Owner: Speak Schmeak URL:http://coachlisab.blogspot.com Join Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2007 16:31:53 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Tips, techniques and insights about public speaking and speakers. Site statistics:Click here
How to use a microphone 2008-04-18 11:46:00 Tomorrow I'll be spending the day providing mini-coaching sessions to the soon-to-be graduates of Women's Economic Ventures' Self-Employment Training program.At graduation, each student gives her elevator speech onstage. We'll be working on their elevator speeches in class tomorrow, as well as their microphone
skills.You might think that using a mic is as simple as holding it in front of your mouth and talking. And no, using a mic is not particularly complicated, but there are a few things to remember to make your speech as effective as it can be. I'm not going into the details of a handheld vs. fixed vs. lavaliere mic except for this: if you're wearing a lavaliere mic, make sure to turn it off when you use the restroom!Here are some of the basics:1. It's probably a good idea to use a micr
Shyness can stop you 2008-04-19 11:08:00 Shyness is nice andShyness can stop youFrom doing all the things in lifeYou'd like toShyness is nice andShyness can stop youFrom doing all the things in lifeYou'd like toSo, if there's something you'd like to tryIf there's something you'd like to tryAsk me I won't say no, how could I?Coyness is nice, andCoyness can stop youFrom saying all the things inLife you'd like toSo, if there's something you'd like to tryIf there's something you'd like to tryAsk me I won't say no, how could I?From The Smiths, "Ask"
Public speaking vs. death 2008-04-21 11:00:00 Happy Monday! I got up and dressed early for a meeting, and now the meeting's been cancelled. What's ironic about this is that I try to avoid scheduling Monday morning meetings, for the obvious reason that it's Monday morning. I made an exception for this one, and now here I am, showered and dressed, with no place to go! I think I'll get into my workout clothes, so I'll be ready to go when it's time. Today, I've got an article for you by Melissa Lewis that I had fun reading. I've written before about most of these mistaken beliefs about public speaking, as they are major pet peeves of mine, but please make a special note of the first one in the article. Apparently, Melissa is even more obsessed about getting to the bottom of this myth than I am. Here's what she told me in an e-mail:"I have Read more:Public
, death
One-minute coaching session 2008-04-23 10:47:00 You're not supposed to coach, counsel or "therapize" your mate. However, I couldn't help myself yesterday when my husband told me that he hates it when people ask him where he went to college.To me this was a typical public speaking dilemma, although more likely to come up in a networking or social setting. Someone asks you a question that is awkward or uncomfortable. You dread that question coming up because you dread having to answer.I used to hate it when people asked if I had kids, because I felt I had to explain myself in some way. Now I just say, "Nope, but we have three bratty cats!" Case closed.My husband is uncomfortable with the college question because he didn't get a four-year degree. He attended community college, then went into the specialty foods industry, where he's worked Read more:coaching
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How straightforward is your elevator speech? 2008-04-22 10:00:00 At the most basic level, your elevator
speech is what you tell people about what you do. It's a short introduction to your area of expertise that's a useful tool when meeting people in social and networking situations. The length depends on the situation. If you're standing in line at the grocery story and strike up a conversation with your neighbor who asks what line of work you're in, your 3-minute version is going to sound like an annoying TV commercial. My elevator speech is about 15 seconds long, which is perfect when speaking to an individual, but when I'm introducing myself in a group setting, I will say a little more.Your elevator speech should mention your target audience and how you help them. Think benefits, not features. "Hi, I'm Joe Guy-Nextdoor. I (provide this benefit) to (t
Strong openings: shocking statistics 2008-04-24 11:45:00 When we talk about strong openings for a presentation, we are usually referring to the following methods to get the audience emotionally or physically involved with your presentation right from the beginning:1. Tell a story (funny, heartwarming, horrifying -- get some emotion flowing)2. Ask a question (or a few -- sometimes I like to give a quiz)3. Use a quote that gets people thinking4. Give a "shocking statistic"I find the shocking statistic to be the most difficult to pull off effectively, because it's hard to come up with statistics that can really move your audience. People are jaded, and a statistic like, "One in six 10th graders smokes pot" will just make their eyes glaze over. Unless it's jaw-dropping, it has no impact.I've come across two ad campaigns in the past week that were ve Read more:Strong
Stories make the world go 'round 2008-04-26 11:15:00 "Everything I do is story-driven and therefore stories, and therefore what people are singing about, is the thing that, for me, makes a performance."~ Andrew Lloyd Webber, on American Idol
Read more:Stories
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Visualization is for the body as well as the mind 2008-04-25 12:00:00 Visualization is a valuable tool for preparing to speak. By visualizing yourself in the venue, giving 100%, speaking to an appreciative audience, and running through your complete presentation successfully, you ready yourself mentally for the event.Visualization creates a positive mental framework for your performance, and by using visualization and positive affirmations together, you reframe the way your mind anticipates the event.However, what you may not realize is that you can also reframe the way your body anticipates the event. Visualizing the speaking situation can actually change the way your body responds to nervousness, taking you from adrenaline-fueled shakiness to relaxed stillness.The trick to changing your body's reaction to anxiety is to imagine physical sensations during y Read more:Visualization
What ever happened to face-to-face marketing? 2008-04-28 11:52:00 On one of my regular forums, someone recently posted a question asking what others are doing to promote their businesses. There were mentions of advertising, dropping off postcards at local coffee shops, sending out samples, free shipping, sending press releases, and more, but no one mentioned anything related to building relationships with real people.On a recent list of topics being presented on a women's teleseminar series about business-building, I saw Internet marketing, copywriting, articles and press releases, but nothing about making connections in person. I like my computer probably more than most people. I prefer e-mail over phone calls to the nth degree. And don't get me wrong: this blog and my article marketing activities have kept me in the top five on Google for "public speak
Take charge of your event 2009-04-29 11:06:00 In order for you to make your speaking engagement the best it can be, you're going to have to take charge
of your room.I've mentioned checking your venue in advance, for one thing. But what happens if there's something wrong with the room that needs to be fixed? For example, the tables are too far away from the stage, there's a blinding white building across the street, the projection screen is in the wrong place?This is where you explain to the organizer why the room needs to be a certain way. Ideally, you have already asked for certain features when you booked the speaking engagement, but checking the venue also brings issues to the forefront that you couldn't anticipate.Be polite and respectful, but also assertive in asking for what you want. Make it clear that it's about the audience h Read more:event
Sorry, procrastinating. . . 2008-04-29 15:50:00 I put off my newsletter long enough and had to get that out today, so I don't have a good blog post for you.We'll see if I can get my act together tomorrow. . .
Keeping up appearances 2008-05-02 10:55:00 "I'm sorry. I try to keep up the appearance that I never use the bathroom. I hope you won't think less of me."Claire Meade to Betty Suarez, upon meeting in the restroom, on Ugly BettySee this post and this post for more on allowing yourself to be human. . .
Wine stories 2008-05-03 10:56:00 We went wine tasting the other day, and the difference between the tasting room experiences was significant. Both had friendly, knowledgeable staff. One had descriptions of the wines written on the tasting menu, the other had no written descriptions, but the man behind the counter described each one himself.Which was the more enriching experience? The one with the stories.At the second winery, the person who served us was a member of the family who owns the winery. It was clear he is passionate about wine, as he is directly involved with growing, processing and selling it. As we moved on to each wine, he would hold up the bottle, show us the label, and describe the grape, its history, its farming method (they use integrated pest management and dry farming, among other sustainable methods),
My new favorite presentation 2008-05-06 11:00:00 I'm trying out Blogger's new (finally) "future-posting" feature today. It's May 5 and I'm posting for May 6. I'd like to say that, because it's my birthday, I'm taking the day off and won't be able to post, but actually I'm presenting at a conference and will be there very early and that's why I'm future-posting. I expect to be done with everything (selling my e-course as a CD at the conference -- something new!) by mid-afternoon and then I can have some birthday time. Which will probably include taking my computer to the repair shop because it seems on the verge of a complete breakdown.So while I'm off doing whatever, enjoy this video that incorporates all the elements of a successful presentation
. There are stories, examples, demonstrations, good organization, a strong opening and closin
If you want to help me celebrate my birthday. . . 2008-05-06 09:00:00 1. Nominate me as your BlogHer Hero, and I might win a trip to BlogHer conference '08! Here's the nomination form.2. Subscribe to Speak Schmeak. See the little orange button below and in the sidebar.3. Tell a friend about Speak Schmeak.4. Leave a comment on a previous post.5. Connect with me on LinkedIn (just remember to tell me you're a Speak Schmeak reader).6. Connect with me on Facebook (just remember to tell me you're a Speak Schmeak reader).7. For those of you who have completed my e-course or have been coached by me, refer a friend or colleague.8. Send me your well wishes for a fabulous 43rd year! That's right, I'm 43. Jealous?
No systems, no formulas 2008-05-05 11:43:00 As a coach, I find myself tempted to put my work into some sort of "system" or "formula." That's what everyone wants, right? I called my public speaking e-course a "7-week shortcut," which sounds a little "system-like" although there's no system involved; just good old-fashioned exercises and activities to help you figure out your individual strengths and challenges without a coach by your side -- that's the shortcut.The problem with a formula is that it can't possibly work for everyone. People want something quick and easy to help them solve their problems, become better at something, lose 50 pounds or make a bazillion dollars. But it's only easy when it fits your needs, your abilities, your learning style, and your level of motivation and willingness to take risks.One of my clients is sp
Preparation rituals, part 1 2008-05-07 11:27:00 Funny, I've never really written about this here, even though I'm attempting to write a book about it and have developed a workshop on the subject. So I'm going to post a three-part series about preparation rituals over the next week and let's see if we can add some layers to your level of preparation.When we think of preparation for a presentation, we think of the usual stuff: have an objective, organize your thoughts, practice it, time it, check out the venue, check your equipment, anticipate Q&A, etc.Some of us might use some visualization or affirmations to get that positive self-talk going, but for the most part, mental and physical preparation fall short. Which is why many of us, even though we've done everything we think we need to do to prepare, still feel unsure of ourselves and n
Preparation rituals, part 2 2008-05-08 10:54:00 Following up on part 1 of my preparation rituals series, today let's talk about another two kinds of rituals.There are rituals for mental preparation and there are rituals for physical preparation. Why do we need both kinds, especially if we're not athletes and we're not about to run a marathon?The mental preparation ritual includes both focus and distraction. Think about the mental preparation you like to do before your activity, competition or performance. You might not even realize you're doing it! Some examples of mental preparation include:* Visualization* Affirmations* Meditation* Prayer* Reviewing past performances* Writing* Watching TV* Listening to music* Reading* Strategizing and planningMental preparation rituals help us to focus, organize, block out distractions, visualize succ
Preparation rituals, part 3 2008-05-10 11:54:00 We've talked about rituals that help us focus and rituals that distract us from our activity. We've talked about mental and physical preparation.Today let's focus on making our rituals as effective as they can be.Once you know whether you like to associate with or dissociate from your activity, you know what kind of basic ritual works best for you. You know that both physical and mental preparation are necessary for peak performance and you incorporate both. What next: a relaxing ritual or an energizing ritual -- or a little bit of each?Relaxing rituals are great for helping us calm down our breathing, getting the adrenaline rush under control, and clearing the mind. Relaxation exercises are frequently recommended for speakers who don't want to take the stage in an agitated or hyper state.
Bluetooth headset 2008-05-09 10:50:00 Please take it out of your ear when giving a presentation. I don't care if your phone is turned off. It's like wearing a clown nose. I can't think of anything more distracting.Besides turning your back to the audience and reading off the PowerPoint slides (because I think we can all agree that that's right up there with the headset/clown nose), what other rude or distracting speaker behaviors drive you crazy?
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Preaching to the choir 2008-05-13 10:50:00 It's always exciting to talk to people who are already on our side, understand our topic and are motivated to learn more. There's a sense of connectedness and synchronicity, but sometimes it doesn't feel like there's as much significance in speaking to this kind of group, because they already "get it." We call this "preaching to the choir," and it's frequently seen as a less desirable pursuit than
Defending accessibility 2008-05-12 10:54:00 Elizabeth Schwyzer: Part of your company's mission is to make modern dance acceptable to a wide audience -- a controversial concept in the arts. Tell me what it means to you.David Parsons: I don't have a problem with accessibility. We have enough serious dance companies on the planet. To tell you the truth, I can't do anything else. It's who I am. I really love connecting with an audience. Part of
A funny thing about addictions. . . 2008-05-14 11:40:00 One of my clients, Linda Joy Allan, has started a blog called A Funny Thing About Addictions. She's written a book that's coming out this summer, about overcoming her addictions to alcohol, cigarettes and junk food, and the blog is one way she's reaching out to those affected by addictions.Check it out!
Be my fan on Facebook 2008-05-14 11:00:00 I've added a business page to Facebook
; it's my Public Speaking Coaching page!Yes, it's true, I came up with that completely uninspired title. It was a working title, and then I realized that I couldn't change it once the page was done. So there you go: Public Speaking Coaching is the name of my Facebook page. Sorry.If you've used my coaching services or purchased my e-course, I would love for you
My media diet 2008-05-16 10:00:00 Cam Beck invited me to share my media
diet and, at the risk of having you lose all respect for me or fall into a boredom coma while reading, here goes.Books: I've probably already mentioned my favorites here, but here they are again. The 4-Hour Work Week has helped me get a fresh perspective on how much and how hard I want to work, and how to use my time more effectively.Made to Stick succinctly a
Rehashing old content at the same venue? 2008-05-15 11:00:00 I spoke at a conference last week, where the keynote speaker rehashed several significant and memorable stories that she had used the year before at the same conference, but in a breakout session.The conference attracts many of the same people year after year, as it's local and sponsored by an organization on the campus of UCSB. It actually annoyed me that I had heard most of her talk before, and
Inspire your audience with a fresh perspective 2008-05-17 11:27:00 Last night I attended the graduation ceremony for Women's Economic Ventures' Self-Employment Training program. I went through the 14-week program myself in 2004, and these days I volunteer as a speaker and mentor, and fill in anywhere else I'm needed.In my post on handling a microphone, I shared that I would be providing mini-coaching to a number of the students in preparation for delivering their Read more:Inspire
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Stimulate your thinking - under pressure! 2008-05-19 11:24:00 Have you ever played the game Taboo?It's a game where you give clues to your teammates about a secret word, without using five "taboo" clues.For example, your word might be "kangaroo," which you must describe to your team without using the words "pouch," "hop," "animal," "Australia," or "captain." Or you might have to describe "leftovers" without using the words "reheat," "yesterday," "food," "mea Read more:thinking
Microphone reminder 2008-05-19 10:44:00 At WEV graduation the other night, I noticed that a few of the speakers still could barely be heard, even though they were using a microphone. So I want to reiterate, because without this tip, nothing else you remember about microphone handling matters:You still have to speak up and project your voice, even though you are using a microphone. The microphone can't do all the work.
Make sure the announcer can pronounce your name 2008-05-20 09:37:00 Another little reminder from the WEV graduation the other night: always make sure the announcer or introducer knows how to pronounce your name.Because I wasn't actually a speaker, but was being introduced from the audience as a mentor in the new mentor program, it slipped my mind that I would still need to check in with the emcee beforehand. When she introduced me, my name came out something like
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