Great resources for speakers and leaders who present

Many leaders and business owners I speak to often ask for resources to develop their presentation skills. I always recommend Toastmasters and their local Canadian Association of Professional Speakers or National Speakers Association  chapter in their community. These resources are incredibly valuable for seasoned speakers as well as those wishing to develop their skills.

Patricia Fripp is an exquisite coach and trainer in speaking skills. Here I am with her a couple of years ago when she presented for CAPS Edmonton, and a few tips she shared with the audience:


1. Write your own introduction

2. Check out the setting and meeting room ahead of time

3. Know your audience

4. Have a powerful start. The first 35 seconds are crucial, don’t waste that time with “ladies and gentlemen… it’s great to be here….” Just start with a powerful story, quote or fact

5. Structure your information

6. Use handouts for the audience

7. Don’t read from your notes

8. End with a powerful finish

Here are some of the resources I love related to speaking powerfully, professionally and being remembered!

          

                                          


Arthur Samuel Joseph is the founder of Vocal Awareness®, and has studied the physiological, psychological and spiritual aspects of the human voice for over four decades.. He has been the architect of transformation for thousands of people who were ready to discover their Selves, their Power, their Voice. I had the chance to attend training with him and found his program to be incredibly valuable. His website offers great information to help speakers use their voice to connect, build relationships, trust, and to speak authentically.  http://www.vocalawareness.com/success-stories/

If you have a presentation coming up, here are a few things you can do to show up and be remembered (in a positive way):
- Prepare
- Practice
-Know how long your content takes to get through
-Anticipate questions in advance
-Know your audience and select appropriate and relevant examples and stories

Afterwards, do a review and learn process by asking yourself these questions for your learning and continued growth:
1. What went well?
2. What was a challenge?
3. What did I learn?
4. What will I do differently next time?


These questions will help you in planning and preparing for your next conversation, presentation, sales pitch, or address. 

Would You Put That In Writing?

Earl Wilson has a great quote: If you wouldn't write it and sign it, don't say it.

Far too often people speak before thinking about how their words will land. This can lead to miscommunication, defensiveness and the need for the do-over. Especially in conversations that are of a sensitive nature, and when a relationship is at stake, it is important to communicate clearly and be prepared to stand by your words.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself before the conversation:

- Would I want to be on the receiving end of what I am about to say? (and if your answer is no, you can change the words)

- How will my message land?

- Is my message getting lost in the emotion and the drama?

- Would I be 100% prepared to put my words in writing, and sign the paper?

This is where preparation comes in. It saddens me that far too often people spend more time picking out their clothes for the work day or what they will have for dinner, then they spend preparing for courageous dialogue and important conversations. The result is often a conversation that went off the rails.

Worrying is not preparing. Avoiding is not preparing. Preparing is preparing.

A few ways to prepare:

- Jot down some brief speaking notes

- Practice the conversation in front of a mirror

- Refine the message

- Choose the right time and the right place

- Be rested


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