurial business skills and, in particular, the art of pitching.
Almost every episode of the popular, business based cross between a reality program and a game show features the contestants ... Views: 1008
Tomorrow’s the day and you’re dreading it. You’re scheduled to give a presentation to the senior management team about the new program you’re proposing. You’re excited and enthusiastic about the program but nervous and anxious about the presentation. You don’t know how you’ll manage to sleep ... Views: 3493
Recently, I attended a presentation by a smart, experienced professional whose goal was to provide an informative overview of his area of expertise to his colleagues. Unfortunately, he did not succeed in communicating his message effectively to the audience. How he prepared and delivered his ... Views: 1500
The 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: 2009
One high-stakes presentation that entrepreneurs have to give is in front of potential investors. While it can be intimidating to present in front of people who can fund your business, service or idea, following these 6 tips will improve your presentation and make it more likely that the ... Views: 1587
exercising and public speaking have a lot in common. Both become easier over time when you practice them regularly using the correct techniques. Everyone is capable of exercising and public speaking, although initially they may be a cause of pain for some people. The results of exercising and ... Views: 1323
I'm a fan of the TV cooking competition, The Next Food Network Star, hosted by celebrity chef Bobby Flay. The winning chef gets his or her own cooking show on the Food Network.
The show offers lesson not just about cooking, but also about presentation skills because the winning chef has to ... Views: 1162
One of the most critical public speaking tips is to understand your audience. Do your homework by asking the organizers of the events for a breakdown of the audience in terms of gender, age, interest and knowledge levels.
Even if you have spoken at similar events before, do not take a chance ... Views: 1911
1. Find your niche and audience…once you do dig deeper and really narrow in on a very specific group of people, a group that you are meant to serve, one that desperately needs your solution to their very specific problem. Find the problem. Offer the solution.
2. Create a brand for your ... Views: 1059
(Written for Toastmasters, but applicable to all local clubs in civic and service organizations.)
“But Wait. There’s More!”
Our excitement and anticipation would peak every time we heard those four simple words by the late TV pitchman Billy Mays.
We knew what would come next. More ... Views: 2204
From Paper to Podium: Rehearse your way to prime time
Think back to the last conference you attended. While an event’s keynote or session speakers may be subject matter experts, most are not professional speakers. If you’ve ever wondered what makes one presenter sparkle while others fall ... Views: 1071
Let me get straight to the point. Here’s the deal. Your power station of energy lies within you – not your possessions. Say to yourself, ‘I have the power to change the direction of my Life now and avoid the biggest obstacle up ahead… Myself.’
As the greatest philosopher of our time Homer ... Views: 801
One in 10 Americans has a loss of hearing. It can begin as early as age 20. Hearing declines significantly after age 40.
The baseline or threshold for normal hearing is 0 decibels. A decibel (dB) is a measure of sound pressure level. The higher the decibel, the louder the noise. The pain ... Views: 1827
Watch 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: 2896
You already have your signature speech down, but sometimes you need to go beyond that. As a public speaker, it’s time to get moving and stretch yourself. It’s time to speak up, stand out and step out of your comfort zone.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Recently, I received the opportunity ... Views: 5265
When creating a speaker presentation, there are a number of ways to create an effective visual that will engage your audience and drive them to your call of action, whatever it may be. Here are 4 speaker training tips that can help you immensely when creating your speaker ... Views: 942
Everyone probably have the mentality that you will excel on the stage, giving an excellent speech to everybody below. But when it’s time to go on stage, you get nervous and start having stage fright and that affects your performance. For once, you want to look for a perfect solution to overcome ... Views: 1355
1. Take a deep breath and take it easy
Speaking with confidence is not going to be an easy ride, but you can make it. Before going up the stage, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Count to 5 (One one-thousand, two one-thousand…) and slowly exhale. This will help you to clear your mind and ... Views: 1248
People remember the stories! You can give a presentation that’s a dazzling display of your vast intellectual knowledge, but when all is said and done, people remember the stories.
Studies about how adults learn show that memory is formed when a person’s attention is engaged over a sustained ... Views: 4797
During election season here in the U.S., one of my clients, the CEO of a nonprofit organization, was invited to film an endorsement for a candidate's television commercial. Her role was to introduce herself and her organization and explain why she supports the candidate. She was happy to ... Views: 1033
Whether you are standing behind a lectern, interviewing for a new position, participating in a team meeting, speaking with a colleague, participating in a Skype job interview, or asking for a raise – you are “on” and presenting.
Make the most of all your speaking opportunities by following ... Views: 2702
As a professional speaker, you will have to abide by a dress code. It’s simple; dress well all the time.
Now this doesn’t mean that you have to constantly go around in a suit and a tie everywhere you go. But, it does mean that you need to dress business casual at the very least. Being ... Views: 2565
I recently did a poll where I asked participants which speaker/presenter behaviours they find most annoying or off-putting.
Here’s what they said:
1. Talking for long periods of time without a break or engaging the audience.
2. Talking too fast.
3. Using language (concepts. ... Views: 1010
CONTENT
Have you ever heard a speaker and thought, "What in the world is he talking about?" Content prevents that being said about you!
Without content - you've got nothin'! Let's say you're one of the few who is not afraid of public speaking or presenting. Does it matter if you walk away ... Views: 1618
On many of my workshops, I quote a piece of well known research into the effectiveness and impact of communication. The effect on those with whom we communicate is dictated by body language, tone of voice and our words. Body language accounts for an enormous 56% of the overall effect, tone of ... Views: 1849
Do you do public speaking? Then you've got an automatic list machine!
Remember that in business, your fortune is in your follow-up. And publishing an ezine is the easiest, most automatic, and least expensive way to do this for you. The key is getting as many prospects on your list as possible ... Views: 880
If you take only one piece of advice about public speaking, make sure that it is this pearl of wisdom. If you focus on this one simple thing, the number of times you say “uhm” won’t matter. If you focus on this one thing, your gestures and not knowing what to do with your hands won’t matter. If ... Views: 2724
Sometimes we need clear directions to prepare for our next public speaking engagement. You have seen the "Ten Tips" on other sites. They miss important steps.
Here are my Ten Practical "P's" for effective public speaking. Print them. Post them. Carry them everywhere. Practice them to make ... Views: 1088
My presentation was so good in the bathroom…what happened?
It’s an old actor’s comment after flubbing an audition, “I was so good in the bathroom at home…”
Has that happened to you? You felt prepared, your research was done, your key points were solid in your brain, and you did your ... Views: 2014
Two years ago I sat captivated in an audience listening to one of the best speakers on the circuit. He almost hypnotized us with his cadence of style and charisma. Leaning toward the stage I began to study his methods in order to learn and apply some of his techniques. He seemed to possess every ... Views: 2999
With increasing involvement abroad, cultural role playing is becoming a prevalent training tool that military branches and other groups use as they prepare for interaction with people from different cultures. The ultimate goal in using cultural role playing as a training tool is to give military ... Views: 942
What 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: 3454
Some people enjoy drawing attention to themselves by trying to trip you up on a fact or statistic during your presentation. A few will find something you say threatening to their secure view of the universe and want you to know that “ You are dead wrong!!” When this happens it is important to ... Views: 1701
In today's business world, one of the most important skills we can posses is the ability to present our ideas in a clear, concise manner in order to inspire, educate and persuade others. Even if you think that your job doesn't require you to make speeches, just stop to think...how often do you ... Views: 1066
by Dr. Jeffrey Lant
I am, amongst other things, a professional speaker of many years experience. Such people are trained to read audiences; see what works... and run with it... while eschewing and abandoning any line that doesn't arouse the audience and fails to seize their hearts and ... Views: 733
The #1 excuse or fear I hear the most is, "Who am I to speak to this group of people? I'm nobody special."
First, you are the one to speak if you WANT to be.
Every professional speaker began at level none. But they did one thing: They decided. They decided to be the one. One day they told ... Views: 1200
You may already be familiar with the term, “sound bite:”
A sound bite is a phrase that can be pulled intact from an original broadcast and re-used in another venue. So what is the value of a good sound bite? Let’s assume that a good sound bite is about 30 seconds long. We know that 30 ... Views: 1379
In building the latest version of my company's website, I've had the opportunity to revisit a lot of old audio projects and samples we've done over the years. I remember taking that leap into professional voice work around 2003, and how capable I really felt when I landed that first voice ... Views: 1079