Although this seems difficult at times, there are many things we can speak about, we simply need to be open to "listening" to the world around us for topics.
For instance, one night last month I was sitting on my couch, relaxing and watching some TV when a number of books fell off my bookshelf and onto my head (now I must confess that my bookshelves are piled almost as high on top as the bookshelf is high. I love books. Real ones you can hold in your hand, and also Kindle ones.). I thought that perhaps there was a message in this and began to look at the titles of the books. What I discovered was that there were several speech topics in these titles.
I was working on an Advanced Manual for my Toastmasters club and one of the topics was "Reading Out Loud" from the Specialty Speeches Manual. The theme for the week was Perseverance and it seemed like Dr. Seuss's book - "Oh The Places You'll Go" was a perfect complement to the theme as he directed us through good times and bad times in his book.
Another book that fell was "You Have To Read This Book". And I did. And I discovered that many of us have been influenced by a particular book and not always the same ones. And I discovered a speech topic or two from this - "Read A Book" and "The Importance of Reading".
I have also written a speech about a Cup and Saucer based on a workshop given at a Toastmasters Conference. I have written about my collection of angels, Santas, eggs, etc.
You can give a speech about something that has happened in your life or in the life of those around you. Just put your thinking cap on.
If you need more help, I have a list of over 800 speech topics that I would be happy to send to you.
Fran Watson
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Body Language - use it carefully.
When we are talking to others - either face-to-face, or from the front of the room, our posture, gestures, eye movements and general demeanor communicate far more than our words.
It is said that women interpret up to 80% of the meaning of a conversation by non-verbal means. Men fall a bit behind and 'only' rely on non-verbal clues for about 30%. However, in either case, if you are unconsciously giving out the wrong signals, the meaning behind your intended message will be weakened or lost.
Everybody has a personal space threshold. Generally, Americans and Northern Europeans prefer to stand about a meter (3 feet) apart. People from Southern European and Asian countries are comfortable a little closer. Folks who live in rural areas like a little more space. Social situations allow closer proximities than non-social.
Be aware if the person you are talking to is backing up, and try not to intrude on their territory. Otherwise the reaction will be defensive or hostile.
It may seem old-fashioned to talk about the need to be 'well turned out', but the axiom that 'you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression' is as true today as ever.
Experts say that the first five seconds of a meeting are more important than the next hour. Check all the obvious things like hair, teeth, fingernails, shoes, breath, immediately before the meeting. But also make sure you are putting on your best front, well in advance.
Even if the dress code is casual, there is a world of difference between dirty jeans and a crumpled T-shirt, and freshly laundered casual trousers and a polo shirt. Remember - dress to respect yourself and you automatically respect your audience.
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Speaking Tips
Any public speaking involves delivering information to people who are, in one way or another, waiting to get some information. This is a key reason why you should pay careful attention as you prepare to make your speech and as you plan to meet your audience.
Some people are naturals at public speaking and getting to audiences, you may think of politicians or a good college professor you took some classes with, the fact of the matter is most people are not good at making speeches and the vast majority of people are terrified of delivering a speech. This should not discourage you in any way, since many experts have studied this and worked hard to help you to deal with these problems in speech making.
If you are at a point that you are going to deliver a speech, you are probably at a stage in your life where your thoughts are worth something to other people. This means that in principle, people want to get into your head and they appreciate your talent or skill in some particular field. The people that will listen to you have something to learn from you. But you are not thinking of these people, are you? You are thinking of the few people that probably know more than you and will be in the crowd. This is a big mistake, first because you should think of the person that will profit from your knowledge and get to him, and secondly because you have something in you that will benefit even the people that you fear.
The key to all this is simple, it's preparation. It’s the most basic, banal and trivial thing, but it is the base of any success in any field. Lets think about speech making preparation. First think about your audience. Who is the average person coming to your speech, what does he know, what does he need to know, what will inspire him and make him listen carefully to what you have to say, and how will you get him to appreciate your speech?
It is not that difficult, its actually good to start at this point, remember – people want to know what you are thinking, you just need to keep them interested, and I am sure you have many interesting thoughts.
Rehearse, this seems clear to me, practice the speech again, and again, and again. Obviously I know that you don’t have all the time in the world to perfect it, but, there is a value to this. Timing your speech and pre setting spots in which you know you need to change your tone, your speed and rhythm, will make you a better speaker and a better speech planner. So rehearse your speech and listen to yourself while doing it.
Start strong, confident, talk about things you know no one can beat you or undermine you. Let the confidence and the experience shine through, people feel that, and if you do this right, you will own your audience.
Think about your entrance and the first 3 minutes of the speech. Pay attention to the way you walk in, project confidence and calm, do not rush into anything. Even if you are late or under a tight schedule, do everything slowly and thoughtfully. Show the room that you are entering your speech zone and that no one is allowed in. They can sit and wait for a few seconds (which seem like hours) – its only a few seconds.
Make sure you got the attention of the crowd, and start strong. Pick the words of your opening carefully, and trust yourself.
Good luck.
Fran
P.S. Click here for more tips
Some people are naturals at public speaking and getting to audiences, you may think of politicians or a good college professor you took some classes with, the fact of the matter is most people are not good at making speeches and the vast majority of people are terrified of delivering a speech. This should not discourage you in any way, since many experts have studied this and worked hard to help you to deal with these problems in speech making.
If you are at a point that you are going to deliver a speech, you are probably at a stage in your life where your thoughts are worth something to other people. This means that in principle, people want to get into your head and they appreciate your talent or skill in some particular field. The people that will listen to you have something to learn from you. But you are not thinking of these people, are you? You are thinking of the few people that probably know more than you and will be in the crowd. This is a big mistake, first because you should think of the person that will profit from your knowledge and get to him, and secondly because you have something in you that will benefit even the people that you fear.
The key to all this is simple, it's preparation. It’s the most basic, banal and trivial thing, but it is the base of any success in any field. Lets think about speech making preparation. First think about your audience. Who is the average person coming to your speech, what does he know, what does he need to know, what will inspire him and make him listen carefully to what you have to say, and how will you get him to appreciate your speech?
It is not that difficult, its actually good to start at this point, remember – people want to know what you are thinking, you just need to keep them interested, and I am sure you have many interesting thoughts.
Rehearse, this seems clear to me, practice the speech again, and again, and again. Obviously I know that you don’t have all the time in the world to perfect it, but, there is a value to this. Timing your speech and pre setting spots in which you know you need to change your tone, your speed and rhythm, will make you a better speaker and a better speech planner. So rehearse your speech and listen to yourself while doing it.
Start strong, confident, talk about things you know no one can beat you or undermine you. Let the confidence and the experience shine through, people feel that, and if you do this right, you will own your audience.
Think about your entrance and the first 3 minutes of the speech. Pay attention to the way you walk in, project confidence and calm, do not rush into anything. Even if you are late or under a tight schedule, do everything slowly and thoughtfully. Show the room that you are entering your speech zone and that no one is allowed in. They can sit and wait for a few seconds (which seem like hours) – its only a few seconds.
Make sure you got the attention of the crowd, and start strong. Pick the words of your opening carefully, and trust yourself.
Good luck.
Fran
P.S. Click here for more tips
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Are you a Coach?
The Five Simple Steps To Creating Online Products and Programs
Is your coaching business really a business? Or is it an ‘expensive hobby’ right now?
I'd like to invite you to attend a very special training with my colleague Nicola Bird where she’s going to be teaching you EXACTLY how she created $24,000 in coaching revenues, and helped more people than she ever had before, in just one month.
Why is she teaching this? Because just before that one month, Nicola had a handful of clients, NO products and therefore NO way to sell more than her 1:1 time. And yet she was able to create $24,000 in coaching revenues.
Now I want to share with you exactly how she did this by sharing with you the five simple steps she has used over and over to create online products and programs to totally transform her business - come take a peek behind the scenes with us!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Want to know more? Click here:
https://jigsawbox.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
https://jigsawbox.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What You'll Learn On This Webinar
Nicola is going to be
sharing with you exactly how she created that first $24,000, and the
exact five steps she used to create her first $100,000 launch from just
one online program.
And if you’re wondering
how exactly she generated those revenue streams while other coaches,
consultants and trainers struggle, that’s exactly why you should be on
this call (because she’s going to show you how you can get more clients
and build a successful business using JigsawBox too!)
In this content-packed 60 minute call with Nicola and myself, you'll discover:
• The number 1 mistake 95% of coaches make that keeps them broke
• How she created $24,000 in one month with online products and programs
• The five best selling topics online today
• How to escape the chaotic technical parts of getting your coaching online
• The five simple steps to creating you first online product or program
And much, much, much more!!??
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To reserve your spot, click here:
https://jigsawbox.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nicola is also going to show you why creating products so you can sell more than your 1:1 time doesn’t have to be a long-time consuming process, and how you don’t have to be a techy whiz to get started quickly.
https://jigsawbox.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Nicola is also going to show you why creating products so you can sell more than your 1:1 time doesn’t have to be a long-time consuming process, and how you don’t have to be a techy whiz to get started quickly.
Nicola has now helped
over 50,000 coaches and clients work together online and is totally
revolutionizing the coaching, consulting and training world – don’t get
left behind!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Believe me, this is one call you don’t want to miss.
https://jigsawbox.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enjoy!
https://jigsawbox.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enjoy!
Best wishes,
join me...
Fran Watson
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