October 2014

Don't worry; it'll be good for you!

My October blog post deals with the less lustrous side of those surprise "golden opportunities."

Thanks to all of you have shown interest in my workshops. And a special "thank you" to those who have passed workshop information on to others. I am anticipating a very busy December, so I will offer 2014's final one-day workshops in November. More info here.

Tips you can use!

Use second person for pep talks

When you need to give yourself a confidence boost before you present, do not talk to yourself as "I" but rather "you." Using your name with a sincere "you can do it" gives more positive reinforcement than an "'I've got this." Try it! 

Honor your punctuation 
You knew it was right to put a period at the end of that sentence. You indented or double-spaced to indicate a new paragraph. So deliver your speech that way! Your listeners need to hear those transitions since they can't see them.

Don't wear tight shoes
Or tight skirts or tight collars or anything else that constricts you. When you sacrifice comfort for a sleeker silhouette, your audience and conversation partners can see it on your face. It's hard to relax when your feet are killing you!

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."