Get to know your sound guy and be nice to him or her.

It doesn't happen all the time, but he did mention occasions where people cuss in his face, insult his intelligence, or question his work ethic all because a microphone isn't working for one second during a rehearsal or the last second additional request isn't done instantaneously. It's unbelievable.

I’ve found that sound guys for the most part are my best friends  when I show up at an engagement. I'm blown away by how many times they've helped me out at the last second when communication of my AV needs never quite got to them or the client wants me to do another session requiring additional setup. These guys work behind the scenes, making me look good. Most of them have really cool stories, describing their days working for a popular band, their days working on a film, or even their days volunteering abroad."

Read more..

Top tweets from the National Speakers Association Convention 2010

"The annual National Speakers Association Convention was held July 17 -20, 2010 at the Orlando World Center Marriott.

Over 1,500 professional speakers met for the four days and attended a series of main stage keynotes, break out sessions and informal workshops

Attendees generated over 4,300 tweets under the hashtag #nsa10. 3,100 of these were posted by 526 contributors during the week of the conference."

206 Top Tweets from #nsa10:

Measure your stage fright

A simple and fairly short stage fright quiz so you can score yourself on exactly how petrified you might be to go on stage. ACK! That doesn't sound like fun. But here it is.

DMstagefright

Sales Call in Form: A sales tool for speakers, trainers, bureaus and event coordinators.

Our office receives approximately two to seven leads a day for motivational speakers, trainers or consultants. Years ago, when the office started to get really busy, we  found we were sometimes unable to effectively follow up on our sales leads. Key information about the event, the client or what type of program they were looking for would end up missing from the emails and (back then) message pads memos from whomever answered the phone.

Ideally, the person who answers the phone would be able to start a new contact in the database, remember to ask all the important questions and type in accurate notes. In reality, this system normally only works well when you have the same person answering the phone all the time, business is slow, the calendar is sparse and your offerings are minimal.

Our customer relations specialist came up with a brilliant form that virtually anyone answering the phone would be able to use to successfully get all the information they needed from a potential new client calling in with inquiries. Once all the information is gathered it can be entered into the database and the lead passed on to the appropriate person. Below is an example of the original form we created. It has been expanded AND simplified over the years but this example should give you a good started point! Enjoy!

How speakers can effectively use the internet and social media.

Excerpts from: Link by Link and Tweet by Tweet by John Zimmer

The Internet is an omnipresent and indispensable feature in the lives of millions. Used wisely, it can enhance our public speaking skills.At first blush, this might seem counter-intuitive as public speaking takes place in front of people, not a screen. But there are numerous ways in which the Internet can help.

I've seen the Internet effectively used at the National Speakers Association break out sessions to demonstrate the effective use of websites and social media. However, I'm curious about it's other uses. In my experience a talented speaker must choose any visual aid carefully. Visual aids when used properly can add to a presentation, but for the most part they tend to distract the audience and speakers tend to rely to heavily on the visual aid to do their job for them, resulting in a fairly boring presentation.

Breaking Down Borders
National borders are not even speed bumps on the Internet. Through social networking, I stay in touch with my friends and exchange advice on different public speaking matters. For example, through Google Documents – a platform that allows people to collaborate on a single document – I and other District 59 members were able to help the District’s 2009 International Speech Contest winner, Peter Zinn. When Peter worked on drafts of speeches in preparation for last year’s Inter-District contest at the Convention, we were able to give him feedback on those drafts.

It's understandable that Google Documents could help with speech preparation but I'd like to see an example of how they could contribute to an actual speech.  

You Too Can YouTube
To become a better public speaker, there is no substitute for practice. Nevertheless, watching videos of other speakers is a great way to pick up techniques and ideas. In this regard, youtube.com is a goldmine. Search “Toastmasters” or “speech” and you will have enough viewing material for weeks. You can also post your own videos. Another excellent site for speakers is TED.com where you can watch some of the most fascinating speeches on a variety of topics.

This tip is also about speech preparation and presentation skills. Watching other speakers' videos can be helpful, but I would caution about overdoing it. There is something to be said for developing your own unique style through trial and error and personal coaching. Sometimes watching others too often can leave you feeling discouraged and rob you of your authentic style. However, posting videos of yourself speaking is an excellent idea as long as the footage is you at your best and after you have been doing this for awhile. It can be a great marketing tool once you already are a proficient speaker.

I've seen YouTube video used in presentations for humor and demonstrations of an idea. As long as it is not overused and the segments are short, this can be a good tool that adds to a speakers impact.

Of Links and Tweets
The Internet is very much a two-way street. People no longer go online just to get information; they want to contribute. Thus has the Internet become the biggest social networking forum on the planet. Two sites that I use regularly are LinkedIn.com and twitter.com.

LinkedIn has hundreds of public speaking groups. As a member, you can participate in online discussions about speaking issues, ask questions or seek advice, post notices of public speaking events, look for work or a speaking engagement, and much more.

With Twitter, you can follow (and be followed by) thousands of people around the world. Messages are exchanged in real time, 140-character bursts. You can group the people you follow any way you like. Thus, I have a group for people who “tweet” about public speaking. Through Twitter, I share and receive public speaking tips and links to interesting articles.

Great tips for getting connected with social media, especially with people in your field of interest. There is some controversy over whether it is a good or bad thing if people tweet when you are speaking. It really depends on if they are tweeting about YOU..or not.  If possible, it is a good idea to display your twitter address so that the audience can see it. That way if they are going to twitter while you speak, hopefully they will mention you! 

Blah, Blah, Blog
A year ago, I decided to try blogging and created mannerofspeaking.org – a blog devoted to public speaking issues. The experience has been rewarding. I have readers from around the world and feel that through my blog – which is a mix of serious and light articles on public speaking – I am able to give back something to others. My blog is linked to my LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook accounts so my posts appear there as well.

It has been said that a blog is like a shark – it has to keep moving or it will die. For those considering starting a blog (on whatever topic), you must be committed to (1) posting quality content that people will want to read and (2) posting regularly.

Great blogging advise for speakers or anyone else! 

Pay it forward
I have two pieces of advice for anyone about to embark on a social networking foray of their own.

First, do not spread yourself thin. There are thousands of social networking sites and new ones appear every day. It is virtually – pun partially intended – impossible to join them all and maintain a meaningful presence. There are not enough hours in the day and who wants to be anchored to a computer? Be selective and focus on a few sites.

Generally what words in real life networking also applies to online networking. Don't be a bore who constantly talks about themselves. But talk enough about yourself so that people know who you are and get a feel for your personality. Be helpful, interesting and polite..or not..if that is part of what is working for you :)

I still am left wondering about the effective uses of the Internet and social media for speakers "during a presentation" and would love to hear your ideas. Some that I've had experience with are using internet technology for webcast or audiocast, gotomeeting.com etc.

15 tips for public speaking.

1. Gratitude is always the best place to begin.
   Any and every gig is an honour. Thank the host, and thank the audience for the possible mountains they moved to show up and listen to you.
   
   
2. Being prepared is an act of love. And intelligence.
   Even if you can improv with the best of them, do a complete run through in advance, and a written key points list of your talk. I like to do a verbal run through in the tub the day before (the tub is my second office, really,) and I do a key points list the morning of the event.
   
   
3. Lead with your best stuff.
   Make an entrance. Put forth your Big Point right away. Start with your best story, your funniest joke, your guiding theory. Don't make them wait to see you shine. Grab 'em from the get-go.
   
   
4. Know who you're talking to.
   A co-presenter and I gave a talk to a group of underprivileged single moms. My co-presenter talked about shopping at Tiffany's and Saks. They turned on us. It was ugly. Along this same line…
   
   
5. Research your audience.
   Guy Kawasaki is great at this. At a presentation in Vancouver last year, he sported a Vancouver Canucks jersey, made some good jokes about the event organizers, and told some personal stories that related to the organization's mission.
   
   
6. Actively respect your audience.
   A playwright friend of mine commented on an actor's performance: "You could tell she didn't like the character that she was playing. And you've always got to find something to love about who you're playing to make it real." Same goes for your audience. You won't always be presenting or pitching to your tribe, to people you "like"—find the common ground and put your love there.
   
   
7. Never, ever admit to fatigue.
   I heard a very popular author open his talk, to a packed theatre, with "I'm quite tired, I've been on the road for a few days." Instant downer. It made us feel guilty for keeping him up past his bedtime, or ticked that we spent $50 to hear a jet-lagged psychologist. I've done gigs on two hours of sleep, in the middle of a professional tragedy, stoned on Sinutab. You get up there and you SMILE, no matter what. You can collapse when you get off stage.
   
   
8. Stay in the lead as long as you're on stage.
   A few weeks ago I was speaking to a ballroom of university business students at The Four Seasons Hotel. As I was leaving the stage, a woman at the back of the room raised her hand. I'd just handed back my mic, but I gestured to take her question. She proceeded to tell me that I was dressed like a slob and not setting a good example to the students about personal branding. Not kidding. (And I looked HOT, BTW.) You could have heard a pin drop. Heckled! First time for everything.
   
   "And how have you come to be here tonight?" I asked her. I figured she sneaked in. She mumbled something about being a mentor, and then she made a dash for the door, carrying her various tattered shopping bags. "Well," I said to the stunned audience. "Now you have an example of what elegant is and what elegant isn't. Andthat's branding." I didn't exhale until I got in my car.
   
   
9. Plan your finish.
   Wrapping up can be the hardest part of a talk because you've either used up all of your good stuff, you've gone over time, or you have space to fill. Hold on to your closing gold nugget so you can leave on a high note either way.
   
   
10. Believe that people are rooting for you.
    It's vastly true that every single person watching and listening to you wants you to be amazing. They want a great experience. No one likes to see someone bomb. They really do want you to win.
    
    
11. Go easy on the apologies.
    This is a tricky one, because elegance is the numero uno concerno. But things like, "Sorry to keep you waiting," "My apologies for the technical snafu," can create more snags in your fabric. Sometimes, most of the time, it's better to just keep going. An ice skater doesn’t apologize for slipping. She keeps skating, distracting you with the next great move.
    
    
12. Dress up.
    When you're on stage being well dressed says, "I cared about you enough to polish it up." Sunday best.
    
    
13. Affirm, pray, focus, ommm.
    Whether it's a staff meeting you're leading or a concerto performance, a short pre-show ritual pulls your energy into your center. Before I take the stage I say this quickie prayer, "Help us shine." That's it. That covers me, the audience, and the world in one fell swoop.
    
    
14. Ask questions.
    Frame your stories into questions and you've created a conversation.
    
    
15. Know how you want to feel when you're done your presentation.
    Ultimately, you can't really control what the audience does and if try to, you're likely to fumble. I've had what I thought were hilarious stories that didn't get so much as a giggle. And I've had low-engagement audiences that swarmed me after I got off stage. You just don't know.
    
    What you can aim for is how you want to feel. And when you anchor into that feeling, your energy gathers a momentum and you get into the magical flow. When I leave the auditorium, I want to feel like I connected, like I was divinely feminine, and innovative--on my personal edge. And if I did my best to be those things, than I can sleep well, even if I forgot to say thank you, or I tripped over a speaker, or got heckled by a bag lady.

PS...
All-important style tips:

Ladies

• Wear a good bra. You know, 80% of women are wearing the wrong fit of bra, right? Well, when that happens on stage, it's tragic. While we're on the topic...
• Tits up. You heard me. Lift your girls up and your entire posture changes.
• False eyelashes. Don’t be afraid of them. When you're being photographed, the small touch of glam can give you just the right amount of voom voom.
• Always have a back up outfit.
• High heels are a must. Because, it's not how you feel, it's how you tower.

Gentlemen:

• Shave. A 5 o'clock shadow looks great when you roll over in the morning, but in the spotlight or on camera, you do not look suave, you look like a bum. Or like George Michael in 1991.
• The pants. It's all about excellent fitting pants. Get a tailor.

Tip on how to become a professional Speaker

By George Torok, Professional Speaker www.Torok.com 905-335-1997

If you are thinking of becoming a professional speaker and you want to know where to start, then I offer you the same advice that helped me launch my speaking business many years ago.

The speaking business is not a get rich quick scheme. There are exceptions. If you are a past president of the United States, a recent Olympic Gold Medalist or an airline pilot who just landed your plane on the Hudson River then you can grab some quick and ready cash as a professional speaker. But, beware that your cache might fade quickly.

Here are the four nuggets of advice that I was told and followed to get started into the professional speaking business. My early benefactor of advice and encouragement was Fraser McAllan.

Don’t quit your day job yet

If you still have a job – keep it for awhile. Positive cash flow reduces stress and helps you make better business decisions. Cash on hand makes it easier for you to make the strategic investments in yourself and your business. Starting a new business usually means going through a period or two of negative cash flow. A successful entrepreneur who made the transition from the corporate world gave me similar advice. She said, “When you go solo have enough money in the bank to live for the first year.”

I started and operated my speaking business part time for two years while working at my corporate job. Evenings, weekends and vacations were for building the business. When I left the corporate world my business was generating enough revenue to be viable.

Get good at the craft of speaking

If you want to be a speaker you must learn how to present well. It might be a great insight, story or experience that gets you started. But if you want it to last at some point your paying audiences will expect you to get better.

Public speaking is a skill – not a talent. Don’t rely on talent. Don’t wing it. Learn the principles of presenting, practice your presentations and get coaching. You might take a course or seminar on presentation skills to start.

Toastmasters offers an effective low cost alternative to developing your presentation skills. Toastmasters is the largest and longest running non-profit organization that develops presentation skills for its members.

At some point you will need to work directly with one or more presentation coaches.

Read everything you can find on presentation skills. Watch TV, movies and theatre from the perspective of observing the presentation skills of the actors. Study them from the point of what works and why.

Speak as often as you can

Speak – speak – speak. If you want to be a paid professional speaker you will need to speak a lot – even if it is for free. Why? Two reasons. One, you need the experience and two, people need to see you to appreciate you.

While speaking you might discover that material you thought was wonderful didn’t go over so well with that audience. Don’t throw it out. Instead ask why that didn’t work so well. What might you do to adapt it?

In the beginning you might need to beg for opportunities to speak. Start with the groups that you know or who know you. Volunteer to speak for the associations that you are or have been a member of. It might be the monthly chapter meetings or the annual conference. Accept anything in the beginning. And always deliver your best presentation.

Offer to speak more at your job and in your volunteer work. Get known as “the speaker”. Offer to introduce other speakers, chair a meeting or MC a panel discussion.

There are thousands of associations that meet every month that need a guest speaker. That could be you. For example, Rotary groups meet every week and need a speaker every time. They often invite guest speakers. I spoke to many Rotary groups while developing my speaking business.

Ask for referrals and testimonials from every presentation you deliver.

Become known as an expert

Speakers are a dime a dozen. Lots of people are willing to speak for no money. Some of them are even fairly good at speaking. If you want to make real money as a speaker you must be known as an expert.

Perhaps you already know what that expertise is. Perhaps you need to do some research. If you want to be a professional paid speaker then your expertise must be something that the market is willing to pay for.

And it’s not enough to be an expert. You must be known and valued as an expert by your target market.

There are three strategies to boost your reputation as an expert:

• Speak on the topic of your expertise
• Write and publish
• Appear in the media

You can make these strategies work if you follow a focused system for each. Do all three. Each is important.

That’s the advice I received when I started in the speaking business and I offer it to you here freely.

Good luck in your speaking business.



George Torok
Bestselling Author – Professional Speaker – Radio talk show host

PS: My mentor Peter Urs Bender said, “The speaking business is the easiest business to get into and it is the hardest to survive in.”

PPS: Time management expert and speaking colleague Harold Taylor said, “If you want to be successful in this business, stay in it for 20 years.”

© George Torok, Professional Speaker www.Torok.com 905-335-1997