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***Public Speaking is a Great Form of Free Advertising- Webinar, Podcasts and Video Are a Good Reason to Consider Voice Training - by Submitted on Apr 12, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen 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: 2936 - ***Those Who Teach Voice and Those Who Think They Teach Voice - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2011 from Nancy DanielsI 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: 2935(2 votes) - ***Does Your Posture Speak Confidence Or the Lack of It? - by Submitted on Feb 20, 2012 from Nancy DanielsI had an interesting experience recently when I had new photos taken. One of the shots showed my shoulders drawn in – not back and straight. Whether I had liked the smile on my face or not was irrelevant, because the position of my shoulders did not speak of confidence which is something I ...
Views: 2934 - ***When the Caller Thinks You're a Female -- And You're Not! - by Submitted on Dec 27, 2010 from Nancy DanielsNothing is more distressing than for the person on the other end of the line to think you are a woman – or worse yet, to ask to speak to your mother – and you are a man. Rest assured that you are not alone but that does not make it any easier to bear. Being mistaken for a female over the phone ...
Views: 2931(1 vote) - ***Your Body Is Talking -- What Is Yours Saying? - by Submitted on Feb 01, 2011 from Nancy DanielsBody 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: 2931(4 votes) - ***What You Can Learn from Clint Eastwood for Improving Your Presentation Skills - by Submitted on Aug 12, 2009 from Nancy DanielsActors 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: 2930(1 vote) - ***Is Your Fear of Public Speaking Hindering Your Advancement? - by Submitted on May 12, 2014 from Nancy DanielsI 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: 2929 - ***If You are a Whisperer, You are Doing Great Harm to Your Voice! - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2010 from Nancy DanielsI 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: 2915(2 votes) - ***Make Them Want More - by Submitted on Feb 01, 2014 from Cher CunninghamOften 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: 2910(5 votes) - ***If You Absolutely, Positively Cannot Face an Audience, Try This Exercise - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Nancy DanielsWithout 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: 2904 - ***Winning the Battle of Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 25, 2011 from Nancy DanielsFor 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: 2904(2 votes) - Easy Sources of Seminar Leads: 3 Leaks to Plug in Your Seminar Lead-Generation Process - by Submitted on Aug 06, 2010 from Jenny HambyMany 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: 2904 - ***The Value of Body Language in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 23, 2010 from Nancy DanielsIn 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: 2895(4 votes) - ***The 4 Best Means of Persuasion in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Sep 21, 2009 from Nancy DanielsIn 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: 2892(3 votes) - ***Do These 3 Things and You Can Sound As Good As You Look! - by Submitted on Jan 17, 2012 from Nancy DanielsAre 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: 2891(4 votes) - The 10 Dos and Don’ts of Making a Successful Presentation - by Submitted on Feb 26, 2013 from Ellen WagnerWhether 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: 2889(1 vote) - ***Want More Color and Life in Your Voice? - by Submitted on Jul 18, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen 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: 2886(2 votes) - ***If Your Nervousness Is in Control in Public Speaking, You Will Lose the Battle - by Submitted on Nov 24, 2010 from Nancy DanielsOf 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: 2878 - ***Why You Should Include True Stories in Your Next Presentation - by Submitted on May 17, 2011 from Nancy DanielsIn 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: 2874 - ***The Type A Personality and Public Speaking - by Submitted on Feb 27, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhen 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: 2869 - 3 Ways to Calm the Wedding Speech Nerves - by Submitted on Dec 30, 2010 from Alyse AddisAny 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: 2868(1 vote) - ***What Is Your Soft-Spoken Voice Saying About You? - by Submitted on Aug 16, 2011 from Nancy DanielsHave 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: 2862(2 votes) - The Secret to Great Presentations - by Submitted on Jul 09, 2003 from Doug StaneartIf 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: 2856(1 vote) - ***What Language Is Your Body Speaking at the Lectern? - by Submitted on May 12, 2011 from Nancy DanielsBody 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: 2853 - ***What Is Your Face Expressing in Public Speaking? Delight or Dismay? - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2010 from Nancy DanielsThink 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: 2852 - ***Don’t Ignore Vocal Abuse – It Won’t Go Away on Its Own! - by Submitted on Feb 04, 2010 from Nancy DanielsA 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: 2847(4 votes) - Articulation Matters: How Good Is Yours? - by Submitted on May 31, 2009 from Nancy DanielsWhen 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: 2840 - ***How to Create Imagery When You Speak - by Submitted on Apr 01, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDo 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: 2835(2 votes) - Peter Fogel's "How to Quickly Become a More Confident Speaker With out Breaking a Sweat!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelWhen 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: 2835(3 votes) - ***If Your Presentation Skills Are Good, Can the Same Be Said about Your Voice? - by Submitted on Feb 09, 2011 from Nancy DanielsI 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: 2833(7 votes) - ***Voice Training Is the Only Answer for Vocal Abuse - by Submitted on Aug 04, 2011 from Nancy DanielsI 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: 2832(1 vote) - Wake Up Your Audience - by Submitted on Apr 13, 2008 from Terry GaultWhy 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: 2830 - How To Say A Few Words When You Are Not Prepared - by Submitted on Aug 29, 2008 from Sandra ZimmerSpeaking 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: 2829 - ***What Stress Does to Your Speaking Voice - by Submitted on Nov 01, 2010 from Nancy DanielsIf 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: 2827 - WHERE IS YOUR SALES PITCH? - by Submitted on Dec 08, 2011 from Fred HaleyMy 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: 2823 - ***If You Plan on a Career in Public Speaking, Take Notes on Your Audience - by Submitted on Apr 19, 2011 from Nancy DanielsWhen 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: 2821 - ***Just How Passionate Are You in Public Speaking? - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2012 from Nancy DanielsThe 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: 2821 - Peter Fogel's "How to Put Yourself in the "Best Light" to Succeed as a Public Speaker!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelOne 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: 2820(5 votes) - ***Why Your Vocal Abuse Will Not Go Away on Its Own - by Submitted on Jun 02, 2011 from Nancy DanielsAs 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: 2817(3 votes) - ***Public Speaking - Use Your Head But Speak from Your Heart - by Submitted on Jan 23, 2012 from Nancy DanielsWhile 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: 2816 - ***The Unfortunate Truth about Vocal Abuse - by Submitted on Jan 29, 2011 from Nancy DanielsThat 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: 2815(3 votes) - ***If You Hail from New Jersey or New York, How's Your Diction? - by Submitted on Jun 07, 2011 from Nancy DanielsYou 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: 2812 - ***Why Nervousness Increases Your Breathlessness in Public Speaking - by Submitted on Oct 08, 2011 from Nancy DanielsThere 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: 2806 - Peter Fogel's "8 Sure Fire Ways to Brand Your Message!" - by Submitted on Dec 18, 2010 from Peter FogelThere’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: 2805(13 votes) - 8 Mistakes Trainers Make - by Submitted on Feb 28, 2011 from Saritza ZambranaBeing 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: 2792(2 votes) - ***What Is the Difference Between a Good Presentation and One That Is Electrifying? - by Submitted on Oct 28, 2009 from Nancy DanielsImagine 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: 2786(5 votes) - ***The Human Touch of Public Speaking - Do You Know What It Is? - by Submitted on Jun 29, 2011 from Nancy Danielsever 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: 2784 - A.U.D.I.E.N.C.E. Analysis - It's Your Key to Success - by Submitted on Sep 18, 2003 from Lenny Laskowski© 1996 LJL Seminars (tm) http://www.ljlseminars.com --------------------------------------------------------- As speakers we all know the importance of properly preparing our material far enough in advance so we may have sufficient time to rehearse and "fine-tune" our speeches. Unfortunately, ...
Views: 2781(1 vote) - ***Get Your Elevator Speech Ready Today! - by Submitted on Mar 10, 2010 from Nancy DanielsDo 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: 2778(5 votes) - ***If Your Audience Is Moving, You've Got a Problem! - by Submitted on Jan 28, 2011 from Nancy DanielsDynamic 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: 2773(2 votes)