Speaking - Giving a Comic Speech

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
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

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
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?
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
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.



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