March 2014

The Oscar for Most Mangled Intro goes to . . .

In my March newsletter blog post I look at what really happened at the Oscars. Take note of the stars you shoud emulate, and those you shoud ignore.

As always, you can also find more info about my upcoming One-Day Blitz workshops. And here you will find details about Focus on You, my service that gets your business video story out there. 

Tips you can use!

Be well 
When you're healthy you do everything with more energy-- including speaking! Another reason not to let stress or looming deadlines get you down. And be sure to combat this Endless Winter with frequent hand washing to keep germs at bay. 

Dress for success
If you are questioning whether  you are overdressed for a business occasion, you probably aren't. It's important to know the standard of dress for your industry, but when in doubt, err on the more formal side. You can always lose the tie or pearls when you get there.

At ease
Maintain your calm, centered, demeanor even if your are not in the spotlight. Fidgeting while listening to someone else can speak volumes about your state of mind and/or focus on the task at hand. Remember, unless you are behind a door marked "private," you are always speaking and listening publicly.

February 2014

Davis & White's medal-worthy performance at Sochi OlympicsGifts that keep on giving

In my February newsletter blog post I hope to get readers thinking about the role "giftedness" plays in success. I have been hearing a lot about innate gifts and talents as I watch coverage of the Winter Olympics at Sochi!

As always, you can also find more info about my upcoming workshops in January. And here you will find details about Focus on You, my service that gets your business video story out there. 

Tips you can use!

The eyes have it 
Eye contact is important when you are making a speech, so be sure you take in the whole audience. Pick at least three different areas of the audience to focus on. For example: up front on the right; in back at the center; mid-way up on the left.

Move your mouth when you speak
Have you noticed that some people do not open their mouths much when they speak? Whether they are self-conscious or are trying to control the conversation by low-talking, the end result is the same--a mumble you can't understand. Get your message out there, and don't be afraid to open up.

No last minute check-ups
Give yourself enough time to check hair, make-up, and accessories before you get in your "places" position. Focus on how you feel before you walk onstage, not how you look. Most of us will always appear less-than-perfect in our own mirrors. Is that really where you want to put your energy right  before you speak?

January 2014

A great start to the new year!

My January newsletter blog deals with transformations: those of the nominees for Best Actor, 2014 SAG Awards; and those about to happen at Don't Await It, Create It LIVE later this month.

You can also find more info about my upcoming workshops in January. And here you will find details about Focus on You, my service that gets your  business video story out there.

Tips you can use!

You gotta get out there!
The weather outside may be frightful, but getting out and taking a walk, breathing fresh air and moving is just what the doctor ordered. Bundle up, put those boots on, and take a brisk turn around the block before work or  during lunch. Get the blood moving and clear your head for better productivity!

Look again  
When you feel you can't take one more look at your own words, avoid the temptation to say you are finished. Take a break, come back, and read all your writing (not just your speeches) out loud. If you hear no errors, and like the flow, then you are done!  

Answer the question asked
In the old days, speakers were told to handle tough Q & A sessions by answering the question they wanted to answer,  not the one that had been asked. Those days are over. If you try that now, you lose credibility, and may get unsolicited advice on purchasing a hearing aid!