The following post is from Speaker Services team member Jack Barnard. jackp.barnard@verizon.net

Jack says “it’s important to get your information and structure together but you can have perfect form and still not hook the audience. What makes your information come alive is what will be covered in Mesmerize Your Audience the workshop.  Openings, closings, storytelling, humor, involvers (exercises and processes) — the sizzle that really helps audiences keep their excitement levels high.” This post is focused on one of those elements humor.

“We’ll now take a ten minute break. Those of you who are asleep
can wake up. And those of you who remained awake can take a nap.”
From Current Comedy Newsletter

Of all the sweeteners, humor is the sweetest. We all love to laugh. Humor relaxes the audience, breaks the tension of digesting the material and creates an opening. The audience opens up their bellies for you to put the gift in. An added bonus of including humor in your talk is that listeners make an unconscious assumption that you must have great command of your topic if you also know how to make it fun and funny. In speeches and presentation, humor looks like lacing your points with stories and anecdotes, including jokes, playing with the audience, laughing.

The Point of Humor…Humor can be part of every presentation.
1) The main value of humor is it’s softening effect. It loosens up the audience so your gift (message) can be more deeply embedded. Here’s another way of saying it: Humor is a digestaid, it allows your audience to open up and assimilate your more challenging points. (And let me add, if you’re not bringing us material that is a bit challenging, you’re not much of a sherpa.)

2) It gives the audience a psychic and emotional break. Especially if you’ve been pounding home your message, a little humor allows the audience to regenerate their focus.

3) It lends credibility to your presentation. An audience subconsciously assumes that you must really know your stuff if you’re able to lighten the load with a touch of humor.

“Pardon me, I don’t tell jokes!”
18 out of the 20 people in just about any class I’ve taught

Most people don’t think they can tell jokes. Of course, there is a big difference between jokes and humor. Jokes are meant to make you laugh. Humor is meant to make you laugh and reflect. Generally, humor — especially as used in presentation — is more believable and illustrates a point.

“It’s great to be among friends — pity none of them are here.”
Max Hitchins

Now, I know that everyone has a sense of humor buried in there somewhere. Bringing that humor out is part of the work I do. It takes a little trust to tickle the funnybone. Humor relies on timing and confidence.  You’re funny if you think you’re funny and if you stay committed to your unique style and viewpoint. In any case, jokes are just a small part of humor. Even if you can’t tell jokes, even if you have difficulty relating humorous stories, you can have fun. you can have fun!

And if you have fun, we have fun. Lightheartedness fills the space. That’s 3/4 of it. If you have fun, we have fun. Not everyone is a great storyteller (although you’d better learn to tell stories if you want to create lasting impact), you don’t need to deliver a fabulous punchline, you might not have a knack for creating an improvisational environment. But, if you have fun — it offers the same result as being funny — and everything important pretty much takes care of itself.

“As far as impact is concerned,
being funny and having fun is the same

Jack Barnard is a writer, speaker, performer and group leader. His eclectic background blends business, human potential facilitation and artistic expression. He is the developer of SourceWork, a playful technique of dynamic expression; a mixing of the ceremonial, the theatrical and the mysterious. Jack has facilitated hundreds of SourceWork events in both the US and Europe.

Jack works with speakers and would-be speakers one-on-one and in workshops. His technique emphasizes the specialness of the individual, focusing on the permission to bring forth one’s unique expression and style. Jack is the author of We Get our Cue from You: The Communion Approach to Public Speaking, and Presentations.

Join us in for Mesmerize your Audience Workshop, 11/12/11 in Los Angeles, lmtd to 10 peeps

Read more and register, $125

Resource: CD or mp3- 2 hours, Mesmerize Your Audience, $25

Order and learn more

Invite from Susan Levin

COMPLIMENTARY

YOU…THE STAR!!! SPEAK-WRITE-MARKET MINI SUMMIT & VIDEO DEMO SHOWCASE In Los Angeles

Sunday, Sept.26, 9:30am-5pm   $FREE  Register Now

In this day and age, to truly make a lasting impact, you need to be a media conglomerate: a compelling speaker…a credible author…a believable video performer…a master marketer.

In “YOU…THE STAR!!!” you will learn — from acknowledged experts in their respective fields — the ins and outs, the secrets and strategies for being a multi-faceted media personality.

Regardless of profession, everyone is an expert in their field and this event is a perfect opportunity to turn your expertise into a successful business; to master the game of speaking, to navigate the latest technology, and learn exciting new strategies for producing active and passive income.

THE PROMISE OF “YOU…THE STAR!!!”

- EARN why the magic of speaking is invisible

- POLISH your performance, presentation and communication skills, no matter what field you are in

- TRICKS to sharing your passion & excitement that translate into action and sales

- WITNESS a live video demo shoot

- DISCOVER why a speaker video demo is the ultimate calling card

- GET the #1 secret so you can “play” on camera – it’s the magic secret sauce that brings you $$S!

- LEVERAGE videos into your marketing campaign and convert visitors into customers

- EXPLORE self-publishing vs mainstream publishing

- CREATE time to write your book

- TURN your content into cash

- FIND out how event producers decide who gets booked

- UNCOVER what’s uniquely marketable about you and your mission

- MASTER Social Media, Blogs, Article Writing, Teleseminars, UTube

PRESENTERS:
Jack Barnard is a master presentation & branding coach, a media trainer & writer: a true maverick in the business. He works with speakers, authors & entrepreneurs, both one-on-one and in groups. His original method emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual, focusing on the permission to bring forth one’s distinctive style.

Susan Levin is owner & founder of Speaker Services. Susan is an International Marketing Consultant for speakers & authors. Her company offers marketing & training services & video production service.

Jean-Noel Bassior is a book coach & journalist who specializes in celebrity interviews. She is the author of Space Patrol: Missions of Daring in the Name of Early Television published by McFarland.

Barbara Niven is an Actress, Speaker and Performance Coach.  Barbara is in demand as a Performance Coach for actors, hosts, speakers & executives. In her studio she videotapes sessions for instant replay & feedback.

Location:  Marina del Rey, 9:30am-5pm

When you register you will receive the address and location.

REGISTER NOW

Great tips from Scott Stratten

I’ve done the “speak for free to five people in a room that holds 100″ thing (proof), I’ve been paid keynote fee’s and everything in between, I figured it was time to share what I’ve learned.

1. Don’t be a “speaker”. Be an expert who speaks. Speakers are a “nice to have” but experts are a necessity

2. The power is not the point – slides are there as navigation points, not to be the content

3. If everything you say is on your slides, you’ve rendered yourself useless. Speak, don’t read.

4. There is a high demand for people that can both provide content and deliver it effectively from stage. Some can do one of the two, most don’t do either and a select few do both. Aim to be great.

5. End your presentation early.

6. What new ideas/skills will your audience have when they leave your session? If the only answer is “they’ll know more about me!” You need to start over.

7. Be prepared to present without slides if something goes wrong. And then do it on purpose.

8. Its not about you.

9. No matter how many times you remind people, someone’s cell-phone will go off during your talk. Get over it.

10. Make sure your own cell phone is off before speaking

11. Speakers are their best during Q&A because they’re not handcuffed to a slide. Think about that.

12. Stop walking in front of the projector. Seriously, how do some people not know this?

13. Use a hand-held clicker for slides instead of using the laptop. And when they don’t see the hand clicker, you look like Obi Won Kenobi when the slide progresses on its own. I use Kensington 33374 Wireless Presenter with Laser Pointer

14. Don’t apologize to the audience about something they wouldn’t know was wrong. Saying “I was supposed to have a video here” doesn’t help. Keep going.

15. Have passion for what you’re saying. If you don’t, your audience won’t either.

16. If you use feedback sheets, there will always be somebody who didn’t like you. If its in the majority, you need to consider what’s said. If its in the minority, ignore it.

17. Be early and stay late. Getting to know the audience beforehand and talking after to answer questions is a forgotten thing that gives the highest value.

18. Speaking for free is a great lead generator and a quick way to go broke. Get value one way or another because you give it. Get conference passes for others, barter for product or services or at least a wheel of cheese.

19. Videotape every session you do. Share it on your blog and watch it yourself. Learn from it.

20. Change your presentation every time. Update stats, bring new examples. Own the content, not repeat it.

21. Ask for testimonials, don’t just assume the organizer will send one.
22. If you start every point with “In my book…” you’re doing a commercial, not a seminar. The best way to sell is to teach. I’m not saying ignore that you have a book, just simmer down a bit, we heard you the first five times.

23. It’s not about you.

24. If the conference has a #HashTag on Twitter, start finding people who are going to be there by searching with it. Talk to them, build relationships and then track them down at the event to say hi. It’ll be like you already know them, because you do.

25. Send out helpful tips that have to do with your content by using the same hashtag as above.

26. Watch Twitter for mentions of your talk and let people know you appreciate them spreading your word.

27. You’re not their parent, don’t tell them to put phones away, just ask as a courtesy to put the ringer on silent. I don’t understand speakers that tell audiences they can’t text/tweet during a talk. Make your content so good people feel they HAVE TO tell others right away, but great enough that they don’t want to miss a word.

28. If you’ve done a certain presentation numerous times and you feel it’s routine, either change it up or trash it. It may be the 20th time you’ve told a story, but it’s the first time that audience has heard it.

29. It’s not about you.

30. If you use feedback sheets, create two check-boxes at the bottom. One that says “I would like to be subscribed to your newsletter that provides [insert awesome benefit]” and the other says “I know of a group/association that would benefit from your talk, drop me a line”. Extend the contact past the session.

Visit Scott’s blog: http://www.un-marketing.com/blog/services/speaking/

Great post by Lisa Sasevich

Lisa at the Speakers Summit09

Think back to the last presentation you attended. If you remember anything specific that the speaker said, chances are it was a story that was told.

Stories, told well, are powerful tools in your presentation because they make an impression, they convey benefits better than a list ever could, and they open people up to seeing the gap between where they are in a specific area in their life versus where they really want to be. They connect people to their heart and intuition. And, as I’ve written before, you want your audience to trust their intuition and buy from their heart, their best, highest source of information.

To achieve that connection, you have to craft your stories well, and a big part of that is preparing them in advance to make sure that you love telling them and that they touch your audience in the way that you intend. If you’re not passionately engaged in telling your story, your audience won’t be engaged either.

Here are a few guidelines that will help you craft a powerful story that will not only touch your audience but inspire them to invest in your offer.

1. Have a Point but Only ONE Point to Your Story.
When you’re chatting with friends, meandering through a story may be fine, but when you’re up on stage, be very clear about what you’re trying to communicate. Your clarity will help you stay on track and also keep your audience’s attention. Also, decide on only one point to convey. If you try to cram in more than one point, you run the risk of overcomplicating your story and diluting its power.

2. Use Material from Real Life versus Hypothetical Examples.
We are interested in each other’s lives. Haven’t you ever found yourself reading about or listening to a story about the awesome results of someone you’d never heard of before and, by the end of the story, you’re inspired by that person? The same is true for your presentation. Use real material and your audience will connect and see those results as possible for themselves too. Their hearts will open to new possibility…and that’s what you want!

3. Think BEFORE and AFTER. Broad to Specific.
When you’re telling a story, you want it to pop; you want your audience to remember the powerful transformation that occurred in your client’s life as a result of your program. The best way to do that is to start broad, generalize about what life was like for your client before she started using your program, and then end with a specific outcome.

For example, let’s say you teach people how to better organize their lives and offices. Here’s the broad, generalized before: “In the past, my client used to really struggle with organization. Her home office was so filled with clutter that she wasted hours looking for stuff.” And here’s the specific after: “After using my program, her office is now so well organized that she’s cut her work time in half AND doubled her income.”

4. Does the Story Communicate?
Choose friends you feel comfortable with and practice your story. Watch to see how attentive they are and ask for feedback. Did you make your point? Did it significantly increase their interest in your program or service?

In the end, that internal emotional connection that your audience makes, seeing the gap between where they are and where they want to be, is what it’s all about, and nothing elicits that better than a story. So craft your stories until they do the job of painting a new possibility so clearly that you get excited by them. Your results will be well worth the effort!

What has been your experience with telling stories from the stage? Let us know on our blog.

To learn more about how to craft your own powerful story and specifically how to use those stories to create hunger and desire in your audience,  join Lisa LIVE in San Diego June 10-12, 2010 for her brand-new Speak-to-Sell Bootcamp. In this action-packed, 3-day training, she will take you by the hand and show you exactly how to craft a Signature Talk you love, Irresistible Offers that sell, and you’ll walk away with the confidence that comes with being ready!  To learn more and grab your seat, click here

Sales-from-the-podium expert Lisa Sasevich has x-ray vision for seeing the sales opportunities that exist in every company, and the creativity to convert them into gold! If you’re looking for simple, quick and easy ways to boost sales without spending a dime, get your FREE Sales Nuggets now at www.theinvisibleclose.com.

Post by Lisa Sassevich

Lisa at the Speakers Summit

When you’re trying to get booked to speak on stages or teleseminars, it’s crucial to give your talk a hooky title. By that I mean, an instantly appealing and easy to remember name. A hooky talk title can mean the difference between getting booked or not and between a big audience or a disappointing turnout.

I learned this the hard way. When I was first starting, I taught a course for women about how to understand men. At the time, though, I didn’t understand the elements of a catchy title, so the introductory event was called: “The Amazing Development of Men.” Not surprisingly, we drew very small audiences.

The title didn’t grab them because the secret to a truly hooky title was missing. That secret is to clearly state the transformation that the audience will experience as a result of attending.

When I realized that, we changed the title to: “Understand Men 101.” And guess what happened? Attendance skyrocketed. We started drawing women by the hundreds because the benefit was so clear and compelling!

So the key to crafting your own hooky talk title is to include in the title the outcome that your audience will experience from attending. Here is a simple two-step process for doing that:

1. Ask yourself: What is the transformation that I provide?
To get clear on the transformation that attendees will experience, start with your own clients. What is the outcome that your clients get as a result of working with you?

Focus on the client who is your greatest success story. What outcome did she receive? List all of the exact results of working with you. Did she save time, money or energy? Gain clarity or understanding? Improve her health?

Now, ask yourself: What other transformations happened in her life because of those results? For example, if you’re a nutritionist, a diabetic client may have lost 100 pounds and no longer needs to take insulin. Her direct results include: greatly improved health and well-being, a longer lifespan potential and weight loss, but her relationships with her family and at work were also transformed because she no longer suffers from off-putting mood swings and low energy.

2. Create your title using the list of transformations you just generated. After you’ve done step one, you’ll end up with a whole list of very real transformations in your client’s life that you can draw from to create your outcome-focused talk titles.

Which of those transformations are most compelling? Or most universal? For instance, the nutritionist might try: “Reverse Diabetes Using Diet Alone” or “Diabetics! Kiss Mood Swings and Energy Dips Goodbye Forever!” That speaks to anyone suffering from that disease.

As you go about crafting your own hooky titles, remember to keep these guidelines in mind:

• Put the outcome that people can expect into the title itself. For example, “Reverse Diabetes…,” “Understand Men….”

• Appeal to their pain. My title addressed the pain and frustration that many women feel because they don’t understand why men do the things they do.

• Don’t sacrifice hooky for cute. Sometimes people try to have cute titles that are clever but nobody knows what they mean. You want your title to be immediately appealing and recognizable. For example, I often speak on “Boost Sales Using Irresistible Offers” because as much as I love my brand, The Invisible Close, the outcome is not obvious as a title unless I use my tag line “For those who love what they do but hate selling!”

So get out there and take that first exciting step, create that talk title! And then right after that, plan to join me June 10–12 in San Diego for the LIVE “Invisible Close Speak-to-Sell Bootcamp,” where you’ll create offers you love, a talk that sells and gain the confidence that comes with being prepared!

What is your hooky talk title? Let us know on our blog.

has x-ray vision for seeing the sales opportunities that exist in every company, and the creativity to convert them into gold! If you’re looking for simple, quick and easy ways to boost sales without spending a dime, get your FREE Sales Nuggets now at www.theinvisibleclose.com.

Lisa is offering a complimentary teleclass on March 17.  Click here to sign up

On Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 I am offering a complimentary Q & A teleclass on Speaker Marketing.  Got questions?  I have the answers. You can register here http://www.speakerservices.com/teleclasses/detail/156 .

Send your questions ahead of time please to susan@speakerservices.com. Can’t make it?  Register anyhow and we’ll send you the mp3.

The Speakers’ Summit ’10 our annual event is ready for you.  I mentioned it several times this past week and the registrations are rolling in.  It is important to invest in your business by going to conferences to further your education.   And I have a great deal for you and we offer tons of content.

Grab your seat for $297.  Take a look at the program and see for yourself.
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakerssummit10/program.html

SPEAKERS/PANELISTS include: Jack Barnard,  Brent Scarpo, Sabrina Gibson, Adam Urbanski, Ursula Mentjes, Susan Levin, Mitch Mortimer, Barbara Niven, Nancy Solari, Naz Keynejad, Michael McFarlane, Mark Mikelat, Deborah Deras, Keith Ivey and more.

The theme is Position, Prospect, Prosper- The Road Ahead.  March 12-14 in Los Angeles.  We’ll be delving into Corporate Sponsorship, Getting Booked at High Schools and Colleges, Online Video Strategies, Social Media and Prospecting for Gigs plus Adam Urbanski will share how speakers can make  $250,000 to $1,000,000 a year with coaching programs.

 Jack Barnard speaking at the Summit ’09

You can listen to a 30 minute conversation with Adam and me where we are talking about what he is going to share with us at the Summit.  Click here to listen and you can also sign up for free for the 1/25 Get Booked in High Schools and Colleges teleclass and 2/8, Online Video Strategies & Corporate Sponsorship on the same page.

I am taking appointments the rest of the month for marketing clients so give a call if I can assist you with your speaker marketing plan for 2010.

Merry Holidays to you all.  Wishing you loads of joy and prosperity and good health.

Susan Levin
Speaker Services

susan@speakerservices.com
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SPEAKERS’ COMMUNITY TELECLASSES  2010

Every Word Has Power, Yvonne Oswald
Thursday, January 14, 4-5pm PT or  7-8pm ET  Can’t make it  We’ll send you the mp3  Learn more  

Publicity Tactics: Get Publicity with Mainstream & Social Media Networks with Dan Janal
Thursday, January 28,  4-5pm PT or  7-8pm ET  Learn more

Teleclasses are FREE for Speakers’ Community Members. Not a member? Join Now http://www.speakerscommunity.com to access the calls with my special FREE 2- month Speakers’ Community trial.  Past members can re-join at regular monthly rate.

Give yourself a gift and join the Community.  You can’t beat price of the expertise that is offered twice a month.  Don’t have time to listen live then download the mp3′s and listen at your convenience.  You can download the past two years of mp3′s!

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What have I been twittering about @speakerservices

Speakers Summit ’10 http://ping.fm/huzwM is an affiliate program share $ http://bit.ly/8F9lhl

RT @adamurbanski How I Turned $194 Into Two Seven Figure Businesses http://bit.ly/6PUJFH [video] Will be speaking at the Speakers Summit ’10

RT @DeniseWakeman 16 articles about how to use online video in your business: http://is.gd/5u0j2

Take advantage of Online Video Advertising Opportunities they are Limitless: http://bit.ly/6L6MWp  Really gets ya thinking.

Blog Post Gayl Murphy-Spotlight on the Media: Interview Tactics! How To Survive the Media Without Getting Clobbered! http://bit.ly/6jVqWY

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And in the blog
- Spotlight on the Media

- 20 Simple Ways To Get Massive Traffic To Your Website

- Twitter Marketing: 6 Steps to Creating a Viral Marketing Campaign with Twitter Hashtags

Position, Prospect, Prosper – The Road Ahead

The public speaking industry has changed, including the professional speaker marketing and training that is so important to your success.
One of the most important changes that affects speakers involve the meetings marketplace. Yes it is no secret that there are less speaking engagements then in the past however it brings opportunities for change and growth in the business model that speakers employ.

The vast world of speaker potential is constantly expanding, the state of the art is in perpetual flux. There are so many new and innovative permutations, so much new leading-edge information to learn to help expand your business.

Our expert speakers and panelists will be offering tips and advice in the following areas:

• Discover your niche that suits your passion and skills
• Create content that meets the needs of your audience.
• Leverage Social Networking skills to grow your business
• Get Paid to speak at High Schools & Colleges
• Make an extra $250,000 to $1,000,000 a year with high impact coaching programs
• Repurpose, produce and distribute content that can be shared and extends the voice of your brand, product and company
• Passion to Profits
• Prospecting for speaking engagements: Systematize the booking process
• Bypass Gatekeepers and Voice mail & Reach Your Prospect Directly
• Explore why video is one of the best forms of viral marketing

Take a look at the program http://www.speakerservices.com/speakerssummit10/program.html

Barbara Niven, Speaker, Actress

It is important to invest in your training and this event is a mere $297 or $397 after 2/26

Listen to preview teleclasses

In this Issue
- Note from Susan Levin
- New & Renewing Speakers & Authors
- Tips & Advice & Resources
-  ARTICLE: Public Speaking Tips for Webinars:
Add Impact When You Present Through Webinars, Patricia Fripp

I love getting e-mails from my speakers. Susan, I wanted you to know that due to your speakers’ directory, I have my first speaking engagement.  Apparently, there will be a very large group, around 500 or so.  I will be speaking on the state of the environment and what we can do to help. Kathleen Dallaire

At Speaker Services we offer marketing and training services.  Recently I have been working with several clients helping them with their marketing materials as well as teaching them how to do viral marketing.  Viral marketing includes: blogging, social networking, articles, videos, lead generation and more.  Do you need an update on your speaker/author marketing?  I promise you I won’t overwhelm you.  We will do it in bite size pieces.  BTW:  It does not matter whether you are a beginner or advanced speaker. Give me a call to chat and to see if I can assist you in growing your business and income through speaking.  310-822-4922 PT.

We finished the 5 day Bootcamp in mid-November and it appears that this may be our last Bootcamp. The photo of the ’09 Booties.

I am actively  planning the annual Speakers’ Summit for March 12-14.  You can get a sneak preview at http://www.speakerservices.com/speakerssummit10/index.html .  I expect that I will have it all complete by the beginning of the year.  Please save the date.  The theme is Position-Prospect-Prosper.  The Road Ahead.  We have an all new speakers slate including Brent Scarpo, Adam Urbanski, Sabrina Gibson, Mitch Mortimer, Barbara Niven, Albert Mensah, Jack Barnard and me and more to be announced.

The December teleclass for the Speakers’ Community is Mary McKay and she’ll be talking to us about Prospecting for Speaker Engagements: Systematize the Booking Process

December 16, 4-5pm PT or  7-8pm ET   $19.95 Learn more

Teleclasses are free for Speakers’ Community Members. Not a member? Join Now to access the calls with my special FREE 2- month Speakers’ Community trial.  Past members can re-join at regular monthly rate.

If you would like to be listed in our online directory that brings speakers and authors together with audiences since 1992.  Please drop me an e mail susan@speakerservices.com or call me for the listing guidelines.  For January 2010 postings copy is due by December 15.  See rates and perks http://www.speakerservices.com/adv_pkt.html

Susan Levin
Speaker Services
susan@speakerservices.com

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NEW AND RENEWING SPEAKERS/AUTHORS

Marie Elena Rigo,  S. California
Feng Shui expert, interior designer and life coach reveals how to transform your office and home to support success, productivity and peace of mind.
Clearing Clutter, Feng Shui, Interior Design
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/304

Amalia Starr, Author,  S. California
Family consultant, author and mother of 36-year-old son with autism and special needs shows how to overcome everyday obstacles and how to live with uncertainty in order to achieve maximum independence for you and your children.
Disabilities, Parenting and Children, Special Needs Children
http://www.speakerservices.com/speakers/detail/353

See all speakers/authors

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TIPS AND ADVICE

Speaking Leads

== Deadline to submit speaking proposal: Dec. 11
May 24 to 27, New York City
655 West 34th Street [Jacob Javits Center]
BookExpo America
Contact: Roger Bilheimer, 203-966-0792
www.BookExpoAmerica.com

== Deadline to submit speaking proposal: Jan. 30
Aug. 11, Palm Desert, Calif.
Toastmasters International Convention
Contact: snewell-cohen@toastmasters.org .
http://www.toastmasters.org/speakerprofile.aspx

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2 Tips from Speaker Net News

Think outside the publishing box — Allen Klein

With eBooks, print-on-demand, and self-publishing, it may be easier than ever for you to publish your own book these days, but harder than ever to get an established publisher to produce it. There are, however, specialized houses that will publish your book, if you fit within their market. For example, I just signed a contract with a publisher who only does activity books for counselors and therapists. You will never see the book in a bookstore but they sell thousands of books to the therapy world. Also, consider the gift-book world. Some publishers specialize in this area. You will find most of these books in gift-shops, not bookstores. Still, they can be quite lucrative.

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Alternative to handout — Kathleen Watson

Rather than a handout which is nothing more than your PPT slides, consider creating and distributing a wallet-sized, laminated card with your key take-aways on it. It’s different and people actually stand a chance of using your stuff when you’ve made it easy for them to remember it.
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The Key to your Keynote Speaker
via Christa Haberstock Linkedin

We’re not in the business of brokering keynote speakers, generally. But after attending hundreds of events that use keynote speakers, we know what works and what doesn’t, and can give some good recommendations. (In the events business, you know you have a great keynote speaker when the AV crew pays attention.)

The keynote speaker can be a critical piece of your event–they’re there to motivate your audience, to tell a story and to inspire action. They should fit into your event plan seamlessly and strategically–becoming a part of your overall message instead of just a novelty.

The things that make a great keynote speaker can vary, but the things that make a bad keynote speaker are pretty much the same across the board.

Here are some things you should watch out for when looking at a keynote speaker:

1. Lack of Customization. This is the number one failing of keynote speakers. We’ve all heard speeches that sound practically like recordings with a space left blank to “insert company name here”. Your keynote speaker should take the time to get to know YOUR message, your company’s unique challenges and attributes–and be willing to tailor their speech accordingly. In the case of keynote speakers, one size does not fit all.

2. An Amazing Story…But Not Much Else. There are keynote speakers who have done genuinely amazing, awe-inspiring things…but that doesn’t mean that it translates into a keynote speech. Be wary of stories that don’t have a deeper message and take-away. The goal for your attendees will not be to climb Mount Everest (usually), but, rather, to overcome THEIR obstacles.

3. An Amazing Speech…But Not and Amazing Speaker. Believe it or not, there are great keynote stories and messages that get lost, quite literally, on the floor of your event. We once saw a keynote speaker who had a great message, but only his lapel got to hear it–he was just cutting his teeth on the keynote circuit, and didn’t quite have the whole, you know, *speaking* thing down yet. It’s critical that the keynote speaker be able to connect with your audience.

4. It’s All About Them. We’ve seen many good speeches that have been polluted by the litter of the speaker’s own ego. When every point at the end of the story or anecdote is, “You’ll find this in my book,” it gets tiresome for the audience. Additionally, great keynote speakers are all about the people in the room–not necessarily their own achievements. Their story should be a frame for their speech–not the entirety of the message.

5. Basic Presentation Mistakes. Most keynote speakers rank pretty highly on the professional-looking presentation spectrum compared to most internal presenters. However, they can still occasionally fall prey to mistakes like having too much on their PowerPoint (using them as speaking notes instead of visual aids, or making them hard to read). A lot of the time, companies won’t proof or spend much energy on the keynote speaker’s presentation–they just plug it into the master slide deck and go. That’s when basic mistakes happen; a clip fails to play, the formatting becomes messed up, etc. Having rehearsal helps mitigate this, but we find that the keynote speaker doesn’t always come in for rehearsal beforehand–either because they’re too busy, or the company doesn’t have the budget for the extra time.
_______

ARTICLE:

Public Speaking Tips for Webinars
Add Impact When You Present Through Webinars
By Executive Speech Coach, Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

No matter what you level of public speaking experience, whenever you open your mouth, whether you’re talking to one person or a thousand, you usually want to get a specific message across. Anyone who sets out to present, persuade, and propel with the spoken word faces pitfalls. And, as technology and travel budgets play a more important part in our lives, you have yet another challenge: What do you do when you are communicating through a Webinar? What is different about a Webinar presentation? How do you catch and keep your audience? Here are some tips.

Before You Start, Use Looping Slides

Once your audience tunes in, how do you make sure they are entertained and feel involved even before the event starts? The best way is with a series of Looping Slides. Looping Slides are a great way to convey important information and to keep attendees entertained while waiting for your presentation to begin.

These slides need to communicate:
*  When the session will begin.
*  The Conference Dial-in number.
*  A photo, name and title of the presenter.
*  What the audience is going to learn.
*  What to do in case of problems.
You may also have quotes about the content they will be learning.

Be More Visual in Your Presentation

Be creative. Think Hollywood! Tell stories and give examples as you go through your program, the same way you would in person. However, your Webinar needs more visuals to help engage the audience. Use more slides than with an in-person presentation. Add bullet points one at a time as you “build.” Don’t present a list of all your points before you discuss them. Keep it simple, keep it moving, and interact often.

Plan Your Structure

Outline your presentation on paper or flip chart and then build the PowerPoint®. You have to get “messy” before you get tidy! It is better to have fewer points and illustrate them well.

Be sure you:
*  Introduce your objective.
*  Sell the benefits.
*  Explain the Agenda and timing of your session.
*  Add any logistics and how they will interact with you.
Open with a Grabber Slide and Comment

After your grabber slide, it is up to you to engage your audience immediately with a powerful, relevant opening that includes the word “you.” Your grabber opening might be:

A catchy FACT: “It may interest you to know Ferraris hold their value more than polo ponies! I first learned this lesson when…”

A startling STATISTIC: “Did you know that if you had spent a million dollars a day, every day since Jesus was born, you would not have spent a trillion dollars. Please keep that in mind as we strategize how to increase sales by only 5%…”

An intriguing CHALLENGE: “Ten years ago we were the market leaders. This year we are 13th. You are now in an exciting position to turn that around…”

Grabber openings get the attention of your audience. Then it is up to you to keep it. Never start by saying, “Good morning.” Instead, say something like, “Welcome! You are in for a treat! You are about to learn how to…” As you introduce the session, SELL the listeners on how they are going to benefit. Keep them glued. Remember, they can’t see you, so it is all too easy for them to answer their email or go get a cup of coffee.

Introduce Yourself

Once you have sold the session, you can introduce yourself if someone else is not doing it. Do NOT do it first. Just as with an in-person session, say something the listeners care about, and then they care about who you are.

Forge an Emmotional Connection

The most powerful communication combines both intellectual and emotional connections. Intellectual means appealing to educated self-interest with data and reasoned arguments. Emotion comes from engaging the listeners’ imaginations, involving them in your illustrative stories by frequent use of the word “you” and from answering their unspoken question, “What’s in this for me?” Use a high I/You ratio.

For example, don’t say, “I’m going to talk to you about Webinars.” Instead, say something like, “In the next 56 minutes, you will learn: the 6 secrets of making a Webinar work; the 4 benefits of using Webinars as part of your client interaction; and the 3 mistakes our competitors are making when they use them.”

Build in Interaction

Depending on the technology you are using, make sure you interact whenever logical. For example, stop and ask, “Based on what you have heard so far, what are your questions?”

Use Memorable Stories

People rarely remember your exact words. Instead, they remember the mental images that your words inspire. Support your key points with vivid, relevant stories. Help them “make the movie” in their heads by using memorable characters, exciting situations, dialogue, and humor. With a combination of your examples and visuals, it will be a memorable presentation.

Use Effective Pauses

Good music and good communication both contain changes of pace, pauses, and full rests. This is where your listeners think about what they have just heard. If you rush on at full speed to crowd in as much information as possible, chances are you’ve left your listeners back at the station. It’s okay to talk quickly, but whenever you say something profound or proactive or ask a rhetorical question, pause.

Avoid Irritating Non-Words

Hmm—ah—er—you know what I mean—. On a Webinar, this habit will only be emphasized. Are you doing it? Why not have a run-through and record yourself. As with in-person presentations, as Michael Caine says, “Rehearsal is the work, performance is the relaxation.”

Review What You’ve Covered

As with an in-person presentation, always review your key ideas: Then say, “Before my closing remarks…what are your questions?”

Emphasize Their Next Steps

Be clear what their next logical steps should be. Send them off energized and focused.

Close on a High

Your last words linger. Make sure they are yours—don’t quote anyone else—and make sure they are powerful.

Have Backup Computers

Here is a practical suggestion that has paid off for me. Have two computers tuned into the Webinar. My Fripp Associate Tom Drews is very experienced with presenting through Webinars. He recommended this technique to Jim Prost and me when we were presenting through Webinar for the American Payroll Association. Suddenly, Jim, who was taking lead, said his computer had frozen. I immediately jumped in and delivered my portion earlier than planned. This gave Jim time to get his second laptop to the place where the first had frozen. He had it tuned into the Webinars, so it only took a few moments. With technology…you never know!

This article is adapted with permission from one first published in eLearn magazine

Patricia Fripp is a sales presentation skills trainer and an award-winning keynote speaker http://www.fripp.com

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

In the speaking world, the media stars are the keynote speakers. A lot of seminar leaders and trainers ask me how they can adapt their material to this intense, high-profile, and often lucrative specialty.

“The keynote speech comes from the discipline of show business. The seminar comes from the discipline of teaching.”
—Bill Gove, First President of the National Speakers Association

“With a keynote speech, the presenter is the star. With seminars, the leader needs to make the audience members the star.”
—Don Thoren, Past President National Speakers Association and Long-time Seminar Leader

To understand the big difference between keynotes and seminars, start by appreciating the unique characteristics of each. “Conversations occur in both keynotes and seminars,” explains Fripp Associate, Dr. David Palmer, Silicon Valley management guru, seminar leader on negotiations, and professor in the MBA program at Santa Clara University. “In a seminar, attendees learn more when you get them to do most of the talking. Your role is to set up the situations and guide them, letting them teach each other. But with a keynote speech you are presenting a conversation between you and each member of the audience. They are talking back to you in their own heads. During your speech, ask questions, then pause while the audience members think about what you have said.”

You need to understand how they are likely to answer. Set up a conversation between your voice and their heads and hearts. This is why a good keynote speech has rich and well-developed stories. Stories take people on a journey in their head. The stories are from your experience, and your audience relives them from their own perspective. The amount of learning is not going to be as deep as in a seminar, but the result of a good keynote can still be very profound. When well done, both keynotes and seminars can sell other services.

What are the differences?

Keynote speeches are much shorter than seminars. Therefore, you have far less time to get to the point and have an impact.

• Client expectations increase with fee and size of audience.
• The performance aspect has to be more refined. You may be IMAGed, so you can’t pace around. It’s like the difference between movie acting and stage acting.
• Audiences are considerably larger. If you are accustomed to speaking to twenty to fifty people, facing thousands can be daunting.
• When done superbly, a keynote speech looks easy. That’s why so many think, “Gee, I could do that.” Don’t be fooled!

How do I condense my material?

As a seminar leader, you might think, “I can’t say anything in only an hour!” Get over it! If you can’t say anything worth listening to in five minutes, you do not deserve an hour, let alone a two-day seminar. (And even when you are booked for an hour keynote, there is a good chance your time will be cut!) Here’s how to condense your material.

1. Start with the key subject of your training.

2. Define your premise or central theme (as briefly as possible).

3. Write it in a way that will encourage the audience to be asking how or why.

4. Make their mental questions and your answers your talking points.

5. Support each talking point with vivid stories and examples.

6. Conclude with a recommendation or call for some sort of action.

You can then adapt your material for different audiences. For example:

Your subject: Speaking Skills.

Your title: How to Design and Deliver More Charismatic Sermons.

Your audience: Seventh-day Adventist pastors.

Your premise: “Every Seventh-day Adventist pastor can deliver even more charismatic sermons.”

Audience asks themselves: “How?”

Your answer: “By better understanding and implementing three necessary ingredients in every talk or sermon.”

Audience asks themselves: “What are they?”

Your answer: “Structure, content, and delivery…Your content needs to connect with your audience two ways.”

Audience asks themselves: “What are they?”

Your answer: “Intellectual and emotional…There are three ways to connect emotionally.”

Audience asks themselves: “What are they?”

Can you see what my colleague David Palmer means about creating questions in the audience’s mind and then answering them?

Some Other Tips:

Use stories. Help your audience to connect with characters that make your points accurately and memorable. In a keynote, these stories have to be condensed to the nub. Cut out all waffle and fluff.

Use dialogue. Make the audience feel as if they are there as part of the situation you are talking about.

Create an intimate bond by speaking to the group as one person: “Do YOU think…?” Everyone feels you are talking directly to them.

Rehearse, don’t read. A keynote requires a great deal of practice. It’s okay to have a few notes, but never work from a handout or workbook as you might have in your seminar.

Start with high impact. Never do “housekeeping details” at the beginning.

Close on a high note so you’ll be remembered.

Become more successful in the Speaking, Consulting, and Coaching business. Learn how to promote in an ongoing, consistent, and relentless way. Through a combination of high-tech, low-tech, no-tech methods…from a professional who does them all! Want to learn from someone who has actually done it? This is your opportunity… Learn more about How to Build a Profitable Speaking and Consulting Business.

Patricia Fripp, is an executive speech coach, sales presentation skills expert, and Hall of Fame keynote speaker. She is a Past President of the National Speakers Association.

Improve your presentations and learn how to successfully market your professional speaking business with Patricia Fripp’s CDs, DVDs, books, and digital downloads.

Check out Fripp’s calendar of events for professional speakers.

Take advantage of Fripp’s The Executive Speech Coach blog and learn more about speaking professionally.

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Patricia Fripp, Reliable Plant Magazine

The executive gets up to speak. Everyone there needs to hear what he has to say about the company, but within 10 minutes, they are either hopelessly confused or falling asleep. What is he doing wrong?

Whenever you open your mouth, whether your audience is one person or a thousand, you want to get a specific message across. Maybe you want your opinions heard at meetings, or perhaps you are giving a formal presentation, internally or externally. Possibly your team needs to improve its customer communication, or you’re in a position to help your CEO design an important speech.

Anyone who sets out to present, persuade and propel with the spoken word faces 10 major pitfalls.

1) Unclear thinking: If you can’t describe what you are talking about in one sentence, you may be guilty of fuzzy focus or trying to cover too many topics. Your listeners will probably be confused, too, and their attention will soon wander. Whether you are improving your own skills or helping someone else to create a presentation, the biggest (and most difficult) challenge is to start with a one-sentence premise or objective.

2) No clear structure: Make it easy for people to follow what you are saying. They’ll remember it better – and so will you as you deliver your information and ideas. If you waffle, ramble or never get to the point, your listeners will tune out. Start with a strong opening related to your premise; state your premise; list the rationales or “points of wisdom” that support your premise, supporting each with examples: stories, statistics, metaphors and case histories. Review what you’ve covered, take questions if appropriate, and then use a strong close.

3) No memorable stories: People rarely remember your exact words. Instead, they remember the mental images that your words inspire. Support your key points with vivid, relevant stories. Help your listeners “make the movie” in their heads by using memorable characters, engaging situations, dialogue, suspense, drama and humor. In fact, if you can open with a highly visual image, dramatic or amusing (but not a joke!), that supports your premise, you’ve got them hooked. Then tie your closing back to your opening scene. They’ll never forget it.

4) No emotional connection: The most powerful communication combines both intellectual and emotional connections. Intellectual means appealing to educated self-interest with data and reasoned arguments. Emotional comes from engaging the listeners’ imaginations, involving them in your illustrative stories by frequently using the word “you” and by answering their unspoken question, “What’s in this for me?” Use what I call a “high I/You ratio.” For example: Not “I’m going to talk to you about telecommunications,” but “You’re going to learn the latest trends in telecommunications.” Not, “I want to tell you about Bobby Lewis,” but “Come with me to Oklahoma City. Let me introduce you to my friend, proud father Bobby Lewis.” You’ve pulled the listener into the story.

5) Wrong level of abstraction: Are you providing the big picture and generalities, a sort of pep talk, when your listeners are hungry for details, facts and specific how-tos? Or, are you drowning them in data when they need to position themselves with an overview and find out why they should care? Get on the same wavelength with your listeners. My friend Dr. David Palmer, a Silicon Valley negotiations expert, refers to “fat” and “skinny” words and phrases. Fat words describe the big picture, goals, ideals and outcomes. Skinny words are minute details and specific who, what, when and how. In general, senior management needs fat words. Middle management requires medium words. Technical staff and consumer hot-line users are hungry for skinny words. Feed them all according to their appetites.

6) No pauses: Good music and good communication both contain changes of pace, pauses and full rests. This is when listeners think about what has just been said. If you rush on at full speed to crowd in as much information as possible, chances are you’ve left your listeners back at the station. It’s OK to talk quickly, but pause whenever you say something profound or proactive or you ask a rhetorical question. This gives the audience a chance to think about what you’ve said and to internalize it.

7) Irritating non-words: Hmm-ah-er-you know what I mean … One speaker I heard began each new thought with “Now!” as he scanned his notes to figure out what came next. This might be OK occasionally, but not every 30 seconds. Record yourself to check for similar bad verbal habits. Then keep taping yourself redelivering the same material until such audience-aggravators have vanished.

Stepping on your punch-words: The most important word in a sentence is the punch-word. Usually, it’s the final word: “Take my wife – PLEASE.” But if you drop your voice and then add, “Right?” or “See?,” you’ve killed the impact of your message. (To discover if you do this, use the tape-recording test described above.) Don’t sabotage your best shots.

9) Misusing technology: Without a doubt, audio/visual has added showbiz impact to business and professional speakers’ presentations. However, just because it is available doesn’t mean we have to use it! Timid speakers who simply narrate flip chart images, slides, videos, overheads or view-graphs can rarely be passionate and effective. Any visual aid takes the attention away from you. Even the best PowerPoint images will not connect you emotionally. Use strong stories instead, if at all possible. Never repeat what is on the visuals. If you do, one of you is redundant. Make technology a support to your message, not a crutch. The trap is that information presented through technology tends to be about the speaker and the speaker’s organization, while communication should be about the audience. One executive I was asked to coach had 60 PowerPoint slides – 58 about his company and two about the prospective client. We halved the number and reversed the ratio!

10) Not having a strong opening and closing: Engage your audience immediately with a powerful, relevant opening that has a high I/You factor. It can be dramatic, thought-provoking or even amusing, but never, never open with a joke (unless you are a humorist with original materials). Get your listeners hooked immediately with a taste of what is to follow. And, never close by asking for questions. Yes, take questions if appropriate, but then go on to deliver your dynamic closing, preferably one that ties back into your opening theme. Last words linger. As with a great musical, you want your audience walking out afterward humming the tunes.

When you can avoid these 10 common pitfalls, you’re free to focus on your message and your audience, making you a more dynamic, powerful and persuasive communicator.

About the author:
Patricia Fripp is a speech coach, presentation trainer and keynote speaker. She works with companies large and small, and individuals from the C-Suite to the work floor. She builds leaders, transforms sales teams and delights audiences. To learn more, visit www.fripp.com, call 415-753-6556 or e-mail pfripp@ix.netcom.com.

 Posted by @Mark Ivey, 4/2/09 Ion Digital

photo by Sean Dreilinger

Susan’s Note: The world is changing rapidly you gotta keep on investing in your practice.  Twitter offers another challenge read on.

Pretend you’re a speaker approaching the stage at a big conference. As you walk up to the stage, you notice two big screens–one for your Powerpoint presentation, the other for Twitter.

Guess what? You’ve got company. Your audience will be joining you on stage, tweeting about your presentation.

Public speaking is nerve wracking enough. Now speakers will get to deal with Twitter and a new era of “participatory” presentations. Right now the “Twitter factor”  in speeches is microscopic, mainly confined to a scattering of techie conferences. But it’s coming.

As usual, it’s starting with the tech savvy types who are itching to join what they see as a public “conversation.”   The more voices, the merrier (see a recent post in the Pistachio blog). Corporate speakers cringe; they see a public brawl coming.

Corporate presentations are ripe for change. Many are simply boring and they fail to involve the audience enough. This is where Twitter comes in–the mere presence of it  introduces its own “back channel” discussion, thrusting the Twitterers into the presentation.

This can enrich a good presentation when managed. But it can also wreak havoc, as it did at SXSW in 2008.

That’s when a BusinessWeek columnist came up short interviewing Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Some audience members tweeted that she was flirting too much, asking softball questions and wasting time. The Twits rebelled and disrupted the interview.

Speech experts like Bert Decker warn of future replays. He believes Twitter will have a huge disruptive affect on speakers if allowed free reign.

A friend and former colleague of mine,  senior corporate speechwriter Ian Griffin, says: “Twitter gives the audience a voice in the presentation. But it can be a little too much, like drinking straight whiskey for a speaker.”

The goal, of course, is to channel the Twitter discussion into a force that works for your speech. For speakers (and communications managers)  it’s time to reassess presentation styles and start planning to adjust.

First, keep these thoughts in mind:

1) You’re not in 100% control of your audience anyhow. Audiences have been dozing off during presentations for eons, and the introduction of the Blackberry just gave them something to do.  Now we have Twitter.

2) You can’t really stop the back channel conversation. Twitter will keep growing so a rising percentage of your audience will be tweeting. Better to think about how to channel that energy than fight it.

3) Your “message” is  only as effective as your performance and ability to deliver a complete experience. When I saw Seth Godin speak at Cisco’s #Velocity09 in February, he clearly had a message; but it was his overall delivery—entertaining, clever, creative—that allowed him to deliver it effectively.

4) People want to explore, play; they want to engage—not just passively sit through a long speech. Twitter gives them a chance to get involved.

5) People buy into compelling stories and issues that affect them directly, not your talking points and data. Watch how they engage when you tell a personal story. Twitter is about humanizing communications.

6) People want to hear what you really think; not corporate-speak. You.

7) Twitter isn’t going away.

So it’s time to start engaging Twitter, like it or not.

Some tips:

1. Start early: If you’re leading up to a conference, try to start tweeting a couple of months ahead of time.  Get a feel for what people are looking for and slowly introduce yourself—your ideas, your philosophy, etc. Ask people about their burning issues, what they’d like to see in a presentation.  Wouldn’t it be neat to build part of your presentation online?

2. Be prepared. This goes without saying: know your content. You can’t fake it, and you don’t want to expose yourself to the glare of Twitter (just ask the  BusinessWeek columnist).

3. Engage the Twitter audience. Manage the “back channel” and transform the Tweets into a positive force. You might have a break every 20 minutes or so to address Twitter questions (have a staff member monitor). Handle like an ongoing Q&A— be prepared to answer on the fly. Be flexible. See the Pistachio blog for more tips.

4. Tell engaging stories: A personal, engaging story is hard to interrupt and cuts through the Twitter noise vs data and hard arguments, which are easy to second guess.

5. Ask questions: again, you’re engaging. Ask the audience how they feel about XYZ subject, or if they’ve ever had a time (fill in XYZ experience). This brings the audience into the speech, fully engaging them.

6. Have a clear, compelling theme and argument: If you know your content and have a strong argument, people will respect you—even if they don’t agree with you.

7. Be yourself: Don’t try to bullshit the audience into thinking you’re someone you’re not. Talk about the issue from your experience, your perspective.

These tips are nothing new to experienced speakers; they already cover these.

But techniques like involving the audience are even more critical in the micro-blogging era. This will be more true of workshops, training and breakout sessions vs big keynotes. But even in keynotes, I see Twitter coming into play.

Even speakers like Seth Godin, with all their flair, won’t be able to ignore the Twitter force–in fact, he could be one of the first to embrace it. More voices, more drama, more interest. Good speakers will be able to leverage this to get the audience more involved.

One other value of Twitter: presentation evaluations.  Until now, speakers were graded mainly by audience members filling out those pesky evaluation forms—usually as they’re running out the door. Now speakers can get real time feedback, and people even outside the conference will be able to follow.

This  speech evaluation can live on in archives indefinately. Imagine being able to  go back to a presentation you made 10 years ago to see how people really felt about it.

Speakers’ Bootcamp, branding, media coaching, storytelling, audience involvers read more

PRESS RELEASE

Diane DiResta, a licensed Speech Pathologist and author of Knockout Presentations, spoke  at The Voice Foundation, the 38th  annual scientific symposium on the voice. The conference attracts International otolaryngologists, speech scientists, vocal coaches, and speech pathologists who want to learn about the physiology and care of the professional voice.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health, approximately 7.5 million Americans have trouble using their voices. Despite widespread voice problems, too little is known about the vocal disorders that cut short careers, impair the speech process, devastate and even threaten people’s lives.

For the first time since it’s inception in 1969, the topic of The Speaking Voice: What You Need to Know About Speaking in Public, was addressed. Nancy Solomon, Ph.D, kicked off the session by recognizing a lack of research in the science of public speaking.

Ms. DiResta’s keynote revealed speaking as the new competitive weapon and identified 10 top speaker mistakes. Common mistakes in the scientific community include: speaking too long, providing too much data and detail than the audience can absorb, cluttering PowerPoint slides and talking to the screen, sounding scripted or unnatural and not tailoring the message to the audience.

She cited studies from MIT about the power of powerful presentation skills to sway venture capitalists to fund new companies and the research regarding the importance of likability of the presenter.

DiResta discouraged scientists from reading their research. “I can read as well as you can, ” she claimed. “Reading is not presenting.”  She  advised that we’re all public speakers. “If you do research, you’re going to be asked to speak,” she stated. After thirty minutes of audience questions, Ms. DiResta took part in a panel discussion with a psychologist, speech pathologist, speech and theater professor, an otolarygologist, and professor of communication disorders.

The conference stimulated much discussion and interest in the future study of the science of the public speaking voice. The Voice Foundation was held June 5-7 in Philadelphia.

Diane DiResta is founder and president of DiResta Communications, Inc. Known as the Speaking Strategist, Diane brings over 20 years as a communications expert using her unique approach, the Science of Speaking. Her company works with Fortune 500 companies, media trains sports and entertainment celebrities and coaches transitioning C-level executives how to shine in an interview.

As an in demand speaker and coach, Diane’s programs are delivered both locally and internationally. Prior to establishing her company, she was an AVP at Drexel Burnham, a training specialist for Salomon Brothers and a Speech Pathologist for the NYC schools. She holds a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from Columbia University, is a graduate of CoachU, and is the author of the popular book, Knockout Presentations.

The Summit was fantastic and everyone had a wonderful learning experience plus alot of fun.  The Summit is once a year and the dates for 2010 are April 30, May 1 and 2.  

Photos: Deb Halberstadt

Barbara Niven, Speaker & Actress, Performance Coach

Professional Acting Skills for Oscar Level Presentation

Jack Barnard, Master Branding, Media, Presentation Coach

One Day Power Blitz

The Ticket Teleclass Series

Sheryl Roush, Sparkle Presentations

Solid Gold One-Sheets,  Workshop, July 11, 2009

Learn more

Jack and Susan at the Summit

Speakers: Jodi-Michelle Cooley, Lisa Sasevich, Barbara Niven, Lisa Cherny

Attendees Share

Thank you for the awesome Speaker Summit and for the opportunity to experience it.  I had an absolute blast and I will look forward to working with you, taking your counsel and to growing my Speaking business with your help. -Dave Ribble

Susan Levin and her Speaker’s Summit rock!!  I was amazed and very impressed after Day 1 at the quality of the speakers and the amount of content they shared.  Day 2 and 3 just produced more and more. – Seena Sharp

Having participated in last year’s Speaker Summit, I was expecting this year to be the same, which would have been fine. What I experienced, however, far exceeded what I remember from last year! The caliber of the speakers (even the ones from last year), the breakdown of the schedule, the education, tools, lessons and tips were/are highly useful and usable. Even the venue was above and beyond the previous location.

I really appreciated not only the diversity of speakers for what they presented, but, and perhaps more importantly, I learned so much from HOW they presented their material and their offers. It was a real education!

I am grateful to you and Jack for the obvious love and care you put out to all of us, to support us in all our stages of development as speakers and presenters. -Barry Selby

I have to say this was by far one of the best events that I ever produced.  We had 20 speakers, 75 attendees over three days and the feedback was fabulous.

Save the dates for 2010 Summit, April 30, May 1 & 2, 2010.

Today I am going to share the handout that Marilyn Snyder provided for the Summit attendees on how to Avoid Death by Power Point. marilynsnyder3.doc

 Marilyn Snyder

Here are some moree photos of the event: 

James Malinchak & Susan Levin

Speaking on how to get booked in the college market

Sheryl Roush, Solid Gold One-Sheets & Sparkle Presentations 

Lisa Castro visiting Speaker Services Table

Ladies at breakfast

Lisa Sasevich, The Invisible Close Queen after her talk

You’ve decided to become a speaker, you have the knowledge, the talent and the desire to share with the world! You have spent hours putting together the perfect presentation and the money to create a speaker kit along with an online presence…now what?

Where will I find the opportunities that will give me more exposure…more credibility?

First, you have to interact with the planners, the organizers, and the media, build relationships, network and let your presence be known…let them know you are the expert, otherwise they won’t even know you exist! It’s like opening up shop in the middle of the woods…no one is going to know your deep in the woods, that you have an excellent service to provide if you don’t let them know! It is important to get yourself out…network…market…let them know you are the expert and while doing so open your mind to all the possible opportunities that are available to you…all the ones that are just laying there waiting for you to grab them!

Opportunities are in abundance for those who know where to find them and how to use them to their advantage…open your mind and heart and you will find them…and be careful because sometimes opportunities can find you and you don’t even realize it until it’s to late…keep your eyes open!

Don’t turn down an opportunity just because you feel it isn’t big enough, or isn’t really your thing because what your doing is shutting the door to a potential opportunity that could have taken your business into the next level.

Opportunities can come in many different forms and those that can find the “hidden” opportunities and use them to their advantage will be the ones that advance in their speaking career much quicker. Don’t be so blinded to an opportunity when it’s looking you directly in the face…open your mind to what could come of that opportunity, where could it take you? How can you leverage it? Sometimes we overlook the smallest thing…the smallest opportunity and not even realizing that it could have been one of the biggest stepping stones to success!

Sometimes opportunities will come to you and they will be visible as day, sometimes they will be hidden and unclear…and more times then not the ones that were unclear and hidden…the ones we weren’t looking for…are the ones that will open the door to new ventures, new opportunities, new relationships and new clients!

Remember great enterprises were built on small opportunities… think about that when your turning down your local rotary club, a fundraiser, an interview, or school function. Look beyond the obvious… beyond the initial dollar sign… you might be surprised what you find!

Being a creative and resourceful business development expert for 23 years Wendi McNeill coaches, encourages, and teaches speakers, coaches and authors how to take the essential baby steps, while completely focusing on one step at a time so they can advance to the next level in their speaking business. www.CharliJane.com

Check out www.SpeakerServices.com   we offer training, marketing and development services to professionals who want to increase their income and business through speaking.

post by Vickie Sullivan, contributing editor RainToday

Between avoiding high travel expenses and having fun working in your jammies, teleseminars and webinars work for audiences and presenters alike.  But, as comfortable as remote events may be, many presenters make the dangerous mistake of treating them like in-person speaking events. They don’t take into account that webinars and teleseminars have a different dynamic, a different relationship between the speaker and the listener.

Below are two of the biggest distinctions between a remote event and an in-person speech, and two strategies to make your next remote gig the best one yet.

Distinction #1: Lack of Feedback

Like many performers, speakers respond to the energy of the attendees. Professional presenters constantly read their audience’s body-language and instantly adapt to that reaction. When a speaker knows the attendees are responding well, they relax and “play” with the participants. It’s those interactions that create classic spontaneous “moments” no one forgets. They also can spot the “problem children” and know how to draw them back in.

Webinars and teleseminars lack that unprompted give and take. When speakers don’t have that visual feedback, they can’t adapt to the audience in real time. They are presenting in a vacuum, having no idea how their ideas are coming off or if they need to change course.

Result: Their energy naturally goes down. Going through the material—rather than being with the audience—becomes the goal.

Distinction #2: Lack of Focus

Audiences listen in a different environment for in-person events and for e-events. In a speech, the participants are more captive. They are gathered in a room, away from their normal environment, not surrounded by the distractions of their office. Most of the time, they are there voluntarily (except for the poor trainers who have to teach the “hostages,” those participants forced to attend by their supervisors). And yes, while it’s possible to check email via our blackberry, the physical presence of other people is more compelling. The audience pays more attention because they don’t want to “miss anything.”

Webinars provide the opposite setting. Attendees are often alone, safely tucked into their most comfortable environment, a place rife with tempting distractions and no way to get caught.

Now be honest: How many of us have checked our email while listening to a webinar? Surfed other sites? Read the Google RSS feeds? It’s much easier to multi-task when it’s right in front of us.

Result: All of the distractions of a private setting make peoples’ attention spans shorter than they already are.

Strategy #1: Start Smart

So how can we counteract these differences? By adapting the way we present from the very beginning. In live speeches, many presenters start by introducing themselves and explaining their background. This introduction is important because it creates the context for their remarks. Researchers explain the methodology; business people focus on their experience and track record.

Audiences in remote events need the context, but not necessarily at the beginning. Many have already read your bio, so there’s no need to start with an in-depth recap of your experience. If you start with that information, many attendees tune out. Their thinking: “I’ve already read this. Wonder what’s in my email in box?” And getting them back is a lot of effort for the presenter.

What’s needed is what insiders call a “bomb:” Something that will immediately provoke attention. It doesn’t have to be obnoxious or overly controversial—just an insight that can immediately change their perspective. It lets the audience know they are in for a wild ride and to pay attention or they’ll miss something good. Then, you can relate your experience back to that remark. Keep the bio short and move on quickly.

You can also relate to your experience throughout the session, as long as the key point stays in the spotlight: “I’d say that the majority of my clients want [enter key benefit here] and find that [enter key point here],” or, “I get hundreds of emails a month about [enter biggest challenge here], and the most common question I get is ….”

Strategy #2: Don’t Data Dump

Without visual feedback in remote events, presenters have a hard time interacting with the audience. Many speakers therefore depend too much on their material and overload the audience.

The thinking:  If the content is compelling, the audience will stay engaged and won’t shop for shoes on the Internet. (I plead no contest.) The result: The audience gets overwhelmed and tunes out. They “half-listen” and the multi-tasking begins. Bottom line: Drinking from a fire hose is not intriguing.

There are two great ways to connect with the audience during e-events: stories and question and answer sessions.

Many professional speakers use stories to make their points come to life. For remote events, add short vignettes or examples for every key point. Having lots of them works well. It’s better to have less content that the audience remembers than more content that they forget. Stories engage, and shorter attention spans need that engagement.

Question and answer sessions serve the bigger need: the attendee’s agenda. Everyone listening to the call or watching online is there for a reason. They need more information to make a decision, or more ideas to implement.

You don’t just want one Q&A session. You want to break frequently for questions. This gives you the chance to clarify your points. It is critical to clear up any mysteries as soon as possible because confused participants stop listening until their question is answered. So don’t save the Q&A for the end. Break the program up into segments that include questions before moving on.

* * *

Remote events are everywhere and for good reason. They are effective branding and education tools that get our point of view into the marketplace. Different formats need different presentation strategies. By addressing the lack of visual feedback and shorter attention spans of audiences with strong openings, more stories, and Q&A interactions, presenters can use these programs to boldly go to markets we have not gone to before.

TJ Walker http://www.speakingchannel.tv weighs in today on why the audience does not remember a thing that was said.  He shares that the solution is to give real thought to becoming more memorable.

In every presentation there are three possible outcomes for the presenter:

1.    A good impression was made.
2.    A bad impression was made.
3.    No impression was made.

The biggest blunder most presenters face is not that they humiliated themselves or embarrassed themselves or that they froze and had to be carted away. The huge disaster most presenters face is that they show up, give their presentation, and come across completely professional, polished and smooth. They give their presentation exactly as planned. No problems. Then they sit down.

So what’s the problem? It is that the audience members don’t remember anything the presenter said.  It all went in one ear and out the other. The presenter had an opportunity to really communicate a message, but he blew it. The presenter was guilty of sameness. Everything just started to look, sound and feel the same as all the other speakers.

Think of how many presentations you hear year at the office, civic clubs, sales meetings, trade conventions, church, or school. And yet how many do you remember 6 months later, 6 days later, or even 6 minutes later?

The sad reality is that most speakers are instantly forgotten because they all sound the same after awhile. If you don’t believe me, test yourself.

Get out a piece of paper and write down everything you remember form each speaker you saw at the last conference you attended. You still have a lot of white space left on your sheet of paper, don’t you?

If I went around to audience members at the average trade show conference and said “Here’s a thousand dollars if you can name for me three things the last 2 speakers just said,” chances are, I’d never have to pay out any money.

Foolproof speakers realize this problem, so they spend most of the time not in trying to avoid bombing. Instead, they spend their prep time figuring out how to get their audience members to remember something they said in order to leave a lasting positive impression.

The solution is to give real thought to becoming more memorable, not simply conveying more facts and data, which is the preoccupation of most average speakers. Giving thought to making your ideas doesn’t necessarily mean more time, expense, or fancy props, it can just mean being a little more creative.

When Steve Jobs wants to demonstrate how thin his new laptop is, he doesn’t just flash up a slide with text displaying “Laptop thickness: .25 inches.” Because that would be boring. Instead, he demonstrates how thin the laptop is by pulling it out of an envelope. Total cost: 79 cents. But the image was so powerful that it can’t be forgotten days, weeks or even months later.

What are you doing to make sure you leave any impression on your audience? This is the question that should be focusing on.

This is why it’s not really a gable to try to that new story, or a PowerPoint slide with edgy humor. Or to ask questions form an audience member even though you don’t know how they will respond. All of these attempts to mix it up will increase the odds that you don’t end up instantly forgotten.

I’m not suggesting you wear a fake arrow throughout head just to get attention, but you must remember that “playing it safe” is often the most dangerous thing for a presenter to do, because it so often means you will make no impression on your audience at all.

You must do something, anything, in order to get people to leave with a positive impression of you and your ideas.

Related resources: 

Speakers’ Summit 10/19 & 20 Jack Barnard presentation is Mesmerize Your Audience.

Mesmerize Your Audience CD or MP3 click here

written by Susan Levin

Are you watering your business?  No matter where you are on your path Speaker Services since ’92 has a myriad of services that will keep you and your business evergreen.

It is essential to budget some of our services into your marketing plan.

11 TIPS TO WATER YOUR BUSINESS:

Are you ready to connect with audiences who want to hear your message?  

I signed up with Speaker Services, got a speech the next day, and it’s been raining speeches ever since! I cannot say enough about Susan Levin’s remarkable generosity and support. She has been an unfailing source of information and inspiration at all times. I highly recommend Speaker Services if you are serious about increasing your business.

—Ann Convery, Speaker/Author

1. Get Listed in Speaker Services Directory.  Ask me for the speakers guidelines – 15th of each month deadline for speaker/author copy.  Learn more

2. Got questions about the Business of Speaking?

Speaker Marketing, Presentation Packets, Branding, Focusing, Where to Speak, Video demos, Finding audiences, Website evaluation, book mentoring, info products, social media????

Let’s get a roadmap in place for you.

20 mins complimentary telephone sessions with Susan Levin, international marketing coach for professionals and authors.

Fill out the assessment form and I will contact you to set up a convenient time to chat.

http://www.speakerservices.com/assessment_form.html

3. Listen to the teleclass with the experts…

September Teleclasses

Teleclasses are free when you join the Speakers’ Community  (60 days complimentary)

or you can pay per teleclass

Can’t attend  sign up anyhow and receive the mp3

Wed- September 17

Speakers’ Secret Weapon

Leverage Your Time & Energy to Create Your Lifestyle Business, Melanie Benson Strick

Discover these simple steps to revolutionizing the way work gets done in your business.

Learn more/register

______

Thurs- September 25

 Expertizing: Get More Media Attention for your Biz, Fern Reiss

In today’s world, positioning is everything. A handful of individuals seem to dominate, out-consult, and out-sell everyone else.  Want to become known as that expert in your field, quoted by the media on a daily basis?

learn more/register

4. Market Yourself as a Speaker Workshop with Susan Levin in Los Angeles

Sept 24

Are you an expert in your field with lots of advice and experience to pass along?  In this workshop you will learn the nuts and bolts of the speaking circuit from a marketing viewpoint.

Learn more/register

________________

5.  Speakers’ Summit 

October 19 and 20 in LA

SPEAKERS:

Jack Barnard, Susan Levin, Gina Ratiffe, Lisa Sasevich

MEET THE EXPERTS:

The Blog Squad: Denise Wakeman & Patsi Krakoff, Gayl Murphy, Jean-Noel Bassior,  Ian Rich, Tony DeMaio

The Speakers’ Summit was the best training I could ever receive to help me take my speaking business to the next level. 

Finally, I feel ready to truly manifest the career of my dreams.

- Jesus Nebot, Jesus Nebot International

3 for 1 offer

$597

3 for 1 offer- bring 2 friends for total of $597

Former Summit Attendees

$397

3 for 1 offer- bring 2 friends for total of $397

All the details are  at http://www.speakerservices.com/speakerssummit1008 read more and see for yourself.

__________

6.  Speakers’ Bootcamp (several slots open)

facilitated by Jack Barnard with Susan Levin

November 5-9

Listen to Q & A teleclass   (60 mins) 

http://www.speakerservices.com/services/thegame.html 

Learn everything you need to win the Game of Speaking 

Bootcamp was indeed an experience. It met my expectations and more. I left with an incredible brand and identified a plan and process for developing speeches and seminars.

- Betty LaMarr, Executive Coach

 Jack is the Wizard of Oz for speakers. Every person had a profound transformation and walked away with marketable branding and a solid speech foundation. Thank you Jack, for your heart and soul. We’ll take part of you with us out into the world.

- Barbara Niven, Actress, Writer, Director, Speaker

________

7. VIDEO DEMO SHOWCASE, 3 camera video demo

November 2

http://www.speakerservices.com/videoprod.html

See more videos on youtube Speaker Services Channel

We appreciate your comments

________

8. And in the Blog 

- You’re an Expert-But Can You Speak?

- The Ultimate Publishing Guide – How To Publish Your Book Without Breaking Out In A Sweat

- Relationship Marketing for the 21st Century

________

9.  Resources

audio acrobat, credit card processing, shopping carts, virtual assistants to corporate sponsorship, speak at colleges or on cruise ships and more

________

10.  Products, CD’s, MP3′s, special reports for speakers and authors

learn more

 ________

11.  Join the Speakers’ Community: A membership club- 60 days complimentary

learn more

 May you flourish and grow

The following post is from my colleague Diane DiResta from her blog

Has this happened to you? I attended a teleseminar the other day. The guest speaker was touted as a real expert in his field. Based on his background this was true.

The teleseminar was given in two parts with each part being one hour.

Although I took notes, I can’t tell you much of what I learned in two hours.

The reason was because I tuned out. When the interviewer asked him a question he would respond like this: “Well, um ah yeah the the answer to that well is you know the way I think of that is…” SPIT IT OUT!

A teleseminar is still a presentation.

It was so frustrating to listen to someone who couldn’t answer with a clear, to-the- point message. The two hour content could have been delivered in one hour. It would have helped to have a handout. Although I remember a few tips, it could have been delivered just as easily with a few written bullet points.

So here is the lesson: As I say in my book, Knockout Presentations, your success depends on the quality of your presentation. This applies to everybody but celebrities. Why?

Because people want to been seen with a famous speaker or want to learn from the top experts. So unless you’re a celebrity invest in your presentation skills.

Luckily this teleseminar was free.

Posted by Business Presentations

Imagine that you have spent the better part of two weeks working on an important speech you plan to give to your firm. You think you have done everything right. Read on as Laurie Brown offers simple tips to keep the audience from falling asleep (post from Rain Today )

You have created a PowerPoint presentation with tons of information and Flash animation. You have created handouts of the slides for your audience, so they can follow along. Although you haven’t had time to rehearse the presentation, you are not worried, because you have the entire speech typed out. You plan to read it while you blow their socks off with the dynamic PowerPoint slides.

Everything should be perfect, right? Wrong!

If you were to look at your audience (which you cannot, because you are reading your script) you would see them either riveted to the screen, or to the handout in front of them… but not at you. The audience members who are eye-weary from all the information you have packed into the slides are closing their eyes just to rest them.

What went wrong?

Experienced speakers know that to engage their audience, they must build rapport. Reading from a script makes this difficult, if not impossible, because connecting with an audience requires direct eye contact. No matter how well-written your speech is, if you read your presentation to an audience, you will lose them.

Reading to your audience can also make you seem less authoritative. The audience wonders, “If you know so much about the topic, why can’t you just talk about it? Why are you reading?”

Here are 5 tips for getting and keeping your audience’s attention:

Make Eye Contact

Free yourself from the written page and demonstrate your expertise by using one of these ideas:

Memorization

If you want to memorize your speech, it is helpful to rehearse it out loud just before you go to sleep and right when you get up.

Outline

If you use the outline method to create your script, you can simply go back and clean it up and use that for the presentation. If you don’t have an outline prepared, you can create one using the major points of your presentation.

Key Word Method

This technique calls for you to select key words from your script that represent a paragraph or two of information. These key words should jog your memory so that you can speak extemporaneously. You can use a single page of key words, or place them on 3×5 cards (always number the cards). If you are a visually oriented person, you can find an image that represents the key word and create a pictogram.

Teleprompter

Nothing helps you maintain good eye contact without memorization like the teleprompter When speaking to an audience, you want to make everyone in the audience feel that the message is being directed to them personally. If you find that actually looking into the eyes of your audience is difficult and distracting, look at the tops of their heads, which will create the illusion that you are speaking directly to them.

In order to include the whole audience, use a “Z” pattern. Start by looking at the front left section of the audience. After finishing your thought, turn your gaze to the front right section. Again, finish your thought and direct your gaze to the center section. Then look at the rear left section and, after completing your thought, look to the rear right section.

Know Your Audience

The more you know about your audience’s wants, needs, and level of understanding, the better able you are to craft a speech they will feel compelled to listen to. Too often, speakers give the same presentation to different groups. “Generic” speeches tend to lose most of the audience. A speech needs to be relevant and specific.

You need to make sure that you are using words and ideas that are easily grasped by your audience. This doesn’t mean you have to “dumb down” your speech, but it does mean checking to make sure that you are not using jargon or acronyms that are only known by a few.

Your audience is always thinking, “What’s in this for me?” Keep this question in mind when you craft your speech.

Throw Away Your PowerPoint

I think that there is no other element of a presentation that can bore an audience more quickly than PowerPoint slides. Okay, I know you are starting to curse at me now. Get rid of PowerPoint? Well, maybe I need to restate that. You can keep PowerPoint–if you use it properly and effectively… and not as an eye sight test.

Follow these simple rules:

Choose an easy font to read, such as Arial or Times Roman.

Font size should be at least 28 pt (bulleted items should be at least 22 pt).

Use colors carefully (reds and oranges are hard to focus on).

Don’t crowd too many words on the screen (3 lines of type is more than enough).

Keep the slides simple, clean, and easy to read.

View the PowerPoint presentation on the screen after you have created the slides and prior to your presentation. Check for ease of readability. The slides really do look different on the screen.

Don’t read the slides verbatim. Quite frankly, most of your audience will be able to read the slide, so why repeat it?
I think the most powerful PowerPoints are those that use only pictures, a key word or phrase, or graphics. There is no reason to simply use a slide to repeat what you have said. Instead, use a visual aid to reinforce your point. It is true that a picture is worth a thousand words.

You should direct your audience’s attention to the screen and back to you. Simply turn your gaze to the screen for a moment or two and then look back at your audience. These subtle cues allow your audience’s attention to move from the screen then back to you.

Give Hand-Outs After Your Presentation.

If you are making a presentation that has a lot of important and/or technical information, you can provide a hand-out, but only after the presentation. If people have your slides while you are speaking, they tend to read ahead or stay glued to the hand-out and not to you. If you give them the hand-out after your presentation, it will reinforce all of your material without stealing attention from you.

Rehearse

I know people hate to rehearse. It is hard not to feel silly when practicing your speech. However, there is nothing that helps a speaker more than the familiarity and ease you get from saying the words out loud. (Yes, it does make a difference to say the words out loud.) I practice when I am in my car driving alone or while on the treadmill at home. The shower can also be a great place to practice.

Try these ideas with your next presentation. Even if you only use one or two of these tips, you will have taken a huge step toward being a speaker who compels audiences to stay awake and listen. No one will be snoring in the back row.

Laurie Brown is an international speaker, trainer and consultant who works to help people improve their sales, service and presentation skills. She is the author of The Teleprompter Manual for Executives, Politicians, Broadcasters and Speakers. Contact Laurie through The Difference.net, or (877) 999-3433, or at lauriebrown@thedifference.net

Susan note:

On August 28 I will be interviewing Kathy Bote in a teleclass on Getting the Audience Involved. You may attend and or order the mp3. http://www.speakerservices.com/teleclasses/detail/105

Short overview- Want to give a presentation they’ll never forget?
Need to energize your audience AND get lasting results?
Simply want to be an amazingly dynamic speaker with life-changing impact?
To make a difference today, you have to get the audience involved! Learn how to creatively involve your audience and UP fun and retention by 80 percent or more!

At the Speakers’ Bootcamp we teach the communion approach to speaking. Speaking from the heart. At the Bootcamp you will be branded, media coached and learn how to use a dynamic template for organizing your talks. The Bootcamp is very interactive and hands on and transformational. You will never hear anyone snoring in the back row!

The following photo is from the July/August Bootcamp. Next Bootcamp November 5-9.

Good speakers become great speakers with the proper training. Investing in professional speaker training can greatly improve your bottom line.

There is no downside to improving your speaking skills.

The key to effective speaking boils down to one thing: The ability to be able to tell a compelling story. I was taught years ago that effective advertising was reduced down to the acronym A-I-D-A, which stands for 1.) Attract their ATTENTION. 2.) Stimulate their INTEREST 3.) Create DESIRE and 4.) Move them to ACTION.

Creating an effective speaking presentation is not much different than those guidelines. When we speak, we are actually selling. We are trying to communicate or get someone to adopt truths, facts, inspire action, etc. How many times has someone in your life said to you, “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it”? Most of us have heard that. We have all worked with very accomplished, well-educated people who are absolutely brilliant in their field, but when they spoke, they almost put us to sleep. How many of us have listened to an individual who was charismatic, compelling, and attractive and then when it was all done, you ask yourself, “What did they just say?” or you don’t remember a thing they said. It was all show with no substance. To get on the road to more effective speaking, you must master what you say AND how you say it. The best way is in a story-type format. In my sales training over twenty years ago I was taught that “facts tell, stories sell”.

Stories or story-type speaking bring a message to the heart and mind of the audience. One such method is what I call the PSOx3 speaking template. It is a no-brainer method for creating compelling speeches. This stands for presenting a Problem, Solution, and Outcome and doing it three times during the presentation. This humanizes the presentation and it allows the listener to relate to the issue presented. It creates a mental picture which makes the topic more memorable. Here’s an example. Let’s use a motivational topic that goes like this; “John Smith had only twenty dollars in his pocket. He was laid off with no possibility of being rehired. His position was outsourced overseas. He had two kids in private school and a baby at home. His wife worked part-time three days a week.

They could not make it on her income alone. They only had enough financial cushion to pay their bills for about three months. He knew he had to make something happen, and do it quickly. One day after paying his bills he actually had to make a decision whether to fill up his gas tank or buy groceries. This was the turning point in his life. It was either cave in to the desperation and depression or rise to the occasion and go into business for himself. He felt no one was going to hire an over-40 professional like him at the salary he had been accustomed to. One day while reading newspaper, he read a story about how a large percentage of attorneys were not getting the clientele they desired. He spotted a need. Problem leads to profit. He was skilled in writing marketing materials for a large company for the past twenty years. Why couldn’t he do it for another industry?, he asked himself.

This lead him to make his first phone call to a local attorney who confessed that his business was slow and he was at odds in how to get more clientele and increasing his referrals. John made an appointment with that attorney. He became John’s first client. That was 250 clients and three years ago. John’s now has three employees that all work as independent contractors from their homes. He also works out of his home. He and his staff meet in person once a week for brainstorming sessions to give the virtual company a more human feel.”

Now when you read the story of John, in a very short period of time, you are pulled in to his plight, feel his despair, and experience the hope he has with the advent of his new business. When this story is told, as opposed to just telling facts, you feel for John. When it is presented with pauses, increases and decreases in speech volume, and the appropriate body gestures, you are well on your way to creating a memorable speech. As in a good TV screenplay, you can clearly identify the problem, solution, and the outcome. The story of John is one you remember and isn’t that the reason why we do presentations at our work, places of worship, and service organizations?

George Bruno has been speaking in the private and public sectors for 25 years. He has been a guest and host on various talk radio programs in New York and Pennsylvania. In the early 80′s, he traveled on a drama team for three years performing in churches, prisons, and schools. In the late 80′s and early 90′s, he performed as an improv comedian in comedy clubs, café’s and fund raising shows in cities on the East Coast, including the renown Bonkers Comedy Club and the Chestnut Street Cabaret in Philadelphia.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Bruno

Related Resources:

StoryTelling CD or MP3
Spice up your presentations through storytelling by Jack Barnard

Speakers’ Bootcamp – practice stories and organize them into your template

For the past 16 years I have been working with professionals and authors to support them in growing their business and income through speaking. We have literally have trained hundreds of people and I have watched them go through our programs and climb to the top of the ladder. Some of them are making millions of dollars as a result of learning how to communicate their messages clearly, getting branded and learning how to call people to action to buy their services. Here are a few of their brands we created: Opportunity Knocks, The E-Zine Queen, The Essential Entrenprenuer, The Extreme Dreamer….

What do all of these folks have in common? They are passionate about what they speak about and they continue to receive training no matter what level they are at and they all have Speaker Services in common. The following are just a few of the comments I received this week from some of our clients.

Barbara Niven, Actress and Speaker wrote- Susan, I got another booking for my eating disorders speech! Another $10,000 one, thanks to you and Jack! I will be speaking to students at several high schools and told them if they can do that amount I will speak several times at different venues over a few days time. I think we can really help make an impact and a difference.

Richard Petty, MD wrote- Four of our group made it to the video shoot on Sunday, and it was an amazing experience for all of us.I really hope that if you didn’t manage to come this time, you will be able to have the time and money to do it next time. I may be slightly biased, but I really thought that Laurie, Jodi and Doug did the best presentations of the day. Coincidence? I think not. If you are wavering, I would really suggest having a look at their videos once they are posted. I think that you will be astonished to see what we are ALL now capable of doing.

I am going to share a story which isn’t about me, it’s about all of us. About two weeks after the Boot camp I spoke at a meeting in Chicago. I’ve spoken before, and I know that I can persuade people using data, logic and an occasional merry quip. But this time was different.I remember the MC introducing me, and I know that I showed a few slides to illustrate my points. But I don’t remember much else apart from noticing that the entire audience got teary eyed at one point, and the reaction at the end – and in the following weeks – was extraordinary. Karl has talked about the impact that the Bootcamp had on him, and I am sure that it has changed all of us. . Don’t worry if the speech isn’t perfect. I know that mine wasn’t! But it got the points across better than anything that I had done before.

And Eileen Joyce wrote the following verse following the March Bootcamp

What happened to me in the Speakers’ Bootcamp
I went not knowing quite why
I flubbed a lot of exercises
And had the time of my life

Each day opened something new inside
Although I couldn’t tell you what

Then the day after it ended
I see who I am, what I’m doing and saying
who wants to hear it and what we all get from it!

I’m selling
a way to open your heart—to the secrets it holds
so you can fully express all your pain and your passion.
Start living each day like it’s the last one you have.

I call it Speaking From Your Heart
And we all can do it!

THANK YOU Jack Barnard and fellow beings

If you want to make a difference in your speaking and transform the way you deliver I suggest you consider Speakers’ Bootcamp, Authors’ SpeakEasy, the Video Demo Showcase and getting listed on Speaker Services. Feel free to e mail me susan@speakerservices to set up a free session to talk with me as to how we can help you.

Scott Ginsberg offers valuable tips on nonverbal communication. Try a few of his tips the next time you are networking and see if it makes a difference!

Your nonverbal communication talks before you do. According to most interpersonal communication textbooks, only seven percent of interpersonal communication is transmitted verbally—the remaining ninety-three percent speaks for itself.

And, because nonverbal communication is learned and practiced on an unconscious level, you won’t be aware that you silently scream, “Please don’t talk to me!”

When you enter a room full of associates, clients or friends, each of them intuitively asks one crucial question: are you approachable? If the answer is yes, the conversations in which you engage will be initiated with ease and comfort. You make new friends. You create new contacts. And you will not have to suffer through another meeting clamped to the snack table. However, if the answer is no, there won’t be any conversations! As a result, you miss opportunities to create connections and meet valuable people.

It is vital to understand some of the non-receptive behaviors that hinder your approachability. If you avoid the following six barriers to communication, you will become more accessible to the people around you. As a result, you will welcome better business and social opportunities to transform strangers into valuable connections.

Eye Avoidance

To start a conversation with a person whose eyes are fixated on the ground is about as easy as hurdling over that person! This is why numbered lights always reside at the highest part of the elevator door—so you don’t have to talk to the person next to you! You gaze at the beautiful yellow numbers ascending to the penthouse while your conversation plummets to the basement!

In his famous book The Presentation of Self In Everyday Life, Irving Goffman stated that eye contact is the single most effective indicator that conversation is desirable. When you avoid it, you will be perceived as anxious, uninterested and bored with the conversation and the company.

When your eyes are focused up, down, away, at your watch, at your notes or simply off into space, nobody is going to talk to you. It’s as simple as that. Remember, eyes always talk. And they always provide valuable cues for approachability.

Lack Of Smiling

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why isn’t anyone talking to me?” odds are it’s because you didn’t smile. Of the aforementioned ninety-three percent of communication that is expressed nonverbally, fifty-five percent is through your facial expressions.

When you don’t smile, you look unresponsive and unreceptive to the people around you. You look unfriendly. You look like you don’t want to be wherever you are!

Before you say hello, before you shake hands, and before you even decide to talk to someone, smile. Smile all the time. Smile until your face hurts! Then smile some more. Remember, a smile is your messenger of goodwill. A smile is your free invitation to anyone who wants to have a conversation with you. And a smile, above all, is the most contagious thing in the world. In fact, an article from CNN.com during 2004′s presidental election cited a survey of 1,500 people who voted that a smile was the #1 nonverbal indicator of approachability!

Hand And Arm Placement

As the old saying goes, “You cannot say nothing.” Nonverbal communication expresses emotion, conveys attitude and communicates your personal traits more than any language in the world! A common vehicle for this expression is through hand and arm placement.

Don’t place your hands over your face, mouth or anywhere close to your head. If you bite your nails, play with your hair or tap your fingers against your mouth, forget about it! People assume you’re engrossed in deep thought and unavailable for conversation.

Also beware of the most common, most physical nonverbal barrier: crossing your arms. Even if you’re cold, don’t do it. People won’t want to “bother” you. They will form the impression that you are defensive, nervous, judgmental, close minded or skeptical. Honestly, do you want to approach someone like that?

Posture

Body language is the oldest language. For example, have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who sat down while you stood up? It’s not easy! If you close your shoulders, turn down your wrists and palms or lean away from someone, you position yourself in a “rejection pose.” This type of closed body language emits an aura of disinterest. If you are not physically open to the people around you, they will physically close the conversational door on your face!

Be certain to keep your posture commensurate with the people around you. This makes everyone feel equal. No one will be intimidated. And no one will be excluded–especially you!

Silence

Silence is a negative influence in the communication process. It creates tension and uneasiness. It makes you look shy, which isn’t necessarily true; but your silence will also be perceived by others as an indicator of disinterest or disagreement.

In regards to silence, one of the caveats to start conversations is something called diffusion of involvement. In other words, everybody thinks someone else will be the first to say hello, and then nobody says hello. And then, silence. Therefore, the longer you wait to interject, ask a question, say hello or break the ice, the more uncomfortable and unproductive the situation will become.

Involvement Shields

Why do people read the paper, listen to headphones or talk on their cell phones at work or in public? To catch up on the news, relax and stay in contact with each other is to be human. But these involvement shields significantly decrease your approachability and result in missed opportunities to create connections.

When you use something to protect yourself from involvement with people, knowingly or not, you put up a nonverbal barrier. These barriers tell others two things: 1) you’re busy, and 2) to start a conversation with you will be an exercise in futility.

Next time you attend a meeting or event, be careful not to spend your “socializing time” clamped to the snack table. Or the brochure table. Or the bar. These are safe havens for the reticent. And by “safe,” I mean silent.

The only thing that stands in your way of transforming people into mutually valuable connections is you. With proper hand, arm and body position, you appear open and ready to talk. With proper eye contact and a contagious smile, you come off as friendly and polite. And, with a continual desire to break the silence without shielding yourself from interaction, others will be happy to step onto your front porch!

Some people will enter into your life and change it forever. Your newest client, best friend, most valuable colleague or even the strangest of strangers awaits the opportunity to interact with, offer help to, or learn from you. Every meeting, event, room, restaurant or public place in which you socialize offers these people to you for the low price of one attribute: your approachability.

Scott Ginsberg is a professional speaker, “The World’s Foremost Expert on Nametags” and the author of HELLO my name is Scott and The Power of Approachability. He helps people MAXIMIZE their approachability and become UNFORGETTABLE communicators – one conversation at a time. For more information contact Front Porch Productions at www.hellomynameisscott.com

TALK UP YOUR BUSINESS

Wednesday, June 25, 9:30-2:30pm, Marina del Rey Hotel, MDR, CA
(includes lunch, free parking -$39 or $49 at the door

with Susan Levin & Jack Barnard

Are you a professional, an author, coach, consultant, trainer or an expert who has dreamed of fine tuning your speaking skills to enhance your effectiveness on the job-or a possible future as a speaker?

Whether speaking to your employees, presenting a proposal, giving a sales presentation, offering a teleclass or webinar, seeking a job, or simply talking to a small group public speaking skills are essential.

Research shows that one of the top reasons people do not progress in their careers is a lack of presentation skills. Seventy percentage of jobs today require some form of public speaking! Mastering the art of public speaking will give you a significant edge in your career and in your life.

No matter who you are, no matter what you do, no matter what you see in your future, you need to know how to present yourself!

EVEN IF YOU DON’T SEE PUBLIC SPEAKING IN YOUR FUTURE this half day event is for you.

Susan will talk to you about the Top Ways to Make Money as a Speaker and Jack will offer Simple Tools for Powerful Presentations

This is also an opportunity for ya all to ask us questions on how Speaker Services can support your business and various services and get up close and personal with the Speaker Services team.

Your investment: $39 or $49 at the door includes lunch and free parking.

Invite your colleagues and host a table.

Register

Susan Levin
Speaker Services
310-822-4922

The following post is from Six Minutes- A Public Speaking and Presentations Skills Blog- Andrew Dlugan

- Research a topic – Good speakers stick to what they know. Great speakers research what they need to convey their message.

- Focus – Help your audience grasp your message by focusing on your message. Stories, humour, or other “sidebars” should connect to the core idea. Anything that doesn’t needs to be edited out.

- Organize ideas logically – A well-organized presentation can be absorbed with minimal mental strain. Bridging is key.

- Employ quotations, facts, and statistics – Don’t include these for the sake of including them, but do use them appropriately to complement your ideas.

- Master metaphors – Metaphors enhance the understandability of the message in a way that direct language often can not.

- Tell a story – Everyone loves a story. Points wrapped up in a story are more memorable, too!

- Start strong and close stronger – The body of your presentation should be strong too, but your audience will remember your first and last words (if, indeed, they remember anything at all).

- Incorporate humour – Knowing when to use humour is essential. So is developing the comedic timing to deliver it with greatest effect.

- Vary vocal pace, tone, and volume – A monotone voice is like fingernails on the chalkboard.

- Punctuate words with gestures – Gestures should complement your words in harmony. Tell them how big the fish was, and show them with your arms.

- Utilize 3-dimensional space – Chaining yourself to the lectern limits the energy and passion you can exhibit. Lose the notes, and lose the chain.

- Complement words with visual aids – Visual aids should aid the message; they should not be the message. Read the Presentation Zen book and adopt the philosophy.

- Analyze the audience – Deliver the message they want (or need) to hear.

- Connect with the audience – Eye contact is only the first step. Aim to have the audience conclude “This speaker is just like me!” The sooner, the better.

- Interact with the audience – Ask questions (and care about the answers). Solicit volunteers. Make your presentation a dialogue.

- Conduct a Q&A session – Not every speaking opportunity affords a Q&A session, but understand how to lead one productively. Use the Q&A to solidify the impression that you are an expert, not (just) a speaker.

- Lead a discussion – Again, not every speaking opportunity affords time for a discussion, but know how to engage the audience productively.

- Obey time constraints – Maybe you have 2 minutes. Maybe you have 45. Either way, customize your presentation to fit the time allowed, and respect your audience by not going over time.
- Craft an introduction – Set the context and make sure the audience is ready to go, whether the introduction is for you or for someone else.

- Exhibit confidence and poise – These qualities are sometimes difficult for a speaker to attain, but easy for an audience to sense.

- Handle unexpected issues smoothly – Maybe the lights will go out. Maybe the projector is dead. Have a plan to handle every situation.

- Be coherent when speaking off the cuff – Impromptu speaking (before, after, or during a presentation) leaves a lasting impression too. Doing it well tells the audience that you are personable, and that you are an expert who knows their stuff beyond the slides and prepared speech.

- Seek and utilize feedback – Understand that no presentation or presenter (yes, even you!) is perfect. Aim for continuous improvement, and understand that the best way to improve is to solicit candid feedback from as many people as you can.

- Listen critically and analyze other speakers – Study the strengths and weakness of other speakers.

- Act and speak ethically – Since public speaking fears are so common, realize the tremendous power of influence that you hold. Use this power responsibly.

Andrew Dlugan enjoys studying public speaking and delivering presentations. He has taught courses, conducted seminars, coached speakers, and emceed events. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator.

Andrew has an engineering background which spans cancer research, satellite data analysis, and web technologies. He is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada. Contact Andrew: dlugan@gmail.com

By Vickie K. Sullivan, Contributing Editor for Rain Today

You’ve hit a homerun with a recent speech. The audience was perfect, filled with high-level prospects who have the authority (and the budget) to hire you. Your talk was met with rave reviews and you got an outstanding recommendation letter from the host organization. But now, it’s 90 days later, and you didn’t get the business you expected. What happened?

As speaking moves beyond generating credibility and into lead generation, the next big question is: How can we convert a larger portion of the audience from observers to clients? This conversion happens with a consistent but subtle adjustment of perception.

Understand that the audience is not attending your program thinking of ways to hire you. Create that connection during the presentation by planting “seeds” that give them the idea to approach you. Experts who answer those below-the-surface questions create ingrained opinions that drive initial interest and inquiries.

Each attendee must be convinced of three things before they get the idea that you can help them. Below are the questions that must be answered before any attendee will approach you.

You Do What?

I was an agent for professional speakers for eleven years and talked to thousands of participants looking for more business. Their most common question: “I can hire this person?”

Somehow, the message that your services are available to them just doesn’t register.

Again, it’s a matter of focus. The attendee is there to network and learn something. They are not shopping for professional service firms. So you have to show the audience that you work with folks just like them.

The biggest mistake many thought-leaders make is they meet the challenge head-on with an approach that looks like a sales pitch. This is the kiss of death in many venues. Not only will the audience be offended, but they will also complain about you throughout the entire event.

You don’t want that kind of attention. The audience needs to learn that you are available without your selling them.

The best way to tell the audience you’re available without sounding like a walking sales pitch is to let other people do it for you. Most speakers are introduced by the program chair or president of the host organization. Write out your introduction and give it to them.

And don’t just say “consultant” or “coach.” After identifying what you specialize in, include how many people or organizations you have helped and in what way. If the clients are well-known, mention a few by name. Then, carry that idea forward by mentioning other clients in the context of your work. For example: “Of all the organizations we work on with (your area of expertise), one challenge comes up every time…”

How Does This Work For Me?

Once an attendee knows that your services are available, the next question is about application. Many audience members think to themselves, “This speaker is really making sense, but our situation is different. I just don’t see a fit.”

Translation: there’s no connection between the material and its application. When a participant sees you as the perfect solution to a specific challenge, they are transformed into allies. They are now on a personal mission to get you into their organization.

The biggest reason why many thought leaders get stumped here is that offer too much information and not enough stories and examples. It’s called “data dumping” and usually happens from a misguided desire to educate and/or from the arrogant belief that “all of my content is too important to cut.”

Many speakers also fear running out of material, so they overcompensate. Presenting too much information is like drinking from a fire hose. An overwhelmed audience is a paralyzed audience. They think, “Well, I will digest all this information, then I’ll contact the speaker to help us.” The result: the call never gets made and the attendee moves on to simpler solutions.

What’s the best approach? Don’t assume that the audience will apply your material. Do it for them. Use specific examples or instances and apply your message to them. Switch the focus from teaching your material, to applying it to their work environment.

Attendees will still learn, but they will also see the application. When using your clients (in their industry) as an example or story, be sure to make the client the star, not you.

Why Do We Need You?

The third question is the most subtle and most always fatal. I call it the, “We can implement this system without you” opinion.

Many companies send people to conferences for a recount of ideas/ strategies to teach the others. Audience members come to the program with an agenda: what can they take from this program for their report? If attendees think they can do your work on their own, then your content didn’t tell them anything new.

Consultants and other list makers are the biggest culprits here. Too many speakers give in-depth, step-by-step solutions, complete with all the pitfalls and best practices. Not only is this way too much information for the time allotted (see drinking from a fire hose above), but also you can’t give enough nuance to implement it effectively.

The audience thinks, “We now know the entire system. The speaker has given us all the steps. We can do this in-house.” Never mind that they can’t implement your ideas as well as you can. And if the effort fails, what do they blame? Your system.

Use interaction to prevent this disaster. If you’re a coach, do some “on the spot” coaching about process. For example, if you are a consultant use a process that will spur recommendations not only from you but also from the group.

Exercises that hone in on just one tool or process will be enough to shine a spotlight on your ability. Attendees who see your talent in action will never assume that they are as good as you are. They will know that having your help is well worth the investment.

To convert an observer to an interested prospect, your audience needs to know three things: your expertise is unique, you can help them and they can’t do it without you. Only then do the audience members start to think, “We need this person in our organization!”

Vickie K. Sullivan, President of Sullivan Speaker Services, Inc. is nationally recognized as the top market strategist for experts on the professional speaking circuit. Since 1987, she has worked with thousands of experts in a wide variety of industries to launch their big-fee speaking, professional service and book/product empires in highly lucrative markets. Visit Vickie’s Website: http://www.sullivanspeaker.com

A one-sheet is one of the most important elements of your presentation packet. Along with a 3 camera video demo and a great one-sheet you are on your way to getting booked. Karen Saunders owner of MacGraphics, a design firm weighs in today about one- sheets.

They’re the workhorses of any marketing program. They hit the streets for you, and they’ve got muscle. Everything you want someone to know about your expertise and services – all in one place. So if you don’t have one, you’ve got to get one!

Picture this: You take the time to get involved in various networking groups – or maybe you do some cold calling – or maybe you happen to meet someone who may have a genuine need for a person just like you. So now what? Well, there’s a simple and effective way to share your expertise. And it’s called a one-sheet.

Here are seven questions that a typical decision-maker would ask you in person at a first meeting, so get ready to answer:

- How would you describe your area of expertise?
- Who are your presentations designed for, or what type of people do you work with?
- If we hire you, what are the benefits for the leaders of the organization? For the participants in the ranks? For organizational progress?
- What have you done that makes you such an expert?
- Which groups have you worked with before?
- What did participants think of you?
- How can we reach you for more information?

Now that you know what questions they will ask, there’s a clever formula to including all of these elements in your one-sheet.

You’ll cover all the bases if you include the following points:

- The topics/programs you address
- Who you target audience is
- Benefits (put them right in the headlines)
- Your biography
- A client list
- Testimonials
- Contact information (list it all – phone, fax, email, website)

And don’t forget the secret ingredient – you. Even if you have all of these other elements in place, the icing on the cake will be your own personality.

Let me give you an example. My client, Doug Butler, is a speaker whose message is “Cowboy Wisdom”. I’ve built his one-sheet around the western cowboy theme, and it’s now part of his brand. We included lots of cowboy graphics, an action shot of him with a lasso, and a portrait shot of him wearing a cowboy hat with his guitar. His one-sheet reflects his personality, and it’s what participants want from him.

You’ll add credibility if you can include logos to show your affiliation with any industry or professional organizations that will be recognized by your target market. Be sure to include your own logo along with a clever tag line. Doug uses this tag line: “Forge a firm foundation with Doug’s tried-and-true Cowboy Code.”

But these techniques don’t stop with the one-sheet. You can carry them over to all your other marketing materials! With these must-have elements in your one-sheet, you can turn your prospects into sales, and watch your revenue grow!

Karen Saunders is the owner of MacGraphics Services, a unique design firm for today’s entrepreneur. Whether you outsource your promotional pieces or are a do-it-yourselfer, Karen takes the mystery out of marketing.

Note: At the Speakers’ Summit, May 2 and 3 in LA- One Sheet Expert, Sheryl Roush will be talking about Solid Gold One Sheets along with 5 other expert speakers. Join us and bring 2 friends for a modest investment of $397 total. Click here to learn more.

One of the biggest mistakes speakers make is offering too much information in their programs. Somehow speakers seem to think that they have to give more then less so that their audience will get it! Check out the video below that TJ Walker did on Data Dump Before You Speak.

Another thing happens too-the presenters forget to involve the audience and when the audience is not involved what happens? They tune out.

Here are a few suggestions for organizing your presentation:

- In an hour talk have 3 to 4 points

- Support your points by telling stories that the audience can relate too

- Involve the audience by asking questions and don’t forget to repeat their answers so everyone can hear them

- Create a simple partner exercise that supports your point and don’t forget to ask a few folks what their experience was and don’t forget to repeat their answers

There is much to learn about organizing your presentations. And if that is not enough you also need to connect, have confidence and of course content. We call that the holy triad.

If you are interested in learning more about great presentations join us for the 3rd annual Speakers’ Summit in LA on May 2 and 3. I am offering an unheard of fee to attend $397 and bring 2 guests. Do you know anyone who might be interested? This is a once a year event. Please look closely at the program

Jack Barnard, my partner will be talking about the THE MAGIC OF SPEAKING IS INVISIBLE at the Summit. He says, “You can have all the outside stuff together, you can be fire-branded, media-trained, slickly structured; have well-designed, colorful one-sheets, possess a commanding voice, connect like peanut butter and jelly, and look like Dr. McDreamy…but if you’re not truly cozy surfing the present moment, results are compromised. It’s all about the present moment. That’s where the promise of speaking and presentation is brilliantly delivered.”

And that is only one of his talks. The other talk is quite racey and I am sure it will get your attention. Are you ready for this? FOUR-PLAY: THE FUN-DAMENTALS for an ORGASMIC PRESENTATION

My colleague T J Walker has a short video with great tips click here to listen Data Dump Before You Speak

He says, “If you want people to fall asleep while you speak, cover 38 facts and 27 bullet points. However, if that information is really important TJ has a solution.”

Networking is by far one of the most effective ways that I have garnered business. It’s great to get yourself out there. I would say that 50% of my business comes from my relentless networking. Afterall marketing your business is about realtionship marketing. People like to do business with people they know and feel comfortable with. When I saw the following post 50 Networking Thoughts Everyone Should Read by Scott Ginsberg in Rain Today I was moved to share it with you today.

One of the challenges in networking is being able to say what you do in 30 seconds or less. It might be called your round robin or your elevator speech. BTW: it is not about shoving your business card in someones hand and thinking they are going to call you.

In the Speakers’ Community Membership site that I run I am offering a teleclass on 2/26 with guest expert and author Lorraine Howell on how to give your elevator speech a lift. You can join the call or listen to the replay by joining the Speakers’ Community and it is 30 days complimentary.

Okay Scott here’s Scott…

The Federal Bureau of Labor published a study a few years back that showed 70% of all new business comes from some form of networking. What other motivation do you need to start?

Below are fifty thoughts to help you on your way. Before you read on, remember: if you think you’re poor at networking, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s not a skill we are born with but one we have to learn.

1. Come to every networking event with three great questions ready to go. Be sure they begin with, “What’s the one thing?” “What’s your favorite?” and “What was the best part about?”

2. No matter where you go – the mall, church, out to dinner, the gym – have at least five business cards with you.

3. Be able to give an unforgettable personal introduction in 10 seconds, 30 seconds and 60 seconds.

4. When someone on the phone says, “May I ask who’s calling?” get excited. Say something unique that makes that person say, “Um, okay…please hold.” Be unexpected. Be cool. Be memorable.

5. Get Google alerts on yourself, your company, your area of expertise and your competition. If you don’t know what a Google alert is, just Google it.

6. Networking isn’t selling, marketing or cold calling. It’s the development and maintenance of mutually valuable relationships. Don’t mix these things up.

7. The most important four letters in the word “networking” are w-o-r-k, because that’s exactly what it takes.

8. If you give your business card to somebody and they don’t reply, “Hey, cool card!” get a new card.

9. When attending networking events, come early. Check out the nametags. See if you know anybody, or find people you’d like to meet.

10. Sit in the back so you can scan the room for specific people you’d like to connect with.

11. Email articles of interest, links or other cool stuff of value, (not spam), to people you’ve met.

12. Publish a newsletter or ezine. Interview people from your network and feature them as experts. They will take ownership of their inclusion and spread that publication to everyone they know.

13. Spend one hour a week reading and commenting on other people’s blogs. If you don’t know what a blog is, you’re in trouble.

14. When you read an article you like, email the author. Tell him what you liked about it and introduce yourself. He’ll usually write back.

15. Have an awesome email signature that gives people a reason to click over to your website. Just be careful not to have too much information included.

16. Get involved with social networking sites like LinkdIn, MySpace and Squidoo.

17. Remember that networking doesn’t have to be in person. The Internet is a great place to connect with people just like you! It’s called Internetworking. (Yep, I made that word up.)

18. Make your own words up. It’s really fun.

19. Have business lunches at least once a week.

20. Attend local events once a month.

21. Figure out where your target market hangs out (online and offline). Then hang out there.

22. Create your own regular “business hangout,” like a copy or coffee shop where you can regularly be found working, networking, reading or connecting with other professionals.

23. Talk to everybody. Don’t sell them; don’t probe them, just make friends. Make friends with everybody. Because people buy people first.

24. Take volunteer positions with organizations that are relevant to your industry. Be a visible leader to whom others can come to for help.

25. Every time you meet someone, write the letters H-I-C-H on their business card: how I can help. Then think of five ways to do so.

26. Go to Borders and spend one day a month reading books on networking, interpersonal communication and marketing. I highly recommend The Power of Approachability and How to be That Guy. (I hear the author is super cool.)

27. Publish articles or a blog or both based around your expertise. Use titles such as “Top Ten Ways,” “Essential Elements” and “Success Secrets,” that grab the reader’s attention. Publish them onwww.blogger.com and www.ezinearticles.com.

28. Be funny, but don’t tell jokes.

29. Discover the CPI (Common Point of Interest) with everyone you meet.

30. Carry blank business cards with you in case someone forgot theirs. They’ll thank you.

31. Never leave the house without a pen and paper. Sounds dumb, right? It isn’t. It’s genius. Nobody keeps napkins with scribblings on them.

32. Every week, introduce two people you know who need to know each other.

33. Wear your nametag above your breastbone and make sure it’s visible from 10 feet away. Nobody cares what side of your chest it’s on. Just make it big. And if you don’t like wearing nametags, then you probably don’t like people knowing who you are, either.

34. It’s not who you know – it’s who knows you.

35. People will like you the minute they figure out how they are like you.

36. Fear not to entertain strangers for by so doing some may have entertained angels unaware. (Hebrews, 13:2)

37. If you don’t have www.yourname.com, get it. It’s ten bucks.

38. Find local professionals with whom you share common interests, customers, ideas and products. Introduce yourself to them, get together, share ideas and find ways to help each other.

39. Form a mastermind group. No more than four people. Meet regularly to set goals, keep each other accountable and brainstorm.

40. Also, set your own networking goals each month for:

• Events to attend
• People to meet
• Emails to write
• Calls to make
• Articles/physical mail to send

41. Go onto Google and type in “articles on networking.” Read on!

42. Speaking of Google, Google yourself regularly. Find out what people are saying about you. If you don’t show up, you’re in trouble.

43. If you think you don’t need to network, you are right. You don’t need to network: you must network!

44. Stop calling it networking. Ignore the title of this article. Networking – as a word – is tired and old and cliché and it makes people think you’re throwing around a bunch of cards trying to sell, sell, sell. No. All you’re doing is making friends. Not schmoozing, mingling or any of those stupid catch phrases. You’re making friends. That’s it. Friends. Make them every day.

45. If you think you are poor at networking, don’t worry. You’re not alone. But also remember that anyone can develop their networking skills. That’s right, skills. Because it’s not something you’re born with or just plain “good at.” Anyone can do it effectively. You simply need:

• To develop the attitude of approachability
• To read books on the subject
• To practice

46. When strangers ask, “How are you?” don’t say fine. You’re not fine. Nobody’s fine. Give a real answer that’s memorable and magnetic. I suggest, “Business is kicking ass!” or “Everything is beautiful!”

47. When someone asks where you’re from, don’t just say “Austin.” Use the H.O.T technique: “Oh, I’m from Austin, home of the best college football team in the country.” Get creative. Get unique. Watch what happens.

48. Put your person before your profession. Your personality before your position. Your individual before your industry.

49. Don’t be different – be unique. Don’t be friendly – be approachable. And don’t be memorable – be unforgettable.

50. Think about the last five “luckiest” business contacts you encountered. Figure out what you did right, realize that there is no such thing as luck, then repeat as often as possible.

Scott Ginsberg, aka “The Nametag Guy,” is the author of seven books and writes the #39th most popular marketing blog in the world. He is the creator of NametagTV, an Online Training Network that teaches businesspeople about approachability. For more info about books, speeches, customized online training programs or to Rent Scott’s Brain, call 314/256-1800 or email scott@hellomynameisscott.com.

Listen to a 9 minute audio/mp3 with me Susan Levin talking about the purpose of speaking.

Why-Why do you speak?

Who- Who is your audience?

What- what is your message?

Where- Where you might speak

How-How will you give your presentation?

Included below is a presentation worksheet/checklist for you.

PRESENTATION WORKSHEET

• What are you passionate about?

• What topic creates a great compassion in you for your listeners?

• In one sentence, what is the purpose or mission of the specific presentation you want to work on?

• Who wants to hear it?

• If you have no choice in picking the audience or topic, how can you analyze this audience to find their wants, needs, attitudes, and capabilities?

• Once you’ve made an educated guess about the audience’s attitude, will you need to design the presentation using more benefits or humor?

• Are you prepared? What will it take in rehearsal and study to ensure you will not have stage fright and a fear of making changes in your presentation?

• Are you an expert in the topic area you will present ? What else must you do so you will view yourself as a credible expert?

• What overall theme will you use to substantiate your mission?

• What three or four main points must your listeners take home?
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2.
3.
4.

• How will you organize the material, what format do you like?
Analogies, Storytelling? Problem, cause, solution?

• What mood does the meeting planner wish to be created with this meeting? Fun? Serious,, Educational? A special dress theme?

• What title have you given the presentation?

• What can you do to ensure your listeners will listen, understand, believe and retain the information?

• What else can you do to ensure you will have rapport with your audience?

This is me Susan Levin with Jack Barnard, Master branding, media and presentation coach at the NSA Convention