Donald Sutherland Made Me Cry

February 28th, 2010 Posted in Blog

We are humble folks us Canadians. But also conflicted. We struggle to keep our politeness and manners but want to engage the world on its global stage.

This past two weeks Vancouver and Whistler have hosted a party like no other. I live in Yaletown which was smack dab in the middle of the action. The streets have been teaming with Olympic fans ~ I’ve never seen anything like it. It was the energy. What a vibe. I believe that we have shown the world who Canada is and given them a glimpse into our mettle.

Donald Sutherland was interviewed on CTV this morning and he made me cry. FYI he is Keifer Sutherland’s dad and has a long lineage in Canada that roots back to Tommy Douglas the father of our notorious all embracing medical system.

Sutherland shared the story of a tribal elder who spoke to his community about the good and evil in all of us. A young member of the tribe asked, “Who wins?” The elder said, ” The one who is fed the most.”

Sutherland explained, “Canadians have a history of feeding their good side and they have given the world a glimpse into their respect for themselves and others.” “They have shown the world that a country can work when it is peaceful and respectful.” I choked and the tears streamed down my cheeks.

It was not only Sutherland’s words but his emotion and passion while he spoke. His Canadian heart was proudly exhibited on his sleeve.

Something Canadians aren’t often caught doing.

We are a humble lot.

Image attribution: Bartek Ambrozik


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What Makes a Great Presentation Great?

February 12th, 2010 Posted in Blog

A quick post today. I am a lover of TED talks and use their high calibre presentations as a source of reference and analysis.

TED curator Chris Anderson was recently interviewed by James Daly. Anderson shared presentation insights that aspiring presenters can use in their own presentations.

Women speakers take note, Anderson is on the look out for interesting women speakers for upcoming TED talks.

We’re always looking out for interesting women. It’s an easy critique of any technology conference that there are aren’t enough women speakers and it’s true. But it certainly isn’t for want of looking and trying. We’d like to have (PepsiCo CEO) Indra K. Nooyi.


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Women Speakers and Presenters – Where Are You?

February 11th, 2010 Posted in Blog

Speaking with Marion Chapsal confirmed my understanding of why women speakers are under-represented. Both of us agreed that it is purely lack of confidence.

Let me interject here and argue against my statement. As a (woman) reader I would be annoyed (mildly put) to hear that in 2010 women lack confidence.

Lack of confidence…WT!

My theory contradicts my core beliefs and values. I’ve lived through women’s lib and have studied with confident, well educated female Gen Y’s. With the strides that women have made, why are they still the under represented gender in presentations and speaking engagements?

Marion lives in Beaujoulais country in France and I live on the west coast of Canada and from different geographic perspectives have made the same observation. Women hang back, they don’t elbow in to position themselves on the stage. Men present with bravado, women exhibit self-doubt. Women thank the audience for coming, men expect filled seats. Yes, all generalizations. However I am speaking from observation. Yes, I have seen strong, confident women speakers although not in majority.

When I conduct research for my blog I am always looking for clips of women orators/presenters. I have found meager pickings but have found many powerful examples of fine male orators. Women where are you? Challenge me, I would like to hang on to my theory of strong, confident women taking on stages and podiums.

To women who are contemplating taking a speaking role – take the leap and present with confidence. And men encourage your female colleagues to get up on the stage.

Come and Dance With Me

Michal Zacharzewski sxc


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How Not to Network – Darting Eyes & WIIFM

January 24th, 2010 Posted in Blog

The past few weeks I have been on the networking trail focussing on growing my business…

Many people aren’t wired like me but I love meeting people and finding out what they do, both for work and play. It is why I love working with presenters – new industries (to me) and/or new people to meet. Ok, I’m admittedly a geek.

Jobs that I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams exist today. Ways of spending leisure time are resourceful and increasingly more bizarre.

My son introduced me to a video of passengers who roadskate while the car they’re in is moving. A fine analogy for networking done badly. The rate of speed is fast, it’s like a watching an anticipated accident, and it’s all about the skater. Think of the driver when the endeavour goes south – looks like a bad contact/referral.

And here is the rant part – have you met someone who’s eyes dart around the room rather than looking at you? To those who do that, this is what I’m thinking: You think I am not useful to you and have made that assumption quickly. I think you are not the sharpest stick because you don’t know anything about me and don’t know who I know or may meet. This type of networker is in the what is in it for me (WIIFM) category.

Call me old school, this is the type of networking I enjoy: forming deeper relationships, finding out what colleagues and friends do for work and play. Then seeing if we can make a project or idea work together. Or if I can connect you with someone I know who may be interested in you and your ideas/service/product, I gladly will if I get to know and form a level of trust with you.

A heads up to those who throw their business card at me with lightening speed – the ink and paper is wasted – my shredder inhales them.

A request: I would like to hear you’re positive networking experiences – what works for you and let’s hear about some of the cool people and jobs you’ve encountered…


dbking


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Speak From the Heart

January 17th, 2010 Posted in Blog

…even if your roots are small town and you’re presenting to movers and shakers.

The sweetheart of Canada, Nancy Greene Raine, spoke at a Spirit of Vancouver breakfast this past week.

Nancy has always been my hero.

What a ride she has had…from the tiger of ski hills to winning a gold medal at the 1968 Winter Olympics–from her down to earth viewpoint she made me realize the bottom line importance of investment in Olympic athletes. The investment in our athletes is the spirit they bring by opening our eyes to the appreciation we have of where we live. In turn the torch that the athletes carry with them for the rest of their lives is a legacy they will be proud of forever.

Nancy is the champion of athletes (at any level) who also crows about what makes Canada a special place.

She is what she is. No pretense.

When she spoke on Friday she told us about her pride in winning the gold medal and we felt her pride too. After all of these years she choked a little while reminiscing. She shared  insight into being a mom, wife, and sister. And from my perspective a selfless mentor.

Nancy doesn’t speak corporate speak, and she is articulate. When she voices her opinion, people listen because it is from her heart-no bull crap.

A member at my meeting breakfast table cracked a snooty snivel when Nancy used a small town colloquialism. The sniff made my ears burn a bit.

Nancy has been elected a Canadian senator and for me represents what the role should exemplify.

She is Canada’s Olympic ambassador and is quoted as saying, “The ambassador job involves representing the federal government and hosting guests and bigwigs at the Games”. She said her “embassy” will be her vehicle, driven by husband Al Raine, which “that will act as my office, my purse and my suitcase.”

Bigwigs & embassy…you’ve got to love her!

*****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****     *****

I believe in the use of clear, concrete, and concise language…for all occasions.

This video clip showcases Don Watson via ABC Fora – speaking about his book, “The Absurdity Of Corporate Speak”. As serious as the topic is, Don plays it straight and has his audience in stitches while he points out the ridiculousness of double speak.

Thanks to Kristian Salvesen & David Resseguie for posting the video clip on Twitter.

Province newspaper article: Nancy Greene Raine Canada’s Olympic Ambassador by Damian Inwood

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Worse than Cold Calling ~ Networking?

January 8th, 2010 Posted in Blog

Does face to face networking make your palms sweat? Want to run for cover…

Unless you are employed as a number cruncher and have been given an inside cubicle; and/or your contact with the outside world is through a mail slot or your computer monitor – whether you like it or not – you have to get out there and meet people to grow your business.

As my better half often reminds me, “No one can see you behind that monitor – you’ve got to get out there and let them see your lovely (thank you) face. I realize you know your industry inside and out, you are hardworking, and you make work seem like fun. But no one else does unless you get out there and show yourself”.

Yes, I do live with and know, a logical and smart man. But I’m not sure he realizes what those round robin networking events are like. The speed at which business cards move between hands and people sashay around a room. I’ve witnessed people who looked as though they had to muster up their courage to attend networking events, made it to the threshold, and turned on their heels and left.

Funnily enough, networking is like public speaking – if you are not passionate about you and your service and/or product – no one else will be.

I’m sure most people struggle as I do with wanting to make connections with like-minded people who authentically want to create mutually beneficial working relationships. And with people you like and respect.

Thank you to Imelda, who clearly articulated (in a Forbes Woman LinkedIn discussion) what I have been thrashing about with. Having the confidence to bring the real me to the table and not be massaged into believing that I ‘need’ to behave in a ‘certain’ way at these opportunities to meet others.

It is my new year’s resolution to grow my business by attending 2 networking events a week- dressed in a new couture – myself.

Have you ramped up your networking lately or is it your goal for 2010. Let us know how it went – your success and failures…


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2010 ~ Treat it Like a New Baby

January 2nd, 2010 Posted in Blog

When I finally – and I do mean finally and won’t go into gory details – brought my son home he scared me. I was a new mom with no baby experience. He was a gift, an exquisite one. He had the correct number of fingers and toes, everything seemed in tact. But he cried and cried. Was I caring for him as he required? Fed. Yes. Dry. Yes. As he cried, I became more upset, and he cried louder and became still more upset. As did I.

What was was creating his discontent? Well, it was me. And my wise husband easily demonstrated my failings. My husband – in his ever relaxed and confident manner – fell asleep on the couch with the new babe on his chest, who was soon fast asleep too.

I learned from my husband and son, hold precious things dearly but do not be afraid of them. Don’t treat your special things as though they will break or as if you don’t deserve them.

My wish for you is to appreciate the gift of 2010 and enjoy every minute, hour and day. Don’t be afraid of of the what ifs or maybes. Let me know what you have made happen and how you have tackled 2010…

Photo credit — http://bit.ly/4ZwkOh


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Why Being Yourself and Passionate Trumps Distracting Habits

December 11th, 2009 Posted in Blog

Can you remember a presentation that has long stayed with you? What was the secret power that it held? It likely was the passion of the speaker. The presenter was perhaps someone you would consider a good candidate to be a friend – just one of us ‘normal’ folk.

I found a clip of a speech given by Senator Diane Savino speaking on gay marriage legislation that is/will be voted on by members of the New York State Senate. The clip extends seven minutes. I watched the entire clip. This is unusual for me because usually I get bored and turn off clips within a minute.


What makes Senator Savino different? She speaks with passion and believes in her cause. And her passion outstripped her fidgeting and gesturing. The clip received over 327,000 views and over 1300 positive comments.

This comment was one of the few that was negative:

Comment on YouTube from:Monkeysniffer08
wow…. she has some horrible speaking habits…..- pen clicking- fidgeting- rubbing her ear- holding her pen and flinging around with it.

Monkeysniffer noticed and so did I. But I didn’t care.
Her message outshone les faux pas.

Which proves you do not have to be a perfect speaker — just a speaker who speaks with passion and believes in your own words.

Next post I will write about Senator Savino’s speech and her use of rhetorical persuasion.


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How Selling to the CEO Failed

December 7th, 2009 Posted in Blog


Do you want to sell your product? Or convince your client that your service is superior to your competitor. Do you want to persuade your colleagues your opinion is sound?

There is no big secret. Know your audience. This simple concept is often ignored.

Last week I received an email from a friend. I am often privileged to be the recipient of his mentorship and sage business advice. He shared an email with me that was from a presentation expert. The email must have hit a nerve because he felt it important enough to throw me a line of caution. An opportunity for me to understand the importance of knowing my audience.

Five rules the email blast broke:

  • Do not address someone who you do not know or is a high status position by their first name
  • The email “dared” him to be a great speaker — he already is
  • The writer questioned whether he would like to create buzz and headlines — he does that too.
  • This comment bordered on insulting,”Will you get the engagement, the recognition, the respect – walk into every room with that leadership presence that commands attention”. OK, how do you think he got where he is?
  • The writer will deliver a new level of authenticity, vibrancy, confidence, excitement and power. My friend is one of the most authentic, vibrant, confident, and passionate leaders that I know.
  • Anyone with services or products to sell, needs to consider their audience or risk losing their own reputation. Plain and simple.

If you want to sell at the top of the ladder, invest some time considering who they are and how they got there. Do your research. The CEO will not buy unsupported rhetoric and will shut your crack of opportunity with a jarring slam.

Image Credit: ‘look what I caught!’ by wotthe7734 (via Flickr). CC BY licence.


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Does Your Audience Wear Executioner’s Clothing?

November 11th, 2009 Posted in Blog

This post digs deep and gets personal. Both for me and if I touch a nerve, with you. Are the hairs on the back of your neck at attention? Do you think public speaking is a fate worse than death?

When you drill down, your fear is not of public speaking, the problem is confidence in yourself. And yes, I battled it too.

My dirty little secret is I batted my eyelashes to escape all public speaking assignments in high school. Anyone who knows me knows I don’t flaunt my sexuality to garner favours. It’s not in my DNA. It was the fear of public speaking that caused me to stoop that low. It seems that I’m not alone.

My Twitter feed for public speaking spits out streams of anxiety, fear, terror…etc. Try Googling public speaking. How many of your hits return someone who will help you overcome fear, anxiety, or nervousness? Enough to make the knot in your stomach grow exponentially. This advert will likely make you run and hide under your bed.

The best advice I have received on my now defunct fear of public speaking was from a wise Scotsman who blustered, “There is no fear of public speaking, there is only lack of confidence in yourself”. Yes, it was blunt and cut to the bone, but true.

Erika Liodice’s interview with John Zimmer describes the fears that he himself has overcome to be a consummate public speaker. To listen and watch John, it appears he is just a natural speaker. That he does not need to practice and does not get adrenaline butterfly’s in his stomach just before presenting. But he, like most of us, needed to gather his confidence — his advice: don’t ponder, just take action.

If you are confident in your subject, if you know your presentation inside out, and if you passionately believe in what you are speaking, there is no fear. If you are obsessed with the vision of your beliefs, you’ll want to crow from rooftops and tell anyone who will listen about your passion. It isn’t a secret — it is that simple. Marion Chapsal nails it with her rules of four P’s. She critiques Cat Lainé’s riveting presentation. Cat draws you in with her passion and she captures you into feeling what she feels.

Here is the part where you need to dig deep. What are you really afraid of? Are you afraid of appearing stupid — then do your research. Are you afraid of forgetting — practice. Are you afraid of appearing unprofessional — stand tall, project, and dress for the occasion. Harsh, yes, but it’s not about public speaking it is about you.

Sage words from my lovely Scotsman, “What is it you would do if you weren’t afraid?”

Image Credit: Maria Li


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