7.5 Million Americans Have Trouble Using Their Voices.

Diane DiResta, a licensed Speech Pathologist and author of Knockout Presentations, spoke at The Voice Foundation, the 38th annual scientific symposium on the voice. The conference attracts International otolaryngologists, speech scientists, vocal coaches, and speech pathologists who want to learn about the physiology and care of the professional voice.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health, approximately 7.5 million Americans have trouble using their voices. Despite widespread voice problems, too little is known about the vocal disorders that cut short careers, impair the speech process, devastate and even threaten people’s lives.

For the first time since it’s inception in 1969, the topic of The Speaking Voice: What You Need to Know About Speaking in Public was addressed. Nancy Solomon, Ph.D, kicked off the session by recognizing a lack of research in the science of speaking.

Ms.DiResta’s keynote revealed speaking as the new competitive weapon and identified 10 top speaker mistakes. Common mistakes in the scientific community include: speaking too long, providing too much data and detail than the audience can absorb, cluttering PowerPoint slides and talking to the screen, sounding scripted or unnatural and not tailoring the message to the audience.

She cited studies from MIT about the power of powerful presentation skills to sway venture capitalists to fund new companies and the research regarding the importance of likability of the presenter. DiResta discouraged scientists from reading their research. “I can read as well as you can, “ she claimed. “Reading is not presenting.” She advised that we’re all public speakers. “If you do research, you’re going to be asked to speak,” she stated.

After thirty minutes of audience questions, Ms. DiResta took part in a panel discussion with a psychologist, speech pathologist, speech and theater professor, an otolarygologist, and professor of communication disorders.

The conference stimulated much discussion and interest in the future study of the science of the public speaking voice. The conference was held June 5th through the 7th in Philadelphia.

Want Funding? Practice Your Elevator Speech

I've seen it time and time again. You're at a networking meeting. People introduce themselves. You turn to your partner and say, "I still don't understand what he does."
If you can't describe what you do and the value you provide, you'll forfeit funding, business partners, and new clients.

In a study by the University of Maryland's business school, they concluded that the business plan will not do much for attracting interest from venture capitalists. The reason is that they won't read all that documentation.
One venture capitalist said he'd rather hear the evidence in PowerPoint slides or in somebody's presentation.

Investors don't want to read a 50 page plan. They will read an "elevator pitch" executive summary. If that's well developed and well delivered they'll continue to read.

Mr. Goldfarb, from the University of Maryland business school, agreed that entrepreneurs should write a "150 word elevator pitch and to practice with anybody who will listen.

When I work with business clients, the first thing we do is to set a clear objective.
For example, is the outcome to be invited to a second stage meeting?
The second step is to profile the audience.
The third step is to write a clear elevator pitch or summary of the presentation.

Only after that elevator speech is clear, concise, and focused, can we begin to pare down the presentation and deliver a compelling case.

Smiling: An Asset or Liability?

A smile can be your greatest asset or a liability-especially if you're a woman. Flashing those pearlie whites can dazzle an audience. Think Julia Roberts. Her smile lights up her face and has become her signature.

Too often speakers mistakenly believe that to be professional you must be serious. Actually, the opposite is true. It takes confidence to smile and show expression. If you're too serious you'll appear nervous. In fact, the absence of a smile can be downright intimidating. One executive I coached was perceived as aggressive and arrogant.. Why? Because he showed no facial expression. He listened with a deadpan expression. It was chilling. We had to teach him to show teeth. When he started to smile he was able to connect with people. Smiling warms up the audience making you more approachable.

But smiling can also be a liability. Grinning like a Cheshire cat or plastering a non-stop smile on your face smacks of insincerity. When smiling is genuine you can see it in the eyes. Smiling too often can be more detrimental for women than for men. Women need to strike a balance between a serious expression and a smile. Excessive smiling can be perceived as subservient, people pleasing, or lacking confidence. Smiling is also situational. It's inappropriate, for example, to smile when announcing layoffs. Trying to break the tension with humor can backfire in that situation. Maintain a serious demeanor to demonstrate empathy and respect for the employees.
So to show you mean business-get serious. To connect and engage your audience- smile. When you smile and look somebody in the eye you acknowledge their presence. A smile says, "I see you. You're important. I care.". Your smile is your gift.

The Healing Power of Words

During my last Science of Mind class we had to give yet another presentation from the podium. One of my classmates approached the platform and before he began he said,
"I really need the support of everybody here." He disclosed that this would be difficult for him.

As I watched him, he appeared confident and knowledgeable. When he returned to his seat I said, "What are you talking about? You were great. I didn't see any evidence of nervousness. You have nothing to worry about." He grabbed my hand and I could feel it was sweaty.
He shared that my words meant so much to him, especially because I was a speech coach.
He said my words gave him confidence.

My intention wasn't to deliberately boost his confidence with words of encouragement. I was honestly flabbergasted that he felt this way since we had been giving class presentations last year. The only sign of nervousness was his sweaty palm. My advice?
Don't shake hands immediately after the presentation. (Just joking).

It made me realize once again the power of our words to change lives. Words can elevate people's spirits, infuse them with confidence, bathe them in love. In these times of transition you may not have money to pay somebody's mortgage or be able to give someone a job. But you have a gift that is more powerful than anything tangible-your words. Your words can heal.

You can change a life today. Give the gift of your words.

The Voice of Authority: Preserving Your Speaking Voice

Whether it’s the rich, resonant tones of Richard Burton, the breathiness of Marilyn Monroe, or the nasality of Fran Drescher, the sound of the voice conjures up an image, an impression, and can influence perception. Communication studies indicate that the voice is 38% of the message.
Effective CEOs know how to use the voice for effect but don’t always use the voice effectively.

If you do a lot of speaking , one of the bigger problems is laryngopharyngeal reflux, an inflammation near the back part of the larynx due to acid rising to that point. Thirty-five million people in the U.S. have acid reflux. Reflux is most common because executive speakers are on the go, stressed and may have poor diets.

The big five symptoms are:
• Vocal fatigue
• Lack of Projection
• Hoarseness as the day wears on
• Throat clearing
• Increased phlegm in the throat

To preserve the voice, don’t talk over noise or constantly clear your throat.

Another common voice problem is vocal paresis, a weakness in one or both vocal muscles manifesting in breathiness or fatigue. Vocal paresis can be caused by a flu or viral infection.
Even a monotone may be an indicator of a minor defect or partial paralysis. And also, speakers who have difficulty projecting could have some vocal fold asymmetry.

When hoarseness is the problem, first determine that there is no hemorrhage. Then start a process of hydration and steam. For frequent travelers, a dry hotel room can be harmful to the voice.

Avoid alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine before a speech. They dehydrate the mucous membranes.
To keep the voice in top shape, drink eight glasses of water a day, avoid dairy products, and eat a balance of protein and carbohydrates. Practice “safe speaking” by using disposable hand sanitizers to clean off telephone mouthpieces. To minimize the effects of a cold, use zinc lozenges with 12.5 mgs of zinc. And don’t sit near fans and air conditioners.

The key to vocal fitness is good breathing and relaxed but dynamic use of body parts. Most people don’t breathe adequately. To project your voice, work on your breathing. . Practice breathing into the belly, pushing it out like a balloon, holding it for 5-10 seconds, then letting air go out with a sound for 5-10 seconds.” This will give you vocal power as well as reducing speaking jitters.

Before a presentation, warm up your voice with these exercises:

1. breathing down low in the chest
2. humming
3. lip trills (brr brr brr..)
4. tongue trills
5. syllable drills ( puh tuh kuh/ buh duh guh) to warm up tongue/jaw motion

The vocal folds are muscles. Frequent speaking can fatigue the voice so build in time for vocal rest.
With proper breathing, voice training, and vocal hygiene any speaker can master true vocal power.

Does Your Audience Choose A Blackberry or You?

Speakers continually complain that their audiences are always checking their blackberries instead of listening. It's a constant challenge.
They can take a lesson from a flight attendant named Holly.

On a crowded Continental Express flight to Chicago, before the attendant began her announcement she asked people to remove their coats
from the overhead compartment to make room for baggage. She explained that smaller bags and coats must go under the seat. This was an FCC regulation for our safety to enable us to easily evacuate.

Then she began her presentation. I continued reading. I already knew the drill. She said,"Okay. Holly's Rules."
That was different. I was curious and looked up. She followed with "I'm going to show you how to walk, talk, and breathe."
Now she really had my attention. Holly told us to expect a bumpy ride and not to hold on to the back of the seats when walking. "That will only cause people to wake up," she joked.
She demonstrated how to hold on to the edge of the overhead panels when walking down the aisle. "Well, that takes care of walking and talking.
Now how do you breathe?" Holly told us that if the oxygen cups descended we would know if oxygen was flowing by noticing little beads in the clear air tubes. Pulling on the tube would activate it. In all my years of flying I never heard that. I actually learned somethng new. She wanted us to be informed because her oxygen mask didn't reach far and she wouldn't be able to get to everybody in an emergency.
Everyone was now paying attention and fully engaged!

Finally she asked if anybody read the instructions about electronic devices. She confideded that she doesn't read them either and that's why they make announcments.
She listed the devices that could be used. Restricted devices were anything that required an electonic signal. She said that if you tried to use a blackberry it would constantly look for a signal and this would drain the battery. I didn't know that either.

One last thing. She asked the passengers if she should make one pot or two pots of coffee. We voted. Then she confided that she was shy and didn't like making
presentations.
At the end of her presentation the passengers applauded. One person remarked, "That was the best presentation I've heard."

Why do most people tune out during take-off? Because most flight attendants are reading or reciting data. Like so many boring presenters, they are just talking heads.


So what did Holly teach us about speaking?

She began by establishing rapport.
She didn't speak to one person; she spoke to the group about storing bags under the seat. (Teachable moment)
She grabbed attention by saying something unexpected. (Holly's rules)
She provided an agenda of her presentation. (Walk, talk, and breathe).
She managed our expectations. (It's going to be a bumpy ride).
She personalized the messsage.
She modeled behavior. (Demonstrated how to walk during turbulence).
She always offered a rationale after making a request. (FCC regulation to help you evacuate).
She used humor.
She provided new information. (Look for the beads in the air tube).
She was clear, simple, and brief.
She used self-disclosure. (I don't like giving presentations).
She engaged the audience. (One pot or two?).

Holly"s presentation set a lighter, pleasant tone for the trip.

Lesson learned:
If you want your audience to focus on you instead of a blackberry, be compelling.

Are You Present or Just Presenting?

On Saturday my dear cat, Blackie passed away. We had him for 11 years and he was the perfect cat. I received some comfort from friends who called and sent emails.
One person called and offered to leave her cell phone on while she was away. I called and called but the phone would not accept a voicemail. When she returned on Sunday, she discovered that the phone wasn't charged. She apologized and said she called to check in to see how I was doing. Obviously, her intention was positive. While she was talking I heard loud banging that was hurting my ear. I asked if she was doing the dishes. She said she was emptying grocery bags and putting the items on the table.
When I complained about the noise she said, "You'll get over it."
I certainly did-I ended the call.
Obviously she wasn't ready to talk. She wasn't present. While her intention was to call to see how I was doing (caring) the result was that I felt disrespected and not important.
I felt that I was an obligation and something to check off her "to do" list.

The real message in a communication is NOT your intent. The true message is the result.

How often do presenters memorize a page of words and spew them at us like spitballs hoping that they hit our minds? To be an effective communicator, we must be present. If we're thinking of our next line, we're not present with the audience.
If we're dropping a string of "ums" and "ahs" we're not present. To be truly present is to be with the person. To be present means to connect by really looking at people.
To be present is to share and hold the silence with them.

Your audience may be one or one thousand. It doesn't matter. The present we give our audience is our presence.

Where's It At?

A reader of my articles sent me an email. It read:

Dear Ms. DiResta:

I recently read your article "Six Sloppy Speech Habits". I would like to add a seventh: Ending sentences with the word "at."

It is cringe-worthy how many people put that particular preposition at the end of sentences these days, as in, "I don't know where my notebook is at." And, "Let's get back to our lesson. Where were we at?"

It sounds so sloppy and unprofessional and just plain ignorant.

I would love to hear your comments on this.

Dear Reader:

Thank you for reading my article and for your contribution. I agree with you. This would fall into the category of grammatical errors.

You should not end a sentence with a preposition. It's more appropriate to say "I don't know where I put my notebook." A better alternative to "Where were we at?" is to say "Where were we?"
When it comes to language, usage is 90% of the law. In other words, when expressions are used frequently they become part of the vernacular. But ending a sentence with the word "at" is not considered grammatically correct.

Successful people have a command of the language. Sloppy speech habits can cost you a job interview or promotion. It's definitely not effective in any business presentation.

To read the article click here:
http://www.diresta.com/public-speaking-articles/article-six-sloppy-speech.html

Let us know what you think about sloppy speech habits in the work place.

Are You the Right Leader?

Many of my clients hire me to help them with their "Executive Presence."
To be effective, you need to look and sound like a leader. But there is another area of business leadership. It's about the right fit.
When I did outplacement work in the 1990s, I discovered that most people were in the wrong jobs.
They had the right skill set and were the right candidate on paper. So why didn't they succeed?

Nat Stoddard and Claire Wycoff, authors of The Right Leader, know the answer. After years of working with C-level executives, Nat discovered that 40% of those executives would leave their jobs in 18 months. Yet, they were intelligent, skilled, experienced, likable, talented people. This statistic was true whether candidates were hired internally or externally. They realized that character and cultural fit were as important as skills and experience.

As a result, the Match Fit model was developed. The model, which is described in the book, serves as an assessment tool to increase the success of newly hired executives.
Finally, companies and leaders can save themselves frustration, embarrassment and costs due to low retention.

To learn more visit:

http://www.amazon.com/Right-Leader-Selecting-Executives-Who/dp/0470344504/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237294490&sr=8-3

Do Looks Matter?

We saw the contrast in the presidential election between the youthful,energetic Obama and the older McCain. Did looks make an impact in the election? Researchers in Switzerland would probably say yes. They found that voters may be heavily influenced by physical appearance even at an early age. They showed adults photos of two unknown candidates and asked them to choose the candidate they preferred. Seventy per cent of the time they selected the winning candidate. The results were duplicated when kids were choosing the candidates. They concluded that voting decisions are not made on the issues but more frequently on appearance. While it's possible to change one's mind after hearing the issues, first impressions have staying power.
So what about leadership? Job candidates? John Lennon once sang, "Got to be good lookin' cause it's so hard to see..." If it's advantageous to have good looks, it behooves leaders, candidates, job seekers and anybody trying to influence others, to be as attractive as possible. There's a reason image consultants have a thriving business.

How Are the Pyramids Like Public Speaking?

In January I was invited to work in Cairo, Egypt. It was an amazing experience. The Egyptians pride themselves on their hospitality. In the perfume shop I was invited to have tea as I sampled the array of essential oils. When I worked with my clients, we began each coaching session with a one hour breakfast in the hotel to "break the ice." It was evident that relationship building is as important as acquiring new skills. They were very open to learning the American way of communicating and valued our presentation approach.
On my day off, I hired a guide and headed off to see the pyramids and the sphynx. I was struck by their majesty and wondered how they could still be standing after 4,500 years. It made me realize that the key to their longevity is their solid, well built structure. A single stone weighing tons, fit perfectly into the groove of another stone.
And that's a lesson for public speaking. The delivery is only as good as the structure. Each point must fit or flow into the next idea. A presentation won't be effective without a solid structure. I've worked with clients for one to two hours just on organizing and building a framework from which their ideas can flow.
Good structure and design will enable you to be clear, get to the point more quickly and stay on message. When your speech has a strong structure, your presentation will stand the test of time. Just like the pyramids.

Does Caroline Kennedy Really Want to Be Senator?

In a interview Caroline Kennedy made the following statement "You know, I think, really, um, this is sort of a unique moment both in our, you know, in our country's history and in, you know, my own life, and, um, you know, we are facing you know, unbelievable challenges"

What was the message? She sounded tentative, nervous, and lacking conviction. The hesitancy becomes the message. It raises doubt as to whether she really wants to be a senator. When people feel strongly about something, it is evident in their language. They use fewer ums, stronger word choice, and a passionate tone.
After hearing her interview, the public questioned her ability to lead.

Let's make the message stronger:

"This is a unique moment and we face unbelievable challenges."

The first message got lost in the delivery. The second version is clear, strong, and memorable.
When you pepper your conversation with numerous non-words or fillers you dilute the message and weaken your leadership.

I've coached many intelligent, competent people whose leadership was challenged because of their verbal presentation.
Everyone uses one or two /ums/. But when it's excessive the speaker loses credibility and the audience stops listening.
One executive used 108 /ums/ during his presentation to shareholders. After coaching he reduced the number of non-words to eight.

Don't make people walk through the weeds to find the kernel of your message.

Even Pizzarias Make Presentations

Recently I went to a local pizzaria. I ordered an eggplant hero and a salad. I stepped aside and waited for my takeout order. After a while a young man said my food was ready and he rang up my order. After I paid him he walked back into the kitchen.There was a pizza box on the counter. I stood there waiting for him to bring out my food but it never came.
The impatience must have showed on my face because the owner came over to the counter.
He asked if he could help me. I said that I paid for my food but the waiter never brought it out. The owner pointed to the pizza box and said "It's right here."

Well, why would I know a salad and sandwich were in a pizza box? Usually they put them in a paper bag. He placed a pizza box on the counter, took my money and walked away. The young man never PRESENTED IT to me. That was like a speech that has no conclusion. It leaves the audience confused.

Fast forward a couple of weeks. I am now in a Subway shop ordering a tuna hero. I watch the server as he fills the sandwich. He takes my money and walks to the cash register.
He never comes back. I kept waiting for him to bring me the sandwich. I didn't see it. Finally I told someone else that I was waiting for my sandwich. They told me it was on the counter. I walked over to the end of the counter and there it was sitting by the register where the server left it. He never PRESENTED IT to me. He made the sandwich, put it down and went into the kitchen. What is going on here? While this may seem like a customer service issue there are lessons here for business presenters.

1.Always have a clear, strong conclusion.
2.Don't assume your audience understands your business.
3.Never disrespect your audience or leave them confused.
4.End your presentation with a smile and a thank you.

Your presentation IS your business.

The Persuasive Power of Three

For years I've been telling my clients and audiences to group things in threes-three agenda items, three main points, three benefits.

Three is a magical number. We remember things in threes. Think about it. We experience many threes in this culture: traffic lights (red, yellow, green), nursery rhymes (three little pigs, three little bears, religion (the trinity), movies (Three Coins in a Fountain), baseball (three strikes and you're out), and even public speaking (opening, body, conclusion).

According to the American Psychological Association there is scientific evidence that customers are more easily persuaded by repetition in sets of three. To read more click here.

Your Networking is Only as Good as Your Presentation

The holidays are a good time to network to find a job, develop new business, and to connect with friends. But your networking success is only as good as your presentation.

Here are a few tips for holiday networking from Laura Hill, CEO of Careers-in-Motion.

• Have your answer to “What do you do?” ready at all times – this is your elevator pitch. Provide your function (human resources; chemical engineering), context (your company name, industry or subspecialty) and something unique or memorable about what you do. Modify your pitch for the situation and practice it out loud beforehand.

• If you’re in a job search, tell everyone – and I mean everyone – your dentist, hairstylist, accountant, relatives, and neighbors. Give them your elevator pitch and include “I’m interested in companies such as ABC, XYZ, and DEF”. They may have another client who works at one of your targets!

• Contact former colleagues and old friends: “How’s your schedule for catching a drink to toast the holidays?” or “With things a little slower due to the holidays, I thought this might be a good time to catch up over lunch”.

• A holiday greeting card or email letter is a great way to keep your name top-of-mind with your networking contacts. Include recruiters you know who work in your field and your professional network.

• Arrive on time and stay late at a function to allow ample time to meet as many people as possible. Briefly greet and make plans to follow up with people you already know so you can focus on meeting new people.

• Volunteer: not-for-profit organizations need more helping hands during the holidays. It’s a great way to meet people outside your usual network and it will lift your spirits.

PS - Please forward this to your friends and colleagues, and for more information on job search and career management assistance, call 212-758-9944 or http://www.cimllc.com

Your Delivery is Only as Good as Your Proposal

One thing I've discovered is that speakers don't deliver their message effectively because they lack a solid foundation. I've spent two hours coaching speakers on their strategy, structure, and message points before we ever work on delivery. Only when they have a solid structure can they truly persuade their listeners.

Whether you work in business, sell for that business, or own your business, you'll be called upon to present a proposal. But you can fail to win the business even if you're a confident, dynamic speaker. You can't sell unless your proposal sells.

Adrian Miller, owner of Adrian Miller Sales Training, presented tips on Writing Proposals That Close More Sales at the NY XPO.

Adrian advised that your proposal Be Clear-use conversational language and no jargon.
Be Specific and Relevant. She warned againt Boiler Plate B.S. One size does not fit all.

Another mistake presenters make is they waste time on prospects who won't buy. Adrian was adament about not skipping over the qualifying step.
She then described the process: Begin with a Hook, Establish Goals, Speak to their Background, Summarize the Current Situation and Desired Outcome, then Present your Recommended Plan, Details, and Next Steps.

It's just as important to know what a proposal is not. It's not a price quote, a contract, an equipment spec sheet, or brochure copy.

And never forget-it's all about the prospect! http://www.adrianmiller.com

What's Your Elevator Pitch?

If you got into an elevator with Donald Trump would you be able to pitch yourself or your idea so that he'd be interested? That's the question Susan Solovic, CEO of SBTV.com asked the audience at the NY XPO.

Susan talked about the Cs and Ps of a good elevator pitch.
When you craft it, make sure it's content appropriate, concise, compelling, clear, confident and gives a call to action. When delivering your pitch you must have poise, projection, passion and practice, practice, practice.

Finally, there must be a benefit to the listener. Describing yourself as an executive coach is boring. To stand out you can say, "I inspire companies and people to be the best they can be." If the listener asks you how you do that, you know you have a compelling pitch.

An elevator pitch is verbal marketing. Do you attract people with your words? As I always say, life is a presentation. Make yours a knockout!

Online Communication is a Business Presentation

This was my question on linkedin: What is the best CRM for small business?

The first reply follows below:

"Your requirements are too generic - just about any stand-alone CRM has a web-based interface and integrates with Outlook and Quickbooks. Both Outlook and Quickbooks have CRM add-ons, for example, that meet your criteria. Intuit has an ecosystem of CRM and other vendors that integrate with QB. It's best to describe how you intend to use it - track leads, manage forecasts, run marketing campaigns, etc."

In face-to-face communication there is an immediate in-the- moment dialogue.
Questioner: "What's the best CRM for a small business?
Respondent: "What are you looking for?" or "What do you want to use it for?" or "Why do you ask?"

In written or social media being specific is even more important than when you're face-to-face. You don't have the time to dialogue in real time if you post a question to a group. So it's important to create a specific message and to target your question to a specific group.

Public Speaking Fear is All in the Mind

According to the October 25th Newsweek article there is agreement among researchers who study the processes of mind and brain that underlie belief. "As scientists began studying belief in the paranormal, it quickly became clear that belief requires an open mind—one not bound by the evidence of the senses, but in which emotions such as hope and despair can trump that evidence."

The article went on to say that "the brain's sensory regions, including vision, are at the mercy of higher-order systems, such as those that run attention and emotions. If attention is not engaged, images that land on the retina and zip back to the visual cortex never make it to the next stop in the brain, where they would be processed and identified and examined critically."
Neuroimaging studies have shown that there is a "constant back and forth between cognitive and emotional regions of the brain. It can intensify perceptions as when fear sharpens hearing but it can also override the senses."

What does this mean for public speakers? Fear can intensify your perceptions. If your attention is not fully engaged, a serious face in the audience can be perceieved as hostile or the pleasant, receptive expression can be missed all together.
This is why speakers have an "out of body" experience where they don't remember what they said. Focus your attention on your breath, slow down, and be fully present.
In other words, get over yourself. It's not about you, it's about them.

You Can't Lead If You Can't Speak

History was made November 4, 2008. Barack Obama was elected president. Political campagains aside, what made him stand out? His oratory. Leaders must be able to inspire an audience and that requires excellent speaking skills. Passion, poise, and a consistent message inspire trust. The ability to handle challenges and attacks without getting flustered conveys a sense of confidence. Delivering a message to a crowd is only part of the process. A good leader must be able to connect one-on-one. How many times have we seen a dynamic speaker who shares an exciting vision and then quickly exits the stage bypassing the handshake? Obama successfully used social media as well as making contact face-to-face.
When is comes to leadership there is a relationship between speaking and leading. To the victor belong the spoils. And to the leader belong good communication skills.

Matt Lauer Gets Roasted

On Friday, October 24th I attended the Friar's Club roast of Matt Lauer at the NY Hilton. It was a star-studded event with a surprise guest-Tom Cruise. Tom came out while the lights were dim and gave a funny tribute to Matt. On the dais were Donald Trump, Katie Couric, Ann Curry, Al Roker, Meredith Viera, Martha Stewart, Joe Scarborough, Clay Aiken, Omarosa, Miss America, Miss USA, Jeff Zucker, Brian Williams, comedians Richard Beltzer, Pat Cooper, Jeffrey Ross, Bob Saget, Gilbert Gottfried and others. In the ballroom of 1900 guests were Howard Stern and his wife, and Joy Bahar of The View. Aretha Franklin sang the national anthem. After she sang, Stewie Stone said it was the first time he heard the fat lady sing before it was over. Aretha communicated her response with a New York gesture.

Many of us have an opportunity to give a toast but roasting is less common and requires a special skill. It was interesting to experience how some people can read a script and be funny where others are not. It's all in the delivery. The best comedian was Jeffrey Ross. Jeff Zucker, TV anchor Brian Williams, and Meredith Vieira were surprisingly funny. Richard Beltzer kept tripping over his lines and finally Matt got up and read it for him. At the end of the luncheon, Matt Lauer gave a gracious thank you speech.

A roast is expected to be funny and raunchy especially when it's for entertainment celebrities. But in a business setting it's important to be careful. You need to remember that humor in the workplace is a great release when it's appropriate. But unlike the celebrities who went home after the event, you live in your workplace. You'll see the same people the next day. So when you roast, make sure it's well done.

And the Winner Is...

Tony Osime from Lagos won the contestand and received my free ebook, Difficult Conversations. She organized adult learning methods in order or most active to most passive learning. Why is this important? Because most speakers rely on lecturing and reading notes. To increase retention try some of these methods:

1)Teach Others
2)Immediate Use of Learning
3)Practice by Doing
4)Demonstration
5)Audio visual
6)Lecture
7)Reading

You can get your own ebook at the online store - www.diresta.com

What Joe the Plumber and Ronald Reagan Know about Pubic Speaking

Why all the hoopla about Joe the Plumber? A man asked a simple question. He wanted to buy a business. He was concerned that he would not be able to afford to do so if his taxes were increased. Why does Joe's 15 minutes of fame seem to have a life of its own? Because it struck a nerve.

Joe the Plumber represents the common man. He wants practical answers to everyday issues that affect his life. He doesn't want theories about spreading the wealth. He wants to know in practical language what he can expect so that he can make a decision.

How often do financial speakers present their numbers without telling the story behined the numbers? What about technical speakers who don't translate how the technology actually benefits the end user?

Ronald Regan knew how to relate to the general public. He spoke in simple terms. He appeared as comfortable having a beer with a group of blue collar workers as he did when dining at a state dinner.

The lesson here is know your audience. Never underestimate or ignore a question. Speak simply and clearly. And adjust your style to match the style of your listeners. In other words, speak their language.

Make Your Message Stick

Most speakers go into default mode. It's called lecturing. But lecturing is only one form of speaking and it's passive learning. Your audience needs a variety of methods in order to remember your message. So get active!

Arrange these seven learning methods in order of most active (1) to most passive (7).
Post your answers. The first person to answer correctly will win a free copy of my book, Conversations on Success.

Audio visual
Demonstration
Lecture
Practice by Doing
Reading
Immediate Use of Learning or Teach Others

Can You Spell Boring?

Last night's presidential debate was a lesson for any business presenter or public speaker. Your audience will forgive almost any gaffe or foible except for being boring. Where was the fire in the belly? Enthusiasm sells!

Both candidates may as well have been giving a P&L report. There was no passion, no conviction that created a feeling of excitement in the listeners. They were calm and matter-of-fact but did not inspire leadership. It was a safe presentation. There was nothing controversial and nothing memorable. Who won the debate? Nobody. They both lost the opportunity to rally the crowd

I always tell my clients there are no boring topics-only boring presenters. Well, Obama and McCain certainly proved my point.

Posturing for Success

My clients often come to me to develop executive presence.
Executive presence is hard to define but you know it when you see it. And when it's lacking, it affects your leadership. It begins with the way you command the platform whether your platform is a stage or a conference room. An audience sizes you up from the moment you walk into a room.

And many presenters project weak posture. People with good posture are perceived as more successful. Confident people stand up straight, with their shoulders back, their head held high, and their eyes looking ahead. It's amazing how a simple act of standing tall with shoulders back can impact perception.

Poor posture will make you seem smaller,cause lower back pain,and create a negative impression.

The challenge is being aware of your posture especially if you have a tendency to slump. Now there is a device that can give you instant feedback and you can wear it under your clothing. It's call iposture.

The iPosture is an intuitive electronic device designed to improve posture. Just over one inch in diameter, the iPosture automatically senses when the body slouches, and it alerts the user with brief vibrations to correct it. http://www.iposture.com

Discover Your Power Voice with Les Brown

What is your power voice? It's your authentic self-not the talking head but the real you. How do you find your power voice? Motivational Speaker and Trainer Les Brown will show you how in his Speaking Bootcamp. Listen to my interview with Les Brown at the National Speakers Association convention in New York City.

You're an Expert But Can You Speak?

Has this happened to you? I attended a teleseminar the other day. The guest speaker was touted as a real expert in his field. Based on his background this was true.
The teleseminar was given in two parts with each part being one hour.
Although I took notes, I can't tell you much of what I learned in two hours.
The reason was because I tuned out. When the interviewer asked him a question he would respond like this: "Well, um ah yeah the the answer to that well is you know the way I think of that is..." SPIT IT OUT!

A teleseminar is still a presentation.
It was so frustrating to listen to someone who couldn't answer with a clear, to-the- point message. The two hour content could have been delivered in one hour.
It would have helped to have a handout. Although I remember a few tips, it could have been delivered just as easily with a few written bullet points.
So here is the lesson: As I say in my book, Knockout Presentations, your success depends on the quality of your presentation. This applies to everybody but celebrities. Why?
Because people want to been seen with a famous speaker or want to learn from the top experts. So unless you're a celebrity invest in your presentation skills.
Luckily this teleseminar was free.

Thirty Seconds to Win or Lose

It takes 30 seconds or less for an audience to decide to listen or tune out.


Your opening must grab and focus attention.
Most people I coach have difficulty getting started. People are most nervous at the beginning of a speech. Even when their speech is well organized they hem and haw during their opening.
It's like revving up a car on a cold, winter day. It takes time to get the motor running.
They may start with "So...I want to tell you about..." or "Good morning, um, I think my idea is, I feel this is a good idea.."


This scattered approach will set you up for failure. Your opening must be crisp and focused. The way to achieve that is to write your opening line and memorize it.
Recently, I worked with someone who had a technology product that would benefit the audience. But it took the speaker too long to get to the point.

We worked on refining the opening: "I'm going to show you a way to make your life easier. It will enable you to pull the data faster."
The speaker captured their attention, focused the presentation, and sounded more confident.
The presentation was a success.

When it comes to opening statements-less is more.

Are You an All Star Speaker?

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to see the All Star parade in New York City. The great players of baseball waved to the crowds from their floats-Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and others. The night before I watched Josh Hamilton hit 28 home runs at the Home Run Derby. Amazing!
He was so natural and made it seem effortless as he hit the ball out of the park.

I started to think about what makes a player great. And it's the same thing that makes speakers great.
First, they look natural. They make speaking look easy. You would never know how many months and years they studied and practiced. That grace and ease takes discipline. Greatness in sports and in speaking takes hard work and focus.

In baseball, it's about the numbers, the stats. In speaking it's about the results. What is the audience outcome? Do they leave with infomation they can use or do they wonder where the value went? Great speakers provide practical tips and current information. Great speakers make an impact on the audience.

In any sporting event, the fans go on a roller coaster ride of emotions from passion, to anger, to suspense, to triumph. Great speakers know it's not enough to deliver information. Audiences want an experience. They want to be entertained. For that reason great speakers are master storytellers. They paint pictures with their words and take the listeners on an emotional journey.

Finally, great players are risk takers. They see an opportunity to score points by stealing bases. Great speakers steal moments. They're not afraid to be spontaneous, improvise, and take the speech in another direction if something unexpected happens.

You don't have to be in the Hall of Fame to be an All Star Speaker. Work on your craft, focus on results, give the audience a valuable experience, and take risks. And you'll be the star of your own speech.

Top 5 Issues Meeting Planners Face

If you're a speaker who presents at conferences and conventions or if you're planning a meeting you need to know what factors will impact the success of your meetings.

According to MiForum, here are the top 5 issues meeting planners face:

1: Fuel prices and their impact on travel, prices of everything (including
the food served everywhere) and the surcharges we see now on some services
and those we will see, and on staffing since many minimum wage staff can no longer
afford to work because of high transportation costs.

2: Airline schedule restructuring which is leaving many markets without service at all or with such limited service that it makes it tough to travel.

3: The economy - in the US and abroad: not only are homeowners losing homes,renters are losing the homes that the owners are losing; jobs are being cut; banks are being taken over, and on and on.

4: Govt. regs: Mostly about pharma meetings (see today's NYTimes re the
American Psychiatric Assn. -

(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/12/washington/12psych.html?_r=1&ref=to
We're gonna see more of that and more industries and organizations, not just in the medical field, are going to come under scrutiny. The fall out for just APA could be a massive hit on the convention business.

5: Meeting outsourcing: It is becoming more difficult in many markets for
meeting planners to find jobs.

Even Kids Need Presentation Skills

A mother called me to coach her son. He was a recent college graduate and she didn't think he was maximizing his interviews. He was interviewing for prospective graduate programs in the medical field.
His mother confided that he left home as a sparkling conversationalist and after living with four geeks he became one himself.

Initially, he spoke rapidly and sounded nervous. He wasn't aware that he needed to stop and breathe after a sentence.
But he also didn't have prepared message points which was the reason he would ramble on. We started with the basic questions-"Tell me about yourself", "What are your strengths?", "What are your weaknesses?"

But his toughest question was "What is your major?" Why? Because he was applying to a medical program. Although he had the necessary 96 pre-med credits, his degree was in English. (Not your typical biology applicant).
He'd respond defensively trying to justify his English degree. He didn't know how to turn a perceived negative into a positive.

After the coaching here's how he responded to "What is your major?"

"I have 96 pre med credits, I picked up 30 credits and a degree in English, and I'm two courses shy of a degree in psychology which I'll probably go back and complete."

So your degree is in English?

"Yes, and I'm proud of that. People tell me it's refreshing to meet somebody who is wholebrained. My English degree provided me with good writing skills and will help me communicate with patients. I think it makes me unique."

He now not only knows what to say but he thinks differently about his background.
This student has confidence from the inside out.

Portugal Toastmasters Interview with Diane DiResta

I was interviewed by Francisco Saraiva, the President of Toastmasters in Portugal.

FRANCISCO SARAIVAAbout Public Speaking… Home
Who is Francisco Saraiva?
What I’m reading / watching
Moment with Diane DiResta
Public Speaking Blogs, Toastmasters Add comments As we continue our feature posts of the best speakers in the corporate world, we give you a brief interview with internationally renowned public speaking coach and trainer and author, Diane DiResta.

Diane conducts various hands on training and coaching on presentation and communication skills development. We asked Diane the main challenges clients face regarding public speaking.

“The main challenges my clients have in common are fear of speaking, and a loss of leadership credibility when speaking. In a few cases, the fear causes avoidance. Avoiding speaking is career suicide especially for those in a leadership role. They lose opportunities for visibility both internally and externally. Knowing this, they seek coaching,” she said. Effective communication skills are therefore a vital part of a company’s success.

So apart from fear, what else do clients face for them to seek help?

“Many clients have difficulty getting to the point. I’m often hired because the client lacks “executive presence.” They are skilled and competent but they don’t look and sound like leaders. They overwhelm the listeners with details they don’t need or care about. This leads to a lack of clarity and focus. Without a clear focus and a crisp message, speakers will lose the attention and respect of the audience.”

“In my book, Knockout Presentations, I created a template so that speakers could organize their thoughts and speak more succinctly. I’m about to launch an online Speech Maker tool that will allow speakers to easily write their speeches online, edit, and print them from their desktops. It will be ready this summer”, she excitedly told us. This is something to watch out for.


In Diane’s blog she state that “if you want to get to the next level of speaking, watch good speakers.” We asked her identify three “good speakers” that influenced her the most and why?

“Certainly Martin Luther King is very inspiring to watch. He was passionate and used rhetorical devices such as alliteration, vocal intonation, creating a shared vision, repetition, and a challenge to the audience.”

We featured Martin Luther King at length a couple of weeks ago with a focus on his “I Have a Dream” speech.

“I’m inspired by a minister named Joel Osteen who has such a positive message of hope and through his storytelling empowers people to be their best. Gerald Coffee is a former Vietnam prisoner of war who tells his story in the most interesting and motivating way. He is a walking example of the resiliency of the human spirit. He uses a technique called anchoring. When he talks about how the American prisoners would knock on the wall to communicate with each other, he knocks on the podium. He begins and ends his presentation with three knocks. He has a powerful story to tell.

I’m continually impressed and influenced by the speakers at the National Speakers Association convention. It will be held in New York City in August.”

Diane has an interesting article “A Predilection for Diction” where she quoted an interesting study by West Georgia College, “a person’s social status is determined by their voice even when content free speech is used e.g. counting from one to ten.” With regards to this, we asked her if she thinks a professional speaker should worry about his accent and try to change to a more respected accent such as the BBC accent.

“This is an interesting question. I don’t think you should be something that you’re not. Faking a British accent will never work. But people will make judgments based on your voice and diction. It depends on your purpose. One professional speaker I know was from New York City. He had a real New York accent. He was advised by some other speaker that he should lose his accent. He thought about it for a few minutes and decided against it. If he changed his accent he would sound like every other speaker. He had a New York attitude and style and his speech pattern suited him. He’s still on the speaking circuit and is successful.”

We asked the same question to other speakers as well and they all agreed not to lose one’s native accent which a person could work for his advantage. Each person is unique in his own way.

Diane continued, “On the other hand, I once saw a medical doctor who had poor diction. I couldn’t believe that a network television station would give her a job as a health reporter. I had trouble believing she was a medical doctor and questioned her intelligence. Why would someone with that level of education still sound inarticulate? They eventually fired her. The first speaker was very articulate, used proper grammar and vocabulary. He just had a regional accent. There is no excuse for poor grammar. It’s fine to sound like you’re from a particular region as long as it’s not a pronounced or thick accent. I have worked with people who have foreign accents to speak more clearly but they don’t ever sound like Americans.”

Finally, “People will make decisions about your competence and status based on how you speak. This is especially true when speaking on the telephone. Most people love the voice of the actor James Earl Jones or Richard Burton. They have deep, warm, resonant voices. There are other voices that sound like nails on a chalkboard. The voice can soothe or irritate. We create images in our minds about the other person just from the sound of the voice. My advice is to use your best voice and diction especially when using the telephone, interviewing for a job, or speaking from the podium.”

“Thank you for the interview. I would love to visit Portugal some day.”

DiResta Communications can be reached at www.diresta.com
or email Diane at info@diresta.com. She answers rather promptly or we wouldn’t be having a chance for this interview. Drop her a line soon!



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Get the Hook: When Speakers Hog the Spotlight

It's been declared that Senator Obama is the democratic nominee. In politics or sports, when one person's numbers exceed his opponent's scores it's customary to bow out gracefully. This was not the case for Hillary Clinton. She continued to command the spotlight without any mention of an end to her campaign. So when is it to time to leave the stage? And how do you stop a speaker who exceeds the time limit?

Time is valuable to any audience. When a speaker ignores the clock, the audience feels frustrated and disrespected.

There are a few reasons why speakers don't end on time:


Lack of Preparation-They didn't rehearse out loud and time themselves and they have too much material.

Ego-They love the sound of their own voices and take advantage of a captive audience.

Time Cut Short-The previous speaker spilled over to the next time slot and the speaker doesn't know how to shorten the speech.

Nobody complains when a speaker finishes early.
But when a speaker drones on and hogs the spotlight it's time to get the hook. Here's what the moderator can say:


"Thank you, John. What's one thought you'd like to leave us with ?"

"Please help me thank Katherine." (applaud)

"Bill we're coming up on the one minute mark. Do you want to continue and skip the Q&A?"

"What a great presentation. Thank you" (start applauding)

Say out loud, "One minute is left."

Play loud music or lower the lights to let them know the time is up.

If you find that you're running out of time, finish your point and fast forward to your conclusion. Come to an end and look for the nearest exit.

Don't let them get the hook.

Speakers Behaving Badly: Are You A Platform Abuser?

The platform is a privilege. When invited to speak, we have a responsibility to respect the audience and the nature of the platform (culture, venue, purpose of the invitation). Yet, many speakers take this responsibility lightly and abuse the platform. Some of the biggest abusers are Hollywood celebrities at the academy awards. It's disrespectul to accept an award and then use the stage for self-serving causes and political rants. When Jane Fonda received an academy award for the movie Klute, it was at the height of her anti-war protests. You could hear the audience breathe a sigh of relief when she said, "There's so much to say but now is not the time." Worse yet, are singers who pack the stadium to full capacity only to bash the current administration or turn the concert into a political rally. When people buy a concert ticket they expect to be entertained. To impose a political agenda is simply a bait and switch tactic.

The most recent platform abuser was reverend Michal Pfleger. He mimicked and mocked Hillary Clinton at the pulpit of Trinity United Church of Christ. What was especially abusive was to do this in a church or "House of God." A pastor's platform is to preach the Scriptures not to campaign for a presidential candidate. This was a betrayal of trust.

At conferences business speakers abuse the platfrom when they sell their products from the stage. An infomercial is not what they came to hear. There is an unspoken contract between a speaker and an audience. The audience expects you to provide value. While it's acceptable to challenge, stimulate and provoke thinking, it's not all right to change the program just because you have a captive audience.

One speaker announced that instead of lecturing he would have an open discussion. People left feeling dissatisfied. They wanted the speaker's expertise-not a chat. He violated the contract.

The next time you're invited to speak, clarify your role, know the audience expectations, and then keep your promise. Speaking is a gift. Resist the temptation to push your own agenda. And you'll continue to enjoy the privilege of the platform.

Get to the Point

The top speaking mistake is lack of focus.
I can’t tell you how often leaders and entrepreneurs sabotage their brand by not being able to articulate a clear message. Not only does the message get lost, but the speaker loses credibility. As a leader, you are the brand. And the market place wants to hear from you.

So how do you get to the point? First, begin with a clear outcome by completing this sentence. At the end of my presentation, the audience will _______. The answer to this fill-in is your outcome.
To be on message you must start with a clear intention.
Next, write down a one sentence purpose statement. This is your opening. If you can’t state your purpose in one sentence it’s too long.
Ex. “In today’s podcast, we’ll talk about how to get to the point and why it’s so important.”

After the purpose statement, write a 3 point agenda. People remember things in threes. Keep it short and simple. The audience needs a roadmap and the agenda will keep everybody focused.

Now, develop each point with examples and data. Remember the rule of three. Don’t overwhelm them with details. Otherwise you’ll start to ramble. When it comes to speaking, less is more.

I once coached an executive who was told that his communication was unclear and his team left his meetings feeling confused. After observing him, I realized his problem.
He would say the same thing three different times. He was concerned that his team might not understand it the first time. Instead, we was confusing them. To get to the point, say something once and move on. If it’s not clear, the audience will ask questions.

So, to get to the point remember these principles:
Create a clear outcome or intention for the presentation.
Begin with a one sentence purpose statement.
Remember the rule of three.
Keep it short and simple. When tempted to give more information ask yourself “Do they really need this?”
Less is more. Say something once and move on.

When you use these principles I guarantee you’ll get to the point more quickly, deliver the intended message, and become a better speaker and leader.

For more communication tools, visit my website and visit my channel on youtube.

Exciting Teleclass Coming in May!

In this fast-paced live audio teleconference experts Diane DiResta (author of Knockout Presentations) and Adrian Miller (author of The Blatant Truth: 50 Ways to Sales Success) will lead you through powerful techniques to increase your confidence and grow your business.

More details and registration link here.

Podcamp NYC -The Unconference

I just attended my first podcamp in New York City. What is Podcamp?
Podcamp NYC is an "unconference" focused on how to use, implement and share any/all new media tools including, podcasts, videocasts, blogs, Second Life, Facebook, and YouTube, among others. The conference is FREE to attend and you're a "participant" versus an "attendee" at the event. I loved the emphasis on dialogue over lecture. The audience ranged from educators, to marketers to geeks with ages spanning college level to the gray haired crowd. The event took place on April 25-26 at Brooklyn Polytechnic. More information at: www.podcampnyc.org.

New media is democratizing the world by breaking down geographic, socioeconomic, and age barriers. It allows anyone anywhere in the world to get access to information and resources. You no longer have to wait for your 15 minutes of fame. You can create it!
If you're serious about business presentations you must stay on the cutting edge. I continue to tell my audiences that today's presenters must be media savvy and have broadcasting skills. Now you can get your message out through podcasting, youtube,and videocasts but you need to know how to use the media and deliver your message. Although it's easier than ever to blast your message to the world you are only as good as your presentation. It behooves everyone to get media trained so you can shine in the spotlight.

Work the Room

Do you stand frozen behind a podium or do you look like a duck in a shooting gallery, pacing back and forth? There's no reason you have to stay in one place. Get out and move!

But first, you need to know how to work the room. Stop distracting your audience - move with purpose.

Watch this video and learn to take control of the room:

Unhitch the Technical Glitch

Murphy's Law was in full effect. My associate and I conducted a live teleseminar together.

We rehearsed the night before using the conference service. She did a live recording of a different class the day before and it went off without a hitch. So we knew the service was reliable.

The day of our teleseminar we hit a glitch. As soon as we started the recording feature several people were kicked off the call. A flurry of emails warned us that they couldn't get back on. While my colleague furiously contacted tech support I carried on with my part of the seminar.

What should you do when you've prepared your presentation and you still get derailed?

Take a lesson from champion ice skaters. When they fall on the ice they get up and keep going. Immediately after the call, we recorded the same content without any listeners on the line. We then sent the link to everybody who registered. We offered them the recorded call, an offer to call us with any questions, and a refund if they were not satisfied. Only one person asked for a refund. (We sent her the link anyway).

What's the lesson here?
1. Always anticipate what could go wrong and have a back-up plan.
2. Choose reliable technology. (Higher priced plans provide better service).
3. Rehearse using the technology and know that it can work well one day and not the next.
4. Keep going. Continue your presentation with the people who can hear you.
5. Do the right thing. Your reputation and integrity are more important than any profits. Your reputation is your profit center. If requested, we would have refunded every participant. Your content is only part of the message. Customer service is the REAL message.

Talk to the Hand

The debate continues. What should speakers do with their hands?

Some people tell you to keep your hands by your sides and to never talk with your hands. Other speakers prefer to keep their hands in their pockets. What's the answer?

Watch this video and find out.

Fight, Flight, or Above the Fray

What do you do when your audience or co-workers come after you? How do you maintain your equilibrium and credibility without seeming weak?

Most of the Democratic Presidential debates have been mild. You could say that initially the candidates were politely boring. One reason for this was that Barack Obama had set a new standard by rejecting mudslinging tactics. His demeanor elevated the level of political debate to a higher consciousness that had not been experienced. He stayed above the fray.

When Bill Clinton began to make exaggerated claims about Obama, his response was to defend himself without attacking. He spoke directly to the audience and challenged Bill's disparaging remarks. He referred to Clinton as factually incorrect. He never used the emotionally charged words of liar, lies, or lying. In this instance, he stayed above the fray. When someone attacks or misrepresents you, it’s imperative to protect your reputation. State the facts and quickly correct the misperceptions.

More recently, when Hillary attacked Barack's record and he retaliated, it started to get a bit ugly. By attacking her, he gave her the ammunition and an opening to defend herself by denigrating his reputation. The lesson here is: don’t play someone else’s game.

Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Back in the 1970s, tennis champ Bobby Riggs challenged the female champion Margaret Court. He was out to prove that a woman couldn’t beat a man at tennis. He psyched her out. Margaret lost.

The next challenger was Billie Jean King. She was ready for him and insisted on playing her way. He played a tough game but Billie Jean won. She didn’t play his game. She played her own game.

In sports, politics, and the world of work, there will always be sparring matches. Correct inaccuracies, stick to your message points, but avoid attacking hecklers. Don’t get sucked into their strategy.

Choose to defend yourself or choose to leave - but stay above the fray.

Whether you win or lose depends on how you play the game.

New Teleclass Coming in March!

In this fast-paced live audio teleconference experts Diane DiResta (author of Knockout Presentations) and Adrian Miller (author of The Blatant Truth: 50 Ways to Sales Success) will lead you through powerful techniques to increase your confidence and grow your business.

More details and registration link here.

Speak to Lead

As you watch the U.S. political debates you can see who is a good speaker and who is a great speaker. Hillary Clinton is a good speaker. She has confidence and commands the platform. She demonstrates good delivery skills.
But there is one thing missing.

Mitt Romney looks like a president. If you turn down the volume and observe his good looks, well-fitting suit, and confident gestures, you would identify him as a leader.
But there is one thing missing.

Fred Thompson is not a good speaker. He takes too long to get to the point. Even though he may have sound ideas, if your eyes glaze over, the message gets lost.

Rudy Guiliani is a clear speaker with a focused message. And Mike Huckabee is master of the soundbite. He's a clear communicator who speaks in quotable quotes. It's easy to remember his message points.

Barak Obama is a great speaker. He has one thing that Fred, Hillary and Mitt lack. It's the one thing that mitigates his lack of experience.
He CONNECTS with his audience.

Yes, great speakers connect with their audience by talking with them, not at them. By talking from the heart and not just the head. By sharing stories not just statistics. By saying "we," not "I." By inspiring hope, not policies. By promoting humanity and not perfection.

Great speakers and leaders believe in a vision bigger than themselves and expect greatness from their followers. Optimism is contagious.

So whether you're a politician, a pastor, an executive or a leader of any kind, remember that your words inspire. Speak from the other person's experience and perspective and then raise the bar. Take them on a journey from what is to what can be. Speak to Lead.

The Art of the Comeback

As I watch the U.S. presidential debates, the pressure is starting to mount. The candidates are beginning to find fault with their competitors. Recently, the Clinton camp accused Barak Obama of stating his intention to be president in a written essay in kindergarten. The implication was that he was calculating and the presidency was a life long plan.

Here was Obama's response. "I must have been very smart if I could have written an essay in kindergarten." Touche.

Jane Trahey, a former advertising executive told a story about her corporate experience. During a meeting where she presented her great idea one of her male colleagues threatened to steal it. He said, "I like that idea, Jane. I think I'll take it to the president's office.

Here was Jane's respones. "Well, it's not such a heavy idea that I can't carry it there myself." Touche.

If you're not glib, and blessed with a silver tongue and mercurial wit don't worry. You can engage in planned spontaneity. Simply anticipate what your competition could say to challenge you and then plan your response. Then the next time you get thrown a curve ball instead of looking like a deer in the headlights, you'll be a master of the comeback.

What Doo-Wop Can Teach Us About Public Speaking

If you've ever been on the New York City subway, you've experienced the cacophonous symphony of screeching wheels, often exceeding 100 decibels.

Competing with this noise is the continuous sideshow of proselytizers, panhandlers, and doo-wop groups. The proselytizers share their vociferous platitudes about religion or political injustice and tell us we're all going to hell. The panhandlers cry about their conditions while they pass around the cup.

Then there are the doo-wop groups. They move from car to car singing a cappella with happiness and harmony. Passengers start smiling and swaying to the music. Suddenly people start reaching into their pockets like underground patrons of the arts.

Why? Because the singers make us feel good! They trigger happy memories as they share their songs and passion. They touch our hearts.

So, take a lesson from the doo-wop groups – your audience wants more than information. They want to be entertained. Edutainment is an experience, and you don't have to be an entertainer to be entertaining.

Tell more stories. Tell YOUR story. Show a video clip. Use humor. Engage them and make them smile. Give them an experience and leave them wanting for more.

Doo-wop, doo-wop, doo-wop, doo-wah .........

Recovering from Public Speaking Bloopers - The Hand is Quicker Than the Eye

It's okay to make mistakes when you speak. It's almost inevitable that something will go wrong.

When Murphy's Law is in full effect, you have two choices: You can either die of embarrassment and continue to fumble ... OR you can use a recovery strategy.

Create a disaster recovery plan. Here's how:

1. Identify what could go wrong.
2. Create a response or a one-liner.

Sometimes it helps to have quick reflexes. To see how I recovered from my recent blooper, watch this video clip:

For the complete article on how to recover from public speaking bloopers, sign up for my newsletter.

Dealing with Difficult Audiences

Whether you’re managing a team, running a meeting, or giving a formal presentation, it’s not enough to know your material. You must be able to manage the process. Group dynamics are ever changing and dealing with groups can be sticky. That’s why a good leader or facilitator is able to change perspective and use a number of strategies.

Practice the 3D Strategy: depersonalize, detach, and defuse.
The first step is to depersonalize. People come with their own emotional baggage. One woman walked out of a motivational speech because the speaker was wearing an Elvis costume. The audience member did not like Elvis. It had nothing to do with entertainer’s talent or competence. So don’t take it personally.

Step two is to detach. That means that you don’t engage the ego. Once you go head-to-head with that heckler you set up a competitive dynamic. Don’t let your emotions get out of control. Ask questions to gain understanding. Do not get defensive.

Step three is to defuse. Dissipate the negative energy. One of the best defusers is humor. If you get tense, the negative energy will increase. Take a light, playful approach. You can’t laugh and be angry at the same time.

Business Presentations-It's About People, Not Technology

After years as a professional speaker and speech coach I thought I had seen it all. I've seen people freeze at the podium, I've heard the worst technology and financial monotones, I've seen the speaker with his fly open and I've even seen the woman lose her half slip while she was speaking.
But I NEVER thought I'd see someone answer a cell phone during a speech.
WHAT WAS RUDY GUILIANI THINKING?
Recently, Mr. Guiliani spoke to the National Rifle Association. The audience was not a fan of his views on gun control. He had an opportunity to express his views and try to win support for his campaign. Instead, his wife called him on his cell phone and he answered it in the middle of his speech. He had a brief conversation with her before hanging up. At first the audience thought it was a joke. He may have thought talking to his wife humanized him but it had the opposite effect. He looked weak and it was rude and disrespectful to the audience. He did not present himself as an executive.
What should he have done? He should have turned his phone off. He should have informed his wife not to call during the hour he would be speaking. In this case, he should have ignored it or apologized as he shut it off. Under no circumstances should he have spoken to the caller.

How often do we attend meetings or sales calls that are interrupted by cell phones? By taking the call, the speaker may think he appears important but the opposite is true. A leader is present. A good speaker connects and attends to the audience. When a leader is truly important, the callers can wait.

Communication Takes a Giant Step Backward

Technology is great. It allows us to be more productive, to be globally connected and to access information faster. So upgrading your technology will help you communicate better, right? Not necessarily.
I was surprised when one of my long time online newsletter (Impact Player) subscribers asked to be removed from the list. She was an early subscriber from the inception of the paper version, to the text version to the html version. For years I received compliments on both the design and content of the newsletter so I couldn't figure out why this reader was leaving.

I decided to call her. The answer she gave me was not what I expected. She said that since she accessed most of her email on her blackberry she couldn't receive html files. What an eye opener!

In an attempt to upgrade, look cool and be state of the art, I forgot the most important principle of communication. It's not about technology-it's about people.
Nothing will ever replace the personal touch. I went back and offered subscribers a text or html version. Clients remember me for my handwritten thank you notes and post cards. The most powerful communication is old fashioned face-to-face, person-to-person connection.

As we move forward with connectivity we need to remember to take a step back and truly connect.

To Be Memorable And Remembered, Be the First

When speakers ask me how they can be memorable, I often give them several tips and oratorical devices to enhance their business presentations. Having a memorable speech is temporary. They may remember a point, an analogy, a principle but they may not remember you.

To be truly remembered, be the first. You'll know you've made your mark when others start to model or copy YOU. I wrote my first book, Knockout Presentations:How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz several years ago. It has continued to be a popular seller on amazon.com.

I was the FIRST to claim that title. Today, I'm happy to say that Harvard University Press is copying me. Here is their new digital book:

The Knockout Presentation: A Timeless Tool of Persuasion [DOWNLOAD: PDF] (Digital)
by Harvard Business School Press (Author)

Watch Your Way to Speaking Success

I often tell audiences that I improve my skills by observing other speakers.
If you want to get to the next level of speaking, watch good speakers. That’s right. I’m talking about the power of modeling behavior. When you observe someone else, the brain fires “mirror neurons". Mirror neurons in the brain reflect the behavior of humans. The neurons build a model of the observed behavior.This allows the unconscious mind to try the behavior.

In a lab experiment, monkeys watched a researcher pick up a piece of fruit. When the monkey observed the behavior of picking up the fruit, the brain was activated as if the monkey had actually picked up the fruit. The next step was to show a bowl of fruit to a monkey which was then hidden behind a screen. The researcher reached behind the screen. The monkey couldn’t see what the researcher was doing. Yet, the monkey’s brain was activated as if the monkey had picked up a piece of fruit. At this point, the monkey was visualizing in his mind.

This is the power of visualization. If you’re nervous and want to become a confident speaker, continue to watch confident speakers. If you want to become more humorous watch comedians. Over time, an image of the behavior will form in your mind and you'll begin to model good speaking techniques.

TOP TEN MYTHS ABOUT PUBLIC SPEAKING

Whenever you're presenting, you're going to make mistakes. Sometimes the mistakes you make on the public speaking platform result from commonly held myths. At other times, mistakes might stem from ignorance or inexperience. Whatever the case, here are some of the most common mistakes speakers make.

I'm not a public speaker
Reality: We all speak in public. Public speaking goes far beyond standing on a stage in front of 100 people. We're presenting ourselves all the time. In fact, life is one big presentation.


Don't talk with your hands
Reality: Expressive, dynamic speakers use their hands. Speakers who don't use any hand movement appear stiff. So let your hands speak for themselves!


Look over the heads of the audience
Reality: Look directly at key individuals. We connect with each other through our eyes. Effective speakers look at a few people, one at a time. This creates a relationship, and it's less scary giving your message to each person than to a large crowd.


Memorize your speech
Reality: It's more effective to memorize concepts, not words. If you forget a word, you can make your point another way or go on to a new point. Your audience will not know the difference. When possible, avoid using manuscripts. Notes and outlines will better help you to stay on track.


Stand in one place
Reality: Purposeful movement can be dynamic. Watch some of the top motivational speakers, like Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins, and Les Brown. They work the crowd. They move across the platform. By doing this, you'll increase the energy in the audience.


Always use a lectern
Reality: There's only one reason to use a lectern: to hold your notes. Use a lectern only when you have to speak from a manuscript. Otherwise, you risk giving a presentation that will be perceived as formal and stiff.


Cover all your points in your speech
Reality: Consider the time frame and modify your talk. Give three major points instead of six. Condense your examples. Tell shorter stories. People will be more likely to remember your speech if you take this approach instead of trying to squeeze too much into too short a window of time.


Start with a joke
Reality: Don't do it. You don't have to be funny to be effective. Use humor or irony instead of telling a joke. Or, simply start with a story or a quote. Throw away the jokes. More often than not, they backfire.


Shut the light off to show slides
Reality: In total darkness, your audience members will fall asleep. And they'll be startled when you turn the lights back on. Use a dimmer instead. Give people enough light to see the slides, and be sure you can see their faces as well.


You shouldn't be nervous Reality: You can control and manage nervousness, but you can't eliminate it. For most of us, the fear of making a presentation never really goes away. Even the top speakers get nervous. But some nervous energy is good for you. It keeps you dynamic. The goal is to channel your nervous energy into a positive performance.

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Do Looks Really Matter?

John Lennon wrote the lyrics-“Got to be good lookin’ cause it’s so hard to see.” What about the old adage that “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover? Who’s right? There is truth in both statements but when it comes to your presentation it helps to look good. And it’s even better to be good looking.

Consider this. You may buy a book based on the table of contents (what’s inside). But the reason you pick it up off the shelf is because of the book cover. It looks attractive. The title calls out to you. The colors catch your eye.

Why? Because the first communication is visual. How you look sends a message. In a leadership position people expect you to look like a leader. So you can have outstanding credentials but if you walk into a room hunched over, if your hair isn’t attractively coiffed, if your suit isn’t well tailored and your heels are worn, PEOPLE WON’T THINK YOU’RE A LEADER.

In the 1987 movie Broadcast News, David Hurt was an aspiring journalist who was not as bright as his experienced competitor. But because of his good, clean cut looks the TV station bumped him up to anchorman. He didn’t even realize that his success was due to having the right look.

The most beautiful fashion model isn’t always selected for a photo shoot. But you can bet she has the right look to sell that product.

Think about executive presence. It’s difficult to define but we all know it when we see it. During the recent U.S. Republican presidential debate there was one person who was more presidential than the others-Mitt Romney. He was polished, well-spoken, confident and good looking. He looked presidential. Some broadcasters thought he won the debate.
I listened to some family members’ comments during the broadcast.
They commented on one candidate who “needs to learn how to part his hair” and another candidate who “keeps pointing his finger at us.” The candidates didn’t seem presidential by their appearance or demeanor.

Recently, a high level politician appeared on a talk show. A friend took one look at him and said, “This guy looks like he rolled out of bed. For God sakes, pay someone to comb your hair and straighten your tie.” These are reactions from the average citizen.

How much higher are your stakes when you’re presenting at a conference, an analyst meeting, or an IPO road show? If you’re a new supervisor, do you look the part or are you showing up at work in sloppy attire?

So in the workplace maybe John Lennon’s lyrics would read, “Got to have the right look cause it’s so hard to see.”

A Predilection for Diction

We recently heard Hillary Clinton at the podium giving a speech when suddenly she launched into a Southern accent. Madonna has been criticized for speaking with a "phony" British accent. Why do some people attempt to change their diction? In the case of Hillary it may have been to relate to the audience by sounding like one of them. In Madonna's case it may be an attempt to rise above her social class and to assimilate into British society. Whatever the reason, we are judged by our speech. In a study by West Georgia College-Speech and Social Status in America,it was determined that " a person's social status is determined by their voice even when content free speech is used e.g. counting from one to ten."

Good diction is important but artificial speech can alienate an audience. When working with clients on accent modification their progress is often thwarted by friends and family who experience the new speech pattern as phony. If your accent is difficult to understand or your regional speech garners frequent comments,you will be well served by improving your diction. But be sure to tell people you're working to improve your speech. The late Princess Grace had to change her speech when she was an aspiring actress. She informed her family that she "had to speak this way." They realized she was serious and eventually her new speech pattern became natural.
We don't all need to sound like Midwestern broadcasters and a few regionalisms can add color and interest. But if people continually ask you to repeat yourself, ask you where you are from, and say that you need polish, you may want to develop a predilection for diction.

Mea Culpa-When You Make a Mistake, Admit It

Recently, Jet Blue airlines experienced a major setback when it didn't have enough flights to meet the demand. Some passengers were on the runway for 10 hours and others were stuck at airports trying to get home.

When disaster strikes, a strong leader takes responsibility and does so quickly. This is a time when the presenter must be sincere and credible. Making excuses will not be tolerated and a slick style will not reassure the listeners.

Jet Blue's CEO took quick action by contacting the public. He sent out a video email to address the issue. He began with a clear purpose statement and got right to the point. By looking directly at the camera and never wavering in his eye contact he conveyed honesty and sincerity. His voice was conversational with an apologetic tone. He seemed both contrite and nervous. Nervousness was evident by the licking of his lips, hard swallowing, non-words (um), and repetition of words ("in the, in the.") Toward the conclusion of his talk, he gesticulated with his fist while saying, "We want you to have confidence in us. We ask for your business and trust."
This gesture showed conviction and was congruent with the spoken message.

Although, he demonstrated some nervous mannerisms, it was the sincerity that made him believable. When rebuilding a relationship with the audience you'll be more convincing when you apologize and speak from your heart

To see the video click on the link:


http://www.jetblue.com/about/ourcompany/promise/index.html?source=ap_2promise

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

Senator Joe Biden recently put his foot in his mouth when he said, Barak Obama is the "first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." He meant it as a compliment. Instead, he may have hurt his political career due to outrage from the media.

Why are people taking offense? Obama is very articulate but not the first. By using the word first, the listeners hear it as meaning "only."
Secondly, the most objectionable word is "clean." I believe Biden meant that Obama didn't have any baggage or skeletons in his closet. People took the meaning literally which was insulting.

What's the lesson in all this? CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY and KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. This is true in business and politics. One poorly chosen word or phrase can bring an otherwise effective presentation spiralling downward to defeat. In corporate environments where political correctness is the rule, it's critical to review your presentation for language and humor. Take your presentation and run it by the savviest people in your company or agency. Practice the jokes out loud and review your terminology for the intended meaning and interpretation. Guard against being quoted out of context. Can the words stand alone? If not, go back and edit.

Success in public speaking is 90% preparation and 10% delivery. To be successul, it takes a lot of preparation, testing, and practice. The next time you give a speech, make sure they hear your pearls of wisdom and not the sound of feet.

Do You Need a Speech Coach?

Tiger Woods has one. Barbara Streisand had one. Top CEOs have them. People at the top hire coaches. Anybody in business needs to have good speaking and communication skills in order to succeed.
I've seen bright, talented people lose sales, promotions, and job opportunities because of an inability to communicate. Many companies fail to get funding because they can't explain what they do. Read my quote in the January 11th NY Times article on Small Business and learn how being a top notch speaker translates into dollars.


www.nytimes.com/2007/01/11/business/11sbiz.html?_r=1&ref=business&oref=slogin

How to Alienate Your Audience Every Time

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow recently enraged a lot of Americans when she discussed her preference for living in Britain. She was quoted in a Spanish newspaper as saying that the British are more intelligent and interesting than Americans. She explained that Americans talk about what they do for a living and are concerned with money. She found British conversations more "civilized."

While she is entitled to her opinions her choice of words sounded like a put down rather than a preference. Think about what people have said during acceptance awards- "I'd like to thank all the little people." Politicans have lost their positions because of how they expressed their point of view in public. So how can you express an opinion without insulting the audience? Ms. Paltrow could have expressed her delight living in England while also mentioning the cultural differences.
For example, "In adjusting to the British culture, the conversations tend to be different. Americans get down to business more quickly with an emphasis on their professions. In England, the conversation tends to be more personal and social."

The above statement is more of an observation than a judgement. When using the words
"more," "less," or "civilized," you begin to make a judgement. When you compare intelligence you are also walking on thin ice. Words are powerful.
So keep your comments neutral. Voice observations, not judgements.
In public speaking it's both WHAT you say and HOW you say it.

John Kerry's Calamity-A Failure to Communicate

Words are powerful. John Kerry learned that lesson when his comments were plastered all over the news.
What was his intention? Only he knows. But the meaning of communication is not the intention. It's the effect.
And in this case the effect was negative.

Here is what Kerry said during his speech,"Education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart,you do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

He later said he would not apologize because it was an attack on Bush and not on the soldiers. When you read the words it sounds like he's denigrating those serving in Iraq. Today there is no draft and the soldiers serving in Iraq volunteered for service. So the public heard it as an attack on the intelligence of the armed forces. Kerry's rebuttal was that his joke was misunderstood.

There are two public speaking principles that were violated here.

First, don't tell jokes. In my book, Knockout Presentations, I dispell the myth that you should tell a joke during a speech. This only works if you're a comedian. For most of us the joke bombs and we go down with it.

Secondly,do your homework. It appeared that Kerry hadn't read or practiced this comment. To deliver a line effectively it must be practiced out loud and timed. When it comes to public speaking, don't wing it. Know your message points and practice the delivery and timing.


Words can leave lasting scars. To recover, the quickest path to healing is to take responsibility and do it quickly. Kerry should have apologized immediately in order to secure his political position and to make the problem go away. The longer the speaker delays taking responsibility the more you can be sure of a crisis in communication.

Remember: The meaning of the communication is the effect and not the intention. Don't let the need to be right make you wrong.

To read Knockout Presentations visit www.amazon.com/Knockout-Presentations-Deliver-Message-Pizzazz/dp/1886284253/sr=8-1/qid=1162578002/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-6618831-0156137?ie=UTF8&s=books

The Eyes Have It

Darting or downcast eyes suggest nervousness or evasiveness. To shine in any media interview or presentation you must master eye contact. We connect through the eyes and eye contact is a powerful way to create a relationship with the audience.

For a satellite broadcast look directly into the camera. Steady your gaze. Excessive blinking will make you look nervous.

For all other media interviews look at the host and let the camera person worry about the angles.

When speaking on a panel, look out at the audience rather than the speaker. You'll want to identify body language signals before it's your turn to speak.

When speaking to a live audience break down the large group into sections with your eyes. Than speak directly to one person at a time in each section. That will create a relationship with your audience, you'll look focused and confident to the group, and you'll start to lose your nervousness when you talk to only one person at a time.
For more speaking tips visit www.diresta.com

It's All in the Hands

Your presentation doesn't begin with your opening remarks. It begins with your handshake. The handshake can be the basis for getting a job or making a sale. How you shake hands says something about you.
The ideal handshake is a firm clasp with the thumbs meeting web to web. It's the same for men and women. The handshake is definitely an equal opportunity communication. However, there are some aberrations or dysfunctional handshakes.
Bone Crusher
The vice grip or bone crusher grabs your hand with so much pressure your fingers hurt-especially if you're wearing a ring. This is often a sign of dominance and aggression.
Jelly Fish
The limp handshake can be anything from a full handshake without any pressure to a three finger contact. Sometimes the palm is clammy as well. This signals weakness and lack of confidence. When I worked on Wall Street the manager of a trading desk told me he never hired a man with a weak handshake.
The Shoulder Grab
The person shakes your right hand and with the left hand either touches the shoulder or forearm. This is a gesture of familiarity and should not be used in business unless it's between friends.
The Non-Shaker
A person who avoids a handshake will not extend a hand or will withdraw it quickly.
People who recoil from shaking hands often fear germs. This lack of social contact communicates coldness and makes the person less attractive.

Your handshake is your first impression. Make it a positive presentation.

For more articles and resources on presenting yourself visit www.diresta.com

Win or Lose: It' s How You SAY the Game

Tennis star, Andre Agassi just played his last game. He lost his last match but still went out a winner. Overcome wth emotion, he blew kisses to the crowd and gave his parting speech:

"The scoreboard said I lost today but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what I found. Over the last 21 years, I have found loyalty, inspiration. You have willed me to succeed, sometimes even in my lowest moments. You have given me your shoulders to stand on to reach for my dreams...I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life. Thank you."

When giving a concession speech,be gracious. Thank the people who supported you, say something nice about the winner, remember the high points, and walk out with your head held high. Anyone can give a good speech when they win. But it takes courage, class, and style to give a good concession speech. Whether in sports, politics, or business, when you give a good presentation you'll always be remembered as a winner.

For more speaking tips, sign up for my FREE newsletter The Science of Speaking. http://www.diresta.com

The Power is in Being Personal.

The Bush Katrina Speech

On August 29th President and Mrs. Bush marked the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by giving a speech.
Both Laura and George Bush have improved in their rhetorical skills since they took office in 2000. While Laura Bush delivered her speech effectively, she was still reading from a manuscript.

President Bush, on the other hand, added a personal quality to his speech. At key moments he paused to look out at the audience. He spoke from heart when he lamented the "failure of government at all levels."

Bush adopted a conversational tone as he used his own words to explain that part of rebuilding the city of New Orleans requires moving tons of debris.
At one point in the speech he made his typical verbal faux pas of tripping over his words. His response was to roll his eyes, smile, and correct himself. This personal nonverbal reaction let the audience know he was aware of his mistake. His expression seemed to say "Here I go again." He was able to laugh at himself.

Being personal allows the speaker to go off message and to react to the moment. The impact is a more authentic person-someone who is just like us.