As a Toastmaster, I spend a lot of time reading articles on communication to enhance my skills in public speaking. Here is a quote from an article I recently read and a link to the full article.
"Good
communication skills are key to success in life,
work and relationships. Without effective communication, a
message can turn into error, misunderstanding,
frustration, or even disaster by being misinterpreted or poorly
delivered.
Communication is the process by which we exchange
information between individuals or groups of people. It is a process
where we try as clearly and accurately as we can, to convey our
thoughts, intentions and objectives.
Communication is successful only when both the sender
and the receiver understand the same information.
In today's highly informational and technological
environment it has become increasingly important to
have good communication skills.
While many individuals still continue to struggle, the
inability to communicate effectively will hold them back not only in
their careers, but in social and personal relationships. "
Read more
To your speaking success
Fran Watson
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Monday, January 11, 2016
Something to Talk About
Have you ever been discouraged thinking about how to come up with a topic for your next speech? well, I have a unique way to approach that. Pile books on top of your bookcase. That's right, just pile them, as you get new books put them up there too. When the time is right, then the books will fall off your shelf and into your lap as you are sitting on the couch. Well, at least that's what happened to me.
I had been perusing my speech manuals, considering what speeches I would like to do next when the avalanche started. 24 in all. I took this as a sign, so I began to look at the titles:
I had been perusing my speech manuals, considering what speeches I would like to do next when the avalanche started. 24 in all. I took this as a sign, so I began to look at the titles:
"Inner
Peace for Busy Women" (who me, busy?),
May You
Always Have An Angel By Your Side ( a good idea),
How to
Be Like Women of Influence, (some great examples here)
Character
Matters, (yes it does)
The
Secret of Letting Go (yes this would be good too),
Confidence
Booster, Rising Higher,
The
Best Thing in Life is a Friend (indeed),
Creeds
of Life Love and Inspiration,
A Philosopher's Notes,
The
Tools (5 tools to help you find courage, creativity and willpower and inspire
you to live life in forward motion )(a new acquisition),
also
Tai Chi, Self-Renewal,
The
Power of You,
Dr.
Seuss "Oh The Places You Will Go", and a few more including this
book: You Have To Read This Book. by
Jack Canfield of Chicken Soup and Gay Hendricks, and more.
There you have it, enough titles to fill a manual or two. I have already done speeches on "Oh The Places You Will Go and "You Have To Read This Book", and I have another speech I will be giving tonight.
If you are stuck and need more help, I have a list of over 800 speech topics. Just leave me a comment and I will send you the link.
To your speaking Success.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
How Do I FInd A Topic To Speak on?
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
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
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
Friday, October 3, 2014
Body Language
What
is Body Language?
Body language is the unspoken or non-verbal
mode of communication that we do in every single aspect of our interaction with
another person. It is like a mirror that tells us what the other person
thinks and feels in response to our words or actions. Body language involves
gestures, mannerisms, and other bodily signs.
Would you believe that in real life
situations, 60% to 80% of the messages that we convey to other people are
transmitted through body language and the actual verbal communication accounts
for only 7% to 10%?
Our ability to use body language in a positive way and to read
other people's minds through their body language separates the men from the
boys (or women from girls), and can be a powerful tool to our overall
personality development. Imagine creating a great impression for work,
business, and love by being knowledgeable in this not-so-common yet powerful
field of study. It is the unspoken tool to a successful life
Here
are some of the movements exhibited by people who are interested in what you
are saying:
·
They maintain eye contact
more than 60% of the time. The more wide-opened the eyes are, the more
interested the person is. In fact, a person maintains eye contact more when
listening than when talking.
·
Their heads are inclined
forward.
·
They are nodding their
heads. Such action means that they're agreeing with you. That means they're
attentive and listening.
·
Their feet are pointing
towards you.
·
They smile frequently. But
take note, not all smiles convey the same feeling. An oblong smile is not
genuine. It is used to show courtesy, but not necessarily happiness or
friendliness. The lips are withheld completely back from the upper and lower
teeth, forming the oblong shape. This is usually the smile that many people
exhibit when they feign to enjoy a lame joke.
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