September 2014

One step and before you know it. . .

My September newsletter features a reflection comparing a child's mastery of locomotion to devlopment of successful messaging.

As always, you can also find more info about my upcoming workshops.

And for a good giggle, visit here: see examples of what not to do when you have the opportunity to speak! The latest one is a doozie. 

Tips you can use!

Get back in shape

If your speech/presentation is less than two weeks away, you need to get back to your breathing/vocal warm-up routine. Even if you are just starting to work on your power point or outline your speech. Getting back in "speaking trim" can't wait till the last minute.

Build a "bridge phrase"

We all need a few words to give us time to think once in awhile. Find a phrase you feel comfortable with, and practice, practice, practice till it feels natural rolling off your tongue. It will be there when you need it--and can help banish those unprofessional "um"s and "so"s.

Don't be unresponsive

Way back when, speakers could get by not answering a tough question by responding to the one they wish  had been asked. No more! Try that now, and you lose credibility by being labelled as someone who can't listen.

July/August 2014

Canned vs. prepared?

My July/August newsletter's lead article tells why you can never be too prepared when you speak!

As always, you can also find more info about my upcoming One-Day Blitz workshops.

And for a good giggle, visit here: see examples of what not to do when you have the opportunity to speak! The latest one is a doozie. 

Tips you can use!

Cheer gently
Whether you go to the ballpark to to cheer on the Nats or your local Little Leaguers, you need to take it down a notch when your throat starts to hurt or your voice feels strained. What was "sexy" when you were younger and rowdier is less acceptable now that you need to "be fully present" at your office every morning.

Stand and be chill
There are many benefits to standing tall--looking like a leader, speaking with more energy. Here's another way you can benefit in the heat of the summer: your body will cool down faster if you are aligned and unfolded. So uncross those arms, take your hands out of your pockets, and chill.  

Go ahead, use both hands!

If you suffer from "shaky hands" when you get up to read an intro or other short speech, consider copying your text onto a 5 x 8 note card, If you hold that firmly with two hands you can use the tension to overcome your jitters, so your notes won't be "flapping in the breeze."

June 2104

Madeleine and Audra

My June newsletter's lead article examines two great women and what they have in common. And how you can have it, too.

And, 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!

Notes are your friends
Really. Most great speakers have their notes close at hand. The best ones can sneak a peek that you won't even notice. They know their brains have more important work to do than memorize a speech they will give once. Or twice, at best.

Conduct yourself
For any speech longer than a minute you need to build in some tempo variation. Cast yourself as the conductor of your perfromance and feel the rhythmic changes. Your audience is much more likely to stay engaged if your too-steady pacing does not put them to sleep.

Break in your leadership shoes

It's a metaphor as well as practical advice. Not only do you need to be comfortable wearing the mantle of leadership, you need to know how to walk in those shoes. Literally. You won't be perceieved as a leader if you're off balance or clomping around like a horse.