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***Public Speaking is a Great Form of Free Advertising- ***Public Speaking Is NOT About You - It Is About Them! - by Submitted on Jul 23, 2012 from Nancy DanielsYou’ve been invited to speak or perhaps your boss has ‘requested’ you speak. Whatever your reason for speaking, if you are like most people, nervousness takes over as you begin the process of anxiously awaiting the date. Hopefully, you create your speech or presentation well in advance and ...
Views: 2896(1 vote) - Forget the title. - by Submitted on Jan 02, 2013 from Jef MenguinNobody becomes an inspirational speaker by calling himself one. You can inspire people without the title. Forget the title. You may give yourself the title of inspirational speaker. It does not matter. Titles are just names. Inspirational speaking is not about what you do. Inspirational ...
Views: 2895 - ***Do You Cringe When You Hear Yourself on Your Answering Machine or Voicemail? - by Submitted on Sep 11, 2011 from Nancy DanielsThe first time I heard myself on a recording was many years ago when I was in college. I had a small portable Sony tape recorder and I was with my friends when we recorded ourselves. I was horrified when I heard my own speaking voice. What is fascinating about that experience is that ...
Views: 2881(2 votes) - ***Your Soft-Spoken Voice Could Be Jeopardizing Your Career! - by Submitted on Feb 16, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIf others continually ask you to repeat yourself, what do you think that says about you? If you are striving to achieve success in your career, do you think your soft-spoken voice might be jeopardizing your goals? Have you ever considered that your lack of volume is possibly what could be ...
Views: 2880 - ***Does Just the Thought of Public Speaking Make You Nauseous? - by Submitted on Oct 06, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhile the majority of those who stand to address an audience are nervous, there is a small percentage of people whose nervousness is debilitating. And, their first reaction is often to feel sick to their stomach. If the thought of public speaking makes you want to ‘bring up lunch,’ there are a ...
Views: 2879(1 vote) - ***Tips for Controlling Your Rate of Speed in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2011 from Nancy DanielsNothing is more frustrating than listening to a public speaker deliver a speech or presentation at 100 mph. A few minutes at this speed is one thing; however, 50 minutes or more at that pace can easily lose your listeners. Talking too fast is tiring for both you as the speaker and your ...
Views: 2878 - ***Why Nervousness Is Your Best Friend in Public Speaking and Even the Job Interview - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2012 from Nancy DanielsI love all the articles and advice on the internet today which deal with quelling nervousness, combating nervousness, eliminating nervousness and ending those nervous jitters. Unfortunately, most of them do not discuss the benefits of nervousness in public speaking or in the job interview and ...
Views: 2874(6 votes) - ***The Value Of The Anecdote - by Submitted on Oct 24, 2008 from Nancy DanielsIn public speaking, the anecdotes you include in your presentation can say a lot about you as the speaker. Simply put, the anecdote is a very brief retelling of a true account which can be humorous or interesting, but more importantly, is relevant to your topic. The value of the anecdote is ...
Views: 2868 - 26 Public Speaking Tips - by Submitted on Jun 14, 2005 from Paul Evans1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear. Do your best and leave it at that. 2. Forget about what you forgot to say. Trust that the audience heard what was needed. 3. Someone has said that you should put ten hours of practice into every one hour presentation. You can, but ...
Views: 2868 - ***The Value of Diaphragmatic Breathing in Public Speaking - by Submitted on May 12, 2014 from Nancy DanielsThere are several dynamics that make for good public speaking but the one component that far outweighs all others is the need to breathe while speaking. Without air, there is no voice. And yet, many novice speakers never think about that life-giving force when addressing an audience. In fact, ...
Views: 2865(1 vote) - ***Vocal Abuse Not Just a Result of Yelling or Shouting - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWe are hearing it more and more each day. We hear it with politicians, ministers, professional speakers, coaches, trainers, singers, aerobics instructors, and even the guy next door. It is called vocal abuse and it results from unnecessary wear and tear on the vocal folds (cords). Notice I ...
Views: 2864(1 vote) - Effective Public Speaking- 5 Tips To Captivate Your Audience - by Submitted on Jun 06, 2012 from Rhod JonesBecoming an effective public speaker is certainly not something that happens overnight. There are no shortcuts to becoming a great public speaker. It's a journey that takes time, patience and effort. Since my professional rugby career came to an end back in 2001, public speaking now ...
Views: 2861 - Public Speaking 101 - The Do's and Don'Ts of Giving a Presentation - by Submitted on Aug 21, 2012 from Jack Wong | The Family Centred EntrepreneurFirst of all, I understand that the title to this article is not new because many authors have previously expressed their view on this topic. What makes this article original is that what I am sharing below is based on my own experience as a trainer for more than 10 years. In compiling the Do's ...
Views: 2861 - ***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: 2858(4 votes) - Is Your Business-Speak Full of Idioms? - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2006 from Dana Bristol-SmithI’ve been thinking about how we create barriers to understanding because of our language patterns and habits. Lately, I’ve worked with scientists and engineers from around the world. My workshops have had participants from China, Columbia, France, India, Sweden, United Kingdom, Ukraine and, of ...
Views: 2856 - ***Want to Sound As Good As You Look? - by Submitted on Jun 23, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen it comes to image, everyone is concerned about how they look, how they project themselves, what they say and what they wear. Yet few are aware that the sound of their speaking voice accounts for a large part of that image. So, my question to you is, do you like hearing your voice on your ...
Views: 2851(3 votes) - ***In Public Speaking, What Does Your Visual Image Say about Your? - by Submitted on Nov 19, 2009 from Nancy DanielsOne of the best pieces of advice I give to my clients when teaching presentation skills is to always be prepared for the unexpected and that goes for your clothing as well as your visual image. Without a doubt, what you are saying and how you are saying are the most important aspects of your ...
Views: 2848(5 votes) - Cut Out Your Filler Words - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoFiller words include "um," "ah," and words such as "like," "so," and "ok," which are used as a verbal bridge to the next word. These words just fill in space while you remember or think of something to say next. Rather than being effective bridges, they are roadblocks, distracting the ...
Views: 2846(3 votes) - ***A New Voice for 2010 Could Be Your Best New Year's Resolution - by Submitted on Jan 10, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWith the start of the New Year and the resolutions we vow to keep, there is one change that can improve your life – both professionally and personally – simply by discovering your ‘real’ voice. Easy to accomplish and guaranteed to get better with age, your ‘real’ voice is deeper in pitch, ...
Views: 2839(3 votes) - ***If Only One Voice Matters, What Is Yours Saying? - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhen I was in graduate school studying music composition, my singing professor told me that the pitch of my speaking voice was too high and proceeded to show me my ‘real’ voice. Deeper in pitch, warm and resonant, my ‘real’ voice no longer exhibited whiny, young-sounding qualities. At the ...
Views: 2833 - 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: 2831(3 votes) - Speaker Training Tips - How to Elimiate Vocal Fillers - by Submitted on Jul 03, 2011 from Joel B SeminarWhen giving a speech, you should sound fluid and professional. Sounding professional, takes practice and often. You may not realize just how many times you say "uh," or "um" throughout your speech. Known as vocal fillers, these short little utterances can actually detrimentally affect your ...
Views: 2829 - Spice Up Your Presentation With Vocal Variety - by Submitted on Mar 20, 2011 from Cynthia ZhaiWhat is vocal variety? Vocal variety refers to the proper variations in volume, pitch, rate, pace, etc. throughout your presentation. The purpose of incorporating vocal variety is to add meaning, interest, involvement, and impact in your presentation. What's the opposite of vocal ...
Views: 2827 - ***3 Steps for Eliminating a Nasal Voice - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen we hear the word nasality, we tend to think of New York City and her 5 boroughs. Excessive nasality is not limited just to New Yorkers though. You can find various forms of nasality in certain pockets of both the United States and Canada. If you are from Philadelphia, Detroit, or ...
Views: 2814 - 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: 2810(5 votes) - ***Ladies, Is Your Voice an Asset or a Liability for Your Career? - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIn Shakespeare’s King Lear, Lear is carrying the dead Cordelia and says, “her voice was ever soft, gentle and low, an excellent thing in woman.” Those words epitomized the image of how a woman handled herself in society and is in direct contrast to the loud, outspoken and sharp-tongued Kate, ...
Views: 2809(1 vote) - ***A Great Exercise for Eliminating Nasality - by Submitted on Jun 12, 2012 from Nancy DanielsThere is no question that excessive nasality, also known as hypernasality, can be like nails on a blackboard. Just listen to Fran Drescher for any great length of time and you may find that her whiny, nasal sound becomes quite annoying. There are 3 sounds in the English language which ...
Views: 2805(4 votes) - Peter Fogel's "The 5 Commandments of Effectively Using Humor in Any Presentation!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelI couldn’t believe I was going to open my presentation with that joke. Me, of all people! Yet, there I was. With my heart pounding in anticipation… I was about to bound onto the platform and speak in front of over 250 people… Not only that, I was going to open my presentation with a bit I ...
Views: 2802(8 votes) - ***3 Reasons Why Breathlessness Is Such a Problem in Public Speaking - by Submitted on May 12, 2014 from Nancy DanielsOne of the reasons people contact me is because of lack of air at the podium, in the webinar, or in a sales presentation. So I have a question for you. Do you ever experience breathlessness when in conversation with family, friends or colleagues? More than likely, your answer is No unless ...
Views: 2800 - ***Constant Clearing of Your Throat May Be a Sign of Vocal Abuse - by Submitted on Apr 26, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIf you find that you are clearing your throat frequently when you speak, it may be a sign of vocal abuse. Ignoring it will not make the abuse go away because the process of talking is creating the problem. Therefore, the more you talk, the more you are irritating your throat and vocal folds ...
Views: 2795(1 vote) - ***How to Address an All-Male Audience - by Submitted on Dec 15, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhile it is definitely easier to speak to female audiences, you can have as much success with male audiences if you understand the differences between the two. In addition, knowing the makeup of the particular male audience you are addressing will be to your advantage. If the group to whom ...
Views: 2795 - ***How Voice Training Can Aid in Accent Reductions - by Submitted on Jan 08, 2010 from Nancy DanielsAs a voice specialist, I have known for many years that a good voice improvement course can be an excellent means of accent reduction. Yesterday, I received an email from a Taiwanese man studying in Boston. His 1st language is Mandarin Chinese; and, he has been enrolled in an accent reduction ...
Views: 2795(1 vote) - ***The 3 Things You Must Do to Increase Your Volume Without Shouting - by Submitted on Feb 19, 2012 from Nancy DanielsRecently, I worked with an NFL player in voice and presentation skills. During his 3rd session, he discovered the techniques for increasing his volume without shouting which I refer to as projection. He was stunned. It did not hurt his throat; it sounded better; and, his voice carried with ...
Views: 2792(3 votes) - ***If You Are Soft-Spoken, Try These 5 Steps for Being Heard the 1st Time You Say It - by Submitted on Jul 18, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDo others ask you to repeat yourself a lot? If so, do you realize how much time and energy you waste saying your message a 2nd or 3rd time? In today’s fast-paced world, being heard the 1st time you say it is vital to your success. If others continually ask you to repeat yourself, eventually ...
Views: 2791(3 votes) - How to deal with difficult questions or difficult audiences - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2006 from Jeannette KavanaghAnyone who’s had the pleasure, honour and challenge of teaching adolescents can face any audience! So first up: here’s to the noblest profession on Earth, our teachers. In most instances when you’re hired to make a presentation to a group, the group will behave in a civilised manner. Being ...
Views: 2791 - ***Improve Your Voice; Improve Your Life - by Submitted on May 06, 2011 from Nancy DanielsImagine the CEO of a company sounding like Fran Drescher in her role as “The Nanny” or the bimbo voice Melanie Griffith. Hard to imagine, isn’t it? In fact, when Melanie Griffith played in the movie “Working Girl” in which she takes over for her boss, she enrolls in voice training in order to ...
Views: 2785(2 votes) - Manage the Pre Show Jitters - by Knocking knees, butterflies (who came up with that word?) in your stomach, sweaty palms, quavering voice. We’ve all been there ?some of us more than others. I’m going to share with you some of the tricks of the trade to help manage and reduce your anxiety before and during your presentation. ...
Views: 2775 - Market Your Coaching Business with an Internet-TV Show - by Submitted on Jan 30, 2013 from Steve TothWhether you have a small to medium size coaching business targeting consumer or business clients, whether you sell products or services within the health and wellness, relationship, finance, self evolution, career, environment or spiritual industries, one of the best ways to boost sales is by ...
Views: 2773(2 votes) - TABLE TOPICS AS A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2011 from Fred HaleyI just got back from my Toastmasters’ club meeting. We had so much fun that I had to share with you the experience and the lessons we learned. As background, there were only eleven of us there, including three guests at this Saturday morning meeting, the beginning of a beautiful, sunny, ...
Views: 2770 - ***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: 2767(8 votes) - ***What Your Breathing and Your Mind Can Do When Your Body Says NO - by Submitted on Oct 06, 2011 from Nancy DanielsLast week I was not looking forward to my upcoming 2-day workshop in Chicago. I had gotten a cold/flu the previous Sunday, after attending my high school reunion the night before – and hopefully not infecting everyone who was there. In any event, I so wanted to cancel the workshop because ...
Views: 2761(1 vote) - ***What Your Chronic Hoarseness May Be Telling You - by Submitted on Feb 06, 2012 from Nancy DanielsI did damage to my own speaking voice some years ago when I was coaching my son’s soccer team. I will pay for that mistake for the rest of my life because I will never sing again. Considering my voice is my business, I am blessed that it did not do the same damage to my speaking voice. What ...
Views: 2760(2 votes) - ***Is There a Difference Between Male and Female Audiences? - by Submitted on Nov 02, 2010 from Nancy DanielsYou bet. Generally speaking, women make better audiences for one specific reason: they laugh more. Male audiences, on the other hand, are more difficult because of ego. And, it does not matter whether you, as the speaker, are male or female. The results are the same either way. Studies done ...
Views: 2754(1 vote) - ***What You Need to Do in Public Speaking That You Probably Don't Do - by Submitted on Jan 08, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDo you know the #1 thing most novice speakers never think to do when delivering a presentation? It never crosses their mind and yet it is the one thing they are in desperate need of throughout their talk. And, once they lose it, they are in a constant race to catch up on it. No, I am not ...
Views: 2754(1 vote) - Confidence Through Words and Actions - by Submitted on Feb 03, 2009 from Eliot ShapiroImagine this: an audience of employees and stockholders gathers to hear what inspiring words their esteemed CEO has for them. On cue, the CEO strides to the microphone, puts his hands on the lectern, squints into the teleprompter and launches into a monotone presentation: “It’s ...
Views: 2754 - Exceptional Public Speaking - How to Ignite an Audience - by Submitted on Apr 25, 2009 from Marc AdamsOne of the most thrilling, challenging (and for many people) frightening opportunities is that of public speaking. Whether your job requires it, or you find yourself in a position where you have to give a public presentation, you may be overcome with nerves at the thought of standing in front of ...
Views: 2754 - The Five Fatal Flaws Of Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 12, 2008 from Robert GrahamWe’ve all seen – and given – poor presentations. It’s inevitable if we are involved in speaking on even a somewhat regular basis. What is avoidable, however, are the five worst mistakes that presenters make that doom their talks to being anxiety-ridden, boring, forgettable time-wasters. From my ...
Views: 2754 - ***Is Your Elevator Speech Ready? - by Submitted on Apr 05, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDo you know what an elevator speech is? An elevator speech is an introduction about your business that you can encapsulate in 30 seconds or less. The idea for this type of speech is based on the average length of time one spends in an elevator. The value of the elevator speech is not just ...
Views: 2752(2 votes) - Peter Fogel's "Should a Speaker or Comic Laugh at His Own Jokes?!" - by Submitted on Nov 07, 2011 from Peter FogelOK If I Laugh Now? It seems the jury is out on this one, with opinion divided on whether or not it is okay to laugh at your own jokes. Maybe it's just me (although I doubt it given the number of comedians and humorous speakers who also laugh at their own jokes. But I believe the aim of a ...
Views: 2740(1 vote) - Voice Power in Public Speaking - Speak Loudly and Slowly Enough - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoA key component of non-verbal communications is your voice. Along with eye contact, gestures, movement and facial expression, your voice can communicate meaning and help your audience focus on your message. Your voice has an incredible range and ability to convey meaning and emotion, yet ...
Views: 2738(2 votes)