Last week I mentioned that networking demonstrates how we relate. Well, so does public speaking. Whereas networking helps others see how we operate around people, public speaking helps folks see whether or not listeners have an impact on speakers, or if speakers simply deliver the message that works for them without connecting to their audience. .. read more
Too many of us have been there. The CIRCUMSTANCES We’ve been selected to speak at an event and now we need to gather our thoughts on the topic. Seems overwhelming. We wonder where to begin and where to end. The PROBLEM Yet once the ideas surface, they come in waves. Is there enough time for .. read more
We know whether we like speaking or not, how we feel about group activity and whether we’re willing to have challenging conversations. With those feelings firmly rooted, we become selective about activity that builds business. Either we run out and get in front of people because we like to or we stay at our desk .. read more
Focus on them. Moments before we begin our presentation, we commonly get anxious – this happens to most speakers, regardless of their preparation and experience. So although the directive – focus on them – seems like it would amplify the nerves, it doesn’t. When we focus on ourselves during anxiety-driven circumstances like public speaking, our mind .. read more
It’s about them, not about you. But only if you make an effort to prepare well. Meaning, thinking about your listeners and how that modifies your message. Most speakers don’t prepare this way. Here’s what can lead to not preparing for your audience. You get called on to inform or persuade a group. What’s your .. read more
You’ve heard the key to speaking well is in preparation, right? Well some think preparation means planning, and only that. Others think planning means coming up with an idea to share. Imagine the following scenario: John shows up ready to speak with his detailed notes in front of him. He has proof that he has .. read more
Do you require public speaking workshops in your leadership programs? You should. According to Mind Tools, leaders need public speaking skills: “Even if you don’t need to make regular presentations in front of a group, there are plenty of situations where good public speaking skills can help you advance your career and create opportunities. For .. read more
When I ask audiences what the key to public speaking is, they almost always respond with “preparation”. Makes sense, right? The more you plan your message, the better you’ll be at delivering a smooth presentation. I agree with planning being a key. However, planning, in itself, does little to attract listeners to our message. For .. read more
In the 5 years I have been supporting the attorney profession, I have noticed there is something commonly overlooked with regards to professional development. The biggest void in professional skill development for attorneys is in an area that ranks in the top 3 needs of their profession. Of course they need to research – they .. read more
So many introverts get in their own way when they speak in front of groups simply because they focus on the negative about themselves while they speak – “not quite good enough”, “boring conversationalist”, “slow to speak” and then they experience the desire to run and hide from group exposure. At that point they avoid .. read more