Speaking - Giving a Comic Speech

Speaking - Giving a Comic Speech

Much like jello, there is always room for humor. Even the most solemn of speeches can be enhanced by the right kind of funny. How do you create a speech that is funny, relevant, and still a speech (rather than a standup routine)? Follow these simple rules, and you'll be delivering a comic speech that will bolster your message and keep your audience interested.

The Rule of Three
Three is the magic number in just about anything. It's especially magic in comedy. Aristotle said, "The secret to humor is surprise." He's still right to this day. The funniest things happen unexpectedly. That's why the rule of three works so well. When you mention two perfectly normal or logical things and follow them with something that doesn't fit, is opposite, or is totally illogical, it takes your audience by surprise and, if done correctly, can really make them laugh.
Renowned comedian John Kinde explains some of the patterns that you may use:

• Same/Same/Different (categories)
• Expected/Expected/Unexpected (traits)
• Love/Love/Hate
• Ordinary/Ordinary/Ridiculous
• Extreme/Extreme/Ordinary

... the list goes on.
Franklin D. Roosevelt utilized this rule when he advised speakers to "Be sincere, be brief, be seated."

Observational Humor
Simply put, observational humor is infusing your speech with something you've observed recently. It is a shared experience that instantly endears you to the audience. If you are someone who can think on your feet, this is a wonderful technique that instantly gets the audience on your side. It can also make your well-rehearsed, prepared speech seem tailored and spontaneous.

When thinking of observational humor, the first name that typically comes to mind is Jerry Seinfeld. He can take the most mundane, everyday occurrence and make a joke out of it. You can do this, too. You don't have to go off on a wild story like Bill Cosby or hire a team of writers like Jay Leno - simply be aware of your surroundings and perhaps a quirk or complaint of your audience and work it into your speech.
This is also a great technique to employ should something embarrassing happen, such as a cell phone going off in the middle of your speech or your PowerPoint powering down when you need it most.

Self-effacing Humor
If you can good-naturedly poke fun at yourself, you've got a gold mine for a humorous speech. The easiest are obvious traits, such as being excessively tall or short. It doesn't even have to be verbal - I once saw a speaker bring down the house just by staring up for a moment at the microphone that had been set above her head. She made a face, then faked a couple of jumping swipes as if trying to reach it. When the technician came to rescue her, she gave him a kiss on the cheek after he adjusted the stand. She could have adjusted it herself and even complained about the height - instead she chose to make us laugh. From then on, we really wanted to hear what she had to say.

The most important thing to remember about using self-effacing humor is to have fun. No one wants to hear you beat up on yourself. Make sure it's something you can laugh about yourself.

Humorist vs. Comic
If you are a humorist, you can deliver a funny, engaging, and poignant speech that teaches even as it entertains. This is a different art form than being a stand-up comic delivering one-liners. Combining the three techniques above in various ways may take a bit of practice, but the payoff is huge. If they're laughing, they're learning.

Melanie Hope is an award-winning professional speaker who is known for her energy and creative ways to teach better communication. Contact her via http://hopespeaking.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8090254

First Time Public Speaking? 12 Strategies That Will Have You Presenting Like a Pro

First Time Public Speaking? 
12 Strategies That Will Have You Presenting Like a Pro

In today's marketplace anyone, from the CEO to the lab technician, may be called upon to give a presentation. Your audience can range from a small group of potential clients or financiers to an entire Fortune 500 Company. If you have little or no public speaking experience, the moments before you step up to the podium, sit at the head of a conference table or walk across the stage can be terrifying. In fact the weeks, days and hours beforehand can be just as unnerving.

The good news is, that some degree of nervousness is normal and even productive. If not overwhelming, it can help to keep us on our toes and allow us to do our best. So, acknowledge your butterflies and teach them to fly together.

My experience spans over twenty years in the public arena and along with the help of an associate of mine, Marta Siberio, of Marta Siberio Consulting, Inc. we have come up with twelve simple techniques to help you present like a pro.

1. Prepare yourself, mentally, emotionally and physically. Everyone would agree, from Toastmasters to Dale Carnegie, that being prepared should be your first priority. Do all you can to get ready for your big debut. Psych yourself up with some positive talk. Get plenty of rest the night before and eat a protein rich breakfast to ensure your energy level stays high during your presentation. If you're required to talk for longer periods of time with only a few short breaks, bring along some almonds or another high protein food to snack on during the breaks and always keep water by your side.

2. Look Your Best. Choose items of clothing that are professional and make you feel good. Now is not the time to try a new pair of shoes or the hottest trend in fashion. Stay with something you feel comfortable in. If you look good and are comfortable, you feel good and your confidence rises.

3. Know your topic. If you are discussing technical terms, make sure you know them inside and out. I promise, the one bit of information you don't know, will be the one subject of a question asked. If that happens you may lose your credibility with potential clients or colleagues. If making a sales pitch, have a thorough knowledge of the product, services, sales figures and any other information you need to be persuasive. Same rules apply for team or department reports. If you know and understand your facts and figures, you will have more confidence when presenting. If you do by some chance forget something, don't panic. There's always "Let me get back to you on that." Or "Great question, but before I answer, I want to double check my data." Then make sure to follow-up and give the appropriate answer.

4. Become familiar with your surrounding in advance. It 's so important to visit the space you will be working in before hand. If you have the opportunity to view the space a day or two in advance, that's ideal. If that isn't possible, get there as early as you can the day of. You need to know whether you are going to be standing on stage, sitting at a conference table or standing behind a podium in the center of a room. Are you using technology, flipcharts or other visual aids? In addition, Marta Siberio suggests, "Before you set-up and begin, walk around the room. Look from your audience's perspective. Visualize where things should be. As a member of the audience what do you expect to see?" Logistically, make the space work for you and set-up the spotlight where you want it to be.

5. Another confidence builder; work with a partner or two. If you can, have your co-workers help you. Find a couple of people who will be at your presentation. They will be your preview audience and make sure you are on track with your message. Most importantly they can give you feedback to help you deliver a professional presentation. The big advantage to this? If you get stuck during your rendition of monthly production figures, you can look to them. Just knowing that they have heard you before can trigger your recall and help you move ahead with certainty.

6. Find one or two things to share with your audience. Some good questions to ask yourself are: Whom are you presenting to? What do you have in common with them? Maybe a humorous personal story or an industry joke. (Just be careful it's not offensive to anyone). Or try a quote from a famous person that applies to your subject material. All of these will break the ice, and hearing the audience laugh will put you at ease. Try these sites for inspiration: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/used.html or http://www.greatcleanjokes.com/jokes/other-joke-types/funny-speech-openers/

7. Rehearse your speech by yourself. Stand in front of a mirror and recite your presentation out loud, even if you feel silly doing it. I know I did in the beginning. Then I realized that this rehearsal time gave me an opportunity to see which areas I needed to work on. The benefits? You are less likely to make mistakes in the actual presentation or whack yourself in the head with flying arm syndrome. I once gave myself a bloody lip. Yes, I admit my hands like to talk as much as I do. One area I saw I had to work on.

8. Be aware of your body language. If sitting at the head of a conference table, don't slump or cross your arms over your chest. Both actions can make you appear disinterested. Instead place both feet flat on the floor and place both hands in a steeple position, fingertips touching. Don't fidget or tap your fingers on the desk. If you want to look busy, Marta suggests holding your notes in both hands, glancing at them from time to time. But don't send or receive texts on your phone. If you are standing, try an athletic or yoga stance with knees slightly bent and feet-hip-wide-apart. When standing at a podium place both hands on either side of it; this is a way for you to claim your space and appear and feel more confident. Remember don't shift from side to side or foot to foot and don't put both hands in your pocket(one hand is okay). Both moves give the appearance of untrustworthiness.

9. Start your presentation with The Old WIIFT-What's in it for them. When preparing your presentation it's important to think like the audience. What will they get from you? What information do you have for them and most importantly how does it benefit them to listen to you? At the beginning of your presentation, list all of the key components you are going to discuss. For example, "Today I will discuss the top three sales techniques to overcome cost objections, followed by role play and ending with a question and answer session." Or "This afternoon I will be discussing several ways to achieve a higher level of production in each department, followed by a five minute question and answer session."

10. Make eye contact during your presentation. It's important to establish your sincere intentions, and part of that is making eye contact with your audience. If you find looking in someone's eyes (say, your bosses) a bit intimidating, you're not alone. Try these tips. Instead of looking directly into someone's eyes, focus in between them at the base of the forehead, just above the bridge of the nose. Also look out into your audience and find key focal points along the back of the room. Every time you scan the room, nod at each one as you make a point in your speech. It will look to your audience like you are making connections with other listeners. What ever you do, don't stare at any one person for too long.

11. Breath, relax and slow it down. Marta says one of the biggest mistakes novice speakers make is rushing through their material and not breathing. She suggests taking several calming breaths before you begin. In addition, Marta suggests you keep a trigger object that reminds you to slow down. It could be as simple as a Post-it note that says "Slow down" or a talisman that only you know about.

12. Remember to have fun. There is a little actor/actress in all of us. Some of the most successful motivational speakers were once shy children. There is a certain excitement in performing for others. So let out your inner diva or rockstar and have fun with that side of yourself. Enjoy the spotlight.
By using some or all of these tips, your butterflies will line right up for you. One last bit of advice, based on personal experience. Trust yourself to do the best you can.

For more insight about public speaking and presenting, check out these web sites: http://www.toastmasters.org or http://www.dalecarnegie.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8089555

Using the Fast Phobia Cure for Your Fear of Public Speaking

Fear of public speaking is extremely common. It's often said that's actually higher up than the fear of death. And with stories of actors and comedians "dying on stage" - even though that's being metaphorical - that fear has built up in a lot of people.

But regardless of the cause of your fear of public speaking, there is a way that it can be tackled fast. Which is good news if the fear shows up unexpectedly, just before a critical speech or presentation is due.
You may have heard of the fast phobia cure but dismissed it as quackery. After all, your rational mind asks, how can a fear that you've had for years be dispersed in a matter of minutes?

The quick answer is that it can.
We learn fast - it's part of our survival instinct.
Which means that we can un-learn fast equally well.
Think about it for a minute: your public speaking fear almost certainly arrived quickly. Maybe you were caught unawares and had to make an impromptu presentation. Or, more likely, your mind worked overtime the night before an important speech, causing lack of sleep and a general sense of portending doom before you even stood up.

Then - every time since - you've brought back the same feeling. Or maybe even an intensified version if your subsequent speeches didn't go particularly smoothly.
That's caused by our mind taking shortcuts.
It has to do that, otherwise we'd have to re-learn everything, every time we did it. Which would be a major pain in the neck if we had to work out how to sit down, how to use knives and forks, even how to breathe in and out.

So you've learned a shortcut that determines that whenever there's a possibility of speaking in public, you'll have a sense of panic and maybe overwhelm.
And you've probably practised that a lot - both during the speeches themselves and in the run up to them where your mind traces over everything that could possibly go wrong.
The fast phobia cure sorts this out.

It uses a simple process of harnessing your imagination (which you've already proved can be quite vivid!) to get rid of the shortcut that is triggering your fear of public speaking.
The process involves running a virtual movie in your mind.
But you run the movie backwards. So that it goes from the time where you'd learned to be afraid of speaking in public back to the time when you had no such qualms.
Depending on how intense the fear is, it may take a few rewinds to erase the shortcut your mind currently takes.

There are usually "extras" in the process as well.
Not popcorn - we'll keep that for real movies.
But usually fading the mental image to black and white, speeding it up and often playing something such as circus music over the top of the back to front movie.
A few "plays" like this take the fear level down quite a lot of notches.
Which then means that you can address the idea of speaking in public rationally the next time you have to do it. Without the baggage of all the old fears and worries.

If you'd like to get rid of your fear of public speaking then check out this review of an excellent version of the fast phobia cure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8059612

How To Become An Iconic Speaker

Your stagecraft is excellent; your delivery refined. Now you want to know how to elevate your speaking career to that illusive next plateau. You want the conference conveners to seek you out a year or more in advance of their events because they have to have you. The next steps in your evolution may not look the way you expect them to.

If we applied the 80/20 rule to professional speakers, the breakdown might look like this: 80 per cent are every nice aunt or sweet-natured uncle you've ever met: kindly, polite, politically correct. Cautiously inoffensive. Indistinguishable from the next.

The other twenty per cent do things differently. Their approach is counter-intuitive, and they do not play it safe. And to the annoyance of the self-governed rule-bound, these speakers are typically remunerated on a different scale.

Think of it as being the flame-red Lamborghini of your industry, rather than the soft grey Toyota Corolla.
It's not to say that you have to be rude or brash or caustic to be a great speaker. It's not to say that you should aim for shock-value at the expense of sound thought. But to be a sugary-sweet clone of everyone else, saying only things that people are comfortable hearing, will mean you will be paid like... well... everyone else.

There are at least 9 things that iconic speakers do differently:

1. Speak strong
Iconic speakers champion a strong viewpoint - sometimes even a controversial one - and represent their wave-making cause with passion. They understand that their role is not to chair a balanced, academic debate, but rather to start mental fires in favour of strong ideas.

2. Practice extra-scenario thinking
Iconic speakers tap deeply into the imagination and vividly display 'what could be.' They make potential futures come alive so that their audiences can just about taste tomorrow. They aren't limited to speaking on operational 'how-to,' but venture beyond into 'what more could be if we only had the courage... !' This makes them true thought leaders.

3. Own a Framework
A framework is simply your unique way of organizing and presenting your body of knowledge. For Robert Kiyosaki, it's the 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' construct. Do you have a central metaphor, a memorable analogy or a unique angle that anchors your ideas; a way of looking at things for which you're known? Frameworks can set speakers apart and make them iconic.

4. Constantly Produce
Their readers, fans and followers are still thinking about that great speaker's last game-changing idea. But the speaker is already launching the next one. Iconic speakers have their interior attic lights switched on and are always thinking, always innovating, always producing new thought.

5. Please the buyer, not the audience
Iconic speakers don't prioritize standing ovations. Oh, they may get them. But they understand that their primary focus lies in assisting the person who booked them to challenge and change the thought processes of a group, not to get hung up on the approval of the group. They meet the real goals; the adoration of the crowd is secondary. This takes real courage.

6. Price themselves right
... Which doesn't mean being cheap. Quite the contrary, iconic speakers are generally priced at the top-end of the continuum. Their uniqueness means that they are not an interchangeable commodity - 'Oh, just get another speaker who does what he does' - and for that reason, they are perceived as valuable.

7. Use strong visual iconography - or none at all
Slabs of text on a slide do not just disqualify a speaker from iconic status. They disqualify a speaker from entry-level status. There is no excuse for low-impact visuals or reams of text in the world of paid speaking. Iconic speakers find ways to make their visual aids and visual representations of ideas so powerful as to be unforgettable. Some don't even use slides, and are actually the better for it.

8. Something spectacular
These days, great speaking must come across as sincere and authentic. The key word is 'real.' But 60 minutes of sincere and authentic, with absolutely no theatricality, makes for a very bland keynote. Iconic speakers bring peaks and troughs to their rhythm. They have vignettes that are so spectacular, so funny, so moving, so memorable, that they are often booked again on the strength of someone saying, 'Come and tell that story to my group!'

9. Have a certain 'be like me' quality
The nice uncle approach may be inoffensive. It may be perfectly safe. But it isn't aspirational. Its great weakness is that it doesn't make audiences want to be like you. And yes, in our industry, that matters. Are you iconic? Do you portray a desirable final outcome? Would I want to be like you if I saw you on stage? If the answer is no, there is virtually no chance that you will become an iconic speaker. Why would any audience become devout followers of someone they wouldn't fundamentally like to be?

It takes great self-belief, true originality, and significant forged-in-the-fire willpower to become an iconic speaker. And no, it doesn't mean you can't be nice. It doesn't mean you can't be friendly or accessible. It only means that sweetness alone does not meet the criteria required for you to reach the next level.
There is something a little bolder than the 'nice aunt' construct at the forefront of the pack. Are you desperate to fit in? Hung up on social approval? Or are you strong enough to stand out?

Watch a 45 minute keynote on 'How to Become an Iconic Speaker': http://youtu.be/IAYrjBZYBbs

Douglas Kruger is a professional speaker and author who encourages people to think. He speaks on Expert Positioning and the misunderstood link between work and wealth. He is a 5x winner of the SA Championships for Public Speaking and the author of three books. See him in action or read more of his articles at http://www.douglaskruger.co.za. Email him at kruger@compute.co.za. Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter: @douglaskruger.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8089401

5 Top Causes of Fear of Public Speaking

5 Top Causes of Fear of Public Speaking

The fear of public speaking is a phobia that affects millions of people throughout the world, from children to the elderly. It is called Glossophobia from the Greek; glosso meaning tongue and phobia meaning fear. It is an intense anxiety disorder that affects more people than any other. It has been said that people with a public speaking phobia fear this phobia more than they fear death. The fear is irrational and can hinder a person's ability to speak comfortably in public, whether in a classroom, in the workplace or in any public situation. It can be extremely crippling and can prevent one from taking advantage of opportunities that arise in life due to the inability to converse publicly. Here are the symptoms of a public speaking phobia and its five top causes.

Symptoms of a public speaking phobia

The intense fear present in a phobia is always out of proportion to the potential danger. But to the person with the fear, the danger is real. The following are reactions that a person with a public speaking phobia exhibits.

1. Intense anxiety- at the speaking engagement, or even at the thought of the engagement.

2. Avoidance of the speaking event- the person will always try to avoid speaking whether by canceling the presentation, feigning illness, or finding a substitute speaker.

3. Physical distress-resulting from activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the "fight or flight" response, a built in protective mechanism that the brain uses to enable a person to escape a dangerous situation. Distress symptoms include: • Nausea • Diarrhea • Panic o Increased heart rate o Increased blood o Dilated pupils o Increased perspiration o Dry mouth o Stiff muscles • Insomnia • Trembling

Top 5 causes of a public speaking phobia

The causes are many, but they can be different for each individual. Here are the top 5 on the list.

1. Negative thinking -Negative thinking is common in those with anxiety disorders and actually helps fuel the anxiety, causing it to flare up in an acute attack of anxiety. If you believe that you are going to fail, you will unconsciously sabotage every opportunity to succeed. The way you think determines whether the results are positive and beneficial or negative and harmful.

2. Fear of acute embarrassment -The fear of making a complete fool of ourselves in front of friends, work colleagues and people that matter in our life. For some, there are unfortunately powerful emotional memories of an embarrassing situation that happened in the past. These anchored memories are then dramatically recalled and reinforced every time the thought of public speaking arises.

3. Insecurity and low self-esteem-a person may feel that he is unworthy to have the opportunity to present information as a public speaker. He may lack confidence and feel that he will never know enough or be as good a speaker as those he deems are "good". The person may, thus, doubt his ability or knowledge of the material.

4. Perfectionism- a person may have very high standards for himself, which create pressure and a heightened fear of failure. The fears of many people are founded in the belief that they are responsible for always creating an extremely positive impression, and if they do not create this impression they will create a disaster. There is no middle ground.

5. Lack of Preparation- a person may be uncomfortable with the material that he will present due to a lack of preparation. This will lead to a fear of being asked questions that he cannot answer, or a fear that he will say something

Audrey Robinson is a research scientist in Cell and Molecular Biology. She is dedicated to the field of cancer research and has striven to support this research through her internet business marketing products for financial education and wealth management. She is also a coach for internet marketers. Visit her websites http://www.meetaudreyrobinson.com/?t=ezine and [http://www.theprosperitymall.com/?t=ezine] which offer help for those seeking financial freedom and independence as well as wealth management education.

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Are You Feeling Disconnected to Your Listeners?

Are You Feeling Disconnected to Your Listeners?

Feeling disconnected to your listeners can come from anywhere without any warning? Perhaps it happened as you spoke to a friend or colleague; or at a networking event; or during one of your presentations before a group of people. It's that sense that you feel when the people who you are speaking to respond with blank, confused, or distracted looks, and you gulp deep within yourself thinking, I'm not connecting with them.
Here are three strategies that can help you resonate with your listeners:

1. Knowing WHO you are speaking will affect how to deliver your speech. If it's a friend or a colleague; then you need to be relaxed, and ask about your friend's situation. Your goal is to be a great listener, commit to understanding the situation, and then to offering your opinion or support without rambling on. Similarly, with a formal presentation listen before you agree to speak. Find out who will be in your audience in terms of age, interests, status, gender, and goals to discover their challenges.


2. Finding out WHAT the ultimate key item is that your listeners would love to takeaway from your presentation is the core that will hook their attention. It's about them more than it is about you. This will help you create your content that is relevant to their needs. Use real life or work examples that they will understand easily.


3. Designing HOW you say or deliver your speech so that you have dynamic connection is really the best solution to avoid disconnection from your listeners. Rehearse your group presentations. Prepare your voice physically with a warm-up that boosts your vocal tone and articulation. Be energetic in your deliver style to know when to pause, when to be passionate, when to be funny, and when to be serious. Create your presence with your whole body, voice and mental image that is directed to helping your listeners in a way that inspires them to move forward. Speak to all as if you are speaking to one.This is what will take you from disconnect to listeners understanding and plugging into taking action. If you need guidance with any one of these three key elements, ask for help from a speech or presentation coach who is versed in how to say your words, fix your tone, and relate to your audience so you will connect with them.

Did you find this article helpful? Brenda C. Smith is a personal Speech, Drama, and Presentation coach who helps professionals with oral presentations and communication training. Go now to http://VoicePowerTraining.com. to advance your career and enhance your voice for your success with our online training courses, self-help books, and personal coaching. Brenda is the author of "Ten Steps to Unlocking Your Voice" Please contact her for personal presentation and performance coaching. She trains experts to have dramatic results.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8079955

Passionate Speaking the Foundation of Effective Communications

Passionate Speaking the Foundation of Effective Communications

How does knowing what you are passionate about lead to a more successful career, a more successful life? Passion is the most compelling part of our emotional makeup and in many ways, defines who we are. Passion is the foundation from which we operate and communicate.

People respond to passionate expression. Passion is one of the most powerful ways to express our life force and has the capacity to profoundly influence and affect others as well as shape our own destiny. When intimately in touch with our passion and skilled at expressing it, people perceive us as more colorful and alive. It is as if we have discovered our own personal, internal paint box and know how to paint with any vibrant color we want, at any time.

Passion is an essential element of our life force and is intrinsic to our human nature. Unfortunately, most of us are going too fast and experiencing too much stress with work, family, and life in general to take stock of what makes up our passionate nature. We take our life force for granted, barely aware of its potential strength and power.

If your foundation isn't strong and filled with a variety of passions - or even just a few that run very deep - then your communications will lack strength and variety. The solution is literally right in front of you at each moment of every day. You simply need to start noticing, welcoming, and examining every aspect of your daily life that makes you feel something and causes an emotional response. By incorporating these passions into your daily life, you will start to build a solid foundation from which to communicate all kinds of effective communications.

People will respond to your passion - and to you!
Let's try a little exercise. Can you write down 10 things you are passionate about in 10 minutes? Most people only get to about five things and get stuck. I don't think it is because they don't have the answers. They simply don't take the time to truly absorb and appreciate the things in life that really move them. They may not even recognize the innate value of their life experience and its connection to passion.
When you are in your passion, you are connected to all of your senses.

• You feel self-confident
• You quit doubting yourself
• You naturally release your true feelings, emotions and expressions This connection with passion is the first step toward meaningful expression and successful interaction.

Information about the world comes to us through our senses. Since it is these same five senses that stimulate our responses to life, we need to expand our knowledge of them, measure how they affect us and begin to give rise to our emotions, improving our ability to communicate.
Passionate speaking is what an audience pays to hear, and speaking passionately is one sure way to become a sought after public speaker.

To get started recognizing and using your five senses more effectively, practice expanding your focus on each sense. Over the next week try to find 5 to 10 new passions for each sense, using the following guidelines:

SIGHT - What do you see or what have you seen that you are passionate about? It could be anything! Example: Yosemite, the face of your child, even a rosebud.
SMELL - What have you smelled that you are passionate about? Example: The fragrance of Night Jasmine. Rain on cement after a long drought.
TASTE - What have you tasted lately that you are passionate about? Example: Hagen Dazs coffee ice cream or spaghetti with basil, tomato, garlic, and lots of Parmesan cheese.
SOUND - What sounds have you heard that fill you with passion? Example: Your granddaughter's voice, Samba music, water spilling over rocks in a creek.
TOUCH - What have you touched that you feel passionately about? Example: A cold mountain stream, a German Shepherd puppy's face.

Become aware of the sensory experiences in your life and how they arouse your emotions. They occur in every waking moment - you just need to bring your awareness to them to know the richness around and within you.

Passionate speaking results when you are talking about that about which you are passionate - but it also involves communicating why you have the passion, what causes or stirs up that passion, and what you do with that passion - how you use that passion to your advantage. This type of passionate speaking is effective in giving audiences, large or small, something to be passionate about, as well. Successful results for all involved!

Laurie Burton wants you to master the art of communicating. In fact, she wants you to master the art of YOU - so she wrote the book on it! Grab your FREE chapter of Presenting You at http://www.laurieburtontraining.com and see for yourself why regardless of skill-level, business experience or leadership involvement, Laurie's techniques quickly and consistently generate dramatic results with immediate impact and effectiveness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8074699

Social Anxiety Treatment - Child Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety Treatment

Social anxiety treatment usually begins in adolescence. According to Montgomery (1995), approximately 40 % of social phobias begin before age 10 and about 95 % before the age of 20. The early onset of social anxiety treatment can have serious consequences for the social and academic development of the child.

If left untreated, social anxiety treatment can lead to an increased risk of alcoholism, drug addiction, the development of other psychological problems and even suicide. Therefore, it is important not anxiety telling a child that will grow out of your shyness/excessive self-consciousness that many will not be without (1) appropriate assistance others, such as parents, other family members and teachers, and (2) treatment by a mental health professional .
How I can know if my child has social anxiety treatment?

It is a sign that the child has social anxiety treatment. However, the most common symptoms of excessive shyness are:

-crying, tantrums, clinging and freezing
-eye contact
-speaking very slowly and/or say little or nothing when at school
-frequent requests of the disease in order to avoid going to school
-refusing to go to school (According to Montgomery (1995) on four of the 10 children with -    social anxiety treatment refuse to go to school due to anxiety)
-feel a deep anxiety about exams
-that appears very anxious when the spotlight
-reluctance to participate in class activities, such as: Show & Tell, discussions, reading aloud,  raising his hand to answer questions and
-spend too much time on computer games
-always alone in the playground , floating on the edge of the groups, not unite, they have no friends or a friend or two
-spend a lot of time alone in his room (and Welowitz Schneier (1996)

If your child shows any of these symptoms. This does not prove that they have social anxiety treatment. For example, a child may refuse to go to school because he is haunted by a teacher.
If you are concerned about your child's behavior shows that you must specify whether they are indicative of social anxiety treatment or something else.

It may simply be that they are victims of a teacher, but on the other hand, their behavior may reflect the presence of a recognized psychological condition. According to the American Psychiatric Association (1994), other diagnoses such as separation anxiety disorder, generalized social anxiety treatment, pervasive developmental disorder or schizoid personality disorder may need to be excluded.

Therefore, if you have concerns about your child, you should seek help from a mental health professional who specializes in children, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

How To Be An Interesting Speaker!

How To Be An Interesting Speaker!

I was once coaching a senior Occupation Health and Safety expert on how to be more interesting when presenting her ideas to groups of people.
"I seem to struggle terribly" she told me. "I stand there on stage, and they all sit there in their own little worlds with none of us coming anywhere near connecting with each other." She looked defeated. "I just want to get it over and done with and can't wait to sit down."
A few discerning questions helped me discover what the real problem was. She'd fallen for the trap of focussing solely on the corporate-type structure of dry bullet points and listing these to her listeners, interspersed with mind-numbing passages of stuff she'd read out. Little wonder her audience was turned off and going to sleep! We soon remedied the situation in a permanent way.

I got her to reflect on her family and circle of friends then asked her: "Does any sort of mishap come to mind within these groups as a result of carelessness?" She thought for a moment then shared a remarkable story.
A friend of her daughter had quickly wiped up something she had spilt on the kitchen floor then went on preparing a bottle for her little baby she was holding in her arms. She suddenly slipped over backwards on the partially wet floor and instinctively threw out her free arm to steady herself, the other desperately holding her little one. Unfortunately her hand landed on the jagged edge of an open cat-food tin and cut through all the tendons in the palm of her hand. She was rushed to hospital and spent many weeks undergoing remedial surgery in an attempt to regain full use of her damaged hand.

When my client had finished sharing this story of just how fast our lives can be changed by rushed carelessness, other examples from her lengthy experience as a senior OHS inspector and State Prosecutor flooded into her mind. Like the time a lady said her customary goodbyes to her electrician husband as he rushed off to work while she bundled the kids into the car for school. She never saw him again.
A routine task of screwing a plastic fuse box onto a wall caused his death when his drill hit a live wire where it wasn't supposed to be. What's more he'd just swapped his rubber-soled boots for a pair of ordinary leather shoes because they were full of water. As a result he was no longer properly insulated and the current went right through him.

This tragedy could have been avoided by tracing the wire from its source and making sure all was safe - and waiting for his boots to dry before drilling into the wall.
It's compelling examples like these in your presentations - and only compelling examples like these - that stick in people's minds and make them think twice!

The key thing to remember here is, bullet points are good at getting factual information across but no good at conveying complex ideas like those embodied in the above stories. So breathe life into sterile, stand-alone statements and bullet points with vivid, illustrative examples your listeners will find hard to forget!

Laurie Smale is an inspirational speaker, author and Master Speaking Coach. He believes that engaging stories such as these are the real secret in getting our ideas across effectively. If you want to Communicate with Confidence Fast, be it with one person or in front of 1000, visit http://www.panicfreepublicspeaking.com.au The added bonus is that with all his mind-opening products and coaching you get Laurie as your personal email coach for life!
© Copyright - Laurie Smale. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8071453

Public Speaking Jokes - Great Public Speaking

Public Speaking Jokes

Use public speaking jokes or stories in a speech can be an effective way to connect with an audience and get your presentation to a good start with a positive momentum.

You'll have problems, however, if you do not, AOT structure of the public speaking jokes or story properly and don , AOT be repeated enough. The result is that you begin your speech with a failure of a public speaking jokes or story. Then spend the rest of the word to fight to regain his audience instead of a wave of approval from the audience.

The ideal is to tell stories that are unique to their experience, those who came to you personally. The reason it works so well is that it rings true . History repeats itself with conviction because you were there and the public speaking jokes audience can feel the sincerity and authenticity of his voice and delivery.

No, the real stories AM unfortunate as often left staring and speaker saying, "Well, I guess you had to be there."

The fact is that if a story is true or not, must be structured to provoke laughter correctly. Many times a speaker is telling a story whose humor is based on certain qualities of the characters in the story that the public does not know.

If you tell a public speaking jokes to speak in public or a story based on the fact that his cousin is afraid of water, and the public does not know that his cousin, or the information is relevant , the story will die. And very often , this is the kind of public history happen.

The inverse problem is when speakers use public speaking jokes to speak in public or known stories , but do not change enough to adapt their situation .

They begin a speech saying: "Before you start let me tell you the story of the nun and the monkey " and telling a public speaking jokes standard is vaguely related to your speech. You can see the ' Äúeye rolls, the African Union in the room.

A better strategy is to find a story that suits you enough, then change, as if what really happened to you public speaking jokes.

Public Speaking Merit Badge

Explain what public health. How Escherichia coli public speaking merit badge (E.coli) , tetanus , AIDS , encephalitis , salmonella and Lyme disease are contracted . Then choose four of the following diseases and explain how each is : gonorrhea, West Nile virus , botulism , influenza , syphilis , hepatitis , emphysema , meningitis , herpes , poisoning lead. For all 10 diseases , explain the type or form of the disease ( viral bacterial toxins , environmental) , all possible vectors of transmission , ways to help prevent the spread of infection and treatments available.
Proceed as follows: public speaking merit badge

Explain the significance of vaccination public speaking merit badge.

Name five diseases against which a child should be vaccinated against both diseases , and that everyone should be vaccinated again periodically.
Use the diseases chosen for requirement 1 , discuss the diseases for which there is currently no treatment or vaccine public speaking merit badge.

Discuss the importance of drinking water in terms of spreading the disease . Then demonstrate two ways to ensure the safety of drinking water that can be used during camp. In his demonstration , explain how they should be washed, dried and preserved foods at home and in the field of dishes and utensils public speaking merit badge.

Explain what a vector is and how insects and rodents can be controlled at home, in your community, and the camp . Tell us why this is important. In your discussion, explain that the vectors can be easily controlled by individuals and those requiring long-term collective action .
With your parent's and counselor's approval , do one of the following options: public speaking merit badge

Visit a water treatment plant, municipal waste or operation of solid waste management in the community. Describe how the system processes and provides sewage or solid waste safely. Describe how wastewater and solid waste must be disposed of as camping public speaking merit badge.

Arrange to meet the catering manager of a food service establishment (eg , a restaurant or school cafeteria ) and visit this establishment public speaking merit badge. Observe the preparation, handling and storage , and learn how the facility keeps food contamination. Find out the conditions that allow microorganisms to multiply in food and how the conditions can be controlled to prevent the growth and spread of microorganisms. Learn how you can kill microorganisms in food. Talk about what you have learned with your counselor.

Proceed as follows: public speaking merit badge

Describe the health hazards of air, water and noise pollution public speaking merit badge.
Describe the health hazards of snuff consumption of alcohol and drugs.
With your parent's and counselor's approval , visit your city, county or state public health agency . Discuss how the body responds to concerns raised by the requirements of 1-6 and how the services provided by this agency affect your family . Then follow these steps : public speaking merit badge

Compare the four leading causes of mortality ( death) in your community for any of the past five years with the four leading causes of morbidity (incidence of disease) in your community. Explain how public health agency that has visited the attempts to reduce the mortality and morbidity of the leading causes of illness and death public speaking merit badge.

Explain the role of the health agency that visited linked to the onset of the disease public speaking merit badge.
Discuss the types of public assistance of the Agency is able to provide, in case of disasters, such as floods , storms , tornadoes , earthquakes , and other acts of destruction. Your discussion may include cleaning required after a disaster occurs public speaking merit badge.

Choosing a profession in the field of public health interest . Discover education, training and experience necessary to work in this profession. Discuss what you learn with your counselor public speaking merit badge.

Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness

Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness

Overcoming social anxiety and shyness is not only possible , it is natural . With negative conditioning about how there's nothing stopping you from being spontaneous trust that what used to be a little anxious or insecure . Download the full program of 10 steps and put in the way of social trust today.

Overcoming social anxiety and shyness is natural. Humans are social creatures , after all. Paradoxically , anxiety most people feel , at least to some extent, in social situations , it is also very natural. Our neighbors are an important source of support and a perceived threat to us. If the media can also be removed.

To overcome social anxiety is to recycle our instincts to embrace this development "dilemma" . Social trust is a natural result overcoming social anxiety and shyness.

The Silent Partner overcoming social anxiety and shyness

Social anxiety is not an all or nothing phenomenon . Almost everyone knows a degree of excitement or anxiety when it comes to social situations or events. We feel some butterflies in the stomach or have developed a full-blown social phobia - overcoming social anxiety and shyness is largely a matter of degree .

If you are attracted by the idea of ​​overcoming overcoming social anxiety and shyness and shyness , then there are chances that some degree of overcoming social anxiety and shyness has become a limiting factor in your life. Aware of this fact very good news . Some people live their entire lives being driven by overcoming social anxiety and shyness never acknowledge is there. Awareness of a problem is already the beginning of your treatment.

See the list of overcoming social anxiety and shyness symptoms following and see how many of them are actively playing in your life. Other symptoms that can be identified with , the more you benefit from over 10 steps to overcome social anxiety and shyness is given below .

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar overcoming social anxiety and shyness ?

To overcome social anxiety , you must first know it's there . You may be aware of overcoming social anxiety and shyness in dating or may be something that affects your life more pervasive. See if you can identify with any of the following symptoms ...

After meeting with the People seldom remember much about them , conversation and / or the environment they are in overcoming social anxiety and shyness.
He is very concerned about what others might think of you.
You really do not enjoy social interactions , while at the same time you find yourself craving for them.

You tend to be too self-conscious , as the company of others.
You do not feel that you have an effective method to control the anxiety that is constantly present in socialization overcoming social anxiety and shyness.
You are rarely proactive in establishing social contact.
Meeting new people feel threatened - even though objectively , you know there is little reason to worry .

When it comes to social situations are resigned to "is just the way I am . " You do not feel that there is something you can actually do to change overcoming social anxiety and shyness.
Express your thoughts and feelings feels very risky.
The first thing that seems to go out the window in social situations is their spontaneity . You are thinking too much about death find everything overcoming social anxiety and shyness.
It is difficult or impossible to meet in social situations.
You can not remember the last time you surprised by a comment or a spontaneous gesture , in a social situation .

You're stuck in the "good people" chronic and feel bad about yourself because of it overcoming social anxiety and shyness.
You regularly looks the other way when other people come into contact with the eyes.
It's been a while since I felt truly connected to someone .
It has always been that he was inspired to call an old friend or took the initiative to revive neglected an important relationship , however. overcoming social anxiety and shyness

Do you ever feel when forced to enter new social gatherings.
It feels pessimistic or abandoned completely, the chances of constantly improving their social life .
Joy is not an emotion you want to link easily to get to know new people.
You have trouble starting conversations . When it does, their conversations rarely seem to just "flow" overcoming social anxiety and shyness.
In fact, very few people speak in the normal course of your day / life.
You make a great deal of talk .

Do you feel compelled to go with the group or automatically accept another person.
You have trouble expressing their opinions spontaneously.
Avoid talking in groups or avoid group interactions together.
You find that you are rarely open and direct with others. overcoming social anxiety and shyness
They often worry about what other people might " really means.
It feels too responsible for the feelings and emotions of others and wellness.
You will find it difficult to be very sensitive in social situations. Often found reactive instead.
Keep track of your limits in social situations.
You feel or you said are often " very nice. overcoming social anxiety and shyness"

Giving the Perfect Wedding Speech

Finding the perfect wedding speech is something most of us hope we never have to deal with. However, someone in our close circle of family and friends will inevitably get married and we will be expected to offer a wedding toast (especially if you are the best man or maid of honor). If you're like me, speaking in front of crowds is not your favorite thing to do. I am not alone, fear of public speaking is near the top of everyone's list of things they feel most uncomfortable doing.

As I mentioned before, speaking in front of a crowd is intimidating. If you will be speaking at a wedding, you must realize that you will not only be embarrassing yourself by failing, you will also be embarrassing the bride and groom who put their trust in you. I attended a wedding years ago when the Best Man got up to toast and by the time if was over the crowd just sat scratching their heads. That was nearly twenty years ago and even today when I see the groom we inevitably end up laughing about it (although the groom wasn't laughing at the time). You must not let this happen to you. Writing the perfect wedding speech is something you can do if you prepare correctly.

You will generally be asked in advance about giving a short speech at the reception, because everything about a wedding is usually planned well in advance. When you find out what type of speech you will be giving, and who it will be in regard to, you can begin to prepare. Gather some personal information about the individual or couple which you can use in your speech.

This makes it more personal and touching. You can be lighthearted to begin with if you so choose, but end the speech on a serious note. Practice in a mirror as often as you can while trying to maintain eye contact. If you can have a couple of people sit in front of you while you practice that is even better. Try to keep your speech between one and two minutes. Anything longer than that and people start becoming bored. Also, it is difficult to memorize a speech much longer than that without some kind of notes or visual aids.

If you don't have the time to write your own speech or would never feel comfortable doing it on your own, there are other options available such as paying a professional to do it for you.

http://www.hopeful-solutions.info offers many different types of wedding speeches for all faiths and occasions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8066777

Public Speaking Anxiety Tips - Best Speech Topics

Public Speaking Anxiety Tips

One of the most common fears among people is to get up and speak in public. Public speaking and dealing with the public is one of the biggest fears of some people. Even a normal person trying to escape from this situation. But the case of a person who deals with public speaking anxiety is worse public speaking anxiety tips.

This fear is of variable intensity among people who inhabit it public speaking anxiety tips. It restricts the speaker to communicate properly. This fear chorus students attend classes and lectures. Interview sessions can cause a person to have extreme anxiety when talking to the interviewer public speaking anxiety tips, causing him to lose the position. The public speaking anxiety is certainly a big mess .

It can be considered a trick if you suffer from public speaking anxiety . Try to breathe deeply and slowly. This relaxation. This will help to release tension and stress in which, to some extent. Avoid locking your knees and get your fists public speaking anxiety tips. This will only serve to increase their fears and anxiety. Take time to practice these techniques and try them in a given situation . Will undoubtedly benefited .

Practice your speech . Once you have written an article on what you have to say , start practicing . This will relieve the pressure. Practice moving while talking. This will help you breathe and provide relaxation public speaking anxiety tips. Practice your speech in advance can help reduce public speaking anxiety 75 % . Familiarize yourself with the place in which to give his speech public speaking anxiety tips. Try to focus on the information you have to offer more than anxiety.

You should be aware that everyone feels nervous when speaking in public . You can easily overcome your fears and anxiety just by following the tips above. For London public speaking anxiety tips, Harley Street Clinic Dominic Knight is the best place for hypnotherapy . Dominic Knight is a renowned therapist who played a crucial role in treating a number of patients with anxiety disorders , fear of public speaking , depression , eating disorders , panic attacks , obsessive compulsive compulsive disorder , addictions and phobias public speaking anxiety tips. 

How To Improve Speaking Skills - Useful Advices

How To Improve Speaking Skills

This video is designed to help you improve as a public speaker through practice and get constructive criticism. Follow the instructions and you'll become a better public speaker in no time how to improve speaking skills.

Hello , my name is Michael Ronayne. I am a director of the School of public speaking, and I will talk about different aspects of oratory. If you want to improve your speaking skills, I think the first thing to understand is that you can improve how to improve speaking skills.

Now the reason I say this is because many times, especially with managers and business leaders and told them that I was, you know my word is not so bad when I get up in front of a group of people , it does not come through properly how to improve speaking skills. And soon , I do a very simple question, how do you prepare ? And the number of times I get a response that goes in the right direction , I prepared. And still they wonder why it does not work .

I think we all surprised if a musician took the stage after a very poor performance and told everyone how to improve speaking skills, I do not know what happened , I mean it's not practical , but do not understand what went wrong. Never going to happen to a musician , so why is public speaking? Well, I think that's why he starts talking is that speech is natural. We do this every day , we talk to each other .

So there's a kind of feeling , well, I can not speak naturally all around me, so it's exactly the same when I go on stage. And it is not. On stage how to improve speaking skills, things are changing, it is a performance that goes there has to be a bit more control .

So if you need to improve your speech , the first thing to do is to understand that you can improve and what you need to do is deliver correctly some talks with someone or someone in the audience how to improve speaking skills, who can give you honest feedback.

Because the other end of the executive of the company is not saying much, do not understand why there are business leaders who stand before me and say , I'm not worried about speaking in public, I did it for years . And everyone in the room is thinking how to improve speaking skills, I know, and it hurts all the time , too.

Learning From TED Talks

TED, which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design is now owned by the Sapling Foundation, a non profit organisation set up by Chris Anderson, and produces or inspires conferences across the world. While each conference has its own unique theme, all TED conferences have a goal to foster the spread of great ideas.

Since June 2006 the speeches have been made available online and today TED provides a library of over 1500 talks. The great thing about these talks is that speakers are strictly limited to 18 minutes, although a few do exceed that length and some are a bit shorter. Speakers are encouraged to present their ideas in the most innovative and engaging ways they can and that has led to a steady improvement in quality. Today, according to Chris Anderson, speakers are spending months preparing their speeches.

What is important for anyone looking for examples of great speeches and speakers is that TED speakers are mostly not professional speakers. Most of the people who are invited to speak at TED are experts, people who have made a difference in their chosen field. They are invited to speak because they have earned the right to speak by what they do. Some of the speakers have a lot of speaking experience, others have very little and this means that when you study the talks there are examples of truly great speaking - and there are plenty of examples of speeches that could be improved.

I think that watching TED talks is a great way for anyone to learn how to improve their own speaking and I will be writing a series of articles evaluating many of the speeches. Some articles will feature a specific skill and draw on a number of speeches to illustrate that skill, others articles will simple look in detail at a particular speech to explore what we can learn from that speaker.

You may have already picked up from this site that I have a particular interest in helping women to improve their speaking skills. One of the greatest challenges facing women who want to develop their public speaking skills has been for many years the lack of sufficient role models. That is thankfully changing and in large measure due to TED.

While male speakers still significantly put number women speakers, I have noticed that this seems to be changing. I have not analysed the date - but as a regular consumer of TED talks (a new talk every day) it seems that the number of women speakers is increasing and moving towards equality. What you may find here on this site is that my selection of speeches and speakers may actually favour women over men simply because I am keen to highlight the great role models now available.

Evaluation
I have been a member of Toastmasters for many years, and even as a professional speaker I still find the practice of attending Toastmasters meetings and receiving evaluations from club members a great discipline. It is very difficult for anyone to get truly objective feedback on a speech. People tend to either tell us what they think we want to hear, or they are very critical.
If I hear you speak and say "I just have one criticism..." are you now expecting me to say something good or something bad? Most people when they hear the word criticism immediately expect a negative comment and so we become instantly defensive and don't want to hear.
What I learned at Toastmasters is the art of evaluation as a constructive process where the main aim is to encourage a speaker and provide useful suggestions for improvement.

When I am evaluating a speech, I take a blank sheet of paper and divide it into two columns. At the top of the first column I write the word Commend - and at the top of the other column I write the word Recommend.
As I listen to the speech I write down in the left hand column all the things I like about the speech - and even with a bad speech, there are things the speaker is doing right. It is important in giving objective feedback that you find those things the speaker is doing well. Then in the other column I make a note of what the speaker could have done to make the speech even better.

What I suggest you do as you watch TED talks is follow this same process.
Make a note of what you like about the speech. If you find yourself completely entranced by the speech and not making notes, ask yourself what the speaker is doing to engage you so well. If on the other hand you find yourself drifting off or losing the plot, ask you self what the speaker could have done to keep your attention better.

Here is a very important point about recommendations. People are mirrors. Whenever I find myself not liking a speech, more often than not the speaker is doing something that I also do. I tend to use my hands to gesture a lot as a speaker, but when I watch a speaker gestures a lot I find it distracting. Then I remember the words of the assessor when I was being examined for my LAMDA Diploma in Public speaking.
"Do you not think that a gesture has more impact when it comes from a place of stillness?
Gesture and movement are excellent tools to convey meaning and add impact, but if all you do is gesture then the impact of any single gesture is lost. So I will tell a speaker that I found the gestures a little distracting and share the advice I was given.

What you are trying to achieve from this process is to draw out from the speech two or three learning points for yourself. Don't try to learn everything from one speaker. Look for examples of excellence you can emulate and look for examples of behaviours you need to avoid - and do remember that if you see something that irritates or distracts you it is probably because you do that.
Where are the TED Talks?
The TED talks are easy to find
Here on my blog if you look to the right you will see a list of categories - just click on the TED Talk and you will find a growing list of talks I have evaluated.
If you want to dig in yourself simply go to http://www.ted.com and pick one of the popular talks that attracts you and see what it teaches you.

About the Author:
Founder and First President of the UK Professional Speaking Association, Rikki Arundel is an International Keynote Speaker, Writer and Speaker Coach. She is an expert in Gender Equality and being transgender has a unique understanding of the differences in the way men and women communicate in business.
Discover how Rikki can help you to excel as a speaker at RikkiArundel.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8062178

Public Speaking Coaching - Ways to Conquer Public Speaking

Public Speaking Coaching

One of my clients just looking for capital funding and now is an author on a promotional tour public speaking coaching. He posted a video on YouTube private channel to give a lesson and asked my opinion .

One of the things I immediately noticed was that the lights were low and stayed hunched behind the podium to make eye contact with the big screen rather than public speaking coaching.

I suggested that instead of focusing on the screen , the focus should be on it as a speaker. So you need to set up the room public speaking coaching, lighting and slides for all to see clearly. And if possible , you should get out from behind the podium, or at least make eye contact with people in the audience. Once the change was made, its dramatically improved presentation. (This is why video is so powerful because it gives you the opportunity to see how you can fulfill your audience.)

These are mistakes I see often. Speakers tend to hide behind a desk or podium with the emphasis is on the screen. This is actually the opposite of what should happen public speaking coaching. It should be emphasized that as a speaker. You are the presentation slides are just visual aids public speaking coaching. Lighting should be in place to emphasize that instead of everyone sitting in a dark room , looking at the slides.

Although you can speak effectively using a podium public speaking coaching, for example , to your notes, you should be aware of how the configuration looks like the audience. Think about it from their point of view . If you use the podium and not let it become an obstacle to its connection with the public.

Help With Your Phobia Of Public Speaking: Learn To Use Gestures

Phobia Of Public Speaking

To some extent everyone has a fear of public speaking: even the most seasoned professional speaker knows the importance of a speech, and therefore feels anxiety, which she learns to channel into energy. However, for some people, the fear of public speaking grows into a serious phobia, which takes great effort to overcome.

Many overwhelming thoughts and concerns are related to a phobia of public speaking, but one in particular can be difficult to overcome: What do you do with your hands while you're speaking?
Uncertainty about how to use gestures in a speech can contribute to this all-too-common phobia, and derail an otherwise great presentation. However, you'll be relieved to know that solving the age-old issue of what to do with your hands is simpler than you think.

1: Use Open Gestures
Opening up your gestures can make you more accessible to your audience. Lifting your arms from your shoulders will give your movements a freedom and fluidity that your audience will definitely notice. In contrast, moving only your forearms when gesturing will tend to make you hunch over and look smaller.
You should gesture at the audience with an open palm and a straight arm. Pointing at audience members is rarely a good idea unless you're asking a specific person a question.
Finally, don't clench your fists! A fist clench can make your entire body tense up. You should always strive to project an air of openness and approachability.

2: Move Towards The Audience
When speaking in front of a group, you may feel an irresistible urge to make a dash for the nearest exit. Don't give in! In fact, you should do the exact opposite. It may be difficult, but audiences appreciate a speaker who can move towards and amongst them without fear.
If you're on a stage, you should walk towards your audience. If you're behind a podium or table, you should lean forward a little as you speak.

3: Match Gestures To Your Content
A somber topic calls for small, slow gestures, while an exciting one may call for big gestures and expansive movements. Likewise, don't gesture downward if you're talking about something rising, and vice-versa.

4: Practice Your Gestures Beforehand
Practicing your hand and arm movements before a speech is highly recommended. If possible, find a friend who is willing to critique your movements. If you wish, you can practice in front of a mirror or videotape yourself.

If you put these ideas into practice, you can greatly improve the quality of your speeches. Not only will you boost your confidence, but you'll also lessen the power of your phobia of public speaking.

Get your free public speaking e-book here: http://products.speaktoyoursuccess.com/public-speaking-nerves/. Norm Rebin is part of a family of professional speakers. Collectively, Norm, Delva and Niki Rebin have spoken to, trained or coached over one million people. For more speaking and success tips visit the Rebins here: http://speaktoyoursuccess.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7897297

Your Body's Neutral Position: The Place Where Public Speaking Begins

Unfortunately, for many entrepreneurs talking about what they do is one of the most difficult parts of being a business owner. Not only are many uncomfortable talking about themselves and their businesses, their bodies scream the message of their discomfort, creating an environment of 'awkward'. Moments like these prevent others from wanting to hear their story. Instead of being viewed as approachable, their discomfort causes others to be uncomfortable and opportunities for interaction to be lost. When this happens to you, it's time to "put it in neutral".

Public speaking to larger groups is rarely sought after by those who are as uncomfortable as I've just described, yet many public speakers never realize what their bodies are saying about them - every time they take the stage. They are unaware that words that sound good and an important message are only part of the equation to speaking publicly. There is a connection necessary to effectively speaking, whether to a group or one-on-one. It is imperative to invite others in, welcome them to hear what you have to say, and compel them to hang on every word. How do you do this?

There is a place, a position if you will, that your body needs to be in before you start speaking. I call this the place of "alignment" and it is where public speaking (or any kind of speaking for that matter) begins. I'd like to walk you through some examples and give you the simple solutions to immediately improve the results of your communication.

You are about to be introduced and take center stage or perhaps you are ready to stand up in the middle of the group to make a presentation. Wherever you are, the focus is now on you. It's "show time"! Suddenly, fear sets in. Your body feels like it's not connected to your brain and you cannot remember what you were so well prepared to say. Your audience is acutely aware of your fear, anxiety, confusion or distress, because your body is speaking louder than any words!
The solution for moments like these (and nearly every speaker has them) is to put your body in the Neutral Position.

• Let's start at the beginning. You are ready to speak, but what to do with your body? Do you stand in a "fig leaf" position (hands crossed in front) or a "reversed fig leaf' (hands crossed in back)? This is common - and not exactly a powerful way to express yourself, is it.
• Let's back up. You must establish a way for your body to begin to feel comfortable when all eyes are directed at you. Uncross your hands. Get ready to deliver the most powerful information you can think of to those listening. What would you automatically do with your hands if you had such a gift to give to others?

Speakers who are comfortable in their bodies have a lovely natural flow in the way they use them. They have a talent for moving over a stage, freely expressing and gesturing as they go. They present themselves and their message as a wonderful gift, and cause their audience to anticipate receiving it.

In my next article, I will address how to free up your body and speak from the source of your talent.

Laurie Burton wants you to master the art of communicating. In fact, she wants you to master the art of YOU - so she wrote the book on it! Grab your FREE chapter of Presenting You at http://www.laurieburtontraining.com and see for yourself why regardless of skill-level, business experience or leadership involvement, Laurie's techniques quickly and consistently generate dramatic results with immediate impact and effectiveness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8028742