on Dec 22 in Uncategorized
Choose Your Words Wisely – A Brief Look at the Dynamic Power of Language
This is written from a person who thinks Marvel’s Deadpool stole his name, “The Maverick With a Mouth.” These tips have been distilled from the mind of one of the world’s foremost thinkers on the power of words: me.
(Don’t bother Googling that one, it’s purely based on the fact that my mother told me so.)
Words compose such a vast majority of our culture and life, yet we throw them around like we were having a mere water balloon fight on a hot summer afternoon.
Have you stopped to consider the profundity of your language? The words you bandy about on a daily basis without thinking, or perhaps after much consideration, can easily steer the course of someone’s day. Your tongue is such a small part of the overall “ship,” yet it can steer the entire ship as easily as a rudder makes an oil tanker obey its whims.
Overall, words just may be the singularly most destructive weapon in the arsenal of man. Think of it: all marriages that end in divorce, peace that ends in war, life that ends with death sentences…all of these events can be traced to words on a contract upheld or broken.
Have you arrested your tongue in mid-sentence yet, realizing what was coming out from behind your teeth didn’t pass through the proper filter? What about the words in the flaming email – did you hit “send” a bit too soon? Did you “tweet” something you should have trashed?
Weigh carefully the devastating potential of your words, as well as the converse: the healing power of your well-timed encouragement and assurance. In illustration, consider a jury of 12 peers deciding on a “guilty” or “not guilty” verdict – these are merely words on a page, yet they’re life-changing. All verdicts are based on more words: the law.
Consider for instance the sheer number of wars that have been fought with a written “Declaration of War,” hopefully to end with a written “Peace Treaty” or other such contract. Words.
It’s also been said that marriage is simply a “piece of paper,” which says a lot about a people. The fact is, marriage is based on a mutual agreement, a contract – and both parties need to keep their word.
Years ago, the hip-hop culture used a one-word phrase to nod agreement, an homage to the power of words, “Word!”
Words are all around us. They define, uplift, inform, cast us down, destroy and liberate or enslave us. I’m committing to using my words for your benefit. I want those who read my words be the better for it. I want those who hear me receive wisdom and encouragement.
Another consideration to your words is the tone behind them – but that is an entirely separate article, isn’t it? I’ll just say this about tone: body language and tone of voice are just as communicative as the sentence spilling out of your mouth. They deserve equal consideration before you speak.
I hope that you pause today as you think about the impact of your words. Whatever you do with your words is your business. Just give it some thought before you start slinging syllables.
James M. Hussey loves what he does – he works the family business by day and web-publishes on their blogs at night, when he’s not freelance writing or editing on Elance as “JamestheJust.” His blogs include a site called Themes For Baby Shower, where you can find great ideas on gifts for baby shower parties and other topics like noahs ark baby shower theme ideas.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/choose-your-words-wisely-a-brief-look-at-the-dynamic-power-of-language-1612253.html
on Dec 20 in Uncategorized
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that is celebrated in almost all countries of the world in some form or another. The idea behind this special holiday is to celebrate love and appreciate the ones close to you. Pakistan Valentine’s Day is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as it is in the Western World. In fact, this is one occasion that gives young couples a chance to express their undying love for each other. It has become quite a trend in most universities and schools to organize carnivals, bake sales and concerts merely in celebration of the day itself. Events like these allow young people to interact, and gives them the chance to express their feelings. The entire atmosphere is a shimmer of red and white, roses and balloons. The coming of Pakistan Valentine’s Day is greeted with extravagant displays in most malls and shopping areas. Red roses, balloons, huge teddy bears and other gift items from mugs to candles can be seen displayed in most malls and shopping areas. Flower shops put out their best bouquets and flower arrangements. The media often airs shows and songs just to cater to the romantic atmosphere that has become characteristic of the day. Most radio channels offer great giveaways on the day as part of their contribution to celebrate the day. Courier services offer special discounts and packages that be sent ranging from chocolates to wallets and perfumes.
In fact, it has become quite a trend to send Pakistan Valentine’s Day from abroad. These range from bouquets and cakes to perfumes and stuffed toys. It is as if each sector of the consumer industry is marketing and contributing to the celebration in its own way. In fact, it can safely be said that neither Easter not Christmas has had as much of an influence on the Pakistan youth as Valentine’s Day. Most young people anxiously await the day in anticipation and it is celebrated with a great amount of zeal. Pakistan Valentine’s day has become associated with a symbol for freedom of expression as far as romantic notions are considered. Whereas the mindset of the Pakistani society previously did not allow for such romantic ideals, the present generation of the country feels it is their right to be able to love and be loved and what better way to proclaim this than to celebrate Valentine’s Day. On some level, their enthusiasm can be admired. Those who have loved ones abroad await their couriers which is why a large number of courier services offer easy and convenient options to send Valentine’s gift to Pakistan. Online services are the most famous ones because what better way than to look at all available options online in front of you and just order the one you like best. It is fast, convenient and all it takes is a click of a button! Pakistan Valentine’s Day is no doubt an occasion to look forward to and be a part of because over time it has managed to become a part of the traditions of the Pakistani society.
Mansoor Technologies is a consulting and development firm. We design, build and deploy straightforward, yet sophisticated solutions that tackle everyday business challenges and deliver measurable competitive advantage.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/pakistan-valentines-day-1601928.html
on Dec 18 in Uncategorized
A Moment My Presentation Coach Uncovered
by Darren LaCroix
If you’d been sitting in the front row at the Champions’ EDGE Summit (our bi-annual “members only” event on Tuesday), you would’ve heard me say something that had never came out of my mouth before! As soon as the words left my mouth, fellow World Champion, Craig Valentine said, “That was gold!”
Wow… what did I say?
Sometimes if we’re speaking from our heart, we have moments of brilliance that we ourselves don’t even recognize. Sometimes we only notice them when we see the reactions of our audiences. As presenters, we need to capture these moments and make sure we continue to deliver them in our future presentations. (This is one powerful reason to record yourself every time!)
Here’s what happened… I was sharing the stage with Craig Valentine, and 1995 World Champion, Mark Brown. We were talking about common mistakes most speakers make. The topic was: how to “add humor” to a speech. I mentioned a brilliant quote by Craig, “Don’t add humor… instead, uncover it.” Too many speakers say to us, “My speech is done, I just need to add humor.” To do that is truly like squeezing a square peg into a round hole. The audience will notice.
Mark had mentioned to the EDGE Members that when I was working on my Championship Speech, I drove two and a half hours each way to work with him. Twice. This prompted a memory of my “process.”
In 2001, I struggled to find an idea for my speech. We had come to a stand still. After one of the run-throughs of my speech, Mark asked if I had any other stories that might fit.
I hesitated, “Well, I do have this one joke I used to tell years ago when doing stand-up comedy?” and Mark said, “Let’s try it.”
So, I told my (not-so-famous at the time) “doubling my debt” joke. Mark’s chin — and pen — dropped. “That’s perfect!” he said.
“Really?” I replied. Because of his years of speaker coaching, Mark saw something that I didn’t. I did not understand why he was so excited.
The joke was:
(Said with an overconfident delivery)
“After four years of business school, I went for the American Dream. I bought a Subway Sandwich Shop. I don’t want to brag, but I took a $60,000 debt… and in just six months… I doubled that debt. That’s right, I turned my Subway into a non-profit organization.”
After years of coaching other speakers, I can see what Mark saw. It’s quite simple and obvious. My “double my debt” joke was based on true experience from a personal story.
On Tuesday, here’s what I said, and how I summed-up that story…
“I didn’t add humor to my speech… I uncovered a concise personal story, relevant to my main message.”
This may sound obvious, but if it’s so obvious, why do so few presenters use it? Why didn’t I ever understand this self-effacing joke when I was writing my speech so long ago?
Thank you, Mark, for your perspective and coaching. And, Craig, thank you for recognizing the “gold” in that statement I made on Tuesday.
Will you record yourself to capture your own “brilliant” moments? Will you search for your own “funny, concise personal stories relevant to your main message?”
By Darren LaCroix
©2009 The Humor Institute, Inc.
www.DarrenLaCroix.com
In 2001, Darren LaCroix, The World Champion of Public Speaking, outspoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to win that title. That was just a benchmark. Since that victory, Darren has traveled the world demystifying the process of creating a powerful speech. He has roused audiences in faraway places like Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, Malaysia, and Taiwan with his inspirational journey from first-rate chump to first-class champ, proving anything is possible if you are willing to work for it.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/a-moment-my-presentation-coach-uncovered-1594753.html
on Dec 17 in Uncategorized
Do you know the #1 thing most novice speakers never think to do when delivering a presentation? It never crosses their mind and yet it is the one thing they are in desperate need of throughout their talk. And, once they lose it, they are in a constant race to catch up on it.
No, I am not talking about your train of thought, your words, your ideas, your speed or any other technique to help in your delivery. I am talking about what you need to take in – physically – in order to support your spoken words.
It is called air. More to the point, it deals with breathing, something we never think to do and yet, when it comes to our air supply, it is something we never have enough of! Playing ‘cat and mouse’ with your air supply is most definitely one of the first steps in exacerbating your nervousness. Your lack of air means that you are gasping for breath which places your body in a stage of panic. Thus, the less air your body has, the greater the increase in your level of nervousness. Taking in huge amounts of air to fill the void, however, is not the answer. Learning how to supplement your air supply is.
When standing at the lectern, we are under the mistaken belief that we are not allowed to breathe until we come to some form of punctuation. That is wrong. In normal conversation, do you ever wait until you come to the end of your sentence to take a breath? For most people, the answer is no. We interrupt our sentences continually to breathe.
My question to you is, if you supplement your air supply during normal conversation, why not do the exact same thing during your speech or presentation?
In the sentence below, try reading it and taking a breath after the word possibly. Now try it again and breathe after the word five. This time, take a breath after the word I.
I couldn’t possibly run five miles.
Admittedly, if you speak in a monotone, breathing after any of those words doesn’t work; however, if you speak with expression – color, life, emotion – it will sound natural. [If you found this little exercise difficult, you might want to consider working on being more colorful in your delivery.]
Next time you are planning to give a speech or presentation, try breathing before you run out of air. You will be surprised at how much easier your delivery will be.
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate, and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement.
For more information on voice and presentation skills, Click Here for her 4-minute presentation, The 5 Characteristics of Dynamic Public Speakers.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/what-you-need-to-do-in-public-speaking-that-you-probably-dont-do-1585188.html
on Dec 16 in Uncategorized
How many times have you spoken to a stranger on the phone and formed a mental picture of that individual only later to be surprised when you met that person face to face? How we speak and how we sound often conflict with our education, our cultural background, and even our intelligence.
Your speech reveals many things about you and yet it often does not reflect who you truly are: your training, your experience or your abilities. You may be well-educated and have a great deal of knowledge but because of carelessness, laziness, lack of attention, or even limited knowledge of the power or possibilities of your vocal instrument, your voice and/or speech may tell a vastly different story.
I once heard the late John F Kennedy, Jr., speak during a dinner held for his magazine, George, and during his speech he twice said the word gentlemen. In both instances, he never pronounced the t. Thus the word sounded like gen-l-men. There is no doubt that this young man was well-educated; however, the way he spoke in no way announced the fact that he had been to college or law school.
If you care about how others perceive you, then it is important to recognize that your language, your speech, and your voice speak volumes about you; however, what those characteristics are saying may not necessarily be the truth.
Even back in the ‘40’s, renowned voice and speech coach, Elisabeth von Hesse, remarked, “Tune in for one day and evening during the season when political discussions are on the air, when prominent leaders in spiritual matters are frequently heard, when the better advertising programs are being given, and what do you hear? These speakers are supposed to be our Exhibit A in fine speech performance, yet 90 percent of them are guilty of some, if not many, of the common faults of American voices – high pitch, throat tension, lack of resonance, and clumsy handling of the speech tools.”
Today, we are all concerned about the visual image we project. Yet, little attention is paid to the way we speak or the way we sound. If you possess a whiny or nasal voice, if you speak too softly or too loudly, if you mumble or speak in a monotone, if you slide over your words instead of giving them the attention they deserve, then the image your voice and speech is portraying is probably not one that matches your education, experience, personality or ability.
If you want to project an image that reflects your true self, improving your voice, your speech, and your delivery is the answer.
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. Visit Voice Dynamic and watch Nancy as she describes The Power of Your Speaking Voice.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/are-you-aware-of-your-vocal-shortcomings-1585221.html
on Dec 16 in Uncategorized
How many times have you spoken to a stranger on the phone and formed a mental picture of that individual only later to be surprised when you met that person face to face? How we speak and how we sound often conflict with our education, our cultural background, and even our intelligence.
Your speech reveals many things about you and yet it often does not reflect who you truly are: your training, your experience or your abilities. You may be well-educated and have a great deal of knowledge but because of carelessness, laziness, lack of attention, or even limited knowledge of the power or possibilities of your vocal instrument, your voice and/or speech may tell a vastly different story.
I once heard the late John F Kennedy, Jr., speak during a dinner held for his magazine, George, and during his speech he twice said the word gentlemen. In both instances, he never pronounced the t. Thus the word sounded like gen-l-men. There is no doubt that this young man was well-educated; however, the way he spoke in no way announced the fact that he had been to college or law school.
If you care about how others perceive you, then it is important to recognize that your language, your speech, and your voice speak volumes about you; however, what those characteristics are saying may not necessarily be the truth.
Even back in the ‘40’s, renowned voice and speech coach, Elisabeth von Hesse, remarked, “Tune in for one day and evening during the season when political discussions are on the air, when prominent leaders in spiritual matters are frequently heard, when the better advertising programs are being given, and what do you hear? These speakers are supposed to be our Exhibit A in fine speech performance, yet 90 percent of them are guilty of some, if not many, of the common faults of American voices – high pitch, throat tension, lack of resonance, and clumsy handling of the speech tools.”
Today, we are all concerned about the visual image we project. Yet, little attention is paid to the way we speak or the way we sound. If you possess a whiny or nasal voice, if you speak too softly or too loudly, if you mumble or speak in a monotone, if you slide over your words instead of giving them the attention they deserve, then the image your voice and speech is portraying is probably not one that matches your education, experience, personality or ability.
If you want to project an image that reflects your true self, improving your voice, your speech, and your delivery is the answer.
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. Visit Voice Dynamic and watch Nancy as she describes The Power of Your Speaking Voice.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/are-you-aware-of-your-vocal-shortcomings-1585259.html
on Dec 15 in Uncategorized
The number one muscle everybody wants is abdominal muscles, the most usual query which I am is how do you flatten your belly , however, there is some gurus out there that will have you think that lose weight and firming the belly is highly complicated.
So I want six pack abs, how do I make them?
There are three elements everybody need to when you want to lose weight and make abs
The number 1 is what workouts and workouts you practice for your abdominal, obviously the six pack abs are part of a muslce group and the only means to get solid or set abs is to increase muscle so that they show through. That being said, there are a lot and when I mean lot, there are oil tanker loads of abdominal muscles exercises and workout routines which everybody can excuting, so I’m not bother to go teach you all of them. Notwithstanding, everybody will need to be aware of that if they are executing six pack ab workouts or exercises, they should change it up. Ie, undertaking various exercises, not just the over and over, you want to do this because if you carry on performing the one, your body will get used to it and it will no be as effective.
The number 2 is what you eat. You know the famous saying, You are what you eat. Well this other saying is so right when it comes in to six pack abs. Straight Off, I’m not recommending that all people begin numerous hot diet program or alternative fat burning pill. What you want to do is only control what you consume and by follow, I I definitely don’t mean control it get into your mouth, preferably make good food choices. For illustration, keep off fatso and high-carb foods, take foods that are high in protein and light in fat such as skinless chicken breast and seafood.
The third is eternal sleep. Who would have recalled that you can burn belly fat and get abs simply by sleeping. As I said before, the abs are a muscle group, thus you require to give them time to resort. Some 90% of muscle fixing happens when you are lying in bed, so plainly, subsequently you have finished your exercising, you will need to sleep. As Well, sleep helps your appetite by reducing it. More Often Than Not when your tired you consume to a greater extent so your body can experience more energy. In other words, you eat to a greater extent to counterbalance for being fatigued. That is why rest is thence important for getting six pack abs.
Do you want to lose weight, burn belly fat and get six pack abs or flatten your stomach without doing an ab exercises or hiring an expensive personal trainer? Heck, you won’t even have to go to the gym! Interested? Then click the below link!
http://www.sixpackabsadvice.com
If you act now, there are two free gifts in it for you, so what are you waiting for?
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/remove-that-belly-fat-and-get-the-abs-youve-forever-wanted-1579198.html
on Dec 14 in Uncategorized
Imagine standing at the lectern. You see the many smiling faces of those in your audience. Your countenance, however, says anything but that you are glad to be there. While you may not be thrilled at the prospect of giving that speech or presentation, if your face displays your displeasure, how enjoyable will your delivery be for those who are in attendance?
If you read most articles and books on the subject of public speaking, they will tell you that there are only 3 reasons for public speaking: to entertain, to inform, or to persuade. In truth, however, all 3 of the above should be entertaining. And, while the sole purpose of the entertainment speech is obviously to amuse your listeners, why would you not want your informative or persuasive speech or presentation to be entertaining as well?
If your visage expresses your nervousness, your fear, your discomfort, or your anxiety, do you honestly think your delivery will be one that is enjoyable, engaging or gratifying? Your tone of voice, your facial expression and your body language convey your emotions. If all these factors are instead conveying your angst, then it is a guarantee that your audience will feel your anxiety as well.
A smile takes much less work than a frown and it certainly is more pleasant to view than an immobile face exuding pain. In addition, inducing laughter for both you and your audience releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Thus, if you laugh during your presentation or speech, your will find your body relaxing which will make your delivery that much easier. Not that I am advising you to deliver your material with a perpetual grin on your face; but, if you are able to add humor at various times throughout your presentation, you will discover one of the best means of controlling your nervousness. An added bonus is that your audience’s response to your humor will bolster your confidence.
When you first enter the stage or walk to the front of the room or to the head of the boardroom table, do not concentrate on your nervousness or your fear. Instead, concentrate on those in attendance and smile at them. The secret is to place more of your focus on them and less on yourself. As you begin your delivery, remember this advice and let it carry you throughout your presentation or speech. You will feel more confident, you will look more confident and you will sound more confident to boot!
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. To see how voice training can improve your life, both professionally and personally, Click Here. Visit The Voice Lady’s blog and watch a brief video as she describes Dynamic Public Speaking.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/the-value-of-a-smile-in-public-speaking-1579697.html
on Dec 14 in Uncategorized
One of the best pieces of advice I give to my clients when teaching presentation skills is to always be prepared for the unexpected and that goes for your clothing as well as your visual image. Without a doubt, what you are saying and how you are saying it are the most important aspects of your presentation; however, your visual impact can either add to your image or detract.
The last thing you want to do is dress in such a fashion that your words are not being heeded because your appearance is inappropriate.
A few years ago I was invited to speak to some business executives about voice and presentation skills and while driving to my destination, I spilled coffee on my suit. It was obvious, disconcerting, and not something I could fix before my presentation. Anxious about the stains, I opened my delivery with a humorous account of how I had spilled my coffee while trying to negotiate the rush hour traffic. Thankfully, it worked and I could then relax and deliver my presentation without worrying about my appearance. By mentioning the coffee incident immediately after being introduced, I was able to change their focus from the stains on my clothing to the more important message I was delivering.
Traveling with an extra shirt or tie or an extra pair of hosiery is certainly in your best interest; but, aside from the ‘accidents’ that can occur before you are scheduled to speak, how should you dress for your engagement?
Dress with taste.
Unless you are a comedian, it is best to avoid garish or loud, revealing or disclosing attire. You want your audience’s attention on you, the professional, which means dressing in a manner with which your audience can identify. If your pants are hanging down to your knees and you are speaking to persuade a group of 50-year-olds to your way of thinking, they will not ‘hear’ your ideas, as great or novel as they may be, if they are staring at how ridiculous you look. If, on the other hand, most of your breasts are on display, you will never persuade your female audience to take you seriously unless you are selling beauty products.
When you are scheduled to speak, the best advice is to dress as if you were going to a job interview in which you want to look competent, authoritative and confident. Public speaking is difficult enough – success in this field is much less likely with a tasteless or unkempt appearance.
The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels offers private, corporate and group workshops in voice and presentation skills as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement. To see how voice training can improve your life, both professionally and personally, Click Here. Visit The Voice Lady’s blog and watch a brief video as she describes Dynamic Public Speaking.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/in-public-speaking-what-does-your-visual-image-say-about-you-1579764.html
on Dec 12 in Uncategorized
Would you like to connect deeper with your audience every time you present?
Here’s the problem: Most speakers will spend hours and hours preparing their presentation and rarely take the time to prepare their mindset just before they step in front of an audience. This is true whether it is a formal presentation, a one-on-one sales call, or even an interview.
It can be even worse! Have you ever given a presentation where you just didn’t feel connected? Many speakers blame it on the audience but, the reality is, most of the time a speaker needs to look in the mirror if he or she didn’t connect with the audience.
What can you do? Actually, the answer is quite simple!
In 2001, I out spoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to win the World Championship of Public Speaking. Though I had rehearsed and practiced tirelessly for over two months on one speech, one of the most important things I did was pull out of my pocket questions that I asked myself just before I took the stage. I still, to this day, ask myself the same questions before I take the stage. Creating the connection this way is crucial, whether it is a high-paid keynote speech, or working on a new story at my own Toastmaster club.
The moment you take the stage, your “mindset” is everything. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be the ultimate expert. The audience will forgive almost any mistake, but they won’t forgive you if you’re not there for them. I’ve developed Four Crucial Questions I ask myself before I take the stage to make sure I connect with them. How powerful are these questions…?
Well, Ed Tate, 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking, called me just before a big presentation and asked me to remind him what my famous four questions were. After his presentation, Ed sent me a text that said:
“Thank you for the four questions. I knocked it out of the park! It was the World Championship of Public Speaking all over again.” ~ Ed Tate, 2000 World Champion of Public Speaking
How do you use these questions?
I assume you prepare your presentation. Sometimes, however, you may be put on the spot. No matter what: you need to be “in the moment.”
Even polished, well-practiced experts often do not ‘connect’ to their audience because they think it is about themselves. Those presenters are not there for their audience.
Since I carry my questions around with me a lot, I wanted to have them with me on a laminated card so I did not have to create a piece of paper each time I present. Then I thought, “Hey, maybe others would want a card with these questions on it too.” That way you will conveniently have them with you as well. These crucial questions will help you connect at every presentation for years to come. How much would that be worth to you?
Keep <A HREF=”www.TheConnectCard.com”/>MY CONNECT CARDTM in your pocket anytime you present. Take five minutes alone, away from the distractions of the event where you are presenting. Then pull out the card and sincerely and slowly ask yourself these questions. Take at least ten seconds to reflect on each one of them.
Why do my questions work?
Whenever I teach presentation skills, I ask my students “What are you thinking five minutes before you present?”
I always hear comments like:
“I hope I don’t forget what I am going to say!”
“I wish I had more time to prepare.”
“Did I go to the bathroom?”
“Please, don’t let me faint!”
“What the heck am I doing?”
“Is the microphone working?”
“Will they like me?”
How about you? If asking my questions can just get you to not focus on the these types of worries, you will automatically connect deeper. Putting your energy towards the correct questions will reduce your speaking anxiety and enable you to be more in the moment. Speakers “in the moment” can be less polished and less prepared and still be appreciated more by their audiences. In fact, if you are connected to your audience, they will excuse many mistakes!
Your audience can “feel” your connection, or your lack of connection. The third question is the one I had in my pocket — that grounded me — before I won the World Championship of Public Speaking. If you don’t have fun, they won’t.
Early in my speaking career, I learned the final question from an amazing speaker, Willie Jolley. It was crucial to my early years when I was still developing my talents. Even now, it is still important to my delivery before I approach any audience.
Fellow World Champion, Craig Valentine and I created this foundational phrase:
“Skill set, without mindset, will leave your audience upset.”
Speakers who connect deeper with their audience will get more laughs, get referred more often, and simply have more fun every time!
What do speakers say about my 4 questions?
“WOW!…Your advice was great and helped a lot and I love the 4 questions to ask myself before I hit the stage.” ~ Jamey French, Keynote Speaker / Greenville, OH
“Hi Darren, I think this is great! I still have your questions on my dashboard and I read them before I teach every one of my classes. I like the idea of carrying it with me.” ~ Charli Douglass, Fitness Expert / Las Vegas, NV
What are these powerful questions?
It is so crucial to understand the “why” before you get the how.
I created this powerful and simple card for myself, and for you if you want one, just go to: www.TheConnectCard.com. Here are the questions for you:
1) What is my intent?
2) Am I present?
3) Will I have fun?
4) How would I give this presentation if I knew it was my last one ever?
The last one is the one I learned from a mentor, Willie Jolley, when I first started in the professional speaking world. It will ground you and bring you present if you truly reflect on it.
The audience will forgive many minor mistakes and some major. The one mistake they will not forgive is, if you are there for your ego rather than their insight. When people who compete in contests are there for the trophy, the audience can clearly sense it.
What will you ask yourself 5 minutes before you present?
Will you do this every time?
Sometimes you may feel you do not have time due to some technical issue. Can you see, that is exactly when you need to ask them the most?
©2009 The Humor Institute, Inc.
In 2001, Darren LaCroix, The World Champion of Public Speaking, outspoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to win that title. That was just a benchmark. Since that victory, Darren has traveled the world demystifying the process of creating a powerful speech. He has roused audiences in faraway places like Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, Malaysia, and Taiwan with his inspirational journey from first-rate chump to first-class champ, proving anything is possible if you are willing to work for it.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/public-speaking-articles/what-you-do-and-think-5-minutes-before-a-presentation-will-make-or-break-it-1566305.html
