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***Public Speaking is a Great Form of Free Advertising- Eulogies: A Public Speaking Challenge for Everyone - by Submitted on Jan 24, 2007 from Jeannette KavanaghEULOGIES: A PUBLIC SPEAKING CHALLENGE FOR EVERYONE Eulogies are never easy. They're not easy to listen to when they're about your most precious loved one. A eulogy is particularly difficult when you're the one giving it. This article is about what to include and how to structure your eulogy. ...
Views: 4022 - ***If the Thought of Public Speaking Gives You Heart Palpitations, You Must See The King's Speech - by Submitted on Mar 25, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWithout a doubt, The King’s Speech deserved its Oscars and I would recommend it to all. Yes, I enjoyed the biographical aspects and the acting; but, what is even more insightful is how this man was able to overcome a debilitating vocal ‘handicap’ in order to deliver speeches during his reign as ...
Views: 4010(2 votes) - 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: 4007(5 votes) - Public Speaking: What Makes You Unique? - by Submitted on May 10, 2007 from Lisa BraithwaiteEach of us has qualities that make us unique. Each of us is unlike anyone else on the planet. So why, as a speaker, would you want to model yourself after someone else? I enjoy watching speakers who are engaging, entertaining, moving, intense, funny, bold, serene, and/or just plain brilliant. ...
Views: 4006 - ***Do Little White Lies Hurt in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2009 from Nancy DanielsThat is such an interesting question and I am confident were I to do a study on the subject I would receive just as many 'no' answers as 'yes.' Telling your audience a ‘fish story’ may be seemingly harmless, but even a little white lie can lead to others questioning your credibility. And, ...
Views: 4002(2 votes) - TOASTMASTERS DOES NOT WANT YOU TO BE A GREAT SPEAKER! - by Submitted on Oct 16, 2011 from Fred HaleyToastmasters does not want you to be a great speaker. That’s right. Toastmasters does not want you to be a great speaker. I know what you are screaming. “That’s ludicrous,” you say. “Doesn’t Toastmasters have a ‘World Champion of Public Speaking’ every year?” Yes. It is ...
Views: 3990(2 votes) - ***Do You Know the Difference Between the Informative and the Persuasive Presentation? - by Submitted on Jan 23, 2012 from Nancy DanielsWhatever your reason for standing in front of an audience, it is important to identify your objective before you even outline your material. What is your primary goal? Are you being requested by your boss to give a report on your latest sales presentation? Are you taking a course in public ...
Views: 3980 - How to Avoid Audience Saturation - by Submitted on May 20, 2011 from Mike MooreWhen I first started my speaking career I had to fight constantly the urge to tell my audience everything I knew on the subject at hand within the one hour assigned to me. After the contract had been signed and the topic defined the conflict began. What content should I include? Which stories ...
Views: 3975(8 votes) - ***The Value of Imagery in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 09, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen you speak at the lectern, on a stage or even at the head of the boardroom table, have you ever considered the imagery you use, thereby depicting your thoughts more effectively? Too often I hear those who speak so quickly and are so anxious to get it over with, that their words are said in ...
Views: 3965(8 votes) - ***How to Address an All-Female Audience - by Submitted on Dec 15, 2010 from Nancy DanielsMy first piece of advice is to relax and enjoy it. With a doubt, an all-female audience is much easier to address than an all-male audience. Women are quicker to voice their approval and to express laughter. And, it is their response to your words or your message that can boost your ...
Views: 3951 - ***Without Integrity in Public Speaking, You Have Nothing to Offer - by Submitted on Jun 13, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIn the internet world, the amount of information on public speaking or presentation skills is overwhelming – from choosing a topic and then preparing and creating your speech or presentation to the best means of delivering your material with enthusiasm and passion. What is often neglected, ...
Views: 3941 - Cut Out These Cliches, Overused Expressions & Tired Words - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoIs your communication full of clichés and tired old expressions? In public speaking, frequently using phrases like "you know" and "see what I mean" can be just as distracting to your listeners as frequently using filler words like "um" and "ah." These tired and overused words and phrases ...
Views: 3908(3 votes) - ***3 Steps ffor Normalizing Your Volume Whether You Speak Too Softly or Too Loudly - by Submitted on Feb 13, 2012 from Nancy DanielsWhen I first began teaching voice improvement many years ago, I was unaware that once you began using your chest to power or amplify the voice, your volume would normalize on its own. It was quite an 'ear-opening' discovery for me because so many other voice teachers or coaches were providing ...
Views: 3907 - ***5 Steps for Great Voicemail Messages - by Submitted on Jan 08, 2010 from Nancy DanielsThe phone rings and suddenly you are confronted with leaving a message on someone’s voicemail. Panic ensues and you become tongue-tied or speechless. My first question would be to ask you what is your fear? Had someone indeed answered the phone, would you have been prepared to address that ...
Views: 3899(1 vote) - ***Could Your Speaking Voice Use Some Work? - by Submitted on Oct 28, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhen you hear yourself on your voicemail, chances are good that you don’t recognize what you hear. Chances are even better that you not only don’t recognize the sound but that you find it embarrassing, shocking, or revolting. Because you are unable to hear yourself the way everyone does, the ...
Views: 3876(6 votes) - A SIMPLE FORMULA FOR YOUR NEXT SPEECH - by Submitted on Feb 21, 2011 from Fred HaleyI have discovered a new formula for my speeches and articles. It is a simple, realistic and neat recipe. It does not require me to change my main points. I still apply everything I learned in Toastmasters. The difference – I get attentive listeners who “buy-in” to my message. It will work for ...
Views: 3865 - Peter Fogel's "More Effective Story Telling Tips & Tactics That'll Make You a More Persuasive Speaker!" (Part Two) - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelWelcome back to Storytelling Tips and Tactics. As I mentioned in my previous article… specificity sells and makes a story more personal! When it comes to effective story telling give your audience a place to envision by telling them the specific location of your joke or story. For instance, ...
Views: 3854(5 votes) - ***When Public Speaking, Supplement Your Air Supply BEFORE You Run Out Of It! - by Submitted on Mar 14, 2012 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most common complaints I hear from novice public speakers is lack of air while public speaking. It doesn’t matter whether you are delivering a speech, giving a presentation, or introducing the next speaker. It also doesn’t matter how long or how short your talk. Lack of air in ...
Views: 3846 - ***Follow These 2 Steps to Discover Your Deeper, Richer Speaking Voice - by Submitted on Sep 07, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWe all have one – a voice that has resonance and depth. It sounds more mature but not old. It is ageless. In fact, it will continue to improve as you age. Unfortunately, 99% of the population is unaware that they have a better voice inside; and, that same percentage is unaware that their ...
Views: 3830 - ***How to Strengthen Your Voice - by Submitted on Feb 24, 2011 from Nancy DanielsVoice power is something many are lacking. Some people can talk all day without a problem but many of us cannot. Do you find your voice getting weaker as the day progresses? Do you sometimes lose your voice by the end of the day and you are not sick? If so, then you should consider voice ...
Views: 3830 - ***Why You Must Make Eye Contact with Your Audience - by Submitted on Nov 19, 2009 from Nancy DanielsImagine watching a speaker who has wonderful words of advice, encouragement, experience and/or success and that speaker never once looks in your direction – in fact, that speaker never acknowledges you or anyone filling those seats to hear his/her wonderful words. Does that happen? More often ...
Views: 3828(3 votes) - ***Always Leave Your Audience Wanting More! - by Submitted on May 16, 2009 from Nancy DanielsThere is nothing worse than sitting in the audience, checking your watch as you wait for the speaker to close, knowing your presenter still has 8 more main points to cover and you have already heard 14 of them! When this happens it is interesting to note that the speaker usually seems totally ...
Views: 3816 - ***What Is Your Voicemail Message Saying About You? - by Submitted on Dec 09, 2009 from Nancy DanielsYou are probably not comfortable hearing your voice on your voicemail or your answering machine and yet you may not realize that if you hear your voice that way, so does everyone else. Because the manner in which you hear yourself is vastly different than what the recording equipment is telling ...
Views: 3811(2 votes) - How To Handle Difficult Audiences - by Submitted on Jan 29, 2008 from Diane DirestaYou're prepared, polished, and ready to go. You step up to the podium and "bang, bang, bang" - you get shot down by a hostile audience. How do you keep your cool, and take back control? When I started out as a consultant, I remember landing my first large account. My assignment was to design ...
Views: 3811 - ***A Nasal Voice Could Be a Stumbling Block to Your Success - by Submitted on Jan 26, 2011 from Nancy DanielsSome of the adjectives that come to mind when I hear someone who has excessive nasality are whiny, strident, shrill, and grating. And, given the right volume, tone, and duration, it can lead some listeners to develop a headache. Don’t laugh. It has been reported that the voice of Mary Hart, ...
Views: 3806 - ***Is There a Difference Between the Personal Introduction and the Elevator Speech? - by Submitted on Apr 30, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhile my last two articles dealt with the elevator speech, I wanted to take this opportunity to explain the differences between the elevator speech and the personal introduction. You may think that the two are one and the same, but they are not. One of the factors that differentiate the two is ...
Views: 3795 - Keys to effective public speaking - by Submitted on Sep 05, 2007 from Derek Wong Kok HoongTips to effective public speaking by CTM Derek Wong and CTM Anna Chew Many aspire to be great speakers and it is through preparation, confidence and practices that one can raise from good to great world-class speakers. There are many keys to be a world-class speaker. Here are some successful ...
Views: 3790 - ***Too Much Confidence in Public Speaking Is Just As Bad As Too Little! - by Submitted on Dec 10, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhile being overconfident in public speaking is not common, there are some who tell me that they are not nervous when standing at the lectern. My question to them is, “Why not?” If you do not experience nervous jitters, a racing heartbeat, or some bit of anxiety, then I pity your ...
Views: 3783 - Smile, Really Smile, It's Good for Health, It's Good for Wealth - by Submitted on May 15, 2006 from Jonathan Steele, RNA real Smile is one of the most effective means to capture the trust, attention, and rapport of an audience. It is an essential part selling when meeting people. It has added benefits as a stress reducer. This is true if speaking to an audience of one or one thousand. You can reap these ...
Views: 3783 - 3 Ways to Identify the Benefits Most Pertinent to Your Audience - by Submitted on May 19, 2010 from Jenny HambyTo persuade prospects to register for your seminars, your marketing copy must adequately explain the value of your training. One critical way you can do this is by accurately describing the benefits of attending your seminar. Many seminar promoters and trainers believe that it's enough to ...
Views: 3763(1 vote) - ***5 Tips for Selecting a Presentation Skills Workshop - by Submitted on Jan 18, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIf you are interested in improving your presentation skills, one route is the workshop. You would be amazed at the transformation possible; however, it is important to understand that not all workshops are alike. In this article, I list the 5 things you should look for if you are serious about ...
Views: 3762(4 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: 3762(6 votes) - Building a Relationship with your Audience - by Submitted on Dec 04, 2003 from William ArrudaBuild a Relationship with Your Audience. And Deliver a Successful Presentation. With public speaking, success is determined by your audience, not by you. That means you need to engage your audience - to build a relationship with them - often in less than an hour. You need to focus on ...
Views: 3753(1 vote) - Public Speaking Exercises - 3 Ways to Improve Personal Presence, Vocal Tone, and Voice Projection - by Submitted on Jun 26, 2008 from Devin BeanAside from the content of a presentation, your delivery is the most important factor (some would say even more important than the content itself). Building good delivery habits takes effort. Luckily, unlike content which may or may not apply to other speeches and areas of your life, building ...
Views: 3747 - ***Does Your High-Pitched Voice Do Justice to the Rest of Your Image? - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhen someone looks at you, your visual image is obviously the first thing they see. And, that image has an impact on the other person – your attire, your figure, your face, your hair – everything that is presenting the picture of you. But what happens when you open your mouth to speak? ...
Views: 3743(2 votes) - ***An Occasional Mistake in Public Speaking Is Not a Problem – Seeking Perfection Is - by Submitted on Jun 24, 2010 from Nancy DanielsTake two internationally renowned speakers. One speaker who I will refer to as Mr. X occasionally forgets where he is because he adds anecdotes pertinent to his main points throughout his presentation. In doing so, he sometimes forgets where he was since he is not using any visual aids. He is ...
Views: 3738 - ***Keep It Simple in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Jun 24, 2010 from Nancy DanielsHow often had you heard the premise in public speaking that you should tell your audience what you want them to hear, tell them again what you want them to hear and finally tell them once more what you have already told them? The reasoning behind this advice is that your listeners will only ...
Views: 3732(1 vote) - Present for Success: Project Confidence During Your Next Presentation - by Submitted on Apr 16, 2004 from Dana Bristol-SmithTomorrow’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: 3728(1 vote) - ***If You're Serious About Public Speaking, You Should Be Serious About Voice Training - by Submitted on May 21, 2012 from Nancy DanielsI am ever amazed at the number of people in public speaking who never give any consideration to their speaking voice. Concerned about their physical image, their content, and their delivery skills, they have yet to realize that the vehicle for transmitting their message is the voice. And, it ...
Views: 3718 - ***A Voice Like That of George Clooney or Kathleen Turner Is Within Your Reach - by Submitted on May 13, 2013 from Nancy DanielsImagine standing out from the crowd when you speak. Is it possible? Everyone has a better voice inside of them; unfortunately, most people are unaware of it. What is a better voice? One that vibrates in your chest when you speak and grabs your listeners’ attention with its warmth and ...
Views: 3716(2 votes) - ***The Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response in Public Speaking -- Which Reaction Describes You? - by Submitted on Jul 13, 2011 from Nancy DanielsSo, you have been scheduled, invited, or commanded to speak. It could be the quarterly budget report for your firm. Maybe you are a member of Toastmasters. You could be enrolled in a local public speaking course. Perhaps it is your best friend’s wedding. Whatever the reason for your ...
Views: 3710(1 vote) - Peter Fogel's "How ANY Public Speaker Can Create a Deeper Bond With Their Audience!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelThe speakers people like the most, or who have the greatest impact, are said to have “presence.” Something special that leaps out at you. Certain actors have it, and that makes them "stars." Certain models (who by the way are sometime average looking people in real life) somehow "click" with ...
Views: 3686(5 votes) - Book Review: Set Your Voice Free - by Submitted on Mar 30, 2008 from Stephanie OuelletteThis book review is part of a series that covers the topic of Public Speaking. Public Speaking is speaking to a group of people in a structured manner with the intention to inform, influence, or entertain the audience. A good orator should be able to invoke emotion in their listeners, not just ...
Views: 3665 - Peter Fogel's "How to Quickly Connect With Your Audience While Giving a Speech!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelThe first part of connecting with the audience is to do the proper research for the event. And by that I mean, you have to do your homework. You have to consult with the client and event planner and truly understand the reason your presentation has been arranged-- and why they chose ...
Views: 3665(4 votes) - What Should I Do With My Hands When Presenting? - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Gilda BonannoWhat 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: 3665(1 vote) - Mastering the Art of Communication - by Peter Rosselli - by Few people would argue with the fact that skillful communication is one of the most critical success factors in both business and personal life. However, it is much more than just a means to an end. Communication is one of the most beautiful and rich art forms that a human being can aspire to ...
Views: 3645 - 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: 3637(7 votes) - ***5 Tips for Improving Your Speaking Voice - by Submitted on Nov 02, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWhen it comes to public speaking, it never ceases to amaze me how many people profess a desire to improve their presentation skills, learn how to create their material or script properly, and work on their delivery skills, yet never concern themselves with the sound of their speaking voice. In ...
Views: 3626(2 votes) - ***A Whiny, Nasal, or Shrill Voice Is Definitely Not an Asset! - by Submitted on Mar 05, 2012 from Nancy DanielsHave you ever considered the image that your speaking voice is projecting? By the way, I am not talking about the voice you hear in your head – I am talking about the one you hear on your voicemail or some other form of recording equipment. I am also not talking about the words that come out ...
Views: 3605(1 vote) - ***The Voice That Quivers in Your 40's Will Be Twice As Bad in Your 80's - by Submitted on Jan 12, 2011 from Nancy DanielsOne of the most embarrassing characteristics of the speaking voice is the wobble or the quiver, reminiscent of a turkey. While it affects women more so than men, it may happen when you are nervous or when you are giving a speech or presentation, for example. However, a voice that shakes can ...
Views: 3602(1 vote)