How to be a Great Speaker

By Sandra Schrift

Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with butterflies in their stomach before giving a presentation? And there are many actors/actresses who can not speak to live audiences without cue cards. My 13 years as a professional speakers bureau owner allowed me to hear several thousand speakers give their presentations. Here are a few tips I learned from them.

1. You want to be nervous. Get your butterflies to fly in formation. Some tension brings about a great speech. You usually don't look as nervous as you feel. Be prepared, be relaxed. Practice, practice, practice. Use visualization techniques. One speaker suggests that you curl your toes and get rid of your adrenalin. Get out of your head and in to your heart. Reduce nervousness with self talk.

Your mantra might be - "I am a relaxed, confident speaker."

2. Great presentations are well organized.

*pening - You have 60seconds to get their attention. So start with a great question, quote or short story. Tell 'em what you will tell them.

Body - Tell 'em. This is where you tell your 3-4 points supported by your stories.
Closing -Tell 'em what you told them. Give them a call to action. What is one idea they can use immediately? in seven days? in one month?

There are basically two kinds of presentations - Informative (to know) Persuasive (to do)

Be sure you know what you want your audience to do as a result of your presentation.

Ask. . . What do they need to know to do this? What do they need to feel to do this?

Then provide 3-4 points in the body of your message and provide transitions between the points.

3. Great speeches have great stories. Sprinkle them throughout your presentation. We delineate our thoughts visually and your audience needs to "see" what they "hear."

4. Technology is just a tool. Do not be a master of ceremonies to your PowerPoint. It is not the presentation.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

Necessity - is this visual aid going to enhance the audience's understanding Clarity - to help people understand Simplicity - PowerPoint with words - no more than five words per line and five lines per slide. Color - color enhances the slide - but only use a few (we're not talking about your kid's 300 Crayola box of crayons) Visibility - keep it large and clear

5. Your voice is the source of power. FDR, Martin Luther King, Churchill used the power of their voice. Remember people need to see what they hear. Slow down, add a pause, whisper . . .use your voice to change tones, be loud or soft as needed.

6. Use your eyes - to make contact with audience. Focus on one person at a time and all the other people will feel as if you are talking to them also. This will help you to connect with people and make them feel you are there for them.

7. Interact - provide your audience with short role plays or partnering exercises. This gives them an opportunity to practice what you are telling them to do. Give them an opportunity to tell someone about their challenge and get some feedback as to how to resolve it. Then they can walk out the door at the end of the program ready to think or act differently. This is what every great speaker wants!

8. Join a fre*e Teleclass to learn how to speak like a pro on June 30, 2004 from 8-9 p.m. (EST) http://www.schrift.com/teleclasses/index.htm

© 2004 by Sandra Schrift. All rights reserved

Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish this article in its entirety, electronically, or in print fre*e of charge, as long as you include my full signature file for ezines, and my Web site address (http://www.schrift.com) in hyperlink for other sites. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to sandra@schrift.com. Thank you.

About The Author: Sandra Schrift 13 year speaker bureau owner and now career coach to emerging and veteran public speakers who want to "grow" a profitable speaking business. I also work with business professionals and organizations who want to master their presentations. To find out How to Become a Highly Paid Professional Speaker, go to http://www.schrift.com/ProfessionalSpeaker/ Join my free bi-weekly Monday Morning Mindfulness ezine http://www.schrift.com/monday.htm

For Speaking Ease, Forgive Your Younger Self

By Melissa Lewis

I love the Disney movie The Kid with Bruce Willis. In it he plays a stressed-out, high-power image consultant. He wears expensive suits, lives in a chic, elegantly furnished home and has all the money he can spend. His biggest challenge comes when a young boy--his younger self--comes to stay with him. He doesn't recognize himself at first, but then comes to see that he can heal himself by comforting the boy he was and accepting the man he is. (Don't worry, there's still a lot of other fun, surprising stuff that happens so I haven't TOTALLY given the plot away.)

Often when I work with people who are anxious or uncomfortable with public speaking, they recount past experiences of perceived failure. They tell me their stories of screw-ups, stumbles and faults, all with a tone of humiliation and self-flagellation. They use critical, blaming language to describe themselves such as "I was so stupid", "I was pathetic", "I've never forgiven myself for that." It's bad enough to have had the bad experience in the first place, but we just make it worse when we spread the pain out over a lifetime by reliving the experience--and punishing ourselves for it--over and over and over again.

Exercise

(WARNING: The following exercise may seem corny, but try it anyway. Seriously.) Close your eyes (after reading this article, that is) and see yourself as you are today. Don't analyze or judge who you are today, just see yourself. Relax. Try to let go of any thoughts or distractions. Now imagine a younger version of yourself approaching--the you who screwed up that presentation all those years ago. Perhaps it's the you who messed up your 5th grade book report, or the you who sneezed all over your slides at your first sales meeting, perhaps the you who completely forgot to include those important statistics when making the big proposal to the Board of Directors. That younger self looks at you timidly, filled with embarrassment and shame for the poor performance. After years of being angry at and embarrassed by this younger self, you feel compassion. Looking at this poor suffering soul, you realize it's time to let him/her off the hook. This younger self has suffered enough. As you let go of your judgment, you realize that that younger self did the very best job possible, given the where he/she was at the time. (Your corny meter may be going off but stay with me here!) Now, reach out, embrace and forgive that younger self. Give that younger self some comforting words of encouragement and soothe the pain they've been carrying around all these years. Take the burden off his/her shoulders as you both let it go. Imagine a conversation between your present and former selves. What went wrong that day? What was learned? How can the present you and the former you work together to speak up with more confidence in the future?

You may have several past "selves" to forgive. Picture each past self who disappointed you and go through the same process. You might be surprised at how this can lighten your load and ease your discomfort.

We can't improve in an atmosphere of self-blame and criticism. When we speak, all we can do is the best we can do. Sometimes we succeed. Sometimes we fail. But chastising ourselves for past mistakes can only hold us back. Let your "selves" off the hook and move on. Forgive the person you were and accept the person you are. It's through compassion that you'll create the even better person you are becoming.

About The Author: Melissa Lewis turns traditional thinking about public speaking upside down to give people more comfort, confidence and charisma in front of groups. She is a former comic actress, a certified facilitator of SPEAKING CIRCLES and president of the National Speakers Association Kansas City Chapter. For more information call (913) 341-1241 or visit www.upsidedownspeaking.com.

melissa@upsidedownspeaking.com

Ten Speech Tips for Writing Powerful and Persuasive Presentation

By Thomas Murrell

Have you ever had to give a speech?

Do you remember that feeling? A knot in the stomach, sweaty palms and a panic attack!

Not a very pleasant experience. And yet, I'm sure your speech was a success because 90 per cent of a typical audience want the speaker to succeed.
Yet according to The Book of Lists, speaking in public is one of our greatest fears.

Much of this anxiety is due to a lack of confidence in writing and preparing a speech rather than in the delivery.

Giving a presentation can be a great way to build your business, influence public opinion or kick-start your career.

It is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd and make a real difference in people's lives.

What are the secrets of writing a powerful and persuasive speech for any occasion?

Here are 10 tips for turning a good speech into a great one!

1. Have a plan and set some objectives & outcomes.

There is nothing worse than not knowing what you want to achieve. Do you want to educate the audience, inform, inspire, motivate or touch their emotions? Always work out what you want to achieve before beginning the speech process.

2. Have a formal structure - beginning, middle and end.

Audiences love structure and the best speeches stick to this tried and true rule. As they say: "tell them what you're going to say, tell them and then tell them again".

3. Avoid having too much content.

Hands up those that are guilty of this sin. I know I am. I have lost count the number of technical presentations given by CEO's, managers, scientists, engineers, geologists and other professionals who have just put too much content into their presentations. Far too much for an audience to absorb - remember even the best audiences face information overload after 20 minutes. How do you overcome the content crisis? See Tip # 8.

4. Define who your audience is and use the most appropriate communication channels to reach them.

Analyse how your audience likes to take in information - do they like to be visually stimulated or do they enjoy just sitting back and listening. Or do they like to get involved, to touch and feel in a kinaesthetic way. Work out the best mix of visual, audio and kinaesthetic and use this in your speechwriting.

5. Research your speech using a range of sources.

Be a keen observer of the trends your audience is likely to be interested in and keep a file of interesting articles and information. If you are time poor- a few quick questions when meeting an audience just prior to a speech, such as "what are the issues facing your business/industry/association at the moment?" can really help target your presentation and build rapport.

6. Use personal stories, examples and metaphors to make intangible concepts tangible.

In many cases you are trying to sell ideas and concepts in a speech. These are intangible and often difficult for the audience to grasp. Personal stories, examples and metaphors make the invisible visible.

7. Have a strong opening and closing.

People remember the opening - first impressions count! The closing is important as it should reinforce the key message you want the audience to go away with in their head after they have heard the presentation. Ending with a 'call to action' can be a powerful way to get your audience to act on your message.

8. Add value and extra detail through a handout.

Here's a tip: if you want to provide detail - put it in a handout! You can get far more content across in the written form than in a speech. Always refer to this in your presentation but hand it out after your speech so the audience is not distracted reading through it while you talk. There is nothing more soul destroying for a presenter to see the audience leafing through written notes rather than looking at you!

9. Use short words and plain English.

The short words are always the best words. Avoid jargon. Use active words instead of passive. This has far more impact in the minds of your listeners.

10. Evaluate and review on a regular basis.

There's nothing more powerful than to hear back a speech you've written. If you are writing a speech for someone else always try and hear the speech or at least get some feedback. Recording and listening back to a presentation is the fastest way to improve your skills.

Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.blogspot.com

The Power of the Spoken Word

By: Ivan Bruno

There are three kinds of words: the written, the meditated, and the spoken.

The pen is more dangerous than the sword, says an adage. However most people do not understand that when written words become spoken words, they explode like firecrackers! If books speak volumes, speeches fire up entire lives.

Written words give full spectrum of probabilities and inform about a topic or event. Meditated words have the potential to bring out great ideas. However when both the written and meditated words are verbalized, the result is amazing, to say the least. Spoken words are fired from the barrel of a gun (the mouth), through a triggering mechanism (our tongue). When used correctly, words are like bullets that hit targets accurately and leave an indelible mark.

It pays to learn how to speak with fire or have a flowery tongue. The power of the spoken word is insurmountable. Entire nations have been either united or divided by one dominant leader who spoke winningly of a cause. Abe Lincoln spoke and persuaded divided Americans to unite, and this was before modern sound systems and media were used.

Speaking is a very unique technique of conveying messages. It involves body and soul. It can create a visual drama with live emotions and gestures that put life into the message like no written or meditated messages can achieve. In speaking, you are the message rather than the words you speak. Thus, entire multitudes can go berserk in public with a moving speech.

Vladimir Lenin, on the other hand, spoke with fire to sway Russian peasants and workers to bolt away from Czar Rule, and even called on the Proletariat or working class of other nations to a similar action.

You can also wield this powerful tool of speaking very credibly to an individual or crowd by just learning and practicing the chief points of public speaking. You may be amazed that steps to potent public speaking skills are very simple and easy, yet practicing them is important. Delivering the spoken word with power is a science and an art that requires persistence.

Power is gained through mastery. Powerful leaders since ancient civilizations have mastered the ways of the spoken word handed down to them by their forerunners. And if you want to attain the power of the spoken word, you have to persistently practice your skills in public speaking.

Article Source: http://www.article.e-booksdownload.com

Ivan Bruno is a professional public speaker and has 10 years of experience in public speaking arena and give many speeches in many occasion. He recommends public speaking classes at www.PublicSpeakingDot.Com

Developing a Persuasive Speech

By: Stephen Campbell

Developing a persuasive speech is one that many individuals fear because it is really difficult to convince someone to agree on your point of view. When you are to speak before the people and have the goal to make them believe on what you are saying, you find it difficult most of the time because you have to modify or change what other people think.

So, how to make an effective speech - a persuasive speech? When it comes to speaking before the public, you need a thing of passion. However, when we talk of persuasive speech, you have to find a topic that allows your passion to emerge. And that is the most essential in persuasive speech.

Persuasive speech topics are common to students writing tasks. For students, the first move in doing it is to find one from persuasive speech topics. You can dig political discussions, expand to global topics, the local or you ca do humor also; however, you have to inject your passion in it to make your listeners convinced what you want to convey, whatever topic is.

When delivering a positive persuasive speech, you can think of the other topics rather that the topic of controversy like death penalty, war, etc. Of course, the subject is essential, however, the way you convey the subject matter is just as that important. You also want to enter the venue of your speaking as well-respected individual so you have to make sure that you've got confidence and passion that others make believing in you.

It is primarily essential in effective speech the inclusion of fundamental components speaking. The gesture, the intonation pattern, the passion- all are necessary to be able to deliver a persuasive speech. You have to make it sure that you mean what you are conveying and that serves as key to convince your listening public.

It does not require to make a totally shocking and exciting piece to deliver a kind of persuasive speech. You may include that strategy but not to reach the point that it does overshadow the facts- and the passion. The prime goal of speaking is to present your own opinion and to make your viewing public believe in you. There are lots of ways to do it but what is important that you have the passion in doing it. You've got that sincere feeling and points in mind when conveying a persuasive speech.

Article Source: http://www.article.e-booksdownload.com

Stephen C Campbell (Master NLP Practitioner) has published more information about effective speech-making and public speaking at www.speechmaking101.com/

What is a Speech - An Introduction

By: Stephen Campbell

We begin our discussion on asking asking questions- What is a speech? What is meant by an effective speech? How will you develop a persuasive speech? What are the components of effective speech?Well, all of these questions will be answered by reading throughout the article.

A lot of individuals- when asked regarding speech- would only discuss about introduction, body, and the conclusion or the ending. However, if we talk on about the speech deeper, we find that speech is more than just the word or the body of speech. There is a need to consider on how to capture your listeners' interest, how to carry yourself also- and all the other components of an effective speech.

To be able to bring out an effective speech, you will consider the importance of your body languages. Having an appropriate body languages in your speech conveys the sincerity of words coming from your mouth; this also conveys to the listening public that you a confident enough to deliver a persuasive speech. Body languages also mean that you are telling to your audience the speech of substantial truth.

One of essential components of an effective speech that you need to consider as well is what we call articulation. You need to convey a message that is best delivered by your vocal chord; on how you say things that you need to deliver in the most ideal delivery. Of course, you are aware that when you get nervous, there is a difficult controlling of voice and your mouth as well. When you think that you are to encounter such a scenario, be prepared. You can drink your water before or during your speech because it is really essential that you are able to deliver all words- and their thoughts- to your listeners.

You also have to consider the pronunciation as a contributory factor for effective-speech delivery. There is no room for 'uh' or any other filler because this does ruin the message that you want your public listeners understood. Persuasive speech means that you are certain on what word you want to say and you do not.

Your pitch also affects the way you deliver your speech in it sounds. Remember to strive in doing everything to avoid being monotone. However, you also have to be aware that you are not sounding like too much excited about what you are doing.

Another thing that you need to consider as one of the prime components of an effective speech is the speed and pauses. When we talk of speed, you need to learn on how to appropriately deliver it a much ideal time intervals. Your audience also not want you to appear like you are giving a lecture. In other words, you have to make sure to deliver an effective speech by speaking comfortably that every listener understands what you are saying.

For pauses, you can make it to deliver a persuasive speech if you are able to include the right pauses. In case of a written speech, you can have right pauses by marking your pauses in it. Remember to include pauses to some information that you want to emphasize in your speech.

Keep in mind that your speech is more than just words, it is everything. It is your posture, it is your vocals, it is everything that you need to say and deliver your speech. You should always keep that in mind when giving a speech of any sorts.

So, again, what is a speech? Keep in mind that effective speeches are not just the words in it. You have to consider your vocal, posture, the intonation- everything that is needed as mentioned.

Article Source: http://www.article.e-booksdownload.com

Stephen C Campbell (Master NLP Practitioner) has published more information about effective speech-making and public speaking at www.speechmaking101.com/

Want Your Audiences to Remember What You Say? Learn the Importance of Clear Structure

By Patricia Fripp CSP, CPAE

When speaking in public, your message, no matter how important, will not be remembered if you don't recognize the importance of STRUCTURE. Here are some practical ideas that can immediately make you more effective.

Your Structure

Can you write the premise or objective of your talk in one sentence? If not, the chances are that your thinking isn't clear enough for the audience to understand your purpose. And if you don't organize your material so the audience can remember it easily, they'll have a hard time grasping your message. They may be dazzled by your pizzazz and laugh at your stories, but little will stay with them afterwards.

Your next structural imperative is to use statements that make your audience ask "How?" or "Why?" For example, during a talk on "Selling Yourself and Your Ideas to Upper Management," I say, "Everyone in your position can sell themselves and their ideas to upper management." Immediately, my audience is asking themselves, "HOW can I do that?" Or at another speech, I might say, "Every manager needs to develop employees who can think entrepreneurially." And the managers are all asking themselves, "WHY on earth do I need to do that?"

Your answers to their mental questions, your How's or Why's, become your "Points of Wisdom," the rationale for your premise or objective. Illustrate each Point with stories, examples, suggestions, practical advice, or recommendations. Allow about ten minutes for each Point of Wisdom, an average of three in a thirty minute presentation.

Finally, frame your premise and your Points of Wisdom with an attention-getting opening and a memorable closing. For example, I helped a scientist neighbor, Mike Powell, with a speech he was delivering to a general audience. I suggested that since most of us don't know what it is like to be a scientist, he should tell the audience. Mike captured everyone's attention by saying:
"Being a scientist is like doing a jigsaw puzzle... in a snowstorm...at night...when you don't have all the pieces...and you don't have the picture you are trying to create."

Your last thirty seconds must send people out energized and fulfilled. Ask for questions before you close so you don't diffuse the effect of your ending. Then finish with something inspirational that supports your theme and creates a "circle" with your opening. My scientist friend Mike closed by saying, "At the beginning of my talk, I told you of the frustration of being a scientist. Many people ask, 'So why do you do it?'"

Then Mike told them about the final speaker at a medical conference he attended. She walked to the lectern and said, "I am a thirty-two-year-old wife and mother of two. I have AIDS. Please work fast." Mike received a standing ovation for his speech. Even more important, several years later the audience still remembers what he said and can actually quote him!

If you are interested in speech coaching check out: http://www.executivespeechcoach.com
Patricia Fripp is an award-winning speaker, sales trainer, and executive speech coach who delights audiences, electrifies executives who speak, and transforms sales teams. Meetings and Conventions magazine calls Patricia "one of the country's 10 most electrifying speakers." She is also the author of , Make It! So You Don't Have to Fake It and Get What You Want.

We offer this article on a nonexclusive basis. You may reprint or repost this material as long as Patricia Fripp's name and contact information is included. PFripp@Fripp.com, 1-800 634 3035, http://www.fripp.com

Build Emotional Connection Through Eye Contact

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

Eye contact is an important way to emotionally connect with your audience of any size. Here are some ideas to help you:

1. Generally speaking, the longer the eye contact between two people, the greater the intimacy is developed. In a business, sales and speech situation, look at members of your audience for a thought, phrase or idea. If you are sitting at a boardroom table, make sure you share eye contact with everyone.

2. Others rarely interrupt two people engaged in a conversation if they have consistent eye contact. Through observing eye contact, others, well at least thoughtful ones, can tell if it is okay to join in the conversation.

3. Pupils also enlarge when people are talking about things that bring them joy or happiness. They often contract when discussing issues that bring them sadness. In a conversation at a networking or social event, I always like to ask questions of interest to my conversation partner. It helps add to their, "I enjoyed meeting that person," feeling.

4. Eye contact has been shown to be a significant factor in the persuasion process. Practice across the dinner table with your family or friends.

5. The longer your eye contact, the more self-esteem you are perceived to have.

6. The more eye contact you can maintain, the higher self esteem you actually rate yourself on! To be perceived as more likable gives you an edge in business. Eye contact is an important way to build this emotional bond and likeability. Are your eyes clear or are they bloodshot? Business contacts and audience members will notice, and the clearer your eyes the more attractive you will be perceived. If you wear sunglasses, get ready to take them off. People want to see what they are getting. They want to see your eyes.

This article is part of a series that appeared in SpeakerFrippNews. For a free subscription to SpeakerFrippNews visit: http://www.fripp.com/newsletter.html or send an email to Subscribe@Fripp.com
Patricia Fripp CSP, CPAE is a San Francisco-based executive speech coach and award-winnning professional speaker. She is the author of Get What You Want!, Make It, So You Don't Have to Fake It!, and Past-President of the National Speakers Association

Use a Quote to Open Your Talk

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

You have thirty seconds to command the attention of your audience. Don't waste it!

General Eisenhower said, "Leadership is the ability to decide what has to be done and then to get people to want to do it." When I talk on leadership, I might start with that quote. I'm also a believer in quoting mostly others besides Dead White Men--not that many haven't said wonderful things.

Consider quoting live individuals. When I'm talking about getting and keeping customers, I say, "As Bill Gates said, 'When you lose a customer, you lose two ways. First, you don't get their money. And second, your competitor does.'" And pantomime stabbing myself in the heart, which usually gets a laugh.

Quotes can be both informative and surprising. As the great philosopher Raquel Welch said, "Style is being yourself, but on purpose." I add, "Every time you stand up to address an audience, you have to be yourself, but slightly larger than life, in other words...on purpose."

A great source of quotes is the audience you are addressing or those they know. At a 4 day Texas Instruments conference, I told the audience, "I'm here to tell you how to future-proof your careers." I had heard their chairman use the phrase "future-proof" two days earlier. He said the TI strategy was to future-proof the shareholders' investment. I borrowed his words to connect with the audience, though they were actually technology users, not investors. The phrase already had the company stamp of approval. What made that engagement so successful was the fact I quoted every single person who had spoken on the program before me over the prior three days.

Any important or recent quote related to the industry or organization you are addressing can get you immediate attention and establish a connection between you and your listeners. I often quote something from my client's most recent corporate report. Clients tell me, "We're so glad you quoted our Chairman. We always send the report to our associates, but we don't think they ever read it."

GOOD QUOTES CAN BE SPRINKLED THROUGHOUT YOUR TALK

It seems to me, many speakers always use sports stars or often over-quoted sources that the audience is very familiar with.

BE CREATIVE

If your audience has not heard your quotes before, your entire message will seem fresher and more original.

MAKE A LIST OF ORIGINAL SOURCES

Do you have any quotes from: - Your father, mother, siblings, grandmother/father- Teacher or coach- First boss or managers who inspired you- Your brilliant or successful clients- Yourself!

HERE ARE SOME OF MINE(Use if you want, just give me credit)
MY FATHER: A.H. Fripp"Don't concentrate on making a lot of money, butrather concentrate on becoming the type of personpeople want to do business with, and you most likely willmake a lot of money."

MY MOTHER: Edie Fripp"Of course it is the inner you that counts, but dress up andlook good so you can attract people so they can find out hownice you are, how smart you are, and how valuable you canbe to them."

MY BROTHER: Robert Fripp"Discipline is not an end in itself, but a means to an end."

MY BRILLIANT HAIRSTYLING CLIENT: Manny Lozano(In case you did not know, I was a men's hairstylist for 15 years)"Keep promoting even when your appointment calendar is full. Youneed to resell the clients you have this is still the place they wantto come."

JERRY SEINFELD"I will spend an hour editing an eight word sentence into five."

PATRICIA FRIPP"The only thing I ever wanted in business is an unfair advantage."

This article is part of a series on openings that appeared in SpeakerFrippNews. For a free subscription to SpeakerFrippNews visit:http://www.fripp.com/newsletter.html or send an email to Subscribe@Fripp.com
Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE is a San Francisco-based executive speech coach, sales trainer, and award-winning professional. She is the author of Get What You Want!, Make It, SoYou Don't Have to Fake It!, and Past-President of the National Speakers Association. She can be reached at: PFripp@Fripp.com, 1-800 634-3035, http://www.fripp.com
We offer this article on a nonexclusive basis. You may reprint or repost this material as long as Patricia Fripp's name and contact information is included. PFripp@Fripp.com, 1-800 634-3035, http://www.fripp.com

5 Tips for Exciting Speeches

by Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

1. Open Hot, Close Hotter.

To grab audience attention and be remembered, start the presentation with a bang, not a limp, "Thanks, it's nice to be here." The first (and last) 30 seconds have the most impact on the audience. Save any greetings and gratitude until they've already grabbed the audience with a powerful opening. And don't end with a whimper. Remember that last words linger. Unfortunately, many speakers close with, "Are there any questions?" Wrong! Instead, say, "Before I close, are there any questions?" Answer them. Then close on a high note.

2. Get the Inside Scoop.

Attendees at one of my seminars, "How to Be a Coach to Your Client," want to know how they can personalize and add excitement and color to the speeches they craft for others. How, they ask, can they get those invaluable inside stories? I suggested they do what I do--interview the speaker's client's colleagues and family members. These people are familiar with the "stories" the speaker often tells, stories that have already been honed to what I call the "Hollywood model" (characters, dialogue, dramatic lesson learned). What insights and amusing stories can they share? Advise your members to ask others for input that can provide color and energy to a presentation.

3. Try Inside-Out Speaking.

Don't write speeches for people to read. Instead, sit down with them, in person or on the phone, and ask them questions. I do this, pulling out of them their ideas, stories, life experiences, philosophies, and examples through questions. Then my job is to help them organize, wordsmith, and deliver these comments with more drama.

Although the client and I often end up with a script that can then be edited and tightened, the words grow out of our conversations. I call this "inside-out" speaking. My work represents a cleaned-up conversation; one the speaker is going to have with the audience. Of course, a script is not a conversation, but if it sounds conversational, it is far more appealing and much easier to deliver directly to the audience without reading it word for word. Emotional contact is impossible without eye contact.

4. Provide Five Magic Moments.

How are great speeches like classic Hollywood movies? Movie promoters say that a successful film has to have five magic moments for each viewer, though not necessarily the same five. When it does, people will talk about it and add enough energy to a paid advertising campaign to make it a hit.

Be sure each presentation has five great moments--dramatic, humorous, profound, or poignant--that the audience can relive in their minds later and repeat to their friends.

5. Avoid Borrowed Stories.

I urge you to create vivid, personal stories for their presentations. Imagine how I once felt, sitting in an audience of 18,000 people, listening to Barbara Bush describe a great story she had read in Chicken Soup for the Soul--my own story which made the point, "What you do speaks louder than what you say." (Yes, I know Ralph Waldo Emerson said it first.) Did Barbara Bush mention it was my story? No.

But even if she had mentioned my name, I think she missed a huge opportunity with her speech. Back then; I imagined her sitting in bed at the White House, going through stacks of books with a highlighter pen for things to talk about. Since then, I've realized that a speech writer did the research and wrote her words. My point? I'm not upset she didn't credit me. Just disappointed that someone with Barbara Bush's incredible life experiences did not share them. I am sure she had much more interesting recent topics and perceptions than reporting on something someone said to me many years ago. That's how audiences will feel if your members repeat things they've read instead of experienced.

This article is part of a series on openings which appears in SpeakerFrippNews. To subscribe to SpeakerFrippNews visit: http://www.fripp.com/newsletter.html
Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE is a San Francisco-based executive speech coach, sales trainer, and award-winning professional speaker on Change, Customer Service, Promoting Business, and Communication Skills. She is the author of Get What You Want!, Make It, So You Don't Have to Fake It!, and Past-President of the National Speakers Association. She can be reached at: PFripp@Fripp.com, 1-800 634-3035, http://www.fripp.com
We offer this article on a nonexclusive basis. You may reprint or repost this material as long as Patricia Fripp's name and contact information is included. PFripp@Fripp.com, 1-800 634-3035, http://www.fripp.com

Creating A More Powerful Speech

By John Kinde,
Observational Humorist and Fripp Friend

If you want to improve a speech, you need to record it so you can analyze it. This means making an audio recording, or better yet a video recording. And also making a manuscript of what you actually delivered to a live audience. Then you're able to do an in-depth review of your speech content, structure and delivery.

Thanks to technology, recording your talk is getting easier. Good-quality digital recorders are fairly inexpensive. I use an Olympus Digital Recorder. It's small. It records for many hours.

One button starts and stops it. It easily loads the recorded data into your computer's hard drive. For best results, also get a lapel microphone.
Should you decide to video record your program, you'll have the additional benefit of being able to watch your physical delivery.

When I review a speech, I like to use the process which I call Focused-Replay. I choose a specific area of delivery and attempt to focus exclusively on that area while listening. Then I replay the recording and focus on another area. For example I might focus on:

Rate of speech Pitch of voice Volume variety Effective pauses Use of force and energy If I were evaluating my performance on a short 5 minute speech, I'd replay the whole speech for each area of focus. If it were a one-hour speech, I might just play a five-to-ten-minute segment of the speech. If I discovered that that segment was totally lacking in the element I was looking for, I'd listen to more.

I'd also examine the audience response to the humor. Did they laugh where I expected? Did they laugh in places I didn't expect? What were the funniest lines? Which lines bombed? What was the laughter response ratio (amount of laughter as a percentage of total speech time)?

Now that you have a recording of your talk, it's time to create a word-for-word manuscript of exactly what you said. This includes the flaws. You'll need to type out your talk as you listen to it, or hire someone to create a transcript.

Nearly every speech coach I've met highly recommends making a written manuscript of your talk. It gives you the ability to take an in-depth look at what you REALLY said. This isn't often what you planned on saying. Keep in mind that although there may be more than one good way to say something...there is usually only one BEST way of saying something. This process is designed to help you find the most effective way to word your talk.

Read the manuscript and examine:

Your opening Your closing Your transitions Your stories Your humor On paper, it's easier to analyze the structure of your humor. Look for the placement of your punchlines. Remember that the punchword almost always goes at the end of a humor sequence. Patricia Fripp also points out that even non-joke lines have a punch word. If you're making a serious point, identify the most critical word or phrase and see if it has more impact when placed last. It probably does. For example if you said, "We can save $100,000 by moving our warehouse closer to the airport;" it would probably be more effective to say, "Moving our warehouse closer to the airport would save us $100,000." The key point, the punchline, would be the savings. It's easier to examine the punchline structure in writing that it is to listen to the talk.

Next, with multi-colored highlighters, read through the entire talk and highlight the humor in yellow. Mark the stories in red. Highlight the learning points in green. Identify the opening and closing segments in blue. This will give you a colorful map of your talk to see, at a glance, the balance of stories, humor and learning points. You'll also visually see how much time you devote to your opening and close.

Avoid the temptation to just "wing it" when you're giving a talk. Doing the deep analytical work will produce a better and more memorable speech. The top pros find that they never outgrow the need to analyze their talks. And that's why they find themselves at the top.

John Kinde provides Keynote Programs on humor, teambuilding and customer service. He also presents workshops and coaching on humor, presentation skills, and improv skills for business. John is the author of a series of audio and video learning tapes. You will find humor skills articles at www.HumorPower.com.http://www.HumorPower.com This article from John Kinde's online publications is used with his permission .

John Kinde's HumorPower — Energizing and Empowering Programs! JohnKinde@aol.com — (702) 263-4363HumorPowerTips newsletter; tips on empowering your life with humor. Subscribe by visiting www.HumorPower.com
Learning materials on speaking http://www.fripp.com/publicspeakingresources/index.shtml
Patricia Fripp's Speaking Schools http://fripp.com/speakingschool.html
Learn more about Patricia Fripp & Larry Wilde's The Gift of Laughter: Dialogues With Great Comedians; this CD set features the humor secrets and actual voices of great comedians such as: Woody Allen, Jack Benny, Milton Berle, Shelley Berman, Joey Bishop, George Burns, Johnny Carson, Maurice Chevalier, Phyllis Diller, Jimmy Durante, Dick Gregory , Bob Hope, George Jessel, Jerry Lewis, Danny Thomas, and Ed Wynn.

How To Make Your Professional Speaking More Professional

By Elias Maseko

With professional speaking supporting this verbal message is the message you send with using the tone of voice. The tone of voice has the ability to liven up your topic. Emphasize highlighted points with excitement and enthusiasm. A quiet, somber tone of voice can bring seriousness to identifying problems you present when you present your solution. A loud, booming voice can emphasize definitive statements.

The environment that you hold your presentation in impacts your message as well. The room itself can be a distraction and you can lose your focus and worse yet, you can lose the attention of your audience. Details like the room temperature (too cold, too warm) or noisy traffic (beeping horns and emergency vehicle sirens) may seem like they are out of your control, but you do have some control. Other environmental considerations include the appearance of the room. Is it professional? Is it warm and cozy? Does it enhance the message you want to convey or does it take away from it? It behooves you to minimize as much as possible all of these types of distractions from your presentation.

As a professional speaker, everything you do the minute you walk into the room sets the tone for your message. Without even speaking one word, you can determine just how many people you will reach because their engagement to your message depends on you; not on them. You can have a great topic to speak on and great presentation skills, but without communication the passion you have about your topic, none of it really matters!

Relate to your audience. Relating to your audience goes beyond just speaking to them. It encompasses everything from the greeting you give, the way you dress and your tone of voice you use to address them. Part of relating to your audience means knowing who they are and what appeals to them. You’ll have to research beforehand who your audience members are. If you do this, you’ll be positioning yourself to be more relatable to them.

Achieving success

The real success of every presentation is leaving your audience with something of value. What do they get out of spending time in your presentation? Many people believe that they need natural brilliance in speaking well and presenting well. The believe that they need to be polished, smart, witty and charming all before they actually start to build a speech. Those attributes can come naturally, but most often, they come as a result of passion, knowledge and practice of the speaker’s material.

To give your audience something of value, focus on them not on you. Telling your personal testimony is great, but eventually during your presentation, you’ve got to find a way to relate your presentation back to your audience. One rule of thumb concerning this area is to use 10 “you’s” for every one “I”. That means you’ll talk less about yourself and talk more about your audience.
Your professional speaking portfolio

Successful marketing - Ensures that you are on the path to becoming a successful professional speaker. It also presents you as a professional and an established leader in your field. Create your portfolio and get to marketing yourself today!

Speaker biography (bio) - highlight certifications and qualifications in your 2 -3 paragraph narrative. Each paragraph should be about 2-3 sentences long and should tell give bureaus and planners an idea of who you are and what you’re about. This bio may also be used as part of the advertisement of the speaking engagement and may be shortened to a short paragraph. You should also send a picture of yourself.

Contact information - include information on the various ways that speaker bureaus and meeting planners can get in touch with you should they decide to hire you.

Let's get more information by checking out education information online plus also get access to early childhood education.