Public Speakers: Do You Have A Cheering Section?

August 29th, 2011 Posted in Blog

Broken Ankle Saga Part II

This morning I posted my longest walk since breaking my ankle. I was supported by my trusty crutches and although my gait resembles hobbling, I call it like I see it – walking.

I am also supported by my cheering section – the lovely souls who I have come to know since my accident and rehab. The wonderful people in my building who hold doors open for me and make sure the outside wheel chair access is clear. But my star cheering section are the lovely folks (who I have come up close and familiar with) on my seawall walks who shout out to me “Keep positive”, “You’re looking stronger than last week”, “Hey, you’re foot is landing straighter”, and “You’re rocking it”.

Those simple words of encouragement keep me going and push me to walk a little further each day.

The same goes for public speaking. Surround yourself with colleagues and significant others who will listen to your presentations. Those who will tell you which are the best bits and the parts that need improvement.

Yes, it is difficult to practice in front of others but give it a go – you will get over it.

And it’s worth it because there is no feeling like having a cheering section rooting you on and who pushes you to places you never imagined you could go!

Image attribution: Emily Tan

 


Tags: ,

S-W-E-A-T, That’s The Way You Spell Success!

February 17th, 2011 Posted in Blog
Success 2

Image Attribution: KK

Two of North America’s top trend watchers have shared an obvious piece of advice. We all need practice.

Our North American culture believes in instant gratification.  Plan + Execution = Success. Isn’t it just as simple as make your plan, focus and adjust as necessary?

Malcolm Gladwell believes 10,000 hours will create success.  Seth Godin believes all successes are unique and they all don’t take 10,000 hours. But don’t be fooled, success is created with sweat equity.  And successful presentations and speeches need some sweat and discomfort too, to come off with the look of ease. 

Perhaps we think that the most inspirational speakers impart wisdom, energy and charisma with little effort. But that’s the charm; they make it look easy – that’s not what is going on behind the scenes.

My favourite speaker (go to guy for inspiration) is Winston Churchill. The timber of his voice makes my knees weak and his wise words are chilling.  I assumed he was a natural but he is not.  His secretary has spilled that Churchill spent weeks anxiously pacing the halls practicing. Who knew?

As did King George VI, who we found out in “The King’s Speech”, oratory did not come naturally to him either. 

 And If Churchill and the King needed to practice…bets are you and I need to expand some sweat equity too!

 

Tags: , , , ,

Practice, practice, and practice some more

September 25th, 2009 Posted in Blog

Two of North America’s top trend watchers have made an obvious bit of advice stick. Practice, practice, practice.

We are living in a culture of instant gratification. Post that web blog and use the right tools. Wa la … followers and readers.

Both Seth Godin and Malcolm Gladwell agree that a plan and its execution are what creates success. Stick to a plan, keep at it, and adjust as necessary. Gladwell argues that it takes 10,000 hours to create success. Godin argues that there are sucesses that do not take 10,000 hours because they are unique. I vote for the 10,000 hours of investment. Not many successes have been created with little investment. Successful presentations and speeches take time and investment.

Many who are enamoured with great orators are deluded in thinking that speeches and presentations come easily for them and they don’t require much practice. That inspiring speakers are easily able to impart their wisdom with energy an charisma.

My favourite orator is Winston Churchill. If asked who I would like to have at my dinner table if I could have anyone,  at the head of the table would sit Winston Churchill. The timber of his voice makes my knees weak and his wise words are chilling. I assumed that he was a natural but not so.

Oratory did not come naturally to Churchill he had to study and practice it. He never gave a speech from memory and would spend days preparing it.

If Churchill needed to practice bets are you and I need to practice even more.

Tags: , , , , ,

Want to Ratchet Up Your Public Speaking a Notch?
Sign Up For Weekly Tips & Techniques




* = required field

powered by MailChimp!

Latest Tweets