This is a question that I have been considering over the past week as I began my studying with Mark Hendricks and the Ultimate Success Program.
Mark's goal is to help me (and everyone else) change my mindset from lack to prosperity. He had us begin by listing all the ways we have been successful in the past so that we can build on that success to create a new fuutre.
It's like moving through the Toastmasters Competent Communicator manual, building on the successes of each speech and moving on to the next one - from the Ice Breaker to Organizing Your Speech, to Vocal Variety, Body Language, Researching Your Topic, Using Props, etc., until you ultimately complete your final speech inspiring your audience. Then you move on to the Advanced Manuals, choosing one that will enhance your skills in a particular area.
The Ultimate Success Program ia another way to build your skills, to achieve success in your life. Each week you work through the lesson using audios and print outs and then a simple test before you move on to the next lesson.
Why don't you join me? We can work through the lessons together and share experiences. I have already learned so much about myself and the successes I have achieved. Just click here for more information.
Hope to see you there.
Fran Watson
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
Body Language in Public Speaking
Body language is very important when delivering a speech.
Have you ever seen our great leaders fidget or make unnecessary movements while addressing the nation?
Since you are the center of attention while making the presentation, you should mind every move that you make so as not to bore or distract the people listening to your speech.
You already have a speech prepared, you know the topic well and you are now standing in front of the audience. They are in for a treat because you have prepared a great presentation, yet you also know that they have a very short attention span. How would you keep them interested with what you are saying?
The answer is to maintain eye contact. This is one public speaking technique that great speakers use when addressing a large group of people.
Here are some tips on how you can use this "trick" to keep your audience interested while delivering a speech:
Once you have started speaking and have delivered your introduction, take a look at your audience. Do not be nervous if you see one or two people frowning as you are not sure of exactly what they are thinking. Instead of looking out for unfriendly or blank faces, search for the people who are smiling and nodding their heads. Try to focus on this person for a couple of minutes and look him or her in the eye.
This way, you have an immediate "friend" in the audience to whom you can look and gain confidence from. This will not just increase your confidence but also help relax you in the course of your speech.
Gaze steadily at your audience, moving from one part of the room to another, catching one person in each section. This way, you would immediately grasp their attention as each person feels you are speaking just to them.
Make it a practice to never read your speech. Just make an outline of the important points that you can expand on.
If you have visuals, do not read the bullet points word for word as this might imply that your audience cannot read that themselves. Allowing them to read what is on the screen creates a "bond" with your audience as a speaker since you do not have to keep on looking at your notes through the course of your speech.
The key to delivering a great speech is to know what your message is for your audience (why this message and why this audience) and then to just breathe, relax and make eye to eye contact with your audience. Thus, you are not just making a physical connection with them but you are also ensured that you come out as a sincere speaker who wants to inform and interact with the audience through your speech.
To your successful speaking
Fran P.S. Check out John Maxwell's books for more tips on public speaking and leadership - Click here
Have you ever seen our great leaders fidget or make unnecessary movements while addressing the nation?
Since you are the center of attention while making the presentation, you should mind every move that you make so as not to bore or distract the people listening to your speech.
You already have a speech prepared, you know the topic well and you are now standing in front of the audience. They are in for a treat because you have prepared a great presentation, yet you also know that they have a very short attention span. How would you keep them interested with what you are saying?
The answer is to maintain eye contact. This is one public speaking technique that great speakers use when addressing a large group of people.
Here are some tips on how you can use this "trick" to keep your audience interested while delivering a speech:
Once you have started speaking and have delivered your introduction, take a look at your audience. Do not be nervous if you see one or two people frowning as you are not sure of exactly what they are thinking. Instead of looking out for unfriendly or blank faces, search for the people who are smiling and nodding their heads. Try to focus on this person for a couple of minutes and look him or her in the eye.
This way, you have an immediate "friend" in the audience to whom you can look and gain confidence from. This will not just increase your confidence but also help relax you in the course of your speech.
Gaze steadily at your audience, moving from one part of the room to another, catching one person in each section. This way, you would immediately grasp their attention as each person feels you are speaking just to them.
Make it a practice to never read your speech. Just make an outline of the important points that you can expand on.
If you have visuals, do not read the bullet points word for word as this might imply that your audience cannot read that themselves. Allowing them to read what is on the screen creates a "bond" with your audience as a speaker since you do not have to keep on looking at your notes through the course of your speech.
The key to delivering a great speech is to know what your message is for your audience (why this message and why this audience) and then to just breathe, relax and make eye to eye contact with your audience. Thus, you are not just making a physical connection with them but you are also ensured that you come out as a sincere speaker who wants to inform and interact with the audience through your speech.
To your successful speaking
Fran P.S. Check out John Maxwell's books for more tips on public speaking and leadership - Click here
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Fear of Speaking in Public?
In a survey done by Dr. Laurie Rozakis, author of Idiots Guide to Public Speaking, it was found that many people are scared to speak before a group. It is the number one fear among Americans, "--and the number 6 is fear of death," according to Dr. Rozakis.
Even the most experienced speaker gets anxious when speaking in public. However, this fear can be controlled so that you can put your fear to your advantage. This topic teaches us why people are nervous when speaking in front of a crowd and how you can conquer your fear.
FEAR OF THE AUDIENCE
People are afraid of rejection by their audience. Thus, many are terrified of speaking in public for fear of being criticized by the crowd for how they look or how they deliver their speech. On the contrary, audiences are very understanding about the speaker's problem with stage fright. You become more nervous when your fear of the audience increases.
Below are some strategies that can help you overcome your fear of the audience.
> Choose a topic that you like and you are familiar with. The more comfortable you are about your chosen topic, the more confident you are in facing your audience.
> Concentrate on your topic. Focus on your topic and not on yourself. When you start to think of your subject matter and not yourself, your fear of speaking will likely decrease.
> Say to yourself: "I am the BOSS." Trust in your capability of delivering your speech. Showing that you are in charge decreases your fear and increases your confidence in facing the situation.
> Don't think of your audience as a threat. Bridge the gap between your audience and yourself. Analyze carefully to establish rapport. You should consider age, gender and their level of expertise. Remember to analyze your audience.
FEAR OF FAILURE
There are two ways to win over your fear of failure.
> Picture yourself succeeding. If you think that you will stutter in front of many people, chances are you will stutter. But if you visualize yourself delivering your speech well, then, you will.
> Face your fear. You cannot overcome your fear unless you show it and admit that you are afraid of it.
FEAR THAT YOUR SPEECH IS A BAD SPEECH
> Write well. Take time to write your speech. Review it and rewrite if necessary. If you are confident with your speech, the less terrified you will be about speaking in public.
> Practice and ask for suggestions on how you can improve your speech. Ask a friend of relative to act as your audience. Once you have delivered your topic, ask for their feedback. Don't be afraid to hear about what they will say. Their feedback can give you insight on what is good or bad in your speech.
Even the most experienced speaker gets anxious when speaking in public. However, this fear can be controlled so that you can put your fear to your advantage. This topic teaches us why people are nervous when speaking in front of a crowd and how you can conquer your fear.
FEAR OF THE AUDIENCE
People are afraid of rejection by their audience. Thus, many are terrified of speaking in public for fear of being criticized by the crowd for how they look or how they deliver their speech. On the contrary, audiences are very understanding about the speaker's problem with stage fright. You become more nervous when your fear of the audience increases.
Below are some strategies that can help you overcome your fear of the audience.
> Choose a topic that you like and you are familiar with. The more comfortable you are about your chosen topic, the more confident you are in facing your audience.
> Concentrate on your topic. Focus on your topic and not on yourself. When you start to think of your subject matter and not yourself, your fear of speaking will likely decrease.
> Say to yourself: "I am the BOSS." Trust in your capability of delivering your speech. Showing that you are in charge decreases your fear and increases your confidence in facing the situation.
> Don't think of your audience as a threat. Bridge the gap between your audience and yourself. Analyze carefully to establish rapport. You should consider age, gender and their level of expertise. Remember to analyze your audience.
FEAR OF FAILURE
There are two ways to win over your fear of failure.
> Picture yourself succeeding. If you think that you will stutter in front of many people, chances are you will stutter. But if you visualize yourself delivering your speech well, then, you will.
> Face your fear. You cannot overcome your fear unless you show it and admit that you are afraid of it.
FEAR THAT YOUR SPEECH IS A BAD SPEECH
> Write well. Take time to write your speech. Review it and rewrite if necessary. If you are confident with your speech, the less terrified you will be about speaking in public.
> Practice and ask for suggestions on how you can improve your speech. Ask a friend of relative to act as your audience. Once you have delivered your topic, ask for their feedback. Don't be afraid to hear about what they will say. Their feedback can give you insight on what is good or bad in your speech.
Toastmasters is a great place to learn and practice your speaking skills. You will be surrounded by people who want to help you succeed and who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with you while giving feedback on the things you did well and the things that could be improved.
There is probably a Toastmasters club near you. To find out, simply go to www.toastmasters.org and click on "find a club". Invest in yourself and your future.
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
A Toastmaster for 9 years
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Public Speaking Tip
People have praised and respected over the centuries those who could speak well in front of a crowd. The audience is oftentimes left in awe at how these leaders express themselves well and eventually convinced them a great deal. Knowing how to speak well before a crowd is the best drawer of attention to a candidate leader.
Facing a crowd can be a serious jittery experience for some but for others, they found it fun and exciting to express themselves. But being a public speaker you ought to prepare your speech. You owe this to your audience.
Preparing yourself for a talk is not that easy. You always have to put your best foot forward. The best way to get your audience attention is to start your speech with conviction and end it with a thought provoking ending hoping to lead to positive action.
Some helpful tips are listed below to guide you in your speech.
Content
• A good speech summary is very important to wrap up your talk and get the message across effectively. Focus on the purpose of your speech: is it to persuade, inform or entertain?
• The body of your speech should be driven to one focal point meaning a message.
• Know the objectives of the event where you are invited to talk. Your speech should be tailored to your kind of audience.
• Be sure that your talk is meaty with facts, if necessary figures, but which you can explain easily during your talk and make it in layman’s terms. Facts should be accurate, objective and should be from credible resources.
• Have nice, catchy titles to draw more attention to your speech.
Acceptable Physical Appearance during Public Speaking
• Gestures, movements, facial and bodily expressions are very important because they reveal so much about you as a speaker and a person on how well-versed you are on the topic.
• Public speakers should exude pleasantness, enthusiasm and confidence.
• Do not read from your notes, instead maintain eye contact with your audience. Remember, you should speak and not read.
• Dress for the occasion.
Your Speech
• Speaking with conviction is very important in public speaking to gain credibility and respect.
• If you are to give a speech, train and prepare yourself to speak slowly, enunciate words clearly, pause and show the right emotions while sharing your topic. Most of all, talk to all members of the audience as a whole.
• Communicate with your audience – speak, listen, respond, adjust and adapt – if they have questions or reactions.
• Add-ons to speeches include: humor, handouts and audio-visual aids.
• and most important - Learn when to stop talking.
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Sticks and Stones...
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me".... when I was a child, this is what we used to say to people who were mean to us. The truth is, though, words can and do hurt.
Words hurt, heal, motivate, and aggravate.
They are powerful.
They control emotions and can even control a person physically.
A word is worth a thousand pictures.
“Come here.” Two words that move a person from there to here.
“Write this down.” Three words that cause people to put words on a page.
“Remember a time when you felt angry.” Seven words that can create an overload of emotions.
Your words are power. Think of the number of people you have made smile by saying, “I really appreciate you.” Or the number of people you have hurt by saying, “What’s wrong with you? Can’t you do anything right?”
Words possess just as much power when spoken to a crowd of a thousand as in a one on one conversation. It’s one thing to get one person excited, but impassion an entire group, and you have irresistible intensity on your side.
Use your words more effectively…
1. Understand their influence. Do not use or choose your terms lightly. A wrong word can turn an audience from friends to fiends. The better you know your group the better you can tailor your terms for their benefit.
You get to choose the outcome. Want the group to be charged, mad, excited, encouraged, content, or happy? You can produce any of those by using the right words in the right way.
2. Don’t be afraid to be edgy. Too many speakers are soft. You can be tough without being obnoxious, or insulting a group’s intelligence. You can be humorous and still make a hard-hitting point.
Imagine this - "coming in at 1 a.m. after spending two days speaking to 1,500 people. Get this – all the reviews came back at the top level, and I was tough on the folks. Several came up and said, “You’re not afraid to tell it like it is!” The words I chose challenged the group without breaking them." This can be you!
What about your words? Do you toss them out lightly, or with precision power? Your words can change lives and influence millions. Choose and use them well. To your speaking success Fran
Friday, September 21, 2012
Body Language
Body language is very important when delivering a speech.
Have you ever seen our great leaders fidget or make unnecessary movements while addressing the nation?
Since you are the center of attention while making the presentation, you should mind every move that you make so as not to bore or distract the people listening to your speech.
So you already have a speech prepared, you know the topic well and you are now standing in front of the audience.
They are in for a treat because you have prepared a great presentation, yet you also know that they have a very short attention span.
How would you keep them interested with what you are saying?
The answer is to maintain eye contact.
This is one public speaking technique that great speakers use when addressing a large group of people.
Here are some tips on how you can use this "trick" to keep your audience interested while delivering a speech:
Once you have already started speaking and have delivered your introduction, take a look at your audience.
Do not be nervous if you see one or two people frowning as you are not sure of exactly what they are thinking.
Instead of looking out for unfriendly or blank faces, search for the people who are smiling and nodding their heads.
Try to focus on this person for a couple of minutes and look him or her in the eye.
This way, you would have an immediate "friend" in the audience to whom you can look at and gain confidence from.
This will not just increase your confidence but also relax you in the course of your speech.
Gaze steadily at your audience, moving from one part of the room to another. This way, you would immediately grasp their attention.
Never read your speech. Just make an outline of the important points that you can expand on.
If you have visuals, do not read the bullet points word for word as this might imply that your audience cannot read that themselves.
With this, you are instantly creating a "bond" with your audience as a
speaker since you do not have to keep on looking at your notes through the course of your speech.
The key to delivering a great speech is to just breathe, relax and make eye to eye contact with your audience.
Thus, you are not just making a physical connection with them but you are also ensured that you come out as a sincere speaker who wants to inform and interact with the audience through your speech.
To your speaking success
Fran
P.S. For a list of over 800 speech topics, click here
Have you ever seen our great leaders fidget or make unnecessary movements while addressing the nation?
Since you are the center of attention while making the presentation, you should mind every move that you make so as not to bore or distract the people listening to your speech.
So you already have a speech prepared, you know the topic well and you are now standing in front of the audience.
They are in for a treat because you have prepared a great presentation, yet you also know that they have a very short attention span.
How would you keep them interested with what you are saying?
The answer is to maintain eye contact.
This is one public speaking technique that great speakers use when addressing a large group of people.
Here are some tips on how you can use this "trick" to keep your audience interested while delivering a speech:
Once you have already started speaking and have delivered your introduction, take a look at your audience.
Do not be nervous if you see one or two people frowning as you are not sure of exactly what they are thinking.
Instead of looking out for unfriendly or blank faces, search for the people who are smiling and nodding their heads.
Try to focus on this person for a couple of minutes and look him or her in the eye.
This way, you would have an immediate "friend" in the audience to whom you can look at and gain confidence from.
This will not just increase your confidence but also relax you in the course of your speech.
Gaze steadily at your audience, moving from one part of the room to another. This way, you would immediately grasp their attention.
Never read your speech. Just make an outline of the important points that you can expand on.
If you have visuals, do not read the bullet points word for word as this might imply that your audience cannot read that themselves.
With this, you are instantly creating a "bond" with your audience as a
speaker since you do not have to keep on looking at your notes through the course of your speech.
The key to delivering a great speech is to just breathe, relax and make eye to eye contact with your audience.
Thus, you are not just making a physical connection with them but you are also ensured that you come out as a sincere speaker who wants to inform and interact with the audience through your speech.
To your speaking success
Fran
P.S. For a list of over 800 speech topics, click here
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Impress With Words
How To Impress With Words In 3 Simple Steps
By Michael Lee
By Michael Lee
Knowing how to impress with words can help you in so many ways. It can help you communicate your message better, create more impact and get ahead.
Using the right words is, of course, important in communication. But effective communication involves more than just that. Here are 3 simple steps on how to impress with words and connect proficiently with other people.
Step 1: Listen.
Communication is a two-way process; and for it to be successful, realize that you are not the only one who should get to talk.
When you are speaking with another person, concentrate on what he or she is saying. Listen actively and decisively, so that your mind wouldn't wander.
Remember, what you want is to gain information, understand others, share concepts, solve problems, explain misunderstandings and so on. This will also help you determine the tone and the context of the conversation, what words to say or what questions to ask.
Showing the other person that you are an active listener will make people love to be with you.
Step 2: Less Is More.
We often spend more time talking about the superficial than the essential and significant things. We tend to linger on the introductory speech, the pleasantries and so on. But if you want to be an effective communicator, realize that less is more.
Use fewer, carefully chosen and precise words to express your thoughts and ideas. Don't beat around the bush. Be specific and keep it simple.
Using too many words may cause you to stray from the topic at hand. Learn how to impress people with words by being concise, expressing your thoughts clearly, and keeping to the point.
Step 3: Ask Questions.
Don't be afraid or intimidated to clarify something that you don't understand. This doesn't only show that you listened and understood what was said, it also shows that you are interested in the topic and that you care enough about it to avoid misunderstandings.
Another tip on how to impress with words is by asking questions that are open-ended. This will help the conversation flow more smoothly and less forced. It will also help you learn more about the person or the subject being discussed, and can possibly direct the conversation to more interesting topics.
Learning how to impress with words is easy, as long as you keep your mind open. This will allow you to listen and speak more clearly and efficiently. And it will also help you understand other people and relate to them better
To your speaking success Fran
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