Unless you are doing some type of surprise or big rah rah opening in your public speaking engagement, consciously start out with a slightly lower than normal voice inflection. In the excitement or nervousness that many of us feel at the beginning of a speaking engagement, it is easy to go the other way and start out with a voice inflection that is too high. The problem with this is that if you are already at a high range when you start, you have nowhere to go as you attempt to crescendo the audience to a big peak of excitement at the end of your program.
When you present in public . . . start low.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
New Antique Site
If you like speaking about antiques, check out our new site:
http://www.boboantiques.com/sitemap.html
http://www.boboantiques.com/sitemap.html
Monday, June 26, 2006
Public Speaking: 20 Questions to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Speaker
20 Questions to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Speaker
1. Is the speaker's topic right for my audience?
2. Does the speaker have verifiable references?
3. Does the speaker have audio and/or video demonstration materials? These materials should show you what the speaker is like in front of an audience. Caution: Don't get hung up on the topical information on the demo tape. Remember that you are looking to see how the speaker or trainer works at the front of the room.
4. Does the speaker customize? To what level?
5. Is the speaker entertaining as well as informative?
6. Does the speaker do thorough pre- program research? Will the speaker be interviewing employees or members of the organization, or obtaining information about the organization and industry to prepare for the presentation?
7. Does the speaker provide handout masters and/or finished handouts? Often your organization's name, logo, and particulars can be incorporated in the handout.
8. Does the speaker involve the audience? Depending on the type of presentation (is this a lecture or a training workshop?), the speaker should speak directly to the audience, andencourage questions.
9. Does the speaker use only clean and appropriate humor? Off-color, racial, ethnic, gender, or even slightly blue jokes or comments can turn your audience off in a heartbeat. Ask the speaker's references about this.
10. Does the speaker accommodate hearing and sight impaired audience members (i.e., Handouts in Braille, audio tapes, etc.)?
11. Is the speaker accessible to all attendees before and after the event? Make sure the speaker is willing to arrive early and stay for a while after the event. The audience will want to shake hands, ask questions, get autographs, and ask about materials for sale. Tip: Always include a break after each speaker.
12. Does the speaker "hardsell" products from the platform?
13. Is the speaker's office responsive to requests for information? Will the speaker's bureau help you get answers to all of your questions?
14. Is the speaker easy to get along with (Determined from references and personal conversations)? Does he or she make stringent demands? Is he or she willing to make last-minute adjustments?15. What is the speaker's fee?
16. Is the speaker's fee negotiable? If yes, what do you have of value to give in return for a fee reduction? Possibilities might be a video tape master, list of attendees, testimonial letter, referrals, extra night accommodations, choice of time slot, choice of date, multiple performance contract, extra publicity, spouse airfare and meals, products, or services.
17. Does the speaker offer any discounts on his or her fee (For certain geographical areas, resorts, time of year, non -profit organization)?
18. Can the speaker fill more than one slot which will save money on hiring another speaker and paying additional travel costs?
19. What are the payment terms of the speaker's contract? Typically, a 50 percent deposit is required to hold a speaker's date.
20. Can you arrange to preview the speaker at nearby functions to get a clear picture of the speaker's delivery, manner, language, and poise?
After all these questions have been answered to your satisfaction, the decision to hire or not should be much easier. Don't settle for someone who makes you uncomfortable--it's worth the time to do thorough research.
1. Is the speaker's topic right for my audience?
2. Does the speaker have verifiable references?
3. Does the speaker have audio and/or video demonstration materials? These materials should show you what the speaker is like in front of an audience. Caution: Don't get hung up on the topical information on the demo tape. Remember that you are looking to see how the speaker or trainer works at the front of the room.
4. Does the speaker customize? To what level?
5. Is the speaker entertaining as well as informative?
6. Does the speaker do thorough pre- program research? Will the speaker be interviewing employees or members of the organization, or obtaining information about the organization and industry to prepare for the presentation?
7. Does the speaker provide handout masters and/or finished handouts? Often your organization's name, logo, and particulars can be incorporated in the handout.
8. Does the speaker involve the audience? Depending on the type of presentation (is this a lecture or a training workshop?), the speaker should speak directly to the audience, andencourage questions.
9. Does the speaker use only clean and appropriate humor? Off-color, racial, ethnic, gender, or even slightly blue jokes or comments can turn your audience off in a heartbeat. Ask the speaker's references about this.
10. Does the speaker accommodate hearing and sight impaired audience members (i.e., Handouts in Braille, audio tapes, etc.)?
11. Is the speaker accessible to all attendees before and after the event? Make sure the speaker is willing to arrive early and stay for a while after the event. The audience will want to shake hands, ask questions, get autographs, and ask about materials for sale. Tip: Always include a break after each speaker.
12. Does the speaker "hardsell" products from the platform?
13. Is the speaker's office responsive to requests for information? Will the speaker's bureau help you get answers to all of your questions?
14. Is the speaker easy to get along with (Determined from references and personal conversations)? Does he or she make stringent demands? Is he or she willing to make last-minute adjustments?15. What is the speaker's fee?
16. Is the speaker's fee negotiable? If yes, what do you have of value to give in return for a fee reduction? Possibilities might be a video tape master, list of attendees, testimonial letter, referrals, extra night accommodations, choice of time slot, choice of date, multiple performance contract, extra publicity, spouse airfare and meals, products, or services.
17. Does the speaker offer any discounts on his or her fee (For certain geographical areas, resorts, time of year, non -profit organization)?
18. Can the speaker fill more than one slot which will save money on hiring another speaker and paying additional travel costs?
19. What are the payment terms of the speaker's contract? Typically, a 50 percent deposit is required to hold a speaker's date.
20. Can you arrange to preview the speaker at nearby functions to get a clear picture of the speaker's delivery, manner, language, and poise?
After all these questions have been answered to your satisfaction, the decision to hire or not should be much easier. Don't settle for someone who makes you uncomfortable--it's worth the time to do thorough research.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Public Speaking: The Front Row
In the research I did on my recent public speaking trip to Thailand, I discovered that a meeting or seminar custom is to seat VIP attendees in the front row. No one of a lesser status either socially or in business would think of sitting closer to the front than their boss, or someone of a higher social ranking. This is a very loose and largely ignored custom in Western meetings, and carries a significantly higher decorum in Thailand and Asia. Since many meetings are rather westernized anyway, don't fret if your speaking engagement is not run this way, but your knowledge and adherence to this custom can earn you some real points with the people that count.
Room Setup:
I normally use a semi circular theatre style room setup whenever I can. In my Thailand talk, I found out approximately how many VIPs there would be and set the front row with plush chairs that were obviously nicer and different than the rest of the typical hotel chairs. I befriended one of the attendees who knew what the VIP attendees looked like. When a VIP was identified, either me or my assistant escorted them to a front row seat. I had some time to blow while awaiting the arrival of the Governor so, I went around the room allowing the attendees to name themselves and their affiliations. I started at the back of the room and ended with the most senior official in the front row. These gestures were very well received and paved the way for a very productive speaking engagement.
Room Setup:
I normally use a semi circular theatre style room setup whenever I can. In my Thailand talk, I found out approximately how many VIPs there would be and set the front row with plush chairs that were obviously nicer and different than the rest of the typical hotel chairs. I befriended one of the attendees who knew what the VIP attendees looked like. When a VIP was identified, either me or my assistant escorted them to a front row seat. I had some time to blow while awaiting the arrival of the Governor so, I went around the room allowing the attendees to name themselves and their affiliations. I started at the back of the room and ended with the most senior official in the front row. These gestures were very well received and paved the way for a very productive speaking engagement.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Public Speaking: Columbo Technique
Do you remember the soft-spoken, cigar smoking detective on the hit TV series 'Columbo'? Most people do because the show is still in reruns all over the world and once in a while a new episode comes out. One of Detective Columbo's trademarks is that he would start to leave and when he was almost out the door he would stop and say, "Oh. Just one more thing." The same technique can be used by speakers (without the cigar).
Here's how the Columbo technique works: Save one of your really critical points . . . maybe your most important point . . . then completely leave your subject . . . then use the "Oh. Just one more thing" technique and deliver your big point.
Until you've tried this out several times, don't try to use this technique at the end of your speech because people will start shuffling their materials inanticipation of the talk being over. This would cause too much distraction for the technique to have it's full effect.
Begin by using the technique just before a major transition in your talk. That way you will eliminate the shuffling of papers problem noted above. When you get comfortable with this, try the technique before a break. Play with your wording so that you control the audience. Don't say "Well before we take a break . . . " This will start them shuffling. Say something like, "That's all on that topic . . . Oh. and one more thing" . . . then give your main point. As you get really good at controlling the crowd you can try this as your closing. Coming back with the main point will be powerful and memorable.
Oh. Just one more thing . . . .only use this technique ONCE per presentation. :)
Here's how the Columbo technique works: Save one of your really critical points . . . maybe your most important point . . . then completely leave your subject . . . then use the "Oh. Just one more thing" technique and deliver your big point.
Until you've tried this out several times, don't try to use this technique at the end of your speech because people will start shuffling their materials inanticipation of the talk being over. This would cause too much distraction for the technique to have it's full effect.
Begin by using the technique just before a major transition in your talk. That way you will eliminate the shuffling of papers problem noted above. When you get comfortable with this, try the technique before a break. Play with your wording so that you control the audience. Don't say "Well before we take a break . . . " This will start them shuffling. Say something like, "That's all on that topic . . . Oh. and one more thing" . . . then give your main point. As you get really good at controlling the crowd you can try this as your closing. Coming back with the main point will be powerful and memorable.
Oh. Just one more thing . . . .only use this technique ONCE per presentation. :)
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Public Speaking: Bounce Around
I recently had one of the toughest public speaking engagements of my career. It was a three hour afternoon session on Martin Luther King day in Baltimore, Maryland. It was difficult for many reasons, but one of the most trying was that the audience consisted of all the employees of one company. They ranged from the lowest level to the highest level in the company.When you have all managers or all executives, it is relatively easy to hone in on their interests and concerns.
When you have such a varied group you have to 'bounce around' and not spend too much time on the interests and concerns of any one type of audience member. If you do, you will lose the interest of all the other groups.
When you have such a varied group you have to 'bounce around' and not spend too much time on the interests and concerns of any one type of audience member. If you do, you will lose the interest of all the other groups.
You will be seeing from time to time websites where you will be able to get lots of information to use in speeches. Of course, the topic must be appropriate.
http://www.GreatInternetMarketing.com
Describes my mentor program and has various resources
http://www.boboAntiques.com
All about antiques
http://www.funeralarticles.com/
All about funerals
http://www.bestweddingarticles.com/
All about weddings
http://www.GreatInternetMarketing.com
Describes my mentor program and has various resources
http://www.boboAntiques.com
All about antiques
http://www.funeralarticles.com/
All about funerals
http://www.bestweddingarticles.com/
All about weddings
Monday, June 12, 2006
Public Speaking: Wake `em Up!
Want people to remember you and talk about you in the hallways? Well, I mean talk about you in good way. Use some outrageous skill or opening that grabs 'em by the brain. My friend Mike Stahl breaks six solid concrete blocks. Jim Ziegler memorizes the name of each participant in the room.
I'm not strong enough or bright enough to break blocks or memorize, so I shoot confetti or fire in the air. You could do a beautiful painting quickly like Conni Gordon might do, or you could ride in on a horse for all I care. Just do not let them stay in their comas. Wake 'em Up!
I'm not strong enough or bright enough to break blocks or memorize, so I shoot confetti or fire in the air. You could do a beautiful painting quickly like Conni Gordon might do, or you could ride in on a horse for all I care. Just do not let them stay in their comas. Wake 'em Up!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Part 10 of 10: How to Make Money Public Speaking.
10. SPEAK AS PART OF YOUR JOB
Many companies have their own speakers bureau. Normally the only reason it exists is as a public relations tool to provide a good image of their company to the community. One of the ways you can speak for pay in your company is to volunteer to be in the speakers bureau. As long as you are on company time when you are speaking, you are indirectly getting paid to speak. If they always ask you to speak after hours on your own time, well that's a different story. You still might want to do it to continue to become a better speaker. Another way to get paid to speak in your job is to join the training staff of your company, or start one if one doesn't exist. You can simply target a problem the company is having and work up a program to train others in the company on how to solve the problem. Suggest a few sessions to your boss to see how it goes. If you get results, chances are they will want you to do the same program for others in the company.
For a free in-depth report on what it's like and what you need to know to be a paid professional speaker either part time or full time visit http://www.antion.com/public-speaking.htm
You can also get a free subscription to Great Speaking the largest ezine in the world on public speaking. http://www.antion.com/ezinesubscribe.htm
Visit our blog at http://www.GreatPublicSpeaking.BlogSpot.com
Public Speaking Books, CDs and Videos
Many companies have their own speakers bureau. Normally the only reason it exists is as a public relations tool to provide a good image of their company to the community. One of the ways you can speak for pay in your company is to volunteer to be in the speakers bureau. As long as you are on company time when you are speaking, you are indirectly getting paid to speak. If they always ask you to speak after hours on your own time, well that's a different story. You still might want to do it to continue to become a better speaker. Another way to get paid to speak in your job is to join the training staff of your company, or start one if one doesn't exist. You can simply target a problem the company is having and work up a program to train others in the company on how to solve the problem. Suggest a few sessions to your boss to see how it goes. If you get results, chances are they will want you to do the same program for others in the company.
For a free in-depth report on what it's like and what you need to know to be a paid professional speaker either part time or full time visit http://www.antion.com/public-speaking.htm
You can also get a free subscription to Great Speaking the largest ezine in the world on public speaking. http://www.antion.com/ezinesubscribe.htm
Visit our blog at http://www.GreatPublicSpeaking.BlogSpot.com
Public Speaking Books, CDs and Videos
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Below are sources for information if you would like to speak on the popular topics mentioned below:
http://www.accountingsoftwarearticles.com
http://www.applicanttrackingarticles.com
http://www.dataprotectionarticles.com
http://www.best1031exchangearticles.com
http://www.bestrefinancearticles.com
http://www.callcentersoftwarearticles.com
http://www.cardonationarticles.com
http://www.accountingsoftwarearticles.com
http://www.applicanttrackingarticles.com
http://www.dataprotectionarticles.com
http://www.best1031exchangearticles.com
http://www.bestrefinancearticles.com
http://www.callcentersoftwarearticles.com
http://www.cardonationarticles.com
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Public Speaking: Can you guess this lady's name?
Who is this lady?
Back in 1991 this lady started me in the speaking business.Since then, I've traveled the world all first class and havereceived riches and praise beyond my wildest dreams.
I've been on the cover of her magazine and I've headlined many ofher events.
Do you know who she is yet? I'm giving you clues.
Back in 1991 this lady started me in the speaking business.Since then, I've traveled the world all first class and havereceived riches and praise beyond my wildest dreams.
I've been on the cover of her magazine and I've headlined many ofher events.
Do you know who she is yet? I'm giving you clues.
- She wrote a book similar to the famous one Napoleon Hill wrote.
- She started the association of speakers bureaus.
- She's advised some of the biggest name speakers in our industry.
- She owns one of the longest running speakers bureaus in America.
Any guesses yet?
- She started her advertising business while pushing a rickety babystroller because she couldn't afford a baby sitter.
- She authored the first ever audio album and book on selling to women.
Give up yet?
It's Dottie Walters and she is also founder of the MagnificentMarketing Seminars. Have you heard of them?
If not, you must check it out. She's bringing in me again alongwith a host of high achievers who will bare there souls to you inan intimate setting . . . This isn't one of those 1000 person giant more impersonal seminars.
You get up close and personal with all the speakers.
Check it out at
http://snipurl.com/rehl
I'll see you there.
Tom Antion
P.S. Don't delay one second. I've spoken at this event about 5times. It is always in a small room and max attendance is 75Click over there right away. http://snipurl.com/rehl
Monday, June 05, 2006
Part 9 of 10: How to Make Money Public Speaking.
9. SPEAK FREE TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS
Many professionals speak or give free public seminars to help get clients. Attorneys, doctors, dentists, accountants, real estate agents, lawyers, home builders and many other people from a wide variety of professions give seminars to promote their business and to gain clients directly from the seminars. To do this effectively you must not spend the entire seminar promoting yourself. You must give the participants good information with the idea of establishing yourself or your company as the expert. There is certainly nothing wrong with showing people how complicated things are and even though they can do it themselves, it might not be a wise thing to do. For instance, you could be a plumber giving a seminar on how to remodel your bathroom. You tell the participants every little detail of how to do it and also tell them the perils if they do it wrong. No one will complain that you were just giving a sales pitch, but many will think to themselves, "Maybe this is too much to tackle by myself. Maybe I should hire this person to either help me or do it for me."
Many professionals speak or give free public seminars to help get clients. Attorneys, doctors, dentists, accountants, real estate agents, lawyers, home builders and many other people from a wide variety of professions give seminars to promote their business and to gain clients directly from the seminars. To do this effectively you must not spend the entire seminar promoting yourself. You must give the participants good information with the idea of establishing yourself or your company as the expert. There is certainly nothing wrong with showing people how complicated things are and even though they can do it themselves, it might not be a wise thing to do. For instance, you could be a plumber giving a seminar on how to remodel your bathroom. You tell the participants every little detail of how to do it and also tell them the perils if they do it wrong. No one will complain that you were just giving a sales pitch, but many will think to themselves, "Maybe this is too much to tackle by myself. Maybe I should hire this person to either help me or do it for me."
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Part 8 of 10: How to Make Money Public Speaking.
8. TRAINING COMPANIES
In this case a company hires you to deliver their programs to public seminar participants, or to participants all from the same private company. Career Track, SkillPath Seminars and Fred Pryor Seminars are examples of companies who hire seminar leaders. In some cases you can develop programs for the seminar company and get a higher fee for delivering that program and a fee each time it is delivered by another seminar leader. You also get a percentage of all the back of room products you sell. These companies can keep you on the road quite a bit so you better be ready to travel and don't think each event will be in the Bahamas . . .Your events are more likely to be in places like Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus. These are relatively low paying jobs when compared to the kind of money you can get promoting your own speeches and seminars.
In this case a company hires you to deliver their programs to public seminar participants, or to participants all from the same private company. Career Track, SkillPath Seminars and Fred Pryor Seminars are examples of companies who hire seminar leaders. In some cases you can develop programs for the seminar company and get a higher fee for delivering that program and a fee each time it is delivered by another seminar leader. You also get a percentage of all the back of room products you sell. These companies can keep you on the road quite a bit so you better be ready to travel and don't think each event will be in the Bahamas . . .Your events are more likely to be in places like Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus. These are relatively low paying jobs when compared to the kind of money you can get promoting your own speeches and seminars.
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