Goodness.
I have been researching handshakes on the internet.
I
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Attention Getters How to start your speech with a Personal or Timely Reference
Grabs the attention of the participants with something they can identify as “right-now-relevant.”
Rather than a canned attention getter, you draw on the moment.
You talk about something that happened in the world, your town, the company that day, and relate it to your topic.
It makes you look like a real pro.
• You can refer to the sports news and make an analogy to someone going the extra mile.
• You can refer to the convention party the night before, and the two people found in the fountain who can identify with your talk today on water conservation.
• You can refer to the morning trainer, who mentioned the importance of motivating employees and your talk this afternoon on using praise as a great way to motivate.
• When your share an "in the moment" experience with your audiance they feel more connected to you. And because it takes talent and courage to be in the present moment to use this kind of attention getter you gain immediate respect and admiration from your audiance. When my speaking coach cleints have use this method they have shared with me how wonderfully exciting it felt. I also know that when I’ve told what happened “on the way to the speech,” story or a "I heard or read this in the news this morning story? I’ve won some of the highest praise from my audiences.
Full Example #1:
“One morning, on my way to a breakfast speech for 200 realtors, I was partially dressed, driving my four-week old car, with hot rollers in my hair with metal prongs sticking out everywhere, putting on my blush and eyeliner, slurping Dannon coffee yogurt. As I was driving down the far left lane of a six-lane highway in 8 o’clock Atlanta rush-hour traffic, my tire blew. I saw my life flash before me. I managed to cross over five lanes of traffic to the easement, without hitting anyone or killing myself. I got out of the car in my hot rollers with prongs sticking out everywhere, partially dressed, holding my Dannon coffee yogurt to look at my rubberless rear tire. I needed help.
I stood watching cars zip by, curlers with the prongs sticking out all over, partially dressed, holding my Dannon coffee yogurt. I flagged at passing traffic. No one stopped. I had to get to those 200 waiting realtors. I hiked up my skirt, smiled, and waved politely at the oncoming traffic. The next truck stopped. Two bubbas got out and said ‘Can we help ya, little lady?’ I said I needed a ride and they said, “Hop on in the truck.” (They missed their appointment, drove 30 miles out of their way), Bubba #1 let me use his car phone, while Bubba #2 held my makeup mirror so I could finish my makeup in the car. All this help so I could make it here today. They rescued me, at a high cost to their business, when they could have just passed me by. (Holding up their business card) Mike and Tim were ‘shining stars,’ and that’s what we’re here to talk about today. How you can be a shining star in your city by volunteering for community service.”
Full Example #2:
“After the first day of a three-day workshop for the Florida Department of Labor in Tampa, Florida, I was dropped off at my sister’s house for dinner. My niece asked if she could play with my workshop magic markers, which were in my equipment case along with the high heels I’d worn that day (I’d changed into sneakers). The next morning I was back in my hotel room, reached into my case to pull out my high heels, and they weren’t there! My niece hadn’t put them back!
“That morning, I walked out in front of my audience, wearing a blue blazer, cream skirt, pantyhose, and large, white Reebok sneakers and said, ‘Today, we are going to learn about making a good first impression.’ The audience howled! I told them the story of my niece—they loved it—they loosened up and I was comfy-footed all day”
ay I will be giving three speeches on speaking and training.
Grabs the attention of the participants with something they can identify as “right-now-relevant.”
Rather than a canned attention getter, you draw on the moment.
You talk about something that happened in the world, your town, the company that day, and relate it to your topic.
It makes you look like a real pro.
• You can refer to the sports news and make an analogy to someone going the extra mile.
• You can refer to the convention party the night before, and the two people found in the fountain who can identify with your talk today on water conservation.
• You can refer to the morning trainer, who mentioned the importance of motivating employees and your talk this afternoon on using praise as a great way to motivate.
• When your share an "in the moment" experience with your audiance they feel more connected to you. And because it takes talent and courage to be in the present moment to use this kind of attention getter you gain immediate respect and admiration from your audiance. When my speaking coach cleints have use this method they have shared with me how wonderfully exciting it felt. I also know that when I’ve told what happened “on the way to the speech,” story or a "I heard or read this in the news this morning story? I’ve won some of the highest praise from my audiences.
Full Example #1:
“One morning, on my way to a breakfast speech for 200 realtors, I was partially dressed, driving my four-week old car, with hot rollers in my hair with metal prongs sticking out everywhere, putting on my blush and eyeliner, slurping Dannon coffee yogurt. As I was driving down the far left lane of a six-lane highway in 8 o’clock Atlanta rush-hour traffic, my tire blew. I saw my life flash before me. I managed to cross over five lanes of traffic to the easement, without hitting anyone or killing myself. I got out of the car in my hot rollers with prongs sticking out everywhere, partially dressed, holding my Dannon coffee yogurt to look at my rubberless rear tire. I needed help.
I stood watching cars zip by, curlers with the prongs sticking out all over, partially dressed, holding my Dannon coffee yogurt. I flagged at passing traffic. No one stopped. I had to get to those 200 waiting realtors. I hiked up my skirt, smiled, and waved politely at the oncoming traffic. The next truck stopped. Two bubbas got out and said ‘Can we help ya, little lady?’ I said I needed a ride and they said, “Hop on in the truck.” (They missed their appointment, drove 30 miles out of their way), Bubba #1 let me use his car phone, while Bubba #2 held my makeup mirror so I could finish my makeup in the car. All this help so I could make it here today. They rescued me, at a high cost to their business, when they could have just passed me by. (Holding up their business card) Mike and Tim were ‘shining stars,’ and that’s what we’re here to talk about today. How you can be a shining star in your city by volunteering for community service.”
Full Example #2:
“After the first day of a three-day workshop for the Florida Department of Labor in Tampa, Florida, I was dropped off at my sister’s house for dinner. My niece asked if she could play with my workshop magic markers, which were in my equipment case along with the high heels I’d worn that day (I’d changed into sneakers). The next morning I was back in my hotel room, reached into my case to pull out my high heels, and they weren’t there! My niece hadn’t put them back!
“That morning, I walked out in front of my audience, wearing a blue blazer, cream skirt, pantyhose, and large, white Reebok sneakers and said, ‘Today, we are going to learn about making a good first impression.’ The audience howled! I told them the story of my niece—they loved it—they loosened up and I was comfy-footed all day”
ay I will be giving three speeches on speaking and training.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
When you are giving a speech you tend to think of what you want to say rather than what the audiance wants and needs to hear. When writing and giving a speech imagine you are sitting in the audiance. Answer the question the audiance is asking, "What is in this for me?" If you have read my book Easy Speaking or attended one of my presentation skills workshops you know the fundemental principal in speaking is the connect to the audiance.
Recently I was reading the monthly newsletter from sales trainer Chuck Reaves. He shared that that when president Obama gave his sales presentation to win the bid for the Olympic Bid he missed this fundamental principle of sales. Obama focused on him self as a speaker. In fact Chuck shared that, "Obama used the first person pronouns "I" and "me" 26 times in his presentation." In fact, at one point he said that the reason the IOC should send thousands of people to Chicago for the Summer Olympics was so that "my daughters and I could walk from our home in Chicago to the games".
Unfortunately, Mrs. Obama used more first person pronouns than the President (44 times in 41 sentences). This resulted in confirming an erroneous message: "I'm the reason you should buy". They should have thought of the audiance the IOC and considered what the vaule of the Chicago venue would be for them.
Chuck also shared the following sales presentation recomendations.
• Tried to sell as an individual. We've all been guilty of this one. Sales is a team effort. (See the section below on selling professional services.) Not only should we engage others in our organization to help us sell, our customers would appreciate knowing the depth of our organization. Having experts in our company engage experts in the client's organization helps to solidify our value to the customer.
• Did not sell to the "M" in WIIFM. "What's in it for me?" is a customer question, not a salesperson's question. Focus on answering the question from the prospect's point of view and "what's in it for you (the salesperson)" will take care of itself.
May be believing his own press. After a series of successful sales calls, we tend to let down our guard. We think we have it all figured out. We stop doing pre-call planning, we "wing it" in front of the customers and we fail to review and critique every call. Let's remember that we are never perfect at sales. Slumps happen.
Recently I was reading the monthly newsletter from sales trainer Chuck Reaves. He shared that that when president Obama gave his sales presentation to win the bid for the Olympic Bid he missed this fundamental principle of sales. Obama focused on him self as a speaker. In fact Chuck shared that, "Obama used the first person pronouns "I" and "me" 26 times in his presentation." In fact, at one point he said that the reason the IOC should send thousands of people to Chicago for the Summer Olympics was so that "my daughters and I could walk from our home in Chicago to the games".
Unfortunately, Mrs. Obama used more first person pronouns than the President (44 times in 41 sentences). This resulted in confirming an erroneous message: "I'm the reason you should buy". They should have thought of the audiance the IOC and considered what the vaule of the Chicago venue would be for them.
Chuck also shared the following sales presentation recomendations.
• Tried to sell as an individual. We've all been guilty of this one. Sales is a team effort. (See the section below on selling professional services.) Not only should we engage others in our organization to help us sell, our customers would appreciate knowing the depth of our organization. Having experts in our company engage experts in the client's organization helps to solidify our value to the customer.
• Did not sell to the "M" in WIIFM. "What's in it for me?" is a customer question, not a salesperson's question. Focus on answering the question from the prospect's point of view and "what's in it for you (the salesperson)" will take care of itself.
May be believing his own press. After a series of successful sales calls, we tend to let down our guard. We think we have it all figured out. We stop doing pre-call planning, we "wing it" in front of the customers and we fail to review and critique every call. Let's remember that we are never perfect at sales. Slumps happen.
How to Always Look Young Fashion Musts for Fall.
1. The Little Black Jacket: this season the little black jacket is being hailed as, "The answer to every fashion question." My favorite is cropped and fitted just under the bust or boy cut in black leather or black denim. This is look made for us. The little black Jacket can dress you up and make you look youthful if you pair it with a little dress or jeans and a high quality little white t-shirt! Tuxedo, biker, military, or lady-like... velvet, wool, or embellished... so many to choose from! Make sure it fits. You have to be very careful with denim the “washed” or faded look or biker look is difficult to pull off when you are an over 40 woman, but if the jacket fits you and you pair it with crisp well pressed clothing you can look really cute. Do not pair denim with denim. It looks great on a teenager but it can make us look like we are trying to hard to get the "under twelve" discount at the movies. Wear your cute black fitted jacket with your jeans and flash your AARP card with a big ole’smile on your face.
2. Pants: Jeans are taking a back seat this season to cotton or leather trousers, I don’t know many women over 40 who can do leather pants, but we can look great in black denim. Ankles are this season's bare-skin. Great for us as they ankles don’t wrinkle! If your comfortable with your ankles roll loose-fit jeans above your ankle and give yourself some length with nice heals.
3. Skirts: Classic cuts and lines in vivid, can't-look-away colors dominate the skirt collections of this season. If A-lines and pencil cuts aren't for you, don't fret! Super short, super full skirts are just as noteworthy for fall. Love those full skirts. One of my sisters looks adorable in a short super full skirt. She is over 60 and a size sixteen!
4. Tops: While jackets were a focus in the top-department, what goes under them is just as important! Ruffles are big big big. However, we must be very careful in how we choose them. We can look hip in deep jewel tone purple and like a little churchwoman in pastel pink. Don’t pull out your old ruffled blouses from the back of the closet. The ruffles this season are bigger often asymmetrical and the colors are bolder. In addition, when you wear the new ruffles make sure you pair them with something hip not dowdy. Mix the formally formal ruffles with jeans, corduroys, and an above the knee skirt or casual boy cut jacket. Boundaries of matching formal to formal are aging and are out out out this season. Mix and match the style and dressiness of your tops with your other pieces: a white t-shirt with a velvet blazer and patent heels goes just as well as a silk, puff-sleeve blouse with jeans. Rebels rejoice.
5. Dresses: perhaps the most understated piece of the current wardrobe, sheath dresses and draped frocks are the two most sought-after styles: think 50's style silhouette... and then pair it with high heels! I wish I could wear them.
6. Colors: Black is back! Black, white, black & white, navy (yes, navy,that has been out of style for several years is back) gray, deep yellows, reds, nudes, and my favorite, purple are the front-runner colors of this season's pallet. You have to be careful with this seasons hot stripes, sequins, hounds tooth, embellishments, studs, and plaid. Plaids and hounds tooth can make you look spinster aunt, Agatha Christie Miss Marple old and the hot looks in stripes, animal prints and sequins can make us look like you are ready to go to Las Vegas and sit on a stool at the end of the row of slot machines with a coin cup and a cigarette. You can pair a hounds tooth skirt with a low next cashmere sweater in bold color and you can look great with the new cute patched pockets on jackets and jeans, or candy-colored-footwear. Take the somber new looks that make you think of afternoon teas and foggy-morning-in-London main pieces and accent them with traffic-stopping, bold, bright accessories.
7. Accessories: Don’t you just love TJ MAX for purses and Marshals for shoes! So in Quilted clutches, gloves. So what if we can’t wear these seasons knew high socks. We may be able to do the leggings. I like me feet to be comfy but if you can do them heels and cut-away booties, metal and metallic detailing, riding boots, patent leather, fringe, and animal print shoes are so so in. The switch-up this season: bare your ankles, not your knees! Sadly, to say, nary a flat was in sight... unless, of course, it is a boot. I will be looking at out for what my favorite oh so comfortable no more sore feet and aching back shoe brand Q form Merrill’s has in a boot this fall.
1. The Little Black Jacket: this season the little black jacket is being hailed as, "The answer to every fashion question." My favorite is cropped and fitted just under the bust or boy cut in black leather or black denim. This is look made for us. The little black Jacket can dress you up and make you look youthful if you pair it with a little dress or jeans and a high quality little white t-shirt! Tuxedo, biker, military, or lady-like... velvet, wool, or embellished... so many to choose from! Make sure it fits. You have to be very careful with denim the “washed” or faded look or biker look is difficult to pull off when you are an over 40 woman, but if the jacket fits you and you pair it with crisp well pressed clothing you can look really cute. Do not pair denim with denim. It looks great on a teenager but it can make us look like we are trying to hard to get the "under twelve" discount at the movies. Wear your cute black fitted jacket with your jeans and flash your AARP card with a big ole’smile on your face.
2. Pants: Jeans are taking a back seat this season to cotton or leather trousers, I don’t know many women over 40 who can do leather pants, but we can look great in black denim. Ankles are this season's bare-skin. Great for us as they ankles don’t wrinkle! If your comfortable with your ankles roll loose-fit jeans above your ankle and give yourself some length with nice heals.
3. Skirts: Classic cuts and lines in vivid, can't-look-away colors dominate the skirt collections of this season. If A-lines and pencil cuts aren't for you, don't fret! Super short, super full skirts are just as noteworthy for fall. Love those full skirts. One of my sisters looks adorable in a short super full skirt. She is over 60 and a size sixteen!
4. Tops: While jackets were a focus in the top-department, what goes under them is just as important! Ruffles are big big big. However, we must be very careful in how we choose them. We can look hip in deep jewel tone purple and like a little churchwoman in pastel pink. Don’t pull out your old ruffled blouses from the back of the closet. The ruffles this season are bigger often asymmetrical and the colors are bolder. In addition, when you wear the new ruffles make sure you pair them with something hip not dowdy. Mix the formally formal ruffles with jeans, corduroys, and an above the knee skirt or casual boy cut jacket. Boundaries of matching formal to formal are aging and are out out out this season. Mix and match the style and dressiness of your tops with your other pieces: a white t-shirt with a velvet blazer and patent heels goes just as well as a silk, puff-sleeve blouse with jeans. Rebels rejoice.
5. Dresses: perhaps the most understated piece of the current wardrobe, sheath dresses and draped frocks are the two most sought-after styles: think 50's style silhouette... and then pair it with high heels! I wish I could wear them.
6. Colors: Black is back! Black, white, black & white, navy (yes, navy,that has been out of style for several years is back) gray, deep yellows, reds, nudes, and my favorite, purple are the front-runner colors of this season's pallet. You have to be careful with this seasons hot stripes, sequins, hounds tooth, embellishments, studs, and plaid. Plaids and hounds tooth can make you look spinster aunt, Agatha Christie Miss Marple old and the hot looks in stripes, animal prints and sequins can make us look like you are ready to go to Las Vegas and sit on a stool at the end of the row of slot machines with a coin cup and a cigarette. You can pair a hounds tooth skirt with a low next cashmere sweater in bold color and you can look great with the new cute patched pockets on jackets and jeans, or candy-colored-footwear. Take the somber new looks that make you think of afternoon teas and foggy-morning-in-London main pieces and accent them with traffic-stopping, bold, bright accessories.
7. Accessories: Don’t you just love TJ MAX for purses and Marshals for shoes! So in Quilted clutches, gloves. So what if we can’t wear these seasons knew high socks. We may be able to do the leggings. I like me feet to be comfy but if you can do them heels and cut-away booties, metal and metallic detailing, riding boots, patent leather, fringe, and animal print shoes are so so in. The switch-up this season: bare your ankles, not your knees! Sadly, to say, nary a flat was in sight... unless, of course, it is a boot. I will be looking at out for what my favorite oh so comfortable no more sore feet and aching back shoe brand Q form Merrill’s has in a boot this fall.
Stress Buster Tips. Whether your stressed out looking for a job or finding, dealing with over work or dating. One way to deal with stress is to figure out what you do that makes you happy. Recently I read the book, "Julie & Julia." The narrator is unhappy with her job so to feel more in control of her like she cooks all the recipes in the Julia Child's cook book, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." What do you love to do? When do you feel in control. Brainstorm everything thing you enjoy doing that has a beginning, middle and end. Do you like fishing walking, reading? Do you like downloading and listening to music? Do you like being out in nature? Make a list and give your self permission to do things that make you happy.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Organizing for holiday gift giving and holiday guests.
I worked with an organizer years ago and I learned that big, easy to read labels on things it helps you and visitors to your home know where things belong.
I use big labels to help my gift purchases organized. have a line of laundry baskets in the attic each labeled with a group. My eldest sisters family has a labeled basket as does my middle sisters family and my girlfriends and guy friends and their family. As I travel or find a good sale and purchase presents throughout the year I put the present in the appropriate basket with the price tag on it and the receipt taped to it. Just before Thanksgiving I go through the baskets and find out who still needs presents and make a list. I take my list with me for the day after Thanksgiving to finish all my purchases.
I am not typically super organized but I love to have the house ready when I have guests. When company comes to my house for the holiday I label all the kitchen drawers and cabinets with their contents. Silverware, Coffee and Tea stuff, Glasses, Plates, Saran wrap, garbage bags, snacks etc. and I do the same for the fridge the pantry, the mop and vacuum closet and the shelves in the guest bath closet. I leave canned drinks stacked in the corner of the kitchen. With everything labeled or in view. That way people can help themselves and I am not answering shouts of “where are the tea bags?” all week. I also have fold out luggage racks like they have in hotels in the guest bedrooms and have over the closet door hooks for bathrobes and towels in the guest bedrooms. I also put a stack of old paper backs buy each bed according to guests tastes and have a coffee maker in the big guest bedroom with a try filled with coffee and tea goodies so guests don’t have to worry about getting dressed or disturbing others to get their first cup of coffee.
I worked with an organizer years ago and I learned that big, easy to read labels on things it helps you and visitors to your home know where things belong.
I use big labels to help my gift purchases organized. have a line of laundry baskets in the attic each labeled with a group. My eldest sisters family has a labeled basket as does my middle sisters family and my girlfriends and guy friends and their family. As I travel or find a good sale and purchase presents throughout the year I put the present in the appropriate basket with the price tag on it and the receipt taped to it. Just before Thanksgiving I go through the baskets and find out who still needs presents and make a list. I take my list with me for the day after Thanksgiving to finish all my purchases.
I am not typically super organized but I love to have the house ready when I have guests. When company comes to my house for the holiday I label all the kitchen drawers and cabinets with their contents. Silverware, Coffee and Tea stuff, Glasses, Plates, Saran wrap, garbage bags, snacks etc. and I do the same for the fridge the pantry, the mop and vacuum closet and the shelves in the guest bath closet. I leave canned drinks stacked in the corner of the kitchen. With everything labeled or in view. That way people can help themselves and I am not answering shouts of “where are the tea bags?” all week. I also have fold out luggage racks like they have in hotels in the guest bedrooms and have over the closet door hooks for bathrobes and towels in the guest bedrooms. I also put a stack of old paper backs buy each bed according to guests tastes and have a coffee maker in the big guest bedroom with a try filled with coffee and tea goodies so guests don’t have to worry about getting dressed or disturbing others to get their first cup of coffee.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I was reading Chuck Reeves newsletter on selling beyound the next new things and he gave examples of the "computer in your shirt pocket?" and the newest news that computer screens are obsolute
Did you know that computer screens are obsolete? Check this out: LINK
Your customers and your competitors are not interested in the next new thing - or even the thing after that. They are interested in what those things will do for them right now. Understand your customer's need or their want and show them how your current or future offerings will address those better than anyone else's.
A neighbor went to buy a $500 Blu-Ray Player so he could watch his DVDs with the best audio and video. Instead, he bought a $49 wireless device that immediately brings any movie available at Netflix to his home theater. No moving parts, no trips to the video store and all the features of Blu-Ray.
It's obsolete.
Did you know that computer screens are obsolete? Check this out: LINK
Your customers and your competitors are not interested in the next new thing - or even the thing after that. They are interested in what those things will do for them right now. Understand your customer's need or their want and show them how your current or future offerings will address those better than anyone else's.
A neighbor went to buy a $500 Blu-Ray Player so he could watch his DVDs with the best audio and video. Instead, he bought a $49 wireless device that immediately brings any movie available at Netflix to his home theater. No moving parts, no trips to the video store and all the features of Blu-Ray.
It's obsolete.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
How to become a good speaker.
Create every opportunity to speak. Ask to lead meetings, join a good Toastmasters group, teach at Sunday School or youth fellowship or synagogue, speak at your kids schools. Ask to introduce speakers at your local clubs and association meetings. Introducing speakers is hard to do well so it hones your abilities and it also can be a good political move your associated with the powerful and talented people you introduce. The best way to feel comfortable speaking and be a great speaker is to practice in front of audiences. Being a speaker is like being an athlete. A star athletes does not just show up for the big event. He practices and workouts every day. He figures out his weaknesses and tries things to stretch and improve.
Create every opportunity to speak. Ask to lead meetings, join a good Toastmasters group, teach at Sunday School or youth fellowship or synagogue, speak at your kids schools. Ask to introduce speakers at your local clubs and association meetings. Introducing speakers is hard to do well so it hones your abilities and it also can be a good political move your associated with the powerful and talented people you introduce. The best way to feel comfortable speaking and be a great speaker is to practice in front of audiences. Being a speaker is like being an athlete. A star athletes does not just show up for the big event. He practices and workouts every day. He figures out his weaknesses and tries things to stretch and improve.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
The Last Slides in Your PowerPoint presentation
Have you ever attended a power point presentation and unplanned slides or the presenters desk top accidentally shown on the screen at the beginning and end of the presentation? I know it happens. Here are tips to keep your desk top from ruining your credibility as a speaker.
Make sure the desktop on the laptop you will be using in your presentation in clean and orderly and doesn't have questionable icons or folders labeled with anything weird or before your presentation move everything on your desktop into one folder and hide it. Check what will be your open PowerPoint window if you press the “next” button one too many times. To be safe, when every you create a power point presentation make sure you add a few extra blank slides at the end of your presentation. My recommendation is if you choose to do a Power Point presentation that the first five minutes and the last five minutes of the presentation should be slide free so that you can build a relationship with the audience at the beginning and cement that relationship at the end of your speech.
But if you are going to be projecting contents of your laptop onto a big ole screen for everyone in your audience to see make sure what they see makes you look your best.
Have you ever attended a power point presentation and unplanned slides or the presenters desk top accidentally shown on the screen at the beginning and end of the presentation? I know it happens. Here are tips to keep your desk top from ruining your credibility as a speaker.
Make sure the desktop on the laptop you will be using in your presentation in clean and orderly and doesn't have questionable icons or folders labeled with anything weird or before your presentation move everything on your desktop into one folder and hide it. Check what will be your open PowerPoint window if you press the “next” button one too many times. To be safe, when every you create a power point presentation make sure you add a few extra blank slides at the end of your presentation. My recommendation is if you choose to do a Power Point presentation that the first five minutes and the last five minutes of the presentation should be slide free so that you can build a relationship with the audience at the beginning and cement that relationship at the end of your speech.
But if you are going to be projecting contents of your laptop onto a big ole screen for everyone in your audience to see make sure what they see makes you look your best.
Speaker Tips for Dry Mouth
I just read Speakers Tips Dry Mouth compiled by — Nancy Camp I contributed some of the suggestions and have another blog post with other tips for preventing or dealing with dry mouth.
Found in SpeakerNetNews.com
Here are several proven tips and techniques performers swear by:
• Don’t drink coffee or dairy before a speaking engagement. Coffee is a diuretic and dries out your mouth, larynx and throat. Dairy consumption will increase the amount of mucus in your mouth, throat and nasal cavity.
• Hydrate beginning several hours before your speak by drinking lots of water. Better to come into a speaking engagement well-lubricated than trying to make up for it on the spot.
• Drink a tea called Throat Coat (Yogi Teas which I get at Trader Joe’s but which are widely available.) Surprisingly tasty, it’s made from slippery elm which is a traditional remedy for sore throat.
• Use Biotene brand mouthwash. Available over the counter, it’s non-alcohol-based and formulated to help with dry mouth.
• Entertainer’s Secret and other artificial saliva spray products will help. Might need to order these via specialty drugstore or online.
• For some folks, it helps to take a decongestant (I know, it seems counterintuitive, but it works.) Just make sure it’s the non-drowsy kind. Simple Claritin is very effective with no side effects.
• Finally, ALWAYS warm up your vocal cords before you step up to the lectern. Go off by yourself and vocalize, read a chapter aloud from a book, sing, yodel, or even whistle a while. Use it or lose it. "
I just read Speakers Tips Dry Mouth compiled by — Nancy Camp I contributed some of the suggestions and have another blog post with other tips for preventing or dealing with dry mouth.
Found in SpeakerNetNews.com
Here are several proven tips and techniques performers swear by:
• Don’t drink coffee or dairy before a speaking engagement. Coffee is a diuretic and dries out your mouth, larynx and throat. Dairy consumption will increase the amount of mucus in your mouth, throat and nasal cavity.
• Hydrate beginning several hours before your speak by drinking lots of water. Better to come into a speaking engagement well-lubricated than trying to make up for it on the spot.
• Drink a tea called Throat Coat (Yogi Teas which I get at Trader Joe’s but which are widely available.) Surprisingly tasty, it’s made from slippery elm which is a traditional remedy for sore throat.
• Use Biotene brand mouthwash. Available over the counter, it’s non-alcohol-based and formulated to help with dry mouth.
• Entertainer’s Secret and other artificial saliva spray products will help. Might need to order these via specialty drugstore or online.
• For some folks, it helps to take a decongestant (I know, it seems counterintuitive, but it works.) Just make sure it’s the non-drowsy kind. Simple Claritin is very effective with no side effects.
• Finally, ALWAYS warm up your vocal cords before you step up to the lectern. Go off by yourself and vocalize, read a chapter aloud from a book, sing, yodel, or even whistle a while. Use it or lose it. "
Friday, July 17, 2009
We also started a new tradition. One of my sisters is working for and Estate Sale business. She filled a box with old tools like hammers and measuring tape, kitchen gadgets like wine bottle openers, beauty products like nail files and new brush sets that she picked up for a nickel or dim. She passed around the box and we each picked one item out of the box and passed it around then we kept passing and picking one item. We laughed so hard as we picked up odd items and made up stories about what the item was for.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Can you make your point in six words or less? Here are some of the entries of a contest sponsored by speakernetnews. I won a little honorable mention.
First Place
•Give wisdom away; it returns tenfold. (Charlie Hawkins)
Second Place
•Hope is not an investment strategy. (Douglas Rice)
Third Place
•Net worth and self worth differ. (Douglas Rice)
Honorable Mention (in no particular order)
•Customer loyalty is fleeting and subjective (Lisa Ford)
•Exceptional service is no longer optional. (Laurie Brown)
•Pamper your clients. Confound the competition. (Mitch Carnell)
•Repeat customers are the most profitable (Dick Larkin)
•Referred prospects make the best customers (Dick Larkin)
•Social networking - come tweet with me. (Jim Carrillo)
•No stress with three deep breaths. (Rita Makana Risser)
•Stop whining. It hurts my ears! (Susanne Gaddis)
•A closed mouth doesn't get fed. (Peggy Duncan)
•Only the visible get known. Really! (Roberta Guise)
•Investing in the future is history (Doc Blakely)
•Read people from the outside in. (Patti Wood)
•Wear your jammies while educating people (Joe Liss)
•Use brains before you use brawn (Bob Mittelsdorf)
•The opposite of harassment is respect. (Rita Makana Risser)
•Wrap your work around your lifestyle. (Cher Holton)
•Your children will lead the world (Brian J. Donley)
First Place
•Give wisdom away; it returns tenfold. (Charlie Hawkins)
Second Place
•Hope is not an investment strategy. (Douglas Rice)
Third Place
•Net worth and self worth differ. (Douglas Rice)
Honorable Mention (in no particular order)
•Customer loyalty is fleeting and subjective (Lisa Ford)
•Exceptional service is no longer optional. (Laurie Brown)
•Pamper your clients. Confound the competition. (Mitch Carnell)
•Repeat customers are the most profitable (Dick Larkin)
•Referred prospects make the best customers (Dick Larkin)
•Social networking - come tweet with me. (Jim Carrillo)
•No stress with three deep breaths. (Rita Makana Risser)
•Stop whining. It hurts my ears! (Susanne Gaddis)
•A closed mouth doesn't get fed. (Peggy Duncan)
•Only the visible get known. Really! (Roberta Guise)
•Investing in the future is history (Doc Blakely)
•Read people from the outside in. (Patti Wood)
•Wear your jammies while educating people (Joe Liss)
•Use brains before you use brawn (Bob Mittelsdorf)
•The opposite of harassment is respect. (Rita Makana Risser)
•Wrap your work around your lifestyle. (Cher Holton)
•Your children will lead the world (Brian J. Donley)
Monday, July 06, 2009
I was interviewed for two journal articles on speaking the issue times are below in the journalist kind thank you letter.
Patti,
I wanted to thank you again for the interview a couple of months back. As I had indicated, the survey was for an article on speaking I was drafting and I promised to update you on the progress of that article. Happily, the article was completed and recently accepted for publication in the coming September issue of PI Journal. I hope you will find some value in the look at independent consulting.
I was also honored to have an article appearing next month in the “Measurement Evaluation and ROI” section of ASTD’s Links Plus. That article is on the use of ROI forecasts as a sales tool for independent consultants.
Neither article would have been possible without your help - I am deeply appreciative.
Patti,
I wanted to thank you again for the interview a couple of months back. As I had indicated, the survey was for an article on speaking I was drafting and I promised to update you on the progress of that article. Happily, the article was completed and recently accepted for publication in the coming September issue of PI Journal. I hope you will find some value in the look at independent consulting.
I was also honored to have an article appearing next month in the “Measurement Evaluation and ROI” section of ASTD’s Links Plus. That article is on the use of ROI forecasts as a sales tool for independent consultants.
Neither article would have been possible without your help - I am deeply appreciative.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Here are some great funny stories from motivational speaker Nigel
Funny quotes
My husband wanted one of those big-screen TV's for his birthday. So I just moved his chair closer to the one we have already." -Wendy Liebman
"Inside me there's a thin person struggling to get out, but I can usually sedate him with four or five cupcakes." -Bob Thaves
"So far on my 30-day diet, I lost 18 days." - Terry McEntire
"I'm not offended by all the blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb...and I also know that I'm not blonde." - Dolly Parton
have a great week and change something
all my love
Nigel
My favourite video to improve your game is linked below,I defy anyone not to understand the importance of a 1 degree shift
http://www.212movie.com/
Funny quotes
My husband wanted one of those big-screen TV's for his birthday. So I just moved his chair closer to the one we have already." -Wendy Liebman
"Inside me there's a thin person struggling to get out, but I can usually sedate him with four or five cupcakes." -Bob Thaves
"So far on my 30-day diet, I lost 18 days." - Terry McEntire
"I'm not offended by all the blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb...and I also know that I'm not blonde." - Dolly Parton
have a great week and change something
all my love
Nigel
My favourite video to improve your game is linked below,I defy anyone not to understand the importance of a 1 degree shift
http://www.212movie.com/
Monday, June 29, 2009
Some of you know that I started college as a poetry writing major and then, when I was 19 discovered body language. I would love you to see the power of nonverbal communication and poetry working together is this video of a woman reciting a poem in Tehran durring teh protests in Iran. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-lundberg/poetry-of-the-revolution_b_221590.html
Friday, June 26, 2009
I am on all the social media and find it stressful to respond to someone that emails with a standard request to be a friend or have me link with them without giving me any information of who they are or how we are connected. I also don’t know the polite way to respond when I have no memory of ever having met them. I want to be kind, and I know as a professional speaker, an audiance member is sure I will remenber them so I feel rude not linking or "Friending," but if they don't say they were in my audaince I don't know.
So here are my questions for today.
First question What is the proper etiquette of requesting to “friend’ or link?
Second Question. How can you politely ask, “Who are you? and “How do I know you?”
So here are my questions for today.
First question What is the proper etiquette of requesting to “friend’ or link?
Second Question. How can you politely ask, “Who are you? and “How do I know you?”
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I am a professional speaker and body language expert. I coach people to improve their interviewing skills.
I just read a blog about calling a recruiter to get a job. The writer emphasized the importance of using a story or of telling your story to help you land a job.
Yes you need to hit the emotional brain of the recruiter so they will remember you. I watch the biography channel and I constantly quote "stories" of famous people that I have heard on the show. I remember the fact because it was told in story form. In my book "Going UP!- Creating and Telling Your Elevator Speech I show readers how to create the story of their talents and strengths as they look for jobs or seek business contacts or customers. Below is a bit of the blog.
Patti Wood
Body language expert
www.PattiWood.net
bloghttp://www.careercollegecentral.com/node/943
phone calls:
“Hi Donna, I sent you my résumé last week. I was just wondering if you have any contacts in my field or job openings that fit my background. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Hmm. This is not exactly a successful networking approach, albeit common. Why are these people losing the attention of me and other recruiters? Simple. They are not selling us on why we should talk to them. They haven’t proven their value, and exactly why we should take time from our additional business obligations to read their profile. Rather, they have emailed me, and are asking me to research them, then align my job openings to their skills. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way!
The “Do’s” of Engaging with a Recruiter:
When it comes to a career search, it’s about likeability! I don’t like being told by someone whom I don’t know or trust yet to go and “do research” about them. Candidates need to get away from this informal email communication style. It may save time in their present work environment. But in this market, candidates need to get back to relationship-based selling! Networking with anyone, especially recruiters, is about talking, building rapport, and getting people to want to work on your behalf. Hopefully, it will become mutually beneficial for both parties.
So how can candidates work more effectively with recruiters? Here are a few “Smart Tips” from my viewpoint as a career coach:
Be prepared like a politician! Have your résumé smart and professionally prepared. Make strong value statements, and ensure that your accomplishments are summarized and memorized. This is not limited to sales and marketing, either. This approach needs to be followed in all industries and for all functions. Know why you are powerful to an organization and be prepared to say it.
Storytelling matters. Don’t assume the recruiter or the hiring authority understands what you do just from your title. Be prepared to succinctly tell specific stories around the accomplishments you listed in your résumé. Storytelling demonstrates your ability to communicate. It engages people, and that’s how they will remember
I just read a blog about calling a recruiter to get a job. The writer emphasized the importance of using a story or of telling your story to help you land a job.
Yes you need to hit the emotional brain of the recruiter so they will remember you. I watch the biography channel and I constantly quote "stories" of famous people that I have heard on the show. I remember the fact because it was told in story form. In my book "Going UP!- Creating and Telling Your Elevator Speech I show readers how to create the story of their talents and strengths as they look for jobs or seek business contacts or customers. Below is a bit of the blog.
Patti Wood
Body language expert
www.PattiWood.net
bloghttp://www.careercollegecentral.com/node/943
phone calls:
“Hi Donna, I sent you my résumé last week. I was just wondering if you have any contacts in my field or job openings that fit my background. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Hmm. This is not exactly a successful networking approach, albeit common. Why are these people losing the attention of me and other recruiters? Simple. They are not selling us on why we should talk to them. They haven’t proven their value, and exactly why we should take time from our additional business obligations to read their profile. Rather, they have emailed me, and are asking me to research them, then align my job openings to their skills. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way!
The “Do’s” of Engaging with a Recruiter:
When it comes to a career search, it’s about likeability! I don’t like being told by someone whom I don’t know or trust yet to go and “do research” about them. Candidates need to get away from this informal email communication style. It may save time in their present work environment. But in this market, candidates need to get back to relationship-based selling! Networking with anyone, especially recruiters, is about talking, building rapport, and getting people to want to work on your behalf. Hopefully, it will become mutually beneficial for both parties.
So how can candidates work more effectively with recruiters? Here are a few “Smart Tips” from my viewpoint as a career coach:
Be prepared like a politician! Have your résumé smart and professionally prepared. Make strong value statements, and ensure that your accomplishments are summarized and memorized. This is not limited to sales and marketing, either. This approach needs to be followed in all industries and for all functions. Know why you are powerful to an organization and be prepared to say it.
Storytelling matters. Don’t assume the recruiter or the hiring authority understands what you do just from your title. Be prepared to succinctly tell specific stories around the accomplishments you listed in your résumé. Storytelling demonstrates your ability to communicate. It engages people, and that’s how they will remember
Oh my goodness Donald Trump is coming here to Atlanta to teach a real estate course.The man I mention whenever someone wants to know my secret to NOT shaking hands with someone. To discover how to keep from having to shake hands with someone to my body language blog and type in handshakes.
http://www.myeducationnetwork.com/fast_track_to_foreclosure_investing/GA/atlanta/47440
http://www.myeducationnetwork.com/fast_track_to_foreclosure_investing/GA/atlanta/47440
Sunday my 88 year old mother called to tell me that election protesters in Iran where being clubed and gassed. We were both shocked by the event. My mother said the only way the news was getting out was on that new Internet thing called tweat. I knew she met twitter. As a public speaker for the last 27 years I thought how wonderful it is that we have the freedom to speak and share our political opinions on any stage and through all media. I remembered how empty the voting booths were when I went to vote in the the last presidential election. How funny the world is.
Just now I read the story about 70 academics being arrested in Iran. I taught college and I continue to speak on college campuses at campus events. I know I wanted my students at Florida State to seek the truth to value their freedom to fight for it. Would I have been arrested today if I was a teacher in Iran?
Patti Wood
The body language expert
www.PattiWood.net
Iran: Ahmadinejad Warns Obama. 70 Academics Arrested Overnight
Hope Fades but Anger Is Alive as Iran's Rulers Crack Down
This photo released by the official website of the Iranian supreme leader's office shows Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his meeting with Iranian parliamentarians, unseen, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Iran's supreme leader said Wednesday that the government would not give in to pressure over the disputed presidential election, effectively closing the door to compromise with the opposition. (AP Photo/Office of the Supreme Leader)
responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging» Links to this discussion
Rudi Bakhtiar
Director, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans
Thursday, June 25, 2009; 12:00 PM
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned President Obama on Thursday to "avoid interfering" in Iranian affairs, and his security forces arrested 70 academics overnight after using clubs and tear gas Wednesday to break up demonstrations over the disputed June 12 elections.
This Story
Ahmadinejad Tells Obama Not to Interfere in Iran
Q&A, Transcript: Iran: Ahmadinejad Warns Obama. 70 Academics Arrested Overnight
Protest Met With Force Near Iran's Parliament
Iran Envoys Disinvited From July 4 Festivities
Hope Fades but Anger Is Alive as Iran's Rulers Crack Down
Iran Election Clashes Escalate
Blog: Coverage of Events in Iran
Full Coverage: Iranians Protest Presidential Election Results
Supremely Powerful
View All Items in This Story
View Only Top Items in This Story
Just now I read the story about 70 academics being arrested in Iran. I taught college and I continue to speak on college campuses at campus events. I know I wanted my students at Florida State to seek the truth to value their freedom to fight for it. Would I have been arrested today if I was a teacher in Iran?
Patti Wood
The body language expert
www.PattiWood.net
Iran: Ahmadinejad Warns Obama. 70 Academics Arrested Overnight
Hope Fades but Anger Is Alive as Iran's Rulers Crack Down
This photo released by the official website of the Iranian supreme leader's office shows Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during his meeting with Iranian parliamentarians, unseen, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Iran's supreme leader said Wednesday that the government would not give in to pressure over the disputed presidential election, effectively closing the door to compromise with the opposition. (AP Photo/Office of the Supreme Leader)
responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging» Links to this discussion
Rudi Bakhtiar
Director, Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans
Thursday, June 25, 2009; 12:00 PM
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned President Obama on Thursday to "avoid interfering" in Iranian affairs, and his security forces arrested 70 academics overnight after using clubs and tear gas Wednesday to break up demonstrations over the disputed June 12 elections.
This Story
Ahmadinejad Tells Obama Not to Interfere in Iran
Q&A, Transcript: Iran: Ahmadinejad Warns Obama. 70 Academics Arrested Overnight
Protest Met With Force Near Iran's Parliament
Iran Envoys Disinvited From July 4 Festivities
Hope Fades but Anger Is Alive as Iran's Rulers Crack Down
Iran Election Clashes Escalate
Blog: Coverage of Events in Iran
Full Coverage: Iranians Protest Presidential Election Results
Supremely Powerful
View All Items in This Story
View Only Top Items in This Story
Some of you know that I speak to court reporters around the county. Well, the speaker who runs the court reporter programs is Jeff Justice and he recently shared the
Twelve Ways To Keep From Bombing
OK, I misled you a little. The only way to keep from ever bombing using humor is...Not to use it! Of course if you do not use it most likely your program will bomb. Even though no one can make your humor bomb proof I promise you that if you follow my twelve ways to keep from bombing you will have the best chance of hitting a home run with your humor.
1. Never announce that you are going to do a joke.
2. Never apologize for telling a joke.
3. Prepare.
4. Make sure the joke is relevant to your subject. Never force humor on your audience
5. Never do sexist, ethnic, religious, political, racist jokes or blue humor.
6. Never embellish or stretch out a joke.
7. Always research your audience.
8. Make sure your punch line is delivered clearly and with energy.
9. Don't laugh all the way through telling the joke.
10. Never put down the city you're in or the group you're talking to.
11. Add some humor that pokes fun at yourself.
12. Make sure you make a connection between
Twelve Ways To Keep From Bombing
OK, I misled you a little. The only way to keep from ever bombing using humor is...Not to use it! Of course if you do not use it most likely your program will bomb. Even though no one can make your humor bomb proof I promise you that if you follow my twelve ways to keep from bombing you will have the best chance of hitting a home run with your humor.
1. Never announce that you are going to do a joke.
2. Never apologize for telling a joke.
3. Prepare.
4. Make sure the joke is relevant to your subject. Never force humor on your audience
5. Never do sexist, ethnic, religious, political, racist jokes or blue humor.
6. Never embellish or stretch out a joke.
7. Always research your audience.
8. Make sure your punch line is delivered clearly and with energy.
9. Don't laugh all the way through telling the joke.
10. Never put down the city you're in or the group you're talking to.
11. Add some humor that pokes fun at yourself.
12. Make sure you make a connection between
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