by Allan Misch

WIIFM is not the call letters for a radio station, the key to a secret code, or an acronym for a new government agency. It’s a question that’s in the minds of every audience. The question?

“What’s in it for me?”

The answer to the question is in your program content. The key to valuable content is your presentation research. If you research properly, you’ll develop meaningful content and satisfy your audience. Here are some strategies for researching your topic.

Research Your Audience

This is your most important step. You must know what information your audience wants or needs to get, or what problem they need to solve. Try to find this out from the meeting planner. (You can use an Audience/Program/Facility Survey form that I use to capture this information and more.)

Get the names and contact information of a few key people who will be in your audience. Contact them and find out their needs or what result they would like to have because of your presentation.

When you have this information, your assignment gets a focus. You know what you need to do. You know the definition of success. Your next step is to document what you know about the subject.

Document What You Know

Many presenters overlook this rich resource — their own knowledge and experiences. Using what you know about the subject has advantages.

First, you don’t have to do any searching or go anywhere for material. All the information is in your memory.

Second, your experiences are rich sources for anecdotal material to support your ideas. Use them to illustrate your points.

Third, you save time. It takes a lot less time to document what you know about a subject than to document what others know.

After you write down what you know about the topic, decide if you need more information. If you need more material, use organizational resources, company literature, reference sources, and the Internet to complete your research.

Develop and Tap Web Resources

The Internet is your powerful research ally. It places the world’s libraries and other information resources at your fingertips, and you don’t have to leave your computer.

Set up a folder in your web browser for listing resource sites. For example, if you use Internet Explorer, create a folder called “Research Resources” and put it in your “Favorites” list.

Create sub-folders to house links to sites for sources of different information. You might set up folders for dictionary and thesaurus sites, quotation sites, and humor sites. You could have folders for general reference information and other folders for sites specific to your knowledge areas.

Next, tap into these web sources. Integrate this information into your documented, personal information knowledge base about your program topic. Now, you have your content, which you must organize into a cohesive presentation.

There’s a saying that marketers and advertisers use — “Sell the sizzle, not the steak.” It’s true that people are motivated when their emotional hot buttons are pushed. In business presentations, “sizzle” is not enough. You must also “sell the steak” — have value-added content, fueled by effective research.

So conduct your presentation research by knowing your audience and their needs, tapping into appropriate Web resources, and using your experiences and knowledge of the topic. When you do this, your content will satisfy that ever-present question in the minds of your audiences, “What’s in it for me?”

by Allan Kaufman and Allan Misch

As we noted in parts 1 through 3, a presentation needs to accomplish two broad goals. First, it must give your audience what they need. Second, it must leave your audience with a favorable impression of you. So avoid the Ten Biggest Public Speaking Mistakes that prevent you from achieving those goals.

The ten biggest mistakes are:

1. Not making a good first impression.

2. Not being prepared.

3. Not being enthusiastic.

4. Not knowing how to write and deliver an organized presentation.

5. Not staying within your allotted time frame.

6. Not knowing how to effectively use eye contact, gestures, and body language.

7. Not using vocal variety.

8. Not using visual aids.

9. Not using humor.

10. Not overcoming your fear of public speaking.

In our last post, we discussed Public Speaking Mistakes #7 through #9. In this post, we examine Public Speaking Mistakes #10 . . . plus a BONUS #11.

Mistake #10: Not Overcoming your Fear of Public Speaking

Most people have a fear of public speaking. Surveys indicate it is the number one fear.

Some public speaking experts believe the way to reduce public speaking fear is to present as often as possible and hope to desensitize your fear. Usually, this strategy is not effective because it does not neutralize the root cause of your fear.

The root cause of your public speaking fear is either a lack of presentation skills; negative beliefs, thoughts, and experiences that are related or unrelated to public speaking; or both. Unless you target the root cause, you will not neutralize your public speaking fear no matter how many times you present.

When you take public speaking courses or join Toastmasters International, you learn public speaking skills. Learning presentation skills will eliminate public speaking fear and anxiety, sometimes called stage fright, caused by a lack of skills. However, fear and anxiety caused by emotional issues related or unrelated to presenting will remain.

Some people who treat public speaking fear recommend taking calming medications such as beta blockers before you present. We do not recommend this approach. It does not address the root causes of your anxiety. It creates an additional problem–dependence on medication to temporarily ease your emotional pain.

Psychological counseling is another approach to eliminate your public speaking fear. This therapy is time consuming and may never resolve the root causes of your anxieties.

As an example, years ago I gave a presentation on a public speaking topic to an audience undergoing group therapy for public speaking fear. After the meeting, I had a conversation with one of the participants. She revealed that she was in therapy for public speaking fear for many years but made little progress. Her progress was dismal because the therapy did not address and resolve the root cause of her fear.

Other approaches to resolve your public speaking fear include hypnotherapy and NLP, or Neuro-linguisting Programming. These approaches are effective but require a certified practitioner to use them with a high degree of success. Usually, these practitioners can only treat your fear and anxiety, not your need for presentation skills mastery.

The absolute best and quickest way to neutralize your public speaking fear is to experience No Sweat Speaking™ training or group coaching for your group or one-on-one coaching for you. The No Sweat Speaking™ program neutralizes your public speaking fear rapidly while you master presentation skills. You experience a quantum leap in confidence and mastery.

Becoming a confident speaker is like learning to play the piano. First you must believe that you can succeed, then you must learn the basics. Practice and then practice some more. It’s worth it. Because generally, those who can communicate effectively get the best jobs, make the most money, and are more influential.

We like to give more than our audience expects, so here’s a BONUS . . .

Mistake #11: Not Making Your Use of Notes as Inconspicuous as Possible

Using notes is appropriate, but there is a wrong way that distracts your audience and quickly identifies you as an amateur. You probably have seen that approach. It looks like this.

The speaker puts his notes on the lectern. The notes take up several pages stapled on the top left side. They are written or typed in a 10-point or 12-point font and single-lined spaced on both sides of the page. The speaker has a challenge reading the notes. He takes too much time turning the pages and appears disorganized. But it does not have to be this way.

You can use notes the right way, let’s call it the No Sweat Speaking™ professional look. Here’s how to look like a pro in three easy steps.

Step #1: Type your notes on one side of the page. Use a 14-point or 16-point type size. Use no more than the top two-thirds of the page. Double or triple line space them. Keep one thought to a paragraph. Underline in red the key phrase in each paragraph. Put a page number top, right on each page. Do not staple the pages together. Use a paper clip.

Step #2: At the lectern, remove the paper clip. Place page 1 on the left and the rest of your pages (2, 3, 4, etc.) on the right with page 2 on top. You now have pages 1 and 2 in front of you. Begin your presentation.

Step #3: As you finish page 1, immediately look at page 2. While beginning page 2, slide page 2 to the left on top of page 1. Now you have pages 2 and 3 in front of you. When you finish page 2, immediately look at page 3, and slide page 3 on top of page 2, revealing page 4. Continue this process until you finish your presentation.

Use this technique and your audience will not see or be distracted by your notes during your presentation.

In this and the three prior posts, we have discussed some of the biggest public speaking mistakes and how to avoid them. Avoiding these mistakes will guarantee that you will give your audience what they need and leave them with a favorable impression.

But there are more than these public speaking mistakes. You probably have some favorites that we have not covered. If you would like to share them, please do so in the comments below. We would like to know what they are. They could be the subject of future posts.

You can obtain Allan Kaufman’s audio program The Ten Biggest Public Speaking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them here.

by Allan Kaufman and Allan Misch

As we noted in our last post, a presentation needs to accomplish two broad goals. First, it must give your audience what they need. Second, it must leave your audience with a favorable impression of you. So avoid the Ten Biggest Public Speaking Mistakes that prevent you from achieving those goals.

The ten biggest mistakes are:

1. Not making a good first impression.
2. Not being prepared.
3. Not being enthusiastic.
4. Not knowing how to write and deliver an organized presentation.
5. Not staying within your allotted time frame.
6. Not knowing how to effectively use eye contact, gestures, and body language.
7. Not using vocal variety.
8. Not using visual aids.
9. Not using humor.
10. Not overcoming your fear of public speaking.

In our last post, we discussed Public Speaking Mistakes #4 through #6. In this post, we examine Public Speaking Mistakes #7 through #9.

Mistake #7: Not Using Vocal Variety

Speaking in a monotone puts your audience to sleep faster than Somminex sleeping pills. To keep your audience awake and engaged, vary your vocal delivery.

Project your voice and raise its volume. This gives your audience the impression that you are a powerful speaker and gives emphasis to your message.

Speak softly at times, especially when you are ready to make an important point. Your audience will lean forward and listen.

Vary your pacing. Speaking quickly tells your audience that you are enthusiastic about your message. Slowing down your delivery adds drama and importance to your message.

When you relate a story or anecdote and use dialogue, make sure you use vocal variety as you would in a conversation, varying the pitch, rate, and volume of your voice.

Mistake #8: Not Using Visual Aids

You’ve heard of the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Often, a visual can convey an idea more effectively than a written or spoken description.

Visual aids make your message memorable and interesting. They appeal to visual and auditory learners. Visual aids that audience members can touch appeal to kinesthetic learners. Use videos, flip charts, marker boards, physical models, and PowerPoint slides.

PowerPoint slides are very effective if you use them properly. They should convey only one idea per slide. Use simple backgrounds with little or no visual elements. Each slide should have a picture or other graphic that relates to your message. If the slide needs a title, make it one sentence at the top of the slide.

Mistake #9: Not Using Humor

Humor in a presentation is like herbs and spices in a salad. Both turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Use humor to build audience rapport. Achieve this through self-deprecating humor, audience in-jokes, and humor about the occasion.

Grab your audience’s attention with humor. Make sure the humor is related to your message or the occasion.

Tell a humorous story to make your point. Use the SPA Formula. Tell your funny STORY. Make your POINT. Then, ASSOCIATE the story to the point.

Use humor to transition from one point to another. Make sure you use a linking word or phrase in the joke or story to the same word or phrase in the next point.

Close your presentation with humor. In an informational presentation, summarize your main points. Refocus your audience’s attention on your thesis with a related anecdote or funny story. Then end by restating your thesis.

In the next post . . . Mistake #10–Not Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking — plus a BONUS.

by Allan Kaufman, DTM and Allan Misch, DTM

A presentation needs to accomplish two broad goals. First it must give your audience what they need. Second, it must leave your audience with a favorable impression of you. So avoid the Ten Biggest Public Speaking Mistakes that prevent you from achieving those goals.

The ten biggest mistakes are:

1. Not making a good first impression.

2. Not being prepared.

3. Not being enthusiastic.

4. Not knowing how to write and deliver an organized presentation.

5. Not staying within your allotted time frame.

6. Not knowing how to effectively use eye contact, gestures, and body language.

7. Not using vocal variety.

8. Not using visual aids.

9. Not using humor.

10. Not overcoming your fear of public speaking.

In our last post, we discussed the first three mistakes. In this post, we examine Public Speaking Mistakes 4 through 6.

Mistake #4: Not Knowing How to Write and Deliver an Organized Presentation.

This mistake prevents your audience from following your presentation to its conclusion. To be effective, your audience must easily understand and follow you throughout your presentation. You accomplish this by organizing your presentation with at least a clearly defined Opening, Body, Closing, and Transitions.

In an informational presentation, use a three-part Opening. First, grab your audience’s attention. Second, state your thesis or tell your audience how they will benefit from your presentation. Third, reveal briefly what information you will cover.

The Body of your presentation contains the points you want to share. Generally, present your three most important points. Also include examples, factual data, illustrations, quotes, stories, and/or anecdotes that support your points.

Use a three-part Closing in your informational presentation. First, summarize quickly your three points. Second, re-focus your audience’s attention so they are ready to hear the final part of your Closing. Third, end by re-stating your thesis.

Transitions lead your audience from the beginning to the end of your presentation. They connect one idea to another and one part of your presentation to another. Use verbal Transitions such as “In conclusion,” “To summarize,” “Therefore,” “Nevertheless,” and “As important as <point #1> is, <point #2> is more important.” Sometimes, just a slight pause can be an effective transition. Another effective transition is a pause coupled by a move to the other side of your audience.

Download our Checklist for Organizing Your Presentation to help you create a well organized presentation every time.

Mistake #5: Not Staying Within Your Allotted Time Frame.

Delivering a presentation within specific time parameters is essential, especially if you are on a program with other speakers. Each speaker and aspect of the program has an allotted time limit. If you go beyond your time limit, you disrupt the entire program. Usually, you cause another speaker to have a reduced speaking time. Probably, you won’t be invited back.

Volunteer to speak first. That way, if someone else goes over time, it will not affect your presentation.

Do whatever you have to ensure your audience goes to their meal, break, and home on time.

Mistake #6: Not Knowing How to Use Eye Contact, Gestures, and Body Language Effectively.

Enhance your impact by using eye contact, gestures, and body language that compliment your spoken message. Looking at your audience helps you develop rapport with them. No one wants to listen to a speaker who has his or her eyes glued to notes.

To make eye contact, pick out someone on the left side of your audience and speak to him for five to ten seconds while making your point. Then look at someone in the middle of your audience and speak to her for five to ten seconds. Make another point.

Repeat this pattern. Talk to someone on the right side of your audience. Then talk to someone else in the middle of your audience and then the left side again. When you use this technique, you actually connect with individuals in your audience.

As you eye connect with your audience, gesture with your arms, hands, and body. Make sure your gestures are in sync with your words. Avoid nervous, distracting mannerisms such as putting your hands in your pockets, jiggling change, clicking a pen, clasping your hands behind your back and others.

Avoid staying in one spot unless you must present from behind a lectern. Start and end stage center. When you transition from one point to another, move to another side of your audience.

Your gestures and body movements make up a non-verbal language that often is more impactful than your words. Make sure your verbal and non-verbal messages are in sync. If they are not in sync, your audience will become confused and probably will believe the non-verbal signals that you send.

In the next post… Public Speaking Mistakes 7, 8, and 9.

———-

Don’t Miss Our Special 25% Off Summer Coaching Offer…

When You Sign Up by August 31, 2011.

Fill out our no-obligation Coaching Inquiry Form in detail and we’ll get back to you with our proposal and special savings offer.

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Allan Kaufman, DTM

When you give a presentation, one of your goals is to give your audience what they need. Your other goal is to leave your audience with a favorable impression of you. So avoid the ten mistakes that will prevent you from achieving those goals.

The Ten Biggest Public Speaking Mistakes are:

1. Not making a good first impression.

2. Not being prepared.

3. Not being enthusiastic.

4. Not knowing how to write and deliver an organized presentation.

5. Not staying within your allotted time frame.

6. Not knowing how to effectively use eye contact, gestures, and body language.

7. Not using vocal variety.

8. Not using visual aids.

9. Not using humor.

10. Not overcoming your fear of public speaking.

In this post, we’ll examine the first three Public Speaking Mistakes.

Mistake #1: Not Making a Good First Impression

Use the following strategies to make a good first impression: dressing, walking, and presenting yourself to your introducer and audience.

It’s important to dress equal to or even better than your audience. Why? You’ll establish rapport and increase your credibility with your audience.

If your audience is dressed in corporate business attire you should wear a suit, sport coat and tie, dress, or dress suit. Read John T. Molloy’s books: Dress for Success or The Woman’s Dress for Success Book.

Also to make a good first impression, walk confidently to the lectern, shake hands with the person who introduces you, and then address your audience.

Mistake #2: Not Being Prepared or Not Giving the Impression that You Are Prepared

Preparation is everything you do before you give your presentation. Two important aspects of preparation are developing your presentation skills and gathering the content for your presentation.

Develop your presentation skills now. Build a library of books on public speaking skills. Take classes or workshops on public speaking. Join Toastmasters International. Engage a public speaking coach to help you neutralize public speaking fear and master presentation skills. If you develop your presentation skills now, well in advance of a sudden need or desire to give a presentation, then you can invest most of your time on developing content.

When developing content, do your homework. Use examples from your personal experience. Research what you’re going to say, write it down or at least prepare an outline, and most importantly, practice… practice… practice!

If you’re not prepared, don’t give your presentation, especially if you’re getting paid for the engagement! If you’re not getting paid and must give the presentation, and if you’re sufficiently skilled in the basics of public speaking, do the best that you can with what you know.

In any case, don’t apologize for not being prepared or make excuses and then deliver your presentation. You’ll only program your audience for your failure. If your audience doesn’t expect you to fail, they’ll be supportive and may not know that you’re not completely prepared, especially if you have well-developed, basic presentation skills.

Mistake #3: Not Being Enthusiastic.

Enthusiasm can make up for a great deal of weaknesses. If you’re not excited about your topic, get another topic or find something about that topic for which you can develop enthusiasm.

Show your audience that you’re excited about what you’re sharing with them. Talk faster than you normally do and be animated. Demonstrate a high energy level. Your energy is catching. Your audience will sense your energy and become enthusiastic.

As author James Baldwin said, “Fires can’t be made with dead embers.” So get fired up and speak enthusiastically about your topic.

In the next post… Public Speaking Mistakes #4, #5, and #6.

———-

Don’t Miss Our Special 25% Off Summer Coaching Offer…

When You Sign Up by August 31, 2011.

Fill out our no-obligation Coaching Inquiry Form in detail and we’ll get back to you with our proposal and special savings offer.

This offer ends August 31, 2011.

Allan Misch

The American Physicist Albert Einstein said, “If A equals success, then the formula is A = X + Y + Z. X is work. Y is play. Z is keep your mouth shut.”

Einstein was the model of right brain and left brain balance, which equals creativity. He enjoyed music and fantasy, and he was a man of science and formulas. Remember E=mc (squared)?

To deliver creative, well-constructed presentations, take a lesson from Einstein. Move your audience emotionally (right brain) and use proven formulas (left brain). Here’s how.

Move Your Audience Emotionally

Use techniques such as stories, questions, and activities. These get your audience into the emotional states that they need to be in for their subconscious minds to hear and process your messages.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a presentation on career advancement strategies. If you want your audience to be curious about what you’re going to say next, you could ask this question. “Would you like to know a sure-fire, can’t-fail, easy-to-use formula to impress an interviewer during your next job interview?” (Pause)

Do you think your audience is now in a state of anticipation and curiosity? Do you have their attention? You can bet your laser pointer that they’re leaning forward and salivating for your next pearls of wisdom.

In my Manage with Humor program, I want my audience to experience different emotional states. Obviously, one emotion is “fun.”

One way I accomplish this is by telling a funny story involving my younger daughter. Once I have them in the right emotional state, I deliver my point. Moving your audience emotionally is a powerful way to get across your message with impact.

Use Formulas to Construct Your Presentation

Well-organized presentations use proven construction formulas to deliver messages that are easy to understand and follow. Once you learn those formulas, you will become a master of presentation structure.

When you know structure, you can put any content into the formula. Walla, your results will be consistently successful presentations. Let’s examine briefly three formulas. In each formula, the “P” is Presentation.

Formula #1:   P = O + B + C + T

“O” is Opening. “B” is Body. “C” is Closing. and “T” is Transitions. This is a generic formula for any presentation.

To be effective, your presentation must have an Opening that gets your audience’s attention and often states your thesis. Next, the Body presents the details, logic, and emotion related to your points.

The Closing summarizes your points and tells your audience what they should do if appropriate. Transitions connect one point to another and one part of your presentation to another so your audience can follow you without confusion.

The next two formulas may be used for presentations to persuade your audience. The first formula frames the entire presentation. The second formula helps you make a point persuasively.

Formula #2:   P = A + I + D + A

“A” is Attention. “I” is Interest. “D” is Desire. and “A” is Action. When you use this presentation structure, you first focus your audience’s Attention on your subject matter. Next you relate your proposition to their Interest, and you build interest for your message.

Then you create a Desire for your offer or idea. Finally, you tell your audience what Action they should take to solve their problem or achieve the benefits you described.

Formula #3:   P = S + L + B

“S” is Story. “L” is Lesson. and “B” is Benefit. Begin by relating a Story about an event from which you learned a Lesson. Tell your audience the Lesson you learned. Then explain how they can Benefit from applying the lesson that you learned.

Effective presenters move audiences emotionally while making appropriate points. Their presentations also follow strict structures, or formulas, that enable audiences to understand easily their points and main messages.

Professional speaker and speaking coach Patricia Fripp says, “When speaking in public, your message, no matter how important, will not be remembered if you don’t recognize the importance of STRUCTURE.” So be an Einstein. Manage your audiences’ emotional states and construct your presentations using formulas.

by Allan Misch

©Allan Misch – All rights reserved.

http://www.nosweatspeaking.com

I’m the president of my CRS club. CRS — that’s Can’t Remember Stuff. I don’t know about you, but when I hear or read a funny story or joke, if I don’t write it down, I don’t remember it. And it gets worse as I get older! So I keep a humor file.

After I copy or write the funny story, anecdote, or joke, I number it, and file it in a folder labeled “Humor.” In the front of the folder, I have sheets of paper. At the top of each sheet, I write a category related to topics, ideas, and points on which I speak. I keep these category sheets in alphabetical order. For example, I have one sheet titled “Fear,” another “Rapport,” and another “Attention-getters.”

If the joke, numbered page 1, can be categorized under “Attention-getters” and “Fear,” I put a number “1” on each of the respective category sheets. If the funny story on page 2 can be categorized under “Rapport” and “Attention-getters,” I put a “2” on each respective category sheet. I do this for each story and joke in the file.

When I need a funny story on a particular idea, I look at the corresponding numbered pages referenced on the category sheet. Then, I select an appropriate story or joke for my presentation.

You also can maintain the category sheets electronically in a spreadsheet, word processor, or database. If you want to duplicate the complete paper-based system using a database, you could set up a Category file and a Joke file. Then, you would cross-reference the appropriate categories from the Category file with each joke in the Joke file.

It’s a simple system. Before you know it, you have a substantial humor file, and you can resign your office in your local CRS club.

Allan Misch

Many years ago, I went with a friend to a ski resort for a week to learn how to ski. I signed up for five basic lessons. I asked my friend if he was going to take any lessons. He said, “No. I’ve been skiing for 10 years. I don’t need any lessons.”

That made sense to me. After all, he had been skiing for a long time.

On the last day after my last lesson, I skied with him. To my surprise, I skied almost as well as my friend. I learned something that day.

I learned that even though my friend had been skiing for 10 years, he really had been skiing for one year, 10 times. Like me, he had not mastered completely the basics. After 10 years, his skill level was still that of a novice.

So if you want to achieve mastery as a presenter, you must master the basics. You must master the three P’s for public speaking precision—Planning, Preparing, and Presenting.

Planning

The most important planning skill to learn is how to conduct an event analysis. Your preparation and presentation depend on analyzing thoroughly your audience, their demographics and needs; the program; the venue; and logistics.

From this analysis, you identify the general and specific purposes of your presentation, how to organize your presentation, and the key points you need to cover. You also learn who is in your audience, what presentation equipment you need, and any logistical issues that need to be addressed.

Complete an event analysis survey form to get this information. Create one yourself or get an Audience/Program/Facility Survey form that you can reproduce as often as needed to help plan your presentations. Along with planning, you also must master preparation skills.

Preparing

Preparing your presentation covers a wide range of skills. One important skill is how to determine your presentation’s general and specific purposes. The general purpose is the type of presentation you deliver, for example, informational, persuasive, or other types. The specific purpose is what you want to accomplish from your presentation.

Another important skill is organizing your presentation. The general purpose determines the organization and construction of your presentation. As a rule of thumb, make sure your presentation has at least an opening, body, closing, and transitions. I advise my coaching clients to use a Checklist for Organizing Your Presentation.

Two other related preparation skills often overlooked are how to prepare minimal notes using keywords, and how to practice and learn your presentation. Create brief keyword notes on an index card or sheet of paper. Each keyword or keyword phrase represents a module in your presentation.

To learn your presentation, use a practice routine. Record a practice session and listen to it as much as possible. Prepare your keyword notes from the practice session, and practice the presentation out loud two or three times using the keyword notes. As you become adept practicing and applying the skills of planning and preparing, the last set of basic skills to master is presenting.

Presenting

Presenting encompasses a set of many skills. Some of these skills are building rapport, pacing your delivery, and using visual aids. The skill set also includes how to make eye contact properly, how to move and use gestures, and how to use vocal variety to get your message across. Additional skills include using equipment properly, staging, handling, question and answer sessions, and other basic skills.

You will need to invest time, patience, and effort to master the three P’s—the basic skills of Planning, Preparing, and Presenting. Take public speaking classes, join a Toastmasters International club, read public speaking books and listen to public speaking CDs, or engage a public speaking coach to help you. Don’t be like my skiing friend whose proficiency was lacking. Master the basics.

by Allan Misch

Someone once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.” So if you’re dissatisfied with how you feel and the results you get when you give a presentation, then you must change what you do. You must do something different.

Face Your Fear

Facing your fear doesn’t mean you should present over and over again and get the same result–severe anxiety. That’s akin to committing emotional suicide.

What “face your fear” means is you need to honor your fear, face up to the fact that you have it. Admit it to yourself. Own it.

Once you’re no longer in denial about it and you own it, get rid of it. Do that by using a proven technology or process such as hypnosis, NLP, or the No Sweat Speaking(tm) Process.

Hypnosis and NLP can help you eliminate public speaking fear. Each requires expertise and experience to achieve success. Usually, you need to use a practitioner to apply the technology whenever you need it.

The No Sweat Speaking(tm) Process neutralizes public speaking fear relatively quickly. Once you learn how to apply the process correctly, you can use it repeatedly without the aid of a coach.

Listen with Your Eyes

After you neutralize your public speaking fear, begin to improve your delivery skills. One of these skills is listening.

When you give a presentation, you’re involved in a two-way communication. You speak to your audience and you receive feedback. Feedback from your audience lets you know if you are meeting your objectives. You get feedback by listening.

What sensory channel do you use when listening? If you thought of your ears and hearing, you’re right. But there are other ways to listen. One way is to listen visually–listen with your eyes.

What is your audience doing? You’re on the right track if they’re leaning forward, emotionally involved, and asking questions. If they’re fidgeting, coughing, and involved with their Blackberries and iPhones, you need to change what you’re doing.

Usually, your audience’s posture and body language will tell the real story. Look for small facial and body movements–smiles, eye contact, shifts in posture, and changes in breathing. They can mean that your audience has had a shift in emotional states–a clue that you are connecting.

For example, when I’m using the No Sweat Speaking(tm) Process with volunteers from my audience, I know when they are experiencing decreases in speaking anxiety. Their muscles relax, they breathe deeply, and often they let loose a sigh of relief.

So face your fear and own it. As you reduce your fear, concentrate on honing your listening skills. But don’t only listen with your ears. Also listen with your eyes.

———-

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Complete our Coaching Inquiry Questionnaire. In the field that asks how you learned about us, enter the following code: NEWYEAR. If we decide to work together, you will receive this special offer. Don’t delay because this offer is guaranteed only through January 31, 2011.

by Allan Kaufman, DTM, MBA

“Learning to communicate is like taking out an insurance policy. You never know when you’ll need it, but it’s too late to take it out after you need it.” (Allan Kaufman as quoted in Baltimore Magazine)

Years ago, I received a phone call from Baltimore Magazine. Someone gave them my name as an expert in the art of public speaking and they wanted to interview me. At that moment I came up with the above quote.

How many of you own insurance? Most of us do in some form or another.

We own car insurance. In most states in the USA, it is mandatory if we want to own and register a car. Even if insurance were not required, it is the prudent thing to do. Why take the chance of being wiped out financially to save some premium dollars?

Many of us own life insurance. We do this to protect our families in case we die. We want them to be able to maintain some semblance of their lifestyle.

We pay premiums for health insurance. You just never know when you may get sick or be in an accident. In the USA, it is expensive to be treated in hospitals, see doctors, and have medical tests if you don’t have health insurance.

What about disability insurance, homeowners insurance, flood insurance, etc?

How many of you have taken out public speaking insurance? Yes, *Public Speaking Insurance*! You know, just in case your boss walks into your office tomorrow and says s/he wants you to make a presentation next week on a certain project. Or…

Someone you know calls you up and says there is a well-paid position with a great opportunity for advancement for someone who can present effectively and regularly.

Could you do it? Are you ready and willing?

Public Speaking Insurance is not like any other policy. You don’t make annual premiums. What you do is take some time now to overcome any speaking fears you have and develop your speaking skills so that when you need to or when the opportunities arise, you will be the first one to stand up and say, “I’ll do it!”

What skills do you need to develop?

We’ve covered a lot of them in our No Sweat Speaking ezines and blog. Use them to your advantage at no cost to you except for your time investment. Read our back issues starting here.

http://www.nosweatspeaking.com/ezine/back_issues-2002.html

Here is a list of some of them.

1. Make a good first impression.
2. Be prepared.
3. Be enthusiastic.
4. Give an organized presentation.
5. Stay within time.
6. Use effective eye contact.
7. Use great body language.
8. Vary your voice volume, rate of speaking and pitch.
9. Use visual aids.
10. Add humor to your presentation.
11. Engage your audience and keep them involved.
12. Use notes effectively.

So take out your Public Speaking Insurance policy now. Get rid of your speaking fears and develop your skills. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor with confidence and skill for the rest of your life.