DO YOU SHOUT - EVEN WHEN YOU ARE SILENT?
By Martin Avis
There is a language that we all speak, but few are conscious of: the language of our bodies.
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.
Body language is a vast, fascinating subject, but from a business point of view, there are several pointers that can help to strengthen your message. The aim is to match your audience's unconscious template of what makes a person trustworthy and believable.
Try out these five tips and see if they help you:
1. Personal Space
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.
2. Eye Movements
Many people are nervous about making eye contact - it is vital to overcome that fear if you want to be respected and believed. An evasive or indirect gaze sends out a strong signal of untrustworthiness.
When speaking to a room full of people, it is essential that you allow yourself to make - and maintain for a few seconds - eye contact with everyone in the room, over and over.
++++++++++ True Story ++++++++++
I was recently invited to America to give a presentation to about forty business people, few of them known to me. The meeting went well and I made as much eye contact as possible. Afterwards, a guy who had been sitting off to my left came up to me and thanked me for a useful and entertaining talk. Then he said something strange: he apologized for offending me.
Puzzled, I assured him that it wasn't so, and asked why he thought so. This is what he said:
"Oh, I had a very late night last night, and after you had been talking for twenty minutes or so, I couldn't [keep] myself [from] yawning. After that, you didn't make any eye contact with me for the rest of the session, so I figured I'd upset you."
The truth was, I hadn't seen the yawn. He had been sitting just outside my comfortable visual area, and I had been concentrating on eyeballing everyone else in the room so hard, that I had missed him out.
I gave him a lot of attention he went away happy. But I couldn't help think that that guy might have been the most important person in the room and I could have blown the whole trip with that stupid act of inattention.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
3. Appearance
It seems 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.
4. Hands
Your hands are like semaphore flags. They send a message whatever position they are in.
Take a look at prominent politicians - they almost all use their hands to reinforce their words. Whether it is a chopping motion, like John F. Kennedy, or an open handed gesture like the English Prime Minister Blair, they are all intended to send visual signals directly to the right-brain of the listener to augment the words which normally address the left-brain.
One of the things I am asked most often when teaching presentation skills is 'what do I do with my hands?'
The easy answer 'just be natural' is not only unhelpful, but also completely wrong. You have to think of your hands and arms as every bit as important as the charts and slides you are presenting.
There are five places your hands can comfortably be:
- 1. In your pockets. Don't do it! It might feel natural, but the signal this gives is anything but. You will look uncomfortable, casual and unsure of yourself.
- 2. Clasped behind your back. This looks aloof and superior, and should be avoided.
- 3. Relaxed, by your side. This feels very unnatural to most people, but actually looks good to the audience. It makes you seem to lack tension.
- 4. On your hips. This is a very positive position. It sends out a message that you are comfortable and self- assured. Don't overdo it. This stance is best used at moments when you stop speaking and are allowing the audience a moment to absorb your message.
- 5. Gesticulating. Learn the messages that your hands convey and use them to emphasize your points: an open hand denotes honesty; a closed fist, aggression or evasion; a pointing finger, hostility. Also be aware of cultural differences. The American thumb and forefinger gesture meaning 'okay' may be insulting in Denmark.
5. Read the Room
You are not the only one who is communicating non-verbally. Learn to recognize the unconscious signals that your audience is feeding back to you.
* A tilted head and direct eye contact indicates attentive approval.
* Raised eyebrows and forward-leaning posture denotes attentive alertness.
* Indirect gaze, accompanied by pen or finger biting show uncertainty.
* Folded arms can indicate hostility.
* A hand to the chin show that you are being summed up.
Finally, learn constantly. Whenever you watch a presenter, try to work out why they are good or bad. Every time you make a presentation, try to detach yourself and see how you can be even better next time.
And remember, applause doesn't always mean you are great - the audience might be being polite, and gentle snoring from the back of the room doesn't always show that you need to work on your technique - the CEO probably just had too good a lunch!
Martin Avis publishes a free weekly newsletter: BizE-Zine - your unfair advantage in Internet marketing, business and personal success. To subscribe, and get 4 great free gifts, please visit http://www.BizE-zine.com
Yours to letting your body speak positively for you!
Fran Watson
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Engage Yourself, Engage Your Audience
By Jean Hamilton, Owner and Founder of Speaking Results
Do you wish you were a more dynamic and compelling speaker? Do you want to know how to effectively engage your audience? In this article I identify 4 elements that enable you be at your best when speaking. The four elements are: Passionate, Analytical, Confiding and Extemporaneous or P.A.C.E.
The Passionate Speaker. Passionate speakers exude energy and a contagious enthusiasm. Passion is the fuel. If we don't care about our message, it's a sure bet that nobody else will. Often, people care about their message, but are reluctant to show much passion in their presentations. In everyday life when we are excited about something, we show it, we communicate it, and influence others. It makes sense then, during a presentation when your objective is to motivate or persuade others, to allow yourself to get passionate!
If you are fearful that you will look foolish, remember audiences do not like boring speakers. So go for it. Allow your voice to get loud. Move through space. Feel strongly about your subject. Both you and your audience will enjoy the benefits. As important as it is, passion just for the sake of passion gets tiresome. It's a wonderful flavor, but we don't always want hot chili peppers.
The Analytical Speaker. The purpose of this element is to establish credibility and expertise. You accomplish this when you relay information in a clear, concise manner. Content level is high with facts and data. For your left-brain audience members, this is essential.
To develop your Analytical side, question your beliefs. How can you support those beliefs with data and examples? There is little body movement in the Analytical style and the voice has little modulation.
The Analytical element is necessary for establishing credibility, but if used too much, presentations will become boring. Many people think that business presentations are "supposed" to be analytical. But if your audience is not listening, your speech has no impact. When eyes start to glaze over, become passionate! As long as you shift gears, you will get the audience back.
The Confiding Speaker. When we confide with someone, we bring them in as our trusted advisor. We develop rapport. To create a stronger connection with your audience, explore the confiding style.
The Confiding speaker talks slowly, and quietly, with good eye contact. Emotion is bubbling right under the surface. Share aspects from your life experiences with stories that overlap with their stories. There is great strength in being "at home" in front of an audience. We can be vulnerable without becoming weak.
Strength and passion motivate others, but the key to an effective presenter is flexibility in your behavior. You can be loud, and you can also be soft. Rather than always persuading or motivating, let the audience come to you. Too much emphasis placed on the Confiding style will make your speech self-indulgent. Just the right amount makes the audience a true supporter. You have brought them into the role of a confidant, and they feel honored.
Finally, the Extemporaneous Speaker. The purpose of this element is to keep your presentations fresh. It requires you to be available and responsive to impulses. Humor happens in the moment. Often the funniest, most pertinent times happen when we are improvising with our audience.
When you speak extemporaneously, your voice has a lot of variety. Your body emphasizes points with gestures and facial expressions. Your mood is light and readily responds to audience reactions.
Many people are scared to be spontaneous during a speech. But if you hold on to the reins too tightly, you squelch the life out of your speech. Even if much of your presentation is planned, allow for some moments of spontaneity, and you will develop a deeper connection to your audience.
How do you become more extemporaneous? Take a deep breath and relax. It's impossible to be extemporaneous if you are tense. Notice yourself in everyday interactions when you give a quick, witty response. Recognize that you have that capability within you. Take an Improvisation or Stand-up Comedy class to build your "spontaneity" muscle. Though it is vital to be extemporaneous, if you spend too much time there, your presentation will lack a clear sense of direction.
By interweaving all four elements of the P.A.C.E. model: Passionate, Analytical, Confiding and Extemporaneous, you will be able to engage your audience intellectually and emotionally.
Flexibility is key. When you have the skill to shift your style according to what the situation calls for, you can engage your audience and have much more impact.
Reprinted from Presenters University
Jean Hamilton, owner of Speaking Results, is a speaker, trainer and coach on Communication and Presentation Skills. She has worked with CEO's, CFO's, administrators, sales trainers, realtors, and financial advisors. Companies that she has worked for include; Aventail, CREW Network, First Consulting Group, Global Partnerships, Merrill Lynch, Peterson Sullivan, and Port of Seattle. Visit Jean's web site at: www.speakingresults.com. Call her with any questions at: 206-933-6645.
Do you wish you were a more dynamic and compelling speaker? Do you want to know how to effectively engage your audience? In this article I identify 4 elements that enable you be at your best when speaking. The four elements are: Passionate, Analytical, Confiding and Extemporaneous or P.A.C.E.
The Passionate Speaker. Passionate speakers exude energy and a contagious enthusiasm. Passion is the fuel. If we don't care about our message, it's a sure bet that nobody else will. Often, people care about their message, but are reluctant to show much passion in their presentations. In everyday life when we are excited about something, we show it, we communicate it, and influence others. It makes sense then, during a presentation when your objective is to motivate or persuade others, to allow yourself to get passionate!
If you are fearful that you will look foolish, remember audiences do not like boring speakers. So go for it. Allow your voice to get loud. Move through space. Feel strongly about your subject. Both you and your audience will enjoy the benefits. As important as it is, passion just for the sake of passion gets tiresome. It's a wonderful flavor, but we don't always want hot chili peppers.
The Analytical Speaker. The purpose of this element is to establish credibility and expertise. You accomplish this when you relay information in a clear, concise manner. Content level is high with facts and data. For your left-brain audience members, this is essential.
To develop your Analytical side, question your beliefs. How can you support those beliefs with data and examples? There is little body movement in the Analytical style and the voice has little modulation.
The Analytical element is necessary for establishing credibility, but if used too much, presentations will become boring. Many people think that business presentations are "supposed" to be analytical. But if your audience is not listening, your speech has no impact. When eyes start to glaze over, become passionate! As long as you shift gears, you will get the audience back.
The Confiding Speaker. When we confide with someone, we bring them in as our trusted advisor. We develop rapport. To create a stronger connection with your audience, explore the confiding style.
The Confiding speaker talks slowly, and quietly, with good eye contact. Emotion is bubbling right under the surface. Share aspects from your life experiences with stories that overlap with their stories. There is great strength in being "at home" in front of an audience. We can be vulnerable without becoming weak.
Strength and passion motivate others, but the key to an effective presenter is flexibility in your behavior. You can be loud, and you can also be soft. Rather than always persuading or motivating, let the audience come to you. Too much emphasis placed on the Confiding style will make your speech self-indulgent. Just the right amount makes the audience a true supporter. You have brought them into the role of a confidant, and they feel honored.
Finally, the Extemporaneous Speaker. The purpose of this element is to keep your presentations fresh. It requires you to be available and responsive to impulses. Humor happens in the moment. Often the funniest, most pertinent times happen when we are improvising with our audience.
When you speak extemporaneously, your voice has a lot of variety. Your body emphasizes points with gestures and facial expressions. Your mood is light and readily responds to audience reactions.
Many people are scared to be spontaneous during a speech. But if you hold on to the reins too tightly, you squelch the life out of your speech. Even if much of your presentation is planned, allow for some moments of spontaneity, and you will develop a deeper connection to your audience.
How do you become more extemporaneous? Take a deep breath and relax. It's impossible to be extemporaneous if you are tense. Notice yourself in everyday interactions when you give a quick, witty response. Recognize that you have that capability within you. Take an Improvisation or Stand-up Comedy class to build your "spontaneity" muscle. Though it is vital to be extemporaneous, if you spend too much time there, your presentation will lack a clear sense of direction.
By interweaving all four elements of the P.A.C.E. model: Passionate, Analytical, Confiding and Extemporaneous, you will be able to engage your audience intellectually and emotionally.
Flexibility is key. When you have the skill to shift your style according to what the situation calls for, you can engage your audience and have much more impact.
Reprinted from Presenters University
Jean Hamilton, owner of Speaking Results, is a speaker, trainer and coach on Communication and Presentation Skills. She has worked with CEO's, CFO's, administrators, sales trainers, realtors, and financial advisors. Companies that she has worked for include; Aventail, CREW Network, First Consulting Group, Global Partnerships, Merrill Lynch, Peterson Sullivan, and Port of Seattle. Visit Jean's web site at: www.speakingresults.com. Call her with any questions at: 206-933-6645.
Confident Public Speaking - Have Something To Say
The trouble with many speakers is that they go before an audience with their minds a blank. It is no wonder that nature, abhorring a vacuum, fills them with the nearest thing handy, which generally happens to be, "I wonder if I am doing this right! How does my hair look? I know I shall fail." Their prophetic souls are sure to be right.
It is not enough to be absorbed by your subject—to acquire self-confidence you must have something in which to be confident. If you go before an audience without any preparation, or previous knowledge of your subject, you ought to be self-conscious—you ought to be ashamed to steal the time of your audience.
Prepare yourself. Know what you are going to talk about, and, in general, how you are going to say it. Have the first few sentences worked out completely so that you may not be troubled in the beginning to find words.
Know your subject better than your hearers know it, and you have nothing to fear.
To confidence in public speaking!!
Fran Watson
P.S. Sign up for my ezine - speakersinfo@getresponse.com
P.P.S. Check out this book - Mastering Public Speaking
It is not enough to be absorbed by your subject—to acquire self-confidence you must have something in which to be confident. If you go before an audience without any preparation, or previous knowledge of your subject, you ought to be self-conscious—you ought to be ashamed to steal the time of your audience.
Prepare yourself. Know what you are going to talk about, and, in general, how you are going to say it. Have the first few sentences worked out completely so that you may not be troubled in the beginning to find words.
Know your subject better than your hearers know it, and you have nothing to fear.
To confidence in public speaking!!
Fran Watson
P.S. Sign up for my ezine - speakersinfo@getresponse.com
P.P.S. Check out this book - Mastering Public Speaking
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Procrastination Prevents Public Speaking?
Do you believe that you have to wait until things calm down a bit before you get your act together?
Do you keep telling yourself that tomorrow you will get at that chore you’ve been putting off, that course you’ve been wanting to take, that phone call you’ve been going to make, take some time to look after yourself, go to the spa, take a hot bath, etc. etc.?
Well then, you are normal. Most of us are waiting until tomorrow, but the truth is, as Sarah Ban Breathnach says, “life never calms down long enough for us to wait until tomorrow to start living the lives we deserve. Life is always movement, always change, always unforeseen circumstances.”
So, what are our options? How do we begin working on this life of ours to make it more satisfying? Sarah says “We can accept, bless, give thanks, and get going. “ Wow, what a concept. Accept things as they are. Give thanks for our circumstances and then just get on with things.
As I read the thought for January 25th from Sarah Ban Brethnach’s Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, I was struck by how many things I have let slide. How many times procrastination has crept in and how many opportunities this has cost me. How many times have you had a thought, “I should call so and so”, but then let it slide only to find out later that something happened to that person, they moved away, or they died and that opportunity will never come again. How many friendships have you let slide? How many times have you turned down the chance to do something just for yourself – taking a nice long bath for instance. I can hear you now - “Oh, I couldn’t do that, there is laundry to do, dishes to be done, the house to clean, etc., etc., etc.” Well, those things will always be there. It’s time to stop making excuses. You will NEVER FIND THE TIME to do anything. You need to MAKE THE TIME to do what it is you want to do.
Sarah encouraged me to “Call a friend for lunch, begin to read or even write that novel, organize your papers, try a new recipe for dinner, smile at everyone you meet, sit and dream before a blazing fire, pick up your needlepoint again, act as if you’re grateful to be alive, scatter joy.” Simple things to get us started on LIVING out life instead of letting it pass us by.
Now it is your turn. Think for a moment about one thing that you can do that will bring you genuine pleasure…and then do it.
Think about one thing that will move your business forward…and then do it.
Think about one thing that will improve your relationship (if you are in one)….and then do it.
Simple things, and easy to do…IF we just go ahead and do them.
What will you do today????
Fran Watson
P.S. Think about one thing that you can do and then speak about!!
www.franwatson.ca/SFIsplash.html
Do you keep telling yourself that tomorrow you will get at that chore you’ve been putting off, that course you’ve been wanting to take, that phone call you’ve been going to make, take some time to look after yourself, go to the spa, take a hot bath, etc. etc.?
Well then, you are normal. Most of us are waiting until tomorrow, but the truth is, as Sarah Ban Breathnach says, “life never calms down long enough for us to wait until tomorrow to start living the lives we deserve. Life is always movement, always change, always unforeseen circumstances.”
So, what are our options? How do we begin working on this life of ours to make it more satisfying? Sarah says “We can accept, bless, give thanks, and get going. “ Wow, what a concept. Accept things as they are. Give thanks for our circumstances and then just get on with things.
As I read the thought for January 25th from Sarah Ban Brethnach’s Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, I was struck by how many things I have let slide. How many times procrastination has crept in and how many opportunities this has cost me. How many times have you had a thought, “I should call so and so”, but then let it slide only to find out later that something happened to that person, they moved away, or they died and that opportunity will never come again. How many friendships have you let slide? How many times have you turned down the chance to do something just for yourself – taking a nice long bath for instance. I can hear you now - “Oh, I couldn’t do that, there is laundry to do, dishes to be done, the house to clean, etc., etc., etc.” Well, those things will always be there. It’s time to stop making excuses. You will NEVER FIND THE TIME to do anything. You need to MAKE THE TIME to do what it is you want to do.
Sarah encouraged me to “Call a friend for lunch, begin to read or even write that novel, organize your papers, try a new recipe for dinner, smile at everyone you meet, sit and dream before a blazing fire, pick up your needlepoint again, act as if you’re grateful to be alive, scatter joy.” Simple things to get us started on LIVING out life instead of letting it pass us by.
Now it is your turn. Think for a moment about one thing that you can do that will bring you genuine pleasure…and then do it.
Think about one thing that will move your business forward…and then do it.
Think about one thing that will improve your relationship (if you are in one)….and then do it.
Simple things, and easy to do…IF we just go ahead and do them.
What will you do today????
Fran Watson
P.S. Think about one thing that you can do and then speak about!!
www.franwatson.ca/SFIsplash.html
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Ten Tips TO Becoming A Better Communicator
3 January, 2010
By Liz Guthridge, HR Columnist, Troy Media
In Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers, he reports that an individual needs to practice a complex task for about 10,000 hours before he or she becomes a world-class expert. He cites the Beatles, Mozart, Sun Microsystems co-founder Bill Joy, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and others. (Ability, luck, support from others and timing are also important for success.)
Generally, you can reach the 10,000 hour milestone after 10 years. According to a neurologist cited in the book, the brain needs that many hours to assimilate all the lessons from practicing a complex craft to reach a level of mastery.
What about the 10,000 hour rule in day-to-day communication? Most of us certainly spend the majority of our waking hours communicating -- much more than the 1,000 annual hours for a decade.
Yet how come so few of us are experts? Yes, we have flashes of brilliance every now and then, some of us more often than not. But many of our co-workers, friends and families still complain about our miscommunication misfires.
Unlike the musicians, athletes and technologists, we probably aren't taking our practice as seriously as we should. For example, to ensure we're becoming better communicators, not just older communicators, consider following these 10 tips.
1. Know our intent, including what outcomes we want.
2. Put ourselves in others' shoes to help us shape our message.
3. Rehearse what we'll say and edit what we write.
4. Listen better.
5. Acknowledge what people tell us.
6. Question ourselves and others; be curious.
7. Tell more stories.
8. Work with a coach.
9. Match our words and actions.
10. Practice humility.
It's ironic that a frequent excuse for not communicating well is not having enough time. We communicate many more hours than Tiger Woods (used to) play golf, yet few of us are on par with him. (Yes, bad pun intended for which I should get knocked down a few hundred hours.)
So be mindful about practicing. Eliminate wasteful communication. Make the hours matter and become a better LEAN Communicator.
Fran
P.S. Joining a local Toastmasters club cvan help make you a better communicator - check it out here to find a club near you. http://www.toastmasters.org
By Liz Guthridge, HR Columnist, Troy Media
In Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers, he reports that an individual needs to practice a complex task for about 10,000 hours before he or she becomes a world-class expert. He cites the Beatles, Mozart, Sun Microsystems co-founder Bill Joy, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and others. (Ability, luck, support from others and timing are also important for success.)
Generally, you can reach the 10,000 hour milestone after 10 years. According to a neurologist cited in the book, the brain needs that many hours to assimilate all the lessons from practicing a complex craft to reach a level of mastery.
What about the 10,000 hour rule in day-to-day communication? Most of us certainly spend the majority of our waking hours communicating -- much more than the 1,000 annual hours for a decade.
Yet how come so few of us are experts? Yes, we have flashes of brilliance every now and then, some of us more often than not. But many of our co-workers, friends and families still complain about our miscommunication misfires.
Unlike the musicians, athletes and technologists, we probably aren't taking our practice as seriously as we should. For example, to ensure we're becoming better communicators, not just older communicators, consider following these 10 tips.
1. Know our intent, including what outcomes we want.
2. Put ourselves in others' shoes to help us shape our message.
3. Rehearse what we'll say and edit what we write.
4. Listen better.
5. Acknowledge what people tell us.
6. Question ourselves and others; be curious.
7. Tell more stories.
8. Work with a coach.
9. Match our words and actions.
10. Practice humility.
It's ironic that a frequent excuse for not communicating well is not having enough time. We communicate many more hours than Tiger Woods (used to) play golf, yet few of us are on par with him. (Yes, bad pun intended for which I should get knocked down a few hundred hours.)
So be mindful about practicing. Eliminate wasteful communication. Make the hours matter and become a better LEAN Communicator.
Fran
P.S. Joining a local Toastmasters club cvan help make you a better communicator - check it out here to find a club near you. http://www.toastmasters.org
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
5 Gifts From The Heart
Today I have five gifts for you.
You are welcome to pass these gifts along to people in your life.
They don't cost you anything. They don't involve shopping in holiday crowds. But in just a few minutes they bring you riches, warmth and good will.
5 Gifts from the Heart
The gift of listening: At a social event or a sales call, listen carefully to what people bring up. Those topics are important to them. Ask questions and really listen to the answers.
The gift of attention: Is someone telling you what's bothering or worrying them? Give them your full attention. It works wonders in understanding their needs, and making them feel valued.
The gift of time: We live in a time-pressed world. Instead of doing two things at once, mentally slow down and be in the moment (when you have time, of course!).
The gift of humor: Laughter draws people to you. Take a moment to laugh with your clients, friends and family. A small dose of humor produces very positive side effects.
The gift of thanks: Take a moment to give sincere thanks to everyone who has helped you this year.
And now I'd like to thank you for giving me a few moments of your precious time each week. I wish you all the best for the holiday season and New Year.
Warmest wishes,
Fran
P.S. These gifts were sent to me by Lynda Goldman ( Lynda@LyndaGoldmanInk.com )
I hope you enjoy them and pass them on to others.
P.P.S. Here is a Christmas gift for you - I compiled a book with Christmas Carols, Christmas stories and recipes. I hope you enjoy it. http://www.franwatson.ca/Memories.zip
You are welcome to pass these gifts along to people in your life.
They don't cost you anything. They don't involve shopping in holiday crowds. But in just a few minutes they bring you riches, warmth and good will.
5 Gifts from the Heart
The gift of listening: At a social event or a sales call, listen carefully to what people bring up. Those topics are important to them. Ask questions and really listen to the answers.
The gift of attention: Is someone telling you what's bothering or worrying them? Give them your full attention. It works wonders in understanding their needs, and making them feel valued.
The gift of time: We live in a time-pressed world. Instead of doing two things at once, mentally slow down and be in the moment (when you have time, of course!).
The gift of humor: Laughter draws people to you. Take a moment to laugh with your clients, friends and family. A small dose of humor produces very positive side effects.
The gift of thanks: Take a moment to give sincere thanks to everyone who has helped you this year.
And now I'd like to thank you for giving me a few moments of your precious time each week. I wish you all the best for the holiday season and New Year.
Warmest wishes,
Fran
P.S. These gifts were sent to me by Lynda Goldman ( Lynda@LyndaGoldmanInk.com )
I hope you enjoy them and pass them on to others.
P.P.S. Here is a Christmas gift for you - I compiled a book with Christmas Carols, Christmas stories and recipes. I hope you enjoy it. http://www.franwatson.ca/Memories.zip
Monday, November 16, 2009
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
I attened a Toastmasters Conference this past weekend where I had the privilege of attending and participating in a 3 hour workshop presented by World Champion Speaker Darren Lacroix.
Darren LaCroix knew he wanted to be a comedian; but he wasn’t funny. He didn’t know how to prepare, or how to give a good delivery. Yet, ten years later, he became the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. How did that happen? With a lot of hard work! Darren stumbled through mistakes and failures for years. He struggled just like everyone else.
Daren shared his story:
"I came to Toastmasters in 1992... shy, lacking confidence, and with no talent. Thanks to Toastmasters, I was able to quit my day job of 11 years to become a full-time, professional speaker. Some say I'm “lucky.” Lucky? I’m just a guy who used the tool of Toastmasters better than most. Toastmasters gave me a place to practice, mentors pointed me in the right direction, and I was willing to fail.
In preparing for the World Championship Contest I studied 10 years of championship videos (90 world-class speeches), practiced at 22 clubs, got 141 written evaluations, and video-taped myself every chance I could. I also went to the previous World Champions and became a “sponge.” Their insight changed the way I presented forever. Do you think their insight could help you? Absolutely!"
Right now I have so much information running through my head that I need some time to work through it all. Darren shared SO MUCH information and helped us in so many ways that I actually Stepped ouside of my comfort zone and VOLUNTEERED to be critiqued on stage in front of about 300 people. What a rush!
I had also gone on stage during the workshop as part of an exercise Darren gave us, but actually going up on the same stage where the contest was held in front of so many other seasoned Toastmasters, well, that was different.
I will share more with you over the next few days, but if you want to check him out, go to: http://www.presentation411.com/
Or you can check him our on you-tube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLangloPme0
You can also Twitter him - http://twitter.com/DarrenLaCroix
If you want more humour in your life and your speeches - check him out now.
Fran
Darren LaCroix knew he wanted to be a comedian; but he wasn’t funny. He didn’t know how to prepare, or how to give a good delivery. Yet, ten years later, he became the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. How did that happen? With a lot of hard work! Darren stumbled through mistakes and failures for years. He struggled just like everyone else.
Daren shared his story:
"I came to Toastmasters in 1992... shy, lacking confidence, and with no talent. Thanks to Toastmasters, I was able to quit my day job of 11 years to become a full-time, professional speaker. Some say I'm “lucky.” Lucky? I’m just a guy who used the tool of Toastmasters better than most. Toastmasters gave me a place to practice, mentors pointed me in the right direction, and I was willing to fail.
In preparing for the World Championship Contest I studied 10 years of championship videos (90 world-class speeches), practiced at 22 clubs, got 141 written evaluations, and video-taped myself every chance I could. I also went to the previous World Champions and became a “sponge.” Their insight changed the way I presented forever. Do you think their insight could help you? Absolutely!"
Right now I have so much information running through my head that I need some time to work through it all. Darren shared SO MUCH information and helped us in so many ways that I actually Stepped ouside of my comfort zone and VOLUNTEERED to be critiqued on stage in front of about 300 people. What a rush!
I had also gone on stage during the workshop as part of an exercise Darren gave us, but actually going up on the same stage where the contest was held in front of so many other seasoned Toastmasters, well, that was different.
I will share more with you over the next few days, but if you want to check him out, go to: http://www.presentation411.com/
Or you can check him our on you-tube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLangloPme0
You can also Twitter him - http://twitter.com/DarrenLaCroix
If you want more humour in your life and your speeches - check him out now.
Fran
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