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Your 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: 2984
When you think of voice training, your first thought may be that it is something for actors or politicians. Presently voice training is something more and more people are becoming aware of because of YouTube, webinars, and the marketing of themselves by means of video. In truth, video is one ... Views: 2982
I recently read an article by a man who teaches presentation skills. He was discussing the fact that most people hate their voice on recording equipment because it is unfamiliar to their ear. What 'floored me' about his message was that he was suggesting you accept it and live with it. ... Views: 2980
I am amazed at the number of people who confide in me that their fear of speaking at a lectern or even at the head of a boardroom table is jeopardizing their career advancement. This is so unfortunate because their fear is control of them instead of the other way around.
Everyone is nervous ... Views: 2979
Body language. It is a term we hear much about from articles, books, and the media. There is even a crime show, called Lie to Me, in which the main character specializes in interpreting the microexpressions and body language of others, cleverly changing his own body language to further ... Views: 2976
One 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: 2972
Actors 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: 2966
I met a website designer named Donna at a business expo who had a wonderful, eye-catching display that was drawing large crowds of visitors. Unfortunately for Donna, she lost her voice after having spoken to perspective clients for only 1 hour. It was 10 o’clock in the morning and the expo was ... Views: 2959
Many seminar promoters assume that big, bold action and massive change is required to put more butts in seminar seats. In fact, increasing seminar registrations is often accomplished with surprisingly small changes. If you make dozens of small changes, their cumulative impact can be powerful and ... Views: 2955
Often the purpose of our seminar or workshop is to turn audience members into customers.
Presenting your one-off workshop as a portion of a much larger body of work creates subtle selling without the hard-sell. Here are four ideas that provide this sense:
1. Use your book as a ... Views: 2954
For many people, just the thought of public speaking is enough to cause extreme panic. When you consider that it is man’s greatest fear, this is not surprising. While you may regard the act of standing in front of an audience and delivering a speech or presentation as a war that you will lose, ... Views: 2950
In 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: 2945
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: 2945
Without a doubt, most people experience some type of nervousness in delivering a speech or presentation. It is normal; it is natural; and, in truth, it is beneficial. There are others, however, who are filled with such fear and dread at just the thought of public speaking, that panic ensues. ... Views: 2943
Are you concerned with the image you project? If you are like most people, your answer is probably ‘Yes.’ When you hear yourself on your voicemail, answering machine, or some other type of recording equipment, can you appreciate that that sound is part of the image you are projecting? ... Views: 2938
Of all the articles written on public speaking, the most frequent subject deals with nervousness and how to get rid of it. And while you may find that you are able to eliminate those nervous jitters after the first 5 minutes of your presentation, the problem is that your audience judges you the ... Views: 2921
In the world of public speaking, there are only 2 reasons for giving a speech or presentation (not counting the ‘after-dinner’ speech which is a topic unto itself). You are addressing an audience to either inform or persuade. That being said, if your subject is informative in nature, your job ... Views: 2921
When I teach my clients or my students how to speak with emotion, I emphasize that there is no right or wrong answer with color. Color is the life, the emotion, the animation you express in speaking. Color is determined by your topic as well as your mood or attitude. The only thing that would ... Views: 2921
In an article some months ago, I talked about the value of storytelling in public speaking and why a descriptive retelling of a story is much more interesting than a brief quip. Audiences love true stories especially if they involve you and have a good ending. They must be pertinent to your ... Views: 2917
Any wedding speech is nerve wrecking. Making a speech in front of all your loved ones can be an extremely nervous experience and often this is the reason why so many people screw it up. The simple truth is that even a bad speech that's delivered well will do the job just fine. Unfortunately even ... Views: 2911
A surprising number of people suffer vocal abuse and are unaware that it is a problem which will not go away on its own. There are no drugs or medicines a doctor can prescribe that will end your suffering because the abuse is being caused by misplacement and/or overuse of your speaking voice. ... Views: 2897
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: 2896
Think about the last time you addressed an audience. It may have been a requirement for your job, for your presentation skills class, for Toastmasters, or for your leads group. Maybe you toasted the bride or groom or were introducing a guest speaker at your Rotary or Lions Club. What was the ... Views: 2894
Have you ever considered what your lack of volume is saying about you? Possibly in days of old, a soft-spoken voice was considered feminine and endearing. Today, however, with the number of women in business, a voice lacking in ‘normal’ volume is not an endearing quality. Unfortunately, it ... Views: 2894
When it comes to public speaking, those who have the most difficulty permitting themselves to deliver a dynamic presentation are those of the Type A personality. Characterized by an intense drive for perfection, the Type A individual does not allow for mistakes. And, that is the crux of the ... Views: 2890
Do you know what imagery means in public speaking? While it is not quite the same as speaking with vocal variety, it does involve using color, facial expression and body language when you communicate with an audience and it is an important basis for dynamic public speaking skills.
Imagery, ... Views: 2881
Body language. The nonverbal communication of your body that can tell your audience you are speaking with confidence or cowardness, delight or disingenuity. Do you know which language your body is speaking?
Something as simple as an arm gesture could be telling your audience one thing ... Views: 2881
When you’re speaking, do you rely too much on your audience? Are you always getting negative messages from their body language and facial expressions?
When you’re speaking, do you rely too much on your audience? Are you always getting negative messages from their body language and facial ... Views: 2881
Speaking in groups and meetings is an essential skill for every business professional. You are expected to be able to share your ideas, expertise and experience to contribute to your company’s success. If you can’t speak up and speak out, you hit a glass ceiling past which you ... Views: 2880
I am going to assume that your delivery skills are above average. You have addressed an audience on numerous occasions and you enjoy the challenge of public speaking. As strong as your presentation skills are, however, how good is the sound of your speaking voice – the one you hear on your ... Views: 2875
Why do you make presentations? Is it your idea? An assignment? A necessity? Part of your job? Of course there must be a reason for each presentation: to sell...to educate...to motivate. But to what kind of audience? To your boss? To an audience of a thousand people? Or maybe to one very ... Views: 2874
The one characteristic that all great public speakers possess is passion – intense, driving emotion that colors their speech, their facial expression and their body language. You hear it in their words; you see it in their actions; and, you can feel it in your soul. Their passion can motivate ... Views: 2868
My friend,
I enjoyed your last speech.
You were poised and confident. Your voice, gestures and eye contact were great.
I clearly understood your message. You made good points. They led to a reasonable conclusion.
However, as I was listening, I started wondering - so what? Why ... Views: 2868
I just received an email from a nurse telling me that she has been suffering from hoarseness for a long time, unable to sing high notes any more, shouting at her deaf patients to be heard and always clearing her dry throat. Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? Possibly not the shouting ... Views: 2867
One of the most important things as a speaker has to do to make an impact with their audience - is to control the environment they are in.
Believe it or not, some speakers get the “gig” (aka the engagement) show up at the correct time and realize the seating arrangements or the lighting is ... Views: 2866
When given the opportunity to speak, most people are so concerned with their material and delivery, that little, if any, consideration is given to their audience. After finishing your speech or presentation, take notes on your audience and how receptive they were as well as your specific topic. ... Views: 2864
While you can’t go very far in public speaking if you do not know your material well – and that means inside and out – what will capture your audience is your delivery. A colorful, dynamic delivery determines whether your audience will pay attention to you or not. That is not to say that your ... Views: 2864
When you address an audience, do you think your articulation has value? The only answer is most definitely yes. If your audience cannot understand you or misses a word or a phrase here and there, then they are missing your message. And, if they are missing your message, then it doesn’t ... Views: 2863
There is no doubt that for many novice speakers, breathlessness is an annoying problem. It goes hand-in-hand with a voice that rises in pitch and a speed that goes faster and faster. None of these ‘qualities’ are beneficial in public speaking.
Obviously, without air there is no voice. The ... Views: 2853
If you are plagued by a great deal of stress on a daily basis, do you know what it is doing to your speaking voice? You are probably aware that it is affecting your sleep, your diet, your mental health, your physical health and your overall well-being. But what do you think it is doing to your ... Views: 2852
As much as you may wish you did not have chronic hoarseness or a persistent sore throat, wishing it away will not solve the problem. The unfortunate truth about vocal abuse is that it will only get worse in time unless you stop what is causing it. There are no drugs you can take to end the ... Views: 2851
You know what this article is not about? Nasality. I know, New Yorkers, you have heard it over and over again. Have you ever considered how fast you talk, however?
While there is much to be said about diminishing, lessening or even eliminating nasality, one of the greatest problems for ... Views: 2849
That which causes your voice to sound hoarse or creates a chronic sore throat is called vocal abuse. While it is common for pop singers, it also happens to many people because of speaking and/or yelling for great lengths of time. Unfortunately, vocal abuse will not go away on its own if you ... Views: 2848
There’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: 2846
Imagine you have just spoken for 10 minutes or 40 minutes about your business, an idea, your book or your products and you are receiving good applause. Yes, you just gave a good presentation. My question to you is whether your good presentation was electrifying? What is the difference? Many ... Views: 2831
Being talented is a great responsibility as well having a big vision. When we lose focus as leaders, it's normal to misplace our purpose and get distracted and superficial with the empowering tools of leadership. To build our leadership is to build our presence and calibrate our talents and ways ... Views: 2828
ever listened to a speaker deliver a rote or memorized presentation and were left feeling empty? A memorized delivery, be it for a speech, a presentation, or even someone in telesales is definitely a performance; but, it is not a means of communication. And, it is cold to boot!
The other ... Views: 2825
Dynamic speakers move and audiences do not. Less than dynamic speakers tend to stand, riveted to one spot which means that their audiences are moving. When that happens, you have lost them.
We tend to think of public speaking as something in which we must stand behind a lectern. If you are ... Views: 2820
Do 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: 2817