The Public Speaking Resource: Keynote Speakers, Motivational Speakers, Professional Speake

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

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:10:00 +0000

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."

Top tweets from the National Speakers Association Convention 2010

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:04:00 +0000

"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

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:58:00 +0000

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.

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:24:00 +0000

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.

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 28 May 2010 21:04:00 +0000

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.

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:55:00 +0000

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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dress up.
When you're on stage being well dressed says, "I cared about you enough to polish it up." Sunday best.
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.
Ask questions.
Frame your stories into questions and you've created a conversation.
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

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:16:00 +0000

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

Opinion: How to be a Motivational Speaker

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Wed, 26 May 2010 18:55:00 +0000

Opinionated article on how to be a motivational speaker by non conformist Chris Guillebeau.

I recently met with a guy who’s trying to become a motivational speaker. He’s a good guy with good things to say.

But the thing is… how should I put it… the whole motivational speaker branding doesn’t give a good first impression. It’s old-school at the best of times, and just plain awkward the rest of the time.

And yet, we all enjoy motivation and inspiration. I read Runner’s World every month not because I need any help running (nothing much changes in the world of running from month to month) but because of the inspiring profiles they print. You’ve got the woman who lost 300 pounds by jogging three times a week, the blind guy who ran a marathon with his son, and so on. I’m a sucker for an inspiring story.

So motivation is good—it’s just the branding of motivation that’s awkward. What’s to be done? My friend Colleen, AKA The Great Communicatrix, explained it best one day while we were hanging out in Austin a while back:

You can’t just BE A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER. No one likes that shit. What you should do is BE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING. Show up and talk about something you give a damn about. Your passion will be motivational in itself.

I think Colleen’s right. If you want to be a speaker, you can go to Toastmasters meetings and learn how you are supposed to hold your hands, the right way to make eye contact with the audience, and so on. But I think it’s better to live an active life and figure out what you’re really passionate about. Then, talk about that.

You’ll get better as you go along. If you give a talk and forget something, if you say um or you know too much, if you break some kind of “rule” of speaking protocol, people will get over it.

It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to improve on the technical things. It just means that the message is more important than the presentation. Between passion and presentation, passion wins every time.

“Motivational speakers” try to manufacture motivation, and this doesn’t usually work. Colleen’s way (the better way) is to introduce your passion to the world around you instead. The right kind of passion is both infectious and contagious. Motivation made easy!

How do you want to change the world? Why not take that thing with you everywhere you go?

Get that right first. Then, even if you’re only talking to one person, you just might be a motivational speaker.

The Art of Non-Conformity � How to Be a Motivational Speaker

The Importance of Influencing an Audiences First Impression

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:10:00 +0000

I have always felt a little bit guilty about watching a person speak and thinking to myself later that I had a feeling they were going to be "great" or just knew they were going to "bore me to tears". I like to think of myself as an open minded person who waits to read the book before making a judgement call. And yet, I find I do it all the time anyhow. Here is a bit of information for professional speakers on how you can help to influence this tendency that audience members tend to have in order to maximize likability, attention and effectiveness by Dr. Jim Anderson.

We’ve always been taught that the opening of a speech is the most critical part of any speech because it is at that time that you have everyone’s attention and they are trying to make up their minds as to whether or not to listen to you. However, researchers are now telling us that that decision is being made even earlier.

In fact, the audience started making up their minds about you as you got up and started moving towards the podium. What happens is that everyone makes a first impression about you upon seeing that you are the speaker (yeah, I know it’s not right, but it’s what we all do so get over it) and then that first impression is used to interpret everything that you do after that. continue..

Lessons Learned From National Speakers Association Convention 2010 | The Creative Penn

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:53:00 +0000

This year, I have committed to become a Member of National Speaker’s Association, which means I have to do a certain number of paid speaking engagements and also receive a number of testimonials. I believe that being able to speak publicly is a key skill for successful authors so focusing on improving speaking skills is high on my list of goals.
Last weekend, I went to the National Speaker’s Association Australia Convention on the Gold Coast. Here are some of the highlights from the lessons I learnt and also some of the people I met along the way. National Speaker’s is packed full of amazing and inspirational people, and you can learn a hell of a lot about business and marketing, as well as speaking skills. I highly recommend the organisation which has chapters all over the world.
Continue..

How to turn audience feedback into cash for professional speakers

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:53:00 +0000

The keynote speaker I work for, Garrison Wynn, just spoke to a military client about leadership. We partnered with a keynote speakers bureau for this event who sent us the audience feedback for Garrison's performance. Although the feedback from Garrison's keynotes are often very similar to what I have posted below, occasionally we get what I call "a golden opportunity to learn how to make more money". Speakers moan and groan about "these golden money making opportunities" but I enjoy helping them to see the HUGE value. Any negative comment AT ALL ...no matter what the source, reason, or excuse..is extremely valuable. It should be embraced and put up on a pedestal. ! Seriously!

I would NEVER recommend for a speaker to take every piece of criticism to heart because they would end up being the most mediocre, vanilla, milk toast, boring person ever. (Trying to please everyone leaves you with nothing interesting at all..snore). However, I HIGHLY recommend that every speaker take the time (when they are in a good place and can put their ego aside) to look at every critique, no matter how insignificant, and determine if making an adjustment in that area can ultimately make them more valuable to the client and to the bureau. Knowing successful speakers the way I do, this may be best undertaken when they are surrounded with a group of very supportive people, don't have to give a keynote for a few days, and have just come off a good run.

Below are the audience comments from Garrison's leadership keynote.

Excellent!
Even if all the rest of the speakers for this symposium are duds, this speaker has made it all worthwhile.
Great mix of message and humor!
Very nice delivery. Enjoyed the topic. Very realistic and current. Examples were great. I would like to see him return.
Excellent! Mr. Wynn provided some great insight with an excellent blend of humor. Bring him back again!
Awesome!
Excellent presenter. Time sped by because his information, energy, and engaging presence.
Excellent!
Excellent speaker. He kept my interest and provided excellent and useful information.
Fabulous! Bring him back!
Great speaker.
We need him back to talk to the remainder of the organization.
Great presenter.
Very insightful and very funny! We need more like him. Bring him back!
Excellent! Thought-provoking. Useful.
Very entertaining! Held my attention. He got his message across with humor excellently.
Wonderful session!
This was the best motivational speaker I have heard in a very long time. Very pertinent to everything I have to do as a leader/manager for the Navy.
Excellent presenter with lots of real-life examples provided.
Awesome! Great speaker. Very effective.
Awesome communicator! Good jokes. Funny.
Great speaker. A lot of knowledge. Very impressed.
Great presentation. Interesting mixture of humor and helpful leadership tips.
Great speaker.
Outstanding! Great! Thanks for the words of wisdom.

Becoming A Professional Speaker: How To Start ...

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:19:00 +0000

Becoming A Professional Speaker: How To Start ...:
(Getting your feet wet!)

I found this article today by freelance writer Fred Bergendorff which lays out a pretty solid map on how to become a professional speaker. Although everyone treads their own unique path to this career (with varying degrees of success), I would agree with many of the suggestions in this article. Enjoy the read and I would love to see any comments or additions you might have about this article.

After an initial training period you need to decide what you’re going to speak about. As you see what others are doing, you’ll quickly notice that they are looking for a niche to set them apart from hundreds of other speakers. The bottom line is that in order to succeed you will need to have a topic that in some way shows people how to make more money in one way or the other, or to be more successful generally. This also most often means making money.

At one recent NSA seminar a lady was very pleased with herself because she had come up with an unusual topic of doing a parody of “Winnie The Pooh.” As good as it was it had very little appeal to the business world and a couple of speaking veterans told her so. If she wished to pursue it “for free” and do library readings for children that’s fine but it was unlikely that a company would hire her.

One way or another you need to get your feet wet, so to speak. It is doubtful you’ll be hired right away by a company so many speakers approach service clubs and community groups. They are always looking for speakers and although they don’t pay they provide a platform for learning. And you can get some nice glowing testimonial letters for your marketing portfolio. The next step is to approach small businesses or organizations in your community. It’s all about getting the experience."
by Fred Bergendorff

6 important questions your one sheets must answer | Personal Branding Blog - Dan Schawbel

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:39:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of attending a social media session by Dan Schawbel at last years National Speakers Association's Annual Convention. Although, this is not a social media article, I'm always looking for good information on how keynote speakers market marketing themselves. This article on what to put on your one sheet is especially helpful for those new to the professional speaking business.

To succeed in engaging your prospective host’s interest and selling your speaking services, your one sheets must answer 6 important questions. These are:

Who are you? When an event planner or conference organizer asks who you are, they’re not asking about your name. What they’re really asking is, What’s your brand? What are you known for? How well known are you? They want to know that your name on their event marketing materials and program is going to add attraction-power to their event.
What’s your background? One sheets are not resumes, they’re not about your major or your grade point average. One sheets only require as much background information as needed to convince the event planner that you know what you’re talking about. Photographs of your book, or books, go a long way in terms of creating instant credibility, especially if your book covers are accompanied by testimonials from well know experts in your field.
What topics do you speak about? Even though your personal brand establishes your expertise, event planners and conference organizers need to learn some of the specific topics , or titles, that you can adapt to their event. Ideally, each of your speaking or presentation titles should be accompanied by a short description of the benefits that audiences will gain from your speech or presentation.
What kind of events have you spoken at? Just as no airline passenger wants to be on a pilot’s first flight, event planners and conference organizers are looking for evidence that you are an experienced professional speaker. List some of the key events where you’ve been a key speaker or presenter, and list some of the clients you’ve worked for. Your client list will play a key role in positioning you as a desirable speaker. When appropriate, you can also list the sizes of the audiences that you’ve spoken to.
What have audiences said? Whenever possible, provide attendee comments, quotes, or evaluations to reinforce your expertise as a speaker. If possible, try to provide evidence of changed attitudes or behaviors resulting from your speech or presentation. Look for opportunities where you can document that, for example, 93% of the attendees at your workshop rated your presentation Very Helpful or Helpful.
What have clients or event organizers said? More important than what attendees have said is what your event planner or conference organizer’s peers have said about your presence at previous events. It’s one thing for you to say, I galvanize audiences to action! and quite another when an event organizer from a Fortune 500 corporation says the same thing!"

Hiring a Motivational Speaker for Youth | Youth Speaker

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:38:00 +0000

My daughter attends the NSA Youth Leadership Conference almost every year. The organizers do a fantastic job of choosing speakers who can hold the interest of and also help educate young people. If you are interested in speaking to youth, you will probably find this article interesting.

Hiring a Motivational Speaker for Youth | Youth Speaker: "A motivational speaker for youth audience is not just like any individual, or not just like any speaker for that matter. He is very much acquainted with the right weapons to use against the rebellious customs of young people. He knows how to give off his messages and keep his authority over his audience without being too intimidating. He knows how to catch the hearts of his young audience by connecting to them in such a manner that not everyone can do."

Speaker Arrested - Bad Speaker Ideas

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:15:00 +0000

When considering your program content or exercises, you might want to reject any idea that "forces" a participant to do something, especially something dangerous..like jumping out of a plane, or walking on fire.

Motivational guru' detained in national capital

New Delhi, Feb 19 (PTI) - A 'motivational guru' was detained in the national capital tonight for organizing a program where he allegedly made participants walk on fire, police sources said here.P S Rathore, who claims to be a behavioral trainer and management guru, was conducting his 'Fire Walk Seminar' at FICCI auditorium when police reached the spot and detained him along with an aide at around 8 pm.Rathore allegedly did not have permission to conduct the program and was detained in this connection.Sources said they also received a call that people were being forced to walk on fire.The promotional paper for the program said, "no more suicide, be confident for walk for life, walk on burning coal, burn all phobia and stress of life." Police said they were looking into whether a case can be registered in this connection.

Fear of Public Speaking: Panic, Perception, Passion and Practice

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:50:00 +0000

If you can speak you can improve your public speaking. What is your passion? When you are doing a presentation think about how it will lead you to what makes you happy. Perhaps you could use a story about your favorite hobby to describe what you are trying to say. Relate what you are trying to say with something you are passionate about – or perhaps something your audience is passionate about!

Let’s talk about fear! The fear cycle: How we create it – How we use it – How we lose it?

Nobody lives without fear. Trying to rid yourself of all fear is not only taxing and frustrating but ultimately deprives you of an important source of motivation and energy. I have known professional keynote speakers who have been in the business for a long time and they still feel that adrenaline surge each time just before they go on stage, but they use that energy to improve their performance. Fear causes most of our stress. If you have no fear you are playing it too safe or you are out of touch with your feelings..or maybe dead. Something to think about: Heroes and cowards feel the same fear. The only difference is the action they take.

You succeed by facing your fear. Don’t be afraid of fear: Look the monster in the eye! If you deny it or run from it, it will track you down and torture you in one of its many disguises.

Let’s take a look at the fear cycle

1. Fear exaggerates everything

Imagined consequences: People will walk out or I’ll put them to sleep.
They will not like me: They will think I’m an idiot or an amateur.
They will feel pressure that I’m trying to sell them something and not like me.
Fear run amok destroys confidence.

2. Fear distorts perception

You SEE what you BELIEVE.
Your perceptions are based on your belief system. You look in the front row and everybody looks like the jury that just found you guilty. You see one person look at their watch and you think that NO ONE is interested. Somebody made the mistake of not giving anyone a bathroom break for two hours and you see people getting up to leave right when YOU begin talking.
You see imagined obstacles.

3. The physical response

Heart pounds, mouth dry, palms sweat.
Your larynx tightens, you drop stuff and your voice gets high.

4. The fear response: Freeze or frenzy

You stop and procrastinate or you make fast and bad actions.
You slow down or speed up and your mind starts racing. Most likely you will say “weird stuff” and will wonder later why that came out of your mouth.

5. Thumbs down: Your worst expectations fulfilled

In the midst of fear your performance matches your bad expectations.
Your performance is below your actual ability.
Then the next time you perform you remember your last time and worry even more! It’s not a lack of skill. Fear took control.

How to use the fear of public speaking to your advantage

Use the fear for excitement and energy and channel it into positive action.
Fear is a survival tool not a handicap.
Remember that fear tells lies and lies cause failure!
Stage presence: Commanding attention
Know what your are going to say.
Practice makes polish and polish makes money.
If you have stage presence they will forgive you must anything else.
Do you desire to have attention? Is it important that people pay attention to you when you speak?
What do you think you can do to have people notice you more when you speak?
What do you think people see when they look at you, what do you think you sound like?
Practice talking about your favorite thing.
Practice letting your passion out
Don’t be Mr. Meek, Mr. Fake or Mr. Boring. Be yourself – only LARGER

Finding your voice: Where does it go?

Try talking as loudly as you can and then back down to a natural level.
Practice theater style warm ups like saying over and over as fast as you can: red-leather-yellow-leather or you know you need unique New York.
Everybody is charming: somebody somewhere thinks your charming (your mother at least).
Let’s talk about ourselves: “Enough about me, what do you think of me?”: Remember that no matter how interesting YOU are, the audience is always going to be more interested in themselves!
Get feedback from practicing: Ask friends, family, co-workers and especially a coach if you have the opportunity to work with one.

Do you have to be funny?

No! you have to be sincere If you really want people to respond when you speak, speak from the heart, speak with passion. When you speak with passion you are a lot more likely to be funny charming and touch an emotional chord. Talk about real stuff.
What’s Funny?: Words that have K sounds, short stories, making fun of yourself .
Praise people’s ability and honor them, listen and look for the similarities
Be yourself! People are attracted to people who are themselves, plain and simple.

Let’s go over the specific techniques: Make it happen

Never talk with your back to a window.
Never talk when people are eating.
Get all the information you can about your audience.
Lower your voice to make an important point and look people in the eye.
Tell stories that describe your information (True stories are best).
Give wisdom from your point of view.
Do your best not to say anything anyone has ever said.
Repeat important points: Use call backs.
Make good use of natural hand gestures: Don’t point at the audience.
Remember to channel fear into energy .
Enjoy the attention!
Each point you make should have three parts: Say what you are going to say, say it and then tell them what you said. Don’t worry about the audience being impressed with you, let them be impressed by what they can do with your information.
Memorize your introduction: It should include: Your topic, why your topic is important to the audience and speaker qualifications.
Be real, be yourself, tell the truth.

The structure of your speech

The first and last 30 seconds of your speech will have the most impact.
Answer the questions that keep CEO’s up at night: It’s not their job to remember you. What have you done today to make them remember you?
An intro is meant to get their attention. Memorize your intro.
Back Ground : What are you going to talk about
Body: Cover 3 points or one central point that everything relates back to.
Using a point-story-point format is very effective.
Conclusion: Summarize so that they understand where they have been and what they got from it.

Practice: What professional speakers do

Hone your skills in front of a mirror, if you have to memorize information, do it one sentence at a time, get in front of a real audience as much as possible practice in the car.
Fear tells lies but YOU don’t need to. Remember to tell yourself: I am an interesting person and I have good information
Practice makes polish and polish makes money.

Research and Markets: Public Speaking & Presentation Skills for Environmental Lawyers

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:10:00 +0000

I ran across this webinar advertisement today for lawyers looking to improve their speaking and presentation skills. Actually, I think this could be a beneficial webinar for anyone who depends upon these skills for earning a living. Considering the target audience for this webinar, I think it is reasonable priced at just under $300.00. Although, I would expect them to deliver a great deal of advanced information for the money.

Research and Markets: Public Speaking & Presentation Skills for Environmental Lawyers: "In Public Speaking & Presentation Skills for Environmental Lawyers, the analyst examines specific tips and tricks used by the worlds best speakers and leading environmental lawyers that are guaranteed to enhance your impact the next time you give a client presentation or speech, lead a discussion with colleagues, or even want to steer the conversation a specific way with clients or opposing counsel. Take the 60 minutes to view this webinar (on your computer, mobile phone, iPod or printed out) to learn specific ways to be a more effective speaker and communicator as an environmental lawyer.

Upon ordering, we will email you a link to download the webinar for viewing on your computer, mobile media device (iPod/iPhone, Blackberry), or printed out. The downloaded files will include the PowerPoint presentation, audio narration and jpeg images of the slides (for watching on your mobile media device)."

How To Conquer Public Speaking Fear

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:11:00 +0000

I've been fascinated with the subject of "stage fright" the last few weeks and have been doing some research on what factors influence the fear of public speaking and how professional speakers or entertainers experience or handle this fear. Do they experience it at all? Did they conquer it? Do they find a way to use it to their benefit? I'm going to be posting a few articles and links on the subject that I find interesting of helpful to those who suffer from the fear of public speaking and want to learn how the pros "do it".

Author of "The 14 Day Stress Cure" Morton C. Orman, M.D. gives us 11 hidden causes of Public Speaking Stress and 10 Key Principles to Always Keep in Mind.

Review Of 11 Hidden Causes Of Public Speaking Stress

Thinking that public speaking is inherently stressful (it's not).
Thinking you need to be brilliant or perfect to succeed (you don't).
Trying to impart too much information or cover too many points in a short presentation.
Having the wrong purpose in mind (to get rather than to give/contribute).
Trying to please everyone (this is unrealistic).
Trying to emulate other speakers (very difficult) rather than simply being yourself (very easy).
Failing to be personally revealing and humble.
Being fearful of potential negative outcomes (they almost never occur and even when they do, you can use them to your advantage).
Trying to control the wrong things (e.g., the behavior of your audience).
Spending too much time overpreparing (instead of developing confidence and trust in your natural ability to succeed).
Thinking your audience will be as critical of your performance as you might be.

Review of 10 Key Principles To Always Keep In Mind

#1---Speaking in Public is NOT Inherently Stressful#2---You Don't Have to be Brilliant or Perfect to Succeed#3---All You Need is Two or Three Main Points#4---You also Need a Purpose That is Right for the Task#5---The Best Way to Succeed is NOT to Consider Yourself a Public Speaker!#6---Humility and Humor Can Go a Long Way#7---When You Speak in Public, Nothing "Bad" Can Ever Happen!#8---You Don't Have to Control the Behavior of Your Audience#9---In General, the More You Prepare, the Worse You Will Do#10--Your Audience Truly Wants You to Succeed

Nick Morgan - Public Speaking Advice and Commentary: Public Words Speaker Forum 2010

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:05:00 +0000

Nick Morgan - Public Speaking Advice and Commentary: Public Words Speaker Forum 2010

Here is an interesting speakers forum that I ran across today and previously never heard of. I plan on becoming more active on this site to help speakers and will be posting more information from outside sources. This should be exciting and helpful for everyone!!!

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:53:00 +0000

I've been known to get so excited over a new viable idea or from reading something that I can't believe an author actually dared to put down on paper, that I drive everyone around me crazy talking about it.

I had a mild case this afternoon when reading Speaker Vernon Cresswell's article on "10 Ways to Save and Make More Money in Business: For Keynote Speakers." It was so much better than the usual junk that I coughed up my coffee and killed my keyboard. I was just hoping that during the "saving money tips" he wasn't going to start yack'n about creating your own website or some other such non-sense. Good news! He did not disappoint. Vernon from South Africa takes us on a journey Texas style. (Must be the wide open BIG spaces we share).

First of all, Vernon appeals to the generation just ahead of mine (which appeals to me! Who actually liked the 80's?) with his use of Paul Simon lyrics as a literary device to give meaning and cohesion to his thoughts. I'm no literary critic; but I think Vernon has done a great job with this article. Here are just a few of the suggestions he brings forth for our consideration:

Slip Out the Back, Jack (Simple ways to save money)

Know your target market. Who are your “ideal” customers?

Get double duty out of any contact with your customers.

Reward your customers. Set up a reward program. (Ginger note: Isn't this cheating?)

Get involved in your community.

Make a new plan, Stan (Business Planning Basics)

Beef up your business plan. If you don’t have a business plan, make writing one a priority. Your business plan is more than just a way to interest investors.
(Ginger note: umm..yeah..it is the document you refer to when you wonder what in the hell you are doing and why you decided to do it in the first place.)

Get testimonials from your satisfied clients. But don’t stop there.
(Ginger note: Now this is exciting. I wonder what he will reveal)

Speak up. Again, keeping in mind who your ultimate ideal customers are and what their most pressing problems are, write an article, offer a free seminar, or offer to be a speaker at local chamber of commerce or other organization or community meetings.
(Ginger note: I love this! Asking speakers to speak up! You would think it would be a no brainer..but speakers are surprisingly self conscious and slow to start yapping at times..)

Just hop on the bus, Gus (Expand your business potential)

Create joint ventures. Even if your primary business is a brick and mortar one, you can still create a joint venture that will help you save money by sharing the costs for advertising.
(Ginger note: Is he really saying this out loud? I thought I just had to make and sell product? ..geeezz ;) This is the secret to many a successful speaker's larger business venture. Shhhh..don't say i told you. This idea is actually much larger than it is presented here..but you get the idea.)

Just drop off the key, Lee (Provide the key solutions)

Let your customers know you know what their problems are. It’s sad but true that your customers don’t care how good your products or services are. They only want to know two things: do you understand what their problems are; and can you solve them. Give your customers the “key” to their problems, and you’ll have evangelistic customers who come back again and again.
(Ginger note: A conclusion that keynote speaker Garrison Wynn has also come to during his research on what the top 1% do differently. Vernon should call Garrison and collaborate. Great ideas! )

Vernon goes into detail with great ideas such as:

Get testimonials from your satisfied clients. But don’t stop there. What about creating your own television commercial that you can run in your store? (With a video camera and a little ingenuity, you could even create your own infomercial that shows customers how to use or get the most out of your products or services. If you’ve got a Website, put an audio testimonial on there. (And don’t forget to include pictures). Keynote Speaker: 10 Ways to Save and Make More Money in Business Self Health Loops

Here is a direct link to Vernon's site http://www.vernoncresswell.co.za/ . By the way folks, This is a GREAT example of a well designed and branded site! Look at the way his designer blended his love of animals and use of them in his materials (also the outback speaker idea) with a professional image. They managed to pull it off without making him look like "hokey animal speaker dude." Vernon..I hope you paid them well because they did a great job. Also notice how Vernon's picture blends well with his background. He looks honest, approachable and sincere without being boxed in with a square photo and some horrible background. Too bad they couldn't have photoshoped Vernon into riding the elephant..(just kidding..over the top).

This article is definitely aimed at speakers who already have a a substantial career but it should be a good read for anybody interested in public speaking.

Speaker One Sheet: Preliminary Planning

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:52:00 +0000

The goal of your one sheet (also known as a a onesheet, onepage, one page, one pager, promotional sheet, etc) is to present a visual representation of you, your topic(s) and what you will deliver to an audience—in a condensed, easy to disseminate format. Your one page is about YOU the speaker and your presentation, not your company or a sales piece on the services your company offers.

A one sheet should:

Be visually appealing and professional
Give the reader an impression of what the audience will "feel" when you speak
Generate interest in you, your topic and what is unique and special about your presentation
Show value and results
Provide credibility
Provide a way to contact you or your bureau for additional information
Be only one page. (one or two sided)
Be printed professionally on high quality paper and you need to have an online PDF version. The online version is becoming the most important these days. But some people still request hard copies.

Traditional elements of a one sheet:

Biography (What qualifies you to speak)
Topic (s) The title and short description of your presentation(s)
Contact Information: Yours and a bureau friendly version
Testimonials: Social proof
Statement to generate interest to target market (s)
Brief information on your unique spin and core concept
Partial list of clients: Provide credibility and recognition

You will need to collect the following documents and information for your designer. Unless you ARE a designer, please have a professional design your one sheet. It would be beneficial if your designer has experience designing promotional materials for speakers and/or entertainers AND if you use the same designer for your all or most of your marketing materials so that you have a unified look and feel (brand).

Professional quality photo
300 dpi sent electronically or scanned- It would be best to have some head shots and some of what I can "action" or "natural" shots which are pictures that capture your personality, style or brand. Please have the photographer use a white background.
Biography
I recommend having a writer/editor or successful speaker help you with your biography.
Testimonials/Raves
If you are just beginning and do not have any testimonials, start speaking for free and request them. Also, You do not have to use the entire testimonial. Often it is best to choose a select portion that highlights a particular point about you.
Examples of previous or current marketing materials
List (partial or full) of Clients

As a designer and coach, here is a list of questions I would provide my clients:

Contact Information
Name Company Phone Fax Cell
Email

Presentation Information (List up to three)
Title
Description
Title
Description
Title
Description

Speaker Information
Name (as it will appear)
Biography (Type or attach)
Contact Number
Contact Fax
Contact Address
Contact Email

Favorite Colors
Colors NOT to use
Appealing themes or images

Circle the concepts below (all that apply) that are part of the image you would like to portray. Add your own if you would like.

Serious corporate identity Fun and exciting Powerful Organization is key Conservative Spiritual Personal Power Innovative Compassionate Strong Technical Feeling oriented WOW Male Speaker Female Speaker Understated Bold and Daring Safe and mainstream In your face Confident Focus on speaker The Future Change Exotic Tranquil Funny Serious and powerful content Subdued Cool

Do you have a phrase you want to add?
Describe two different people who would be perfect audience members for your presentation.
(Age, sex, industry, career, desires, hobbies, prejudices… etc.)
1.
2.
What is your core concept?
What are your critical beliefs?
What problem are you solving for people?
What are you helping them to do?
Do you have a book?
Ask three friends/clients who have seen you speak the top three adjectives to describe your presentation. What are they?
Do you want to target a specific industry?

Please spend some time doing some research online and send me the websites of at least three speaker that you would consider to be your competition. Also, send me at least three speaker web sites that you like and tell me what you like about them. Do the same for three speaker sites you don't like and why.

Platform Skills: Watch Out for Ricky Bobby Hands

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:24:00 +0000

I read an article today about using public speaking and seminars as a form of marketing. Ho hum.. I didn’t discover anything particularly new or enlightening here, but I was inspired by a quote about hand gestures.. of all things.

“Sometimes it’s painful to watch these CEOs being interviewed on TV,” says
author of 129 More Seminar Speaking Success Tips David Portney. “If they only
had just a little bit of speaking training, they would be able to shed the aura
of distrust that they give off.”

"What’s a speaker’s biggest flaw? I have 258 tips between two books that address
a lot of flaws, but the one that many people are guilty of is not using their
hands properly. It’s not always what you say, but how you say it, and a person’s
body language does more to harm or help a person’s message than just about
anything.”

I was reminded of a scene from Talladega Nights: Ricky Bobby’s interview after the race. You know the one. If you don’t, see video below.

So this is what you DON'T want to look like. Some people naturally talk with their hands. If you are naturally "hand talky," just make sure not to be too weird or distracting. People are attracted to speakers with a natural way about them. If you feel comfortable with your hands already, your probably just fine.

Toastmasters is an excellent organization for learning basic presentation skills and honing your craft. A professional speaker friend of mine credits Toastmasters for recognizing his talent at 12 years old and encouraging him to consider a career that involved public speaking.

However, Toastmasters is sometimes too stringent on how you should present yourself. If you adapt to all of it, you could end up stifled and unnatural looking. (It is not too hard to spot a person primarily trained in toastmasters.) People hire speakers who they feel are a good fit for their organization. If you come off like a robot, who are you a fit for?, The National Organization for Robots? Toast masters does a fine job, just remember to keep a balance between skill, poise and a natural style that is definably "you" and compliments your personality.

I put in a call to speaker known for their "larger than life" stage presence for a few tips.

Be yourself, be natural.
Don't hold your palms towards the audience. It looks like your pushing them away.
Avoid overly controlled motions.
Try the confirming finger up in the air but don't point. Pointing at people is even more rude when your up on stage. It is just a bad idea.
If your having trouble, try keeping your non dominant hand in your pocket. If you are only using one hand, you have cut out half of your problem right there.
Some people use a light light fist with thumb extended..or show the front of hand.

Suggestions? Leave a comment.

How Speaker's Bureau Agents Select Speakers

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 22:56:00 +0000

Soon I will publish an updated article-slash-instruction manual I wrote a few years ago on working with speakers bureaus for the NSA Houston Chapter. While I was considering the changes in the last five years, I came across an interview with Diane Goodman by Rob Hard, Editor of About.com’s Event Planner section. I was thrilled to see Diane featured in this article.

I have had the pleasure of working with Diane in the last few years and she is one bureau agent who takes great care in selecting the right speaker for her clients. I also respect that she knows a great speaker when she works with one and when a speaker does an outstanding job for her, she is can be that speakers greatest alley. Read Rob’s interview with Diane to gain a bureau’s perspective on selecting a keynote speaker for their client.

Selecting a keynote speaker, emcee or entertainer for a corporate or
organizational event requires careful planning and an understanding of meeting
objectives. That’s why event planners rely on the expertise of a speakers
bureau.

In Part 1, I spoke with Diane Goodman, president of The Goodman Speakers Bureau, Inc., Windsor, CT, about the basic steps of selecting and hiring a professional speaker.
(via Diane Goodman Continues Conversation on Selecting Professional Speakers)

What is Twitter and Why Should Speakers Use it for Marketing?

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:30:00 +0000

Many speakers and "normie" non-speakers alike have asked me: What is Twiiter? Why should I Tweet? How do I Tweet? How does Tweeting help to market my speaking business?

Truthfully, event though I thought that I groked the benefits of tweeting and even recently discovered that I am a Twitterholic, I may have more of an addiction to writing about my life in short sentences than I do a true understand of the benefits of using Twitter for marketing purposes. Luckily for you and I, Ron Jones of Search Engine Watch gives us a great primer on what twitter is, how to use it and how it can benefit your speaking business.

"There’s a lot of buzz right now about Twitter, which has emerged as one of the most popular social media tools. This three-part article is for those who are just getting started with Twitter or who simply want to know what it is and how it works. I’ll cover everything you need to know about setting up and using a Twitter account, and share some tools and resources to help you leverage Twitter to market yourself or your company.
What Is Twitter? Twitter is a social media tool that lets users send out short messages (or ’tweets’) that are picked up and read by anyone who decides to follow you. This is also referred to as micro-blogging. I like the idea of keeping your message down to 140 characters, because it forces you to be succinct and to the point. Some have started a Twitter account, sent out a message or two, and then wondered what the big deal is. The big revelation to me came when I found all of the supporting applications and tools that were an adjunct to the Web site. Once you start using some of these tools, the light bulb will go off and you’ll find many uses for Twitter. Here are a few:" Twitter 101, Part 1 - Search Engine Watch (SEW)

WOW! Public speaking skills can boost your sales

Ginger@wynnsolutions.com (Ginger Dailey) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:21:00 +0000

I read a blog post this morning from the owner of Bradenton-based Auto Sales, John Greer. John may not be the world’s most successful, funny or awe-inspiring speaker; but, I sure enjoyed what he had to say about developing your speaking skills to help you promote your business and your brand. Public speaking skills can boost your sales Herald tribune.com Sarasota Florida Southwest Florida’s Information Leader

"The fear of public speaking is probably the single most item that holds business people back from succeeding or living up to their potential,’ says John Greer. I feared public speaking so much that the first time I took the public speaking course in college, I took an incomplete."

However John goes on to tell us how he conquered his public speaking fear and what is has done to dramatically increase sales and promote his business. Plus.. I kinda think he’s learned to like it !

"Public speaking is one of the most cost-effective ways to create credibility for you, your company and your products or services. Notably, it is a learned technique that you can master. What is more, training, practice and positive affirmations from your audience go a long way to keep the butterflies in your stomach at bay. My first public speaking experience occurred when I was in my late 20s. It was during the annual convention of the National Association of Home Builders. The scheduled speaker became ill and I was asked to substitute. I nervously scribbled notes onto 3-by-5 cards, jotted down a few key facts and stumbled my way to the stage. The hotel’s ballroom room was filled with unsmiling builders and real estate developers. They seemed at least twice my age and were anxiously waiting for me to tell them how to overcome the construction-lending crunch that hobbled the industry during the late 1960s. My knees buckled a bit and I felt light-headed. But I got through the speech somehow. My audience politely applauded and I was glad that the ordeal was over.

"What happened next radically changed my career. Several people who heard my speech followed me to the coffee kiosk outside the ballroom. They sought appointments with me to discuss their deals. Since that experience, I joined the National Speakers Association, perfected my presentation skills and learned to manage the butterflies wreaking havoc with my stomach. Further, I included public speaking in my marketing plan and even required my sales staff to develop their own presentation competencies." Twenty years after Greer took an "incomplete" on his college public speaking course, he signed up for a Dale Carnegie course and was required to speak in front of 60 people. "Eventually I worked through my public speaking fear," he says. "I won the leather briefcase for the best speech."