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With the world becoming a huge melting pot, we are hearing accents wherever we go and whatever we listen to. This article is not about getting rid of your accent. Accents are part of what makes you, you. I would never advocate trying to eliminate it. The only problem with an accent or even ... Views: 2027
How skillful are you at pubic speaking? Have you mastered the public speaking skills?
If you want to master public speaking, then you need master the public speaking skills. There are dozens of skills required in a talk. These skills are an essential part of the art of public speaking and are ... Views: 2026
Once you’ve received the official notice that you are the keynote speaker it’s time to prepare for your speech. One of the biggest challenges is deciding how to get started. Too many presenters wait until the last minute to put their speech on paper. Even seasoned speakers can fall into this ... Views: 2026
As performers we want to be present and "in the moment." That phrase is thrown around a lot, but what I mean by "in the moment" is taking in the information that is currently happening. One way we can encourage this is by opening up our bodies before we get on stage. All performers should do a ... Views: 2025
World wide, we constantly see and hear prominent politicians in action—in speeches, debates, press conferences, and interviews. Yes, we get tired of their repetitive appearances, dominating radio, television, and even the Internet. However, the communication strategies they use to get votes and ... Views: 2022
Regardless of whether you're speaking in front of an audience of people of businessmen or your cohorts, the impact is the same. The greater part of your arrangement flies out the window, your knees thump together and you should drive yourself to make that big appearance. Open talking is a ... Views: 2022
When you’re giving a presentation, it’s crucial that you don’t go over the time limit.
Whether you’ve set it yourself or have agreed to a time limit set by the meeting organizer, you need to prepare so that you can cover your topic within that time limit. No one will usually complain if ... Views: 2018
Too often, novice speakers do not appreciate or make use of the pause because they are too intent on getting their speech or presentation over with as quickly as possible. The result for the audience is a barrage of constant verbiage which is exhausting for both the listeners and the speaker. ... Views: 2017
The number of adult voices I hear which sound like teenagers, preteens, or younger still is astounding. Add the familiar Valley Girl sound to the picture and you have an image which does not project maturity. I am not talking about sounding old. I am talking about a voice which you would call ... Views: 2014
Are you wondering why a limited number of people are registering for your program and/or services?
Are you open to learning something that may have a positive impact on your results forever?
Let’s talk about presentation languaging. These are words that every presenter needs to avoid ... Views: 2013
Have you ever stood in line waiting for service? Stupid question, right? Have you ever used that time to introduce yourself, your product or your services to the individual in front of you, in back of you, or along side of you? If not, then you are missing a golden opportunity for potential ... Views: 2012
When most people think of public speaking or becoming a public speaker or simply giving a presentation at work they think they have to come off with the talent of a Joel Osteen or a powerful corporate executive. Yes those people do possess a type of presence and charisma along with a powerful ... Views: 2012
Mastering public speaking is a fear that every individual has to overcome.
When I first started out on the speaking circuit, the public speaking fear was a constant companion of mine.
The very thought of speaking in front a large audience that are waiting in anticipation for what you're ... Views: 2010
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: 2010
Does your voice ‘shake, rattle and roll’ when you stand to introduce yourself or address an audience at the lectern or the boardroom table? When I started my voice improvement business back in 1989, I joined the local chamber of commerce and attended a new members’ orientation. The room was ... Views: 2009
Of all the various types of speeches and presentations we hear, that which stirs the most emotion, that which expresses the most passion, is the commemorative speech. For the sole purpose of paying tribute, the commemorative speech is dedicated to people, places, institutions, or ideas. ... Views: 1998
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: 1998
There is a big difference between moving on stage and pacing; and, I am a huge advocate of the former. The latter, however, is something you must stop if you want your audience to pay attention to your words.
Moving on Stage Those who move effectively treat their audience as if in ... Views: 1993
Unless you are scheduled to speak at 7 in the morning, I would suggest not warming up the speaking voice. Since you use your speaking voice throughout your day, my question is ‘What is there to warm up?’ The speaking voice is not like the singing voice where you will be using several octaves, ... Views: 1993
While there are various methods and suggestions as to how to make your voice deeper in pitch, the difference between those approaches and the one that is correct lies in the word make. As soon as you make your voice do something it shouldn’t, you are forcing it. When you force your voice into ... Views: 1993
When you increase your volume, does your throat hurt? If you root for your favorite sports team, is your voice hoarse the next day? Perhaps you have no voice by the next day. All three of these situations are known as vocal abuse. If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then you are not ... Views: 1990
What exactly is laughter and why do people laugh? Well for starters laughter is the physical expression of happiness. It is natural to smile and laugh when one is happy.
In a world that is often filled with sadness and disappointment laughter seems to many a foreign emotion. The archaic ... Views: 1989
When I travel to speak, if there is any time at all, either before or after the engagement, I try to get a TV, radio or print interview; preferably, all three.
Seeking exposure with the media can be intimidating for beginners and most speakers simply never consider themselves ... Views: 1985
During the year we've seen some great examples from celebrities of presentation Do's and Don'ts. On the Do -side we've seen how an actor, former body builder, named Arnold, can morph into a Governor through demonstrating both charisma and confidence. We've also seen some really terrible ... Views: 1984
Your audience wants you to succeed. They want you to do well so that they can be entertained, informed and inspired. Your self-confidence grows. As you become more confident, you build credibility.
Then you are introduced to three groups. You believe they will bring your speeches to a ... Views: 1983
Extract from one of my Master of Ceremonies notes, April 2009:
“April is a month that has a very distinguishing feature… and I am not talking about my birthday!
I am talking about Easter.
Easter is about the Passion of Christ.
I am not going to preach to you about anything ... Views: 1982
Imagine yourself as an audience member. You've paid big money to learn the secrets of your favorite guru. You've read the guru's books, subscribed to his newsletter, and you read his blog daily. Now you have the opportunity to learn from him in person at his highly-publicized weekend ... Views: 1981
While visual aids can have a tremendous impact on your delivery, the danger in their use lies in placing your entire script on PowerPoint, a slide presentation or even a white board. What is fascinating about the overuse of this feature is that I have seen it not only with amateur speakers but ... Views: 1980
Recently I had the pleasure of seeing the Tony-nominated production of The Crucible. I am a huge fan of director Ivo Van Hove's work and loved his powerful production of A View From the Bridge earlier this season. Needless to say I was really looking forward to this evening at the theater. ... Views: 1980
Someone in a recent presentation skills training program asked, “How do I project my voice and also, project authority?”
It's a great question because your voice is an important part of your presentation and should communicate that you’re confident, knowledgeable and engaging.
Here are 7 ... Views: 1979
Recently I was engaged to provide speakers’ training for a group of prestigious physicians launching a groundbreaking new therapy in Europe. Each member of the group was extraordinarily committed to the success of the launch, and their approach made an indelible impression on me.
Why? Though ... Views: 1973
One of the best tools for improving your presentation skills is to video-record yourself as a means of practice. While you may think this is a bit extreme, it really isn’t: you will learn so much by watching yourself on video. A lot of people are recorded during their presentation, but ... Views: 1967
Last minute presentation…about to wreck your weekend? If your boss just called you in and told you about a Monday morning urgent pitch, you know the sinking feeling. What can you do?
Friday afternoon. You should be heading home for a relaxing weekend with your honey. Dream on. Instead of ... Views: 1964
While my last article dealt with the causes and cure for vocal abuse, I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the reason you must end this abuse as soon as possible. Simply put: where would you be without a voice? Whether you are suffering from discomfort, pain, or hoarseness to either ... Views: 1963
Speed in public speaking, or for that matter, in any type of communication, is very similar to that in driving a vehicle. If you move along at 100 miles an hour, you stand a greater chance of having an accident than if you are doing 75 mph. While I am a strong advocate of learning how to ... Views: 1958
Are you feeling the great energy of 2012?
It can be an absolutely awesome year, especially when you align with individuals who have the same commitment, dedication and integrity that you do.
Over the last couple of years, I have been approached by many individuals to create Joint Venture ... Views: 1958
When you are asked, requested, or invited to speak, whether it is for your company, a business organization, a leads club, or some type of conference, how familiar are you with your audience and their needs? As much as you may want to deliver a stellar presentation, if you do not know to whom ... Views: 1957
Have you ever seen a speaker go over the allotted time limit? Or rush through the material when they realized they were running out of time?
What was your reaction to that speaker? Were you impressed?
I've seen speakers go over the time limit by five, ten or fifteen minutes and then look ... Views: 1956
You want to make a great speech. Who doesn’t? But most people worry about the possibility of negative emotions wreaking havoc with their perfectly planned speech. They spend days or weeks writing out their speech, ensuring that it says exactly what they want to convey; they practice their ... Views: 1956
Ever wonder why the best in the business are so successful when addressing an audience? Is it their message? How about their delivery? In truth, it is both of these components.
While you may have an excellent message, without a dynamic delivery, your message will not be heard. Likewise, ... Views: 1954
There are many phrases I hear time and time again when I speak to people about hypnosis. It is time to dispose of some of them.
Getting Stuck in Hypnosis.
A common fear that is totally unfounded. If the hypnotist goes home, dies, falls asleep or is absent for any other reason, the subject ... Views: 1952
Do you ever think about smiling when addressing an audience? If not, you should. Did you know that it takes 43 muscles to frown but only 17 to smile? Therefore, when you consider energy consumption, it is much wiser to smile than it is to show fear no matter how bad your nervousness. In ... Views: 1950
1. Start early.
If you have to give a speech, start preparing it sooner not later. The more time you have to prepare, the more confident you'll be.
2. Research your audience.
Find out everything you can about WHO you will be speaking to.... What things do your audience members have in ... Views: 1949
Some years ago, Barbara Walters interviewed Kathleen Turner, commenting on Turner’s “low, wonderful voice.” The actress responded that she could not understand how a woman could spend thousands of dollars on her clothing, hair, and makeup and not spend some of that money on her voice, as she ... Views: 1944
When you give a speech or presentation, do you include stories or anecdotes in your material? If not, you should. Anecdotes and stories are not only interesting for your audience but they also lend credibility to you as a speaker; and, one of your goals as a speaker is to establish this ... Views: 1943
Have you ever considered what your body is saying when you are addressing an audience – even just talking in your living room or sitting at the kitchen table? Referred to as body language, non-verbal communication is expressed by the posture of your body, your gestures and even your face. ... Views: 1942
Whether you are involved in public speaking, sales, presentations, training, or any other profession requiring you to convey a concept to another person, the goal should be to emotionally charge the room with the energy of your topic. The words you use are not as relevant as the feelings you ... Views: 1941
You are giving a very important presentation to the board members and midway through something overwhelms you and you can’t for the life of you remember exactly where you were in the presentation. You are giving a sales pitch on a new product to one of your biggest customers and you just lost it ... Views: 1937
A problem you may have in public speaking is how to move effectively and what to do with your hands. There are no absolutes in being expressive in your delivery aside from exhibiting no expression, the latter of which is boring and most certainly the fastest way to put your audience to ... Views: 1934
We all have attended presentations. I’m sure you will agree most were terrible – boring, redundant, and/or visually offensive. I am guilty of giving a few myself. You too? To improve my knowledge base and skills, I started studying the product launches of Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, Inc. I then ... Views: 1933