When you are speaking at an event that has multiple speakers, try to listen to as many of the other speakers as you can. In particular, don't miss the keynote or general session speakers. By doing this you are able to add a polish to your talk and to the event as a whole. It also might save you some embarrassment.
I'll never forget many years ago I was doing a breakout session for a big real estate company. We then went to the closing general session an hour later, the big shot keynote speaker made a fool of himself by using material I had gone over already. People were looking at me and winking. There were only two concurrent sessions going on and it would have been really easy for the keynoter to stop by and check out the breakouts, or at least find out what I and the other breakout session speaker were going to be talking about. Besides listening to as many speakers as you can, make sure your material is really unique which will help guard you from embarrassing situations.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Public Speaking : Rapport
THIS WILL SURPRISE YOU (especially if you know me) You can be a lousy public speaker and still be great on the speaking platform. By lousy, I mean that technically you do everything wrong. You look terrible. Your grammar and diction stink and you might have dandruff.
Do not think for a moment that I want you to be these terrible things. In fact, I sell videos teaching you NOT to be pitiful technically when you present. What I want you to see is the bigger picture. If you give really great information that is targeted to the needs of the audience, and you do the things that build rapport, you can still hit a home run.
Again, do not think I am not giving you an excuse to forget about getting better technically as a public speaker. I am just saying that if your information is lousy it does not make much difference how smooth you are at your public speaking engagements. Yes, there are some people that slide by because they are entertaining, but substance and helping people come first.
When planning your public speaking engagement think about giving the audience immediately usable information. Yes, they may need a long term plan, but if you give people something usable and and action plan that they can get excited about you will have done half your job.
Half my job? ... Yes, the other half is to build rapport with the attendees. This does not necessarily mean that they like you. This means you have done what is necessary to make sure they trust in what you have to say and they feel you care about them.
Public Speaking Rapport
I told you above that it was OK to stink up the stage by being a lousy presenter. Again, I must remind you that I am not encouraging this. I want you to get better technically, so that your message has a better chance of getting through. The big picture is that you must build rapport with an audience for them to get the message.
My definition of rapport is that the audience members trust you and that they feel you care about them. Here are some ways to build that trust and caring atmosphere:
Trust
**Know what you are talking about and admit it when you don't. BS will not cut it with the sophisticated audiences of today.
**Have some credentials. Do something, write something, record something, help someone. i.e., do something more than talk.
**Do everything you say you are going to do before the program, and do it in a helpful and timely manner. The meeting organizer in most cases will tell the group, or let it be known that you walk your talk. Even if he or she does not, you will feel great about the way you handle things and it will show.
Rapport
**Phone interview a cross section of audience members prior to your speaking engagement. I cannot tell you how wonderfully this has worked for me over the years. People cannot wait to meet you and they tell others about the call. This really screams, 'I care about you!'
**Make yourself accessible. As long as you are good on the platform, meeting planners love it when you come early and stay late ... NOTE: If you bomb get out quick hahahaha
**Offer free follow up for the audience members via email or fax. If you are too busy to actually answer personally, have an assistant follow up. Do not brush this suggestion off too lightly. This is one of the main methods to deeply penetrate an organization. The people that do follow up for you are 'angels' in the company. They will tell you of other events or problems where you might be able to help.
So, you can be 'lousy' if you want to, but make sure the audience trusts you and build rapport and you will have a much better chance that your message gets through.
Do not think for a moment that I want you to be these terrible things. In fact, I sell videos teaching you NOT to be pitiful technically when you present. What I want you to see is the bigger picture. If you give really great information that is targeted to the needs of the audience, and you do the things that build rapport, you can still hit a home run.
Again, do not think I am not giving you an excuse to forget about getting better technically as a public speaker. I am just saying that if your information is lousy it does not make much difference how smooth you are at your public speaking engagements. Yes, there are some people that slide by because they are entertaining, but substance and helping people come first.
When planning your public speaking engagement think about giving the audience immediately usable information. Yes, they may need a long term plan, but if you give people something usable and and action plan that they can get excited about you will have done half your job.
Half my job? ... Yes, the other half is to build rapport with the attendees. This does not necessarily mean that they like you. This means you have done what is necessary to make sure they trust in what you have to say and they feel you care about them.
Public Speaking Rapport
I told you above that it was OK to stink up the stage by being a lousy presenter. Again, I must remind you that I am not encouraging this. I want you to get better technically, so that your message has a better chance of getting through. The big picture is that you must build rapport with an audience for them to get the message.
My definition of rapport is that the audience members trust you and that they feel you care about them. Here are some ways to build that trust and caring atmosphere:
Trust
**Know what you are talking about and admit it when you don't. BS will not cut it with the sophisticated audiences of today.
**Have some credentials. Do something, write something, record something, help someone. i.e., do something more than talk.
**Do everything you say you are going to do before the program, and do it in a helpful and timely manner. The meeting organizer in most cases will tell the group, or let it be known that you walk your talk. Even if he or she does not, you will feel great about the way you handle things and it will show.
Rapport
**Phone interview a cross section of audience members prior to your speaking engagement. I cannot tell you how wonderfully this has worked for me over the years. People cannot wait to meet you and they tell others about the call. This really screams, 'I care about you!'
**Make yourself accessible. As long as you are good on the platform, meeting planners love it when you come early and stay late ... NOTE: If you bomb get out quick hahahaha
**Offer free follow up for the audience members via email or fax. If you are too busy to actually answer personally, have an assistant follow up. Do not brush this suggestion off too lightly. This is one of the main methods to deeply penetrate an organization. The people that do follow up for you are 'angels' in the company. They will tell you of other events or problems where you might be able to help.
So, you can be 'lousy' if you want to, but make sure the audience trusts you and build rapport and you will have a much better chance that your message gets through.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Public Speaking : Deep Penetration
Many people that know me or have had me do a public speaking engagement for them know that I am a real stickler for pre program research. This research allows you to connect with the audience on much deeper levels than you could have without it. There are many ways to do this research.
You can review trade publications, do Internet searches, secret shop retail establishments, and use a pre program questionnaire. I do most of these research techniques for every presentation, but the technique that is most effective for me is the telephone interview.
Interview at least 15 people before you speak at an event. Try to speak to a cross section of the people that are going to be at the meeting. If they are all of the same rank and same job responsibilities, make sure that you get cross section from geographics, short timers versus old timers and/or male versus female. Be sure to get a wide range of views. Ask some variation of these questions:
**What are the three biggest challenges you have in getting your daily duties done.
**Tell me about the organizational successes.
**Tell me about the organizational failures.
**Tell me anything funny that has happened.
Now we will look at how to use the information you get. One of my overriding principals of public speaking is to make the audience the stars. One way to do this is to use a very positive or insightful statement that you got from your phone interviews and project it or put it in your handout in a prominent position. Many times my entire customized presentation is based around the quotes I got from the people I interviewed. I weave my material in and around what they have told me. I then give the overhead or disk to the person who gave me the information.
Overheads are much better for this because I have seen them hanging on the bulletin board in the organization. Of course, my name and company are on it too. Your pre-program research will also help you build rapport and gain an 'insiders' position because you will be exposed to the terminology of the group, i.e., you might have used the generic term manager, but you learned that the term 'team leader' is used by a particular organization.
The information you receive can also be used to plant the seed for a future presentation or to land consulting work. You might say during a presentation, 'Joe, also told me about XYZ. We don't have time to discuss that today, but it certainly warrants some attention.' Besides promoting you, it shows you did your homework and that you know what is going in a the group to which you are speaking.
You can review trade publications, do Internet searches, secret shop retail establishments, and use a pre program questionnaire. I do most of these research techniques for every presentation, but the technique that is most effective for me is the telephone interview.
Interview at least 15 people before you speak at an event. Try to speak to a cross section of the people that are going to be at the meeting. If they are all of the same rank and same job responsibilities, make sure that you get cross section from geographics, short timers versus old timers and/or male versus female. Be sure to get a wide range of views. Ask some variation of these questions:
**What are the three biggest challenges you have in getting your daily duties done.
**Tell me about the organizational successes.
**Tell me about the organizational failures.
**Tell me anything funny that has happened.
Now we will look at how to use the information you get. One of my overriding principals of public speaking is to make the audience the stars. One way to do this is to use a very positive or insightful statement that you got from your phone interviews and project it or put it in your handout in a prominent position. Many times my entire customized presentation is based around the quotes I got from the people I interviewed. I weave my material in and around what they have told me. I then give the overhead or disk to the person who gave me the information.
Overheads are much better for this because I have seen them hanging on the bulletin board in the organization. Of course, my name and company are on it too. Your pre-program research will also help you build rapport and gain an 'insiders' position because you will be exposed to the terminology of the group, i.e., you might have used the generic term manager, but you learned that the term 'team leader' is used by a particular organization.
The information you receive can also be used to plant the seed for a future presentation or to land consulting work. You might say during a presentation, 'Joe, also told me about XYZ. We don't have time to discuss that today, but it certainly warrants some attention.' Besides promoting you, it shows you did your homework and that you know what is going in a the group to which you are speaking.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Public Speaking : Electronic Marketing ButtCamp
I'll be doing my "infamous" Electronic marketing ButtCamp (where you learn to make bucks while sitting on your rear end in front of your computer) July 8th in San Diego.
This is the day before the National Speakers Association convention.
I've done these extensive one day Internet camps all over the world and I guarantee you a fantastic day that will open your eyes to the Internet riches that await you.
PLUS
Graduates come to all regular ButtCamps forever with no more registration fees.
Check out all the details at:
http://www.antion.com/buttcamp.htm (click on San Diego)
Tom Antion
P.S. I've put in some extra special bonuses for those that attend
P.P.S. Superdeal ends April 30
This is the day before the National Speakers Association convention.
I've done these extensive one day Internet camps all over the world and I guarantee you a fantastic day that will open your eyes to the Internet riches that await you.
PLUS
Graduates come to all regular ButtCamps forever with no more registration fees.
Check out all the details at:
http://www.antion.com/buttcamp.htm (click on San Diego)
Tom Antion
P.S. I've put in some extra special bonuses for those that attend
P.P.S. Superdeal ends April 30
Monday, April 23, 2007
Public Speaking : 20 Questions to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Speaker
Here are the 20 Questions in Checklist Format.
(Note: The Full text version follows the checklist format.)
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?
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.
7. Does the speaker provide handout masters and/or finished handouts?
8. Does the speaker involve the audience?
9. Does the speaker use only clean and appropriate humor?
10. Does the speaker accommodate hearing and sight impaired audience members? (Handouts in Braille, Audio tapes etc.)
11. Is the speaker accessible to attendees before and after the event?
12. Does the speaker "hardsell" products from the platform?
13. Is the speaker's office responsive to requests for information?
14. Is the speaker easy to get along with? (Determined from references and personal conversations)
15. What is the speaker's fee?
16. Is the speaker's fee negotiable? Yes_____ No_____ If yes, what do I have of value to give in return for a fee reduction? i.e. Can I give the speaker any of the following if necessary: video tape master, list of attendees, testimonial letter, referrals, extra nights accommodations, choice of time slot, choice of date, multiple performance contract, extra publicity, spouse airfare and meals, products, services, etc.
17. Does the speaker offer any discounts? (For certain geographical areas, resorts, time of year, non- profit organization etc.)
18. Can the speaker fill more than one slot which will save money on hiring another speaker plus additional travel expenses?
19. What are the payment terms of the speaker's contract?
20. After getting answers to the above questions, am I confident my attendees will be happy with this speaker?
After all questions are answered to your satisfaction, the decision to hire or not should be much easier.
To view the checklist format of this article, go to the top of this page by clicking here.
20 Questions to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Speaker(Full Text Version)
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.
(Note: The Full text version follows the checklist format.)
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?
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.
7. Does the speaker provide handout masters and/or finished handouts?
8. Does the speaker involve the audience?
9. Does the speaker use only clean and appropriate humor?
10. Does the speaker accommodate hearing and sight impaired audience members? (Handouts in Braille, Audio tapes etc.)
11. Is the speaker accessible to attendees before and after the event?
12. Does the speaker "hardsell" products from the platform?
13. Is the speaker's office responsive to requests for information?
14. Is the speaker easy to get along with? (Determined from references and personal conversations)
15. What is the speaker's fee?
16. Is the speaker's fee negotiable? Yes_____ No_____ If yes, what do I have of value to give in return for a fee reduction? i.e. Can I give the speaker any of the following if necessary: video tape master, list of attendees, testimonial letter, referrals, extra nights accommodations, choice of time slot, choice of date, multiple performance contract, extra publicity, spouse airfare and meals, products, services, etc.
17. Does the speaker offer any discounts? (For certain geographical areas, resorts, time of year, non- profit organization etc.)
18. Can the speaker fill more than one slot which will save money on hiring another speaker plus additional travel expenses?
19. What are the payment terms of the speaker's contract?
20. After getting answers to the above questions, am I confident my attendees will be happy with this speaker?
After all questions are answered to your satisfaction, the decision to hire or not should be much easier.
To view the checklist format of this article, go to the top of this page by clicking here.
20 Questions to Ask BEFORE Hiring a Speaker(Full Text Version)
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, April 20, 2007
Public Speaking : Really Look at the Results to Improve
By Terry Paulsen, Ph.D., CSP, CPAE
When you are speaking in public, don't be so enamored by the words coming out of your mouth that you forget to eliminate those that are not necessary. Few people are upset by speeches that end a little early. By reading your transcribed messages instead of just listening to your own voice, you will find it easier to eliminate unnecessary content, sharpen faulty grammar, and rework key phrasing. While you're at it, you may find new and spontaneous stories, humor lines, or phrases that worked!
Don't leave such successes to chance; work on perfecting the content for future talks. Write down new material in a journal or computer file. The palest pencil mark is better than your best memory. Don't script every word, just keep working and reworking your material.
When you are speaking in public, don't be so enamored by the words coming out of your mouth that you forget to eliminate those that are not necessary. Few people are upset by speeches that end a little early. By reading your transcribed messages instead of just listening to your own voice, you will find it easier to eliminate unnecessary content, sharpen faulty grammar, and rework key phrasing. While you're at it, you may find new and spontaneous stories, humor lines, or phrases that worked!
Don't leave such successes to chance; work on perfecting the content for future talks. Write down new material in a journal or computer file. The palest pencil mark is better than your best memory. Don't script every word, just keep working and reworking your material.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Public Speaking : Learn Public Speaking Material Easily
A bit is a section of public speaking material that is so related that it makes it easy for you to memorize. Each point flows naturally from one to the next so you can deliver the information without notes (if you know your material).
Until I learned about bits, I never thought I could be that great at speaking because I'm not great at memorizing long talks. I discovered that no one memorizes long talks. They have a mental or written outline consisting of key words that trigger the individual bit in their minds. Pros use this concept to be able to deliver long presentations to the public without the use of notes.
Becoming less dependent on notes has several advantages. When you stand before a group and speak without using notes your credibility automatically rises. The audience thinks, 'Wow! This person really knows the material.' Since you won't be tied to a lectern or forced to hold notes, you can get physically closer to the audience, or actually enter the audience on occasion. The closer you are to them, the better you will connect. When you leave the script at home you can speak naturally to the audience rather than read to them. You will also be more confident because you no longer have to worry about your notes getting lost.
Using bits has another big advantage. We are busy people. It's tough to find a spare hour or day to practice a full public speaking presentation. Bits can be practiced when you have a few minutes here and there. You will be more likely to practice your material (and we all need practice) if you can practice a three or five-minute chunk rather than the whole presentation.
Until I learned about bits, I never thought I could be that great at speaking because I'm not great at memorizing long talks. I discovered that no one memorizes long talks. They have a mental or written outline consisting of key words that trigger the individual bit in their minds. Pros use this concept to be able to deliver long presentations to the public without the use of notes.
Becoming less dependent on notes has several advantages. When you stand before a group and speak without using notes your credibility automatically rises. The audience thinks, 'Wow! This person really knows the material.' Since you won't be tied to a lectern or forced to hold notes, you can get physically closer to the audience, or actually enter the audience on occasion. The closer you are to them, the better you will connect. When you leave the script at home you can speak naturally to the audience rather than read to them. You will also be more confident because you no longer have to worry about your notes getting lost.
Using bits has another big advantage. We are busy people. It's tough to find a spare hour or day to practice a full public speaking presentation. Bits can be practiced when you have a few minutes here and there. You will be more likely to practice your material (and we all need practice) if you can practice a three or five-minute chunk rather than the whole presentation.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Public Speaking : Tips for Television, Videotape,
Here are some things you should keep in mind when a television camera is trained on you:
TELEVISION & VIDEOTAPE TIPS
**Gestures should be smaller.
**Make sure clothing is "broken in" and comfortable when you are sitting and standing.
**Prior to your performance, have instant photos or video taken of you while sitting and standing. Make sure your clothes look good in both positions.
**Find out the background color of the set if possible. You don't want your clothing to blend in and make you invisible.
**Ask the producer for wardrobe color suggestions.
**Do not wear any clothing with tight patterns or pin stripes. This causes an optical illusion called a moiré pattern which makes you look bad.
**Avoid clothing with large patterns or geometric shapes. The audience will watch your clothes instead of you.
**Avoid wearing black, white, or red on television or video. Even the best of cameras have trouble with these colors.
**Avoid flashy jewelry. It reflects light.
**Avoid jangly jewelry. It reflects light and makes noise that will be picked up by your microphone (this applies whether you are on TV or not).
**Wear your eyeglasses if you want, but avoid shiny frames.
**Tip the bows of your eyeglasses up slightly off your ears. This angles the lenses down to reduce glare from lights.
**Wear makeup. It has the practical purpose of reducing the glare of TV lights.
**Apply it to all exposed body parts, like backs of hands, arms, neck, etc. Apply cover-up below eyes to mask bags and/or wrinkles.
**Good studios are kept cool to negate the effect of the hot TV lights. You may freeze for a while until the lights are turned on, then you may burn up. Dress for the heat, but bring a jacket or extra cover-up to be used while you are waiting to go on.
**Bring a handkerchief or tissues to dab perspiration during breaks.
**Don't second guess the camera. Act as if you are always on screen.
**Make sure your makeup, wardrobe, and hair are consistent with your message.
MEN
**Wear knee-length socks.
**Always keep double breasted jackets buttoned.
**Single breasted jackets can be opened, but not too wide.
**I SAY AGAIN Wear Makeup. TV lights can penetrate several layers of skin. You can't possibly shave close enough to prevent whiskers from showing without makeup.
**Don't forget makeup on receding hairlines or bald heads.
Trick: Run the thin part of your tie through the loop in the back of the main part of your tie then clip the thin part to your shirt below the loop. This will keep your tie perfectly centered without the tie clip showing.
WOMEN
**Don't wear vivid red lipstick or lip gloss. Stick to softer tones and dab lips with a little powder.
**Consider dress shields if you perspire easily.
**Make sure your hair will stay where you want it. You don't want to be fooling with it while on the air.
**Make sure a lavaliere or lapel microphone and transmitter can be attached to your clothing.
Lillian Brown has written the best resource I know of on the topic of appearing on television. It's called 'Your Public Best: The Complete Guide to Making Successful Public Appearances in the Meeting Room, on the Platform and on TV' (Newmarket Press: New York 1989).
VIDEOCONFERENCING
**If possible prior to the videoconference, send remote location participants handouts, copies of agenda, and copies of visuals.
**Try to get someone else to operate the camera and other equipment. Have them shoot close up if possible. With more than one presenter, if you leave the camera on wide angle, the viewers will have trouble picking out who is talking.
**Periodically ask for feedback from the remote sites. Your chances for misunderstanding multiply when communicating electronically.
**Remember assume you are always on camera. Use the mute button for your microphone if you must converse off the main program.
TELEVISION & VIDEOTAPE TIPS
**Gestures should be smaller.
**Make sure clothing is "broken in" and comfortable when you are sitting and standing.
**Prior to your performance, have instant photos or video taken of you while sitting and standing. Make sure your clothes look good in both positions.
**Find out the background color of the set if possible. You don't want your clothing to blend in and make you invisible.
**Ask the producer for wardrobe color suggestions.
**Do not wear any clothing with tight patterns or pin stripes. This causes an optical illusion called a moiré pattern which makes you look bad.
**Avoid clothing with large patterns or geometric shapes. The audience will watch your clothes instead of you.
**Avoid wearing black, white, or red on television or video. Even the best of cameras have trouble with these colors.
**Avoid flashy jewelry. It reflects light.
**Avoid jangly jewelry. It reflects light and makes noise that will be picked up by your microphone (this applies whether you are on TV or not).
**Wear your eyeglasses if you want, but avoid shiny frames.
**Tip the bows of your eyeglasses up slightly off your ears. This angles the lenses down to reduce glare from lights.
**Wear makeup. It has the practical purpose of reducing the glare of TV lights.
**Apply it to all exposed body parts, like backs of hands, arms, neck, etc. Apply cover-up below eyes to mask bags and/or wrinkles.
**Good studios are kept cool to negate the effect of the hot TV lights. You may freeze for a while until the lights are turned on, then you may burn up. Dress for the heat, but bring a jacket or extra cover-up to be used while you are waiting to go on.
**Bring a handkerchief or tissues to dab perspiration during breaks.
**Don't second guess the camera. Act as if you are always on screen.
**Make sure your makeup, wardrobe, and hair are consistent with your message.
MEN
**Wear knee-length socks.
**Always keep double breasted jackets buttoned.
**Single breasted jackets can be opened, but not too wide.
**I SAY AGAIN Wear Makeup. TV lights can penetrate several layers of skin. You can't possibly shave close enough to prevent whiskers from showing without makeup.
**Don't forget makeup on receding hairlines or bald heads.
Trick: Run the thin part of your tie through the loop in the back of the main part of your tie then clip the thin part to your shirt below the loop. This will keep your tie perfectly centered without the tie clip showing.
WOMEN
**Don't wear vivid red lipstick or lip gloss. Stick to softer tones and dab lips with a little powder.
**Consider dress shields if you perspire easily.
**Make sure your hair will stay where you want it. You don't want to be fooling with it while on the air.
**Make sure a lavaliere or lapel microphone and transmitter can be attached to your clothing.
Lillian Brown has written the best resource I know of on the topic of appearing on television. It's called 'Your Public Best: The Complete Guide to Making Successful Public Appearances in the Meeting Room, on the Platform and on TV' (Newmarket Press: New York 1989).
VIDEOCONFERENCING
**If possible prior to the videoconference, send remote location participants handouts, copies of agenda, and copies of visuals.
**Try to get someone else to operate the camera and other equipment. Have them shoot close up if possible. With more than one presenter, if you leave the camera on wide angle, the viewers will have trouble picking out who is talking.
**Periodically ask for feedback from the remote sites. Your chances for misunderstanding multiply when communicating electronically.
**Remember assume you are always on camera. Use the mute button for your microphone if you must converse off the main program.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Public Speaking : Tie one on (for men only)
I got this tip many years ago from speaker Paul Radde. After shooting one of my first major videos, I noticed that my tie was crooked for most of the video. It looked bad in person, but it looked TERRIBLE on video.
Here is the tip: After you have put on your tie, run the skinny part of the tie through the loop in the back of the main part of the tie. Take a tie clip, or you could use a large paper clip or safety pin and clip the skinny part of the tie to your shirt. Put the tie clip or pin on the skinny part of your tie below the loop. This holds the main part of your tie perfectly in the center for even the most animated presenter and hides the clip. Thanks Paul. This tip has made my tie look good for the last seven years . . . Can you come up with a tip that will help my face look better? hahahahaha
Here is the tip: After you have put on your tie, run the skinny part of the tie through the loop in the back of the main part of the tie. Take a tie clip, or you could use a large paper clip or safety pin and clip the skinny part of the tie to your shirt. Put the tie clip or pin on the skinny part of your tie below the loop. This holds the main part of your tie perfectly in the center for even the most animated presenter and hides the clip. Thanks Paul. This tip has made my tie look good for the last seven years . . . Can you come up with a tip that will help my face look better? hahahahaha
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Public Speaking : Ladies on TV
by Karen Puckett
At one of my former places of employment, part of the new employee orientation was sitting through several hours of a customer service presentation on video tape. In addition to being a painfully unanimated speaker, the presenter wore a suit with the biggest, loudest scarf around her neck and over her shoulder. All of us poor souls in the room watching were left with no recollection of the content of the presentation, but a indelible image of the infamous scarf!
As you know, not only should the length of a speech be appropriate for the audience, but the speaker should make sure that their appearance is not distracting.
At one of my former places of employment, part of the new employee orientation was sitting through several hours of a customer service presentation on video tape. In addition to being a painfully unanimated speaker, the presenter wore a suit with the biggest, loudest scarf around her neck and over her shoulder. All of us poor souls in the room watching were left with no recollection of the content of the presentation, but a indelible image of the infamous scarf!
As you know, not only should the length of a speech be appropriate for the audience, but the speaker should make sure that their appearance is not distracting.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Public Speaking Genius Technique: Photographic Memory
Would you like the audience to think you have a photographic memory? Would you like them to look at you in awe?
Here's the technique.
Refer to an article in a magazine or passage in a book, but do it in a special way. Pause and look up in the air as if you are thinking and picturing the publication in your mind. Then refer to the article by page number, left or right-hand page, passage's position on the page, etc. The audience will think you are some kind of genius. However, we know that you are just a savvy presenter who memorized the information and delivered it with that special WOW factor.
Here's the technique.
Refer to an article in a magazine or passage in a book, but do it in a special way. Pause and look up in the air as if you are thinking and picturing the publication in your mind. Then refer to the article by page number, left or right-hand page, passage's position on the page, etc. The audience will think you are some kind of genius. However, we know that you are just a savvy presenter who memorized the information and delivered it with that special WOW factor.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Public Speaking : Pauses
A true NO ZZZZZs presenter doesn't feel that he or she must jabber away constantly to keep the audience awake. Skilled presenters use silence to add to the effectiveness and polish of a program. Theatrical folks have identified a whole bunch of neat pauses which I'm sure they have a ball playing with. I'm only going to address some of the most obvious and important ones here.
Short
The shortest pauses, which last anywhere from one-half to two seconds, are for the simple purpose of separating your thoughts. All you have to remember is to slow down. Give the audience a fighting chance to absorb what you are saying. Change your voice inflection slightly at the end of each thought to cue the audience the next thought is coming. Also, use a short pause before and after any phrase or word you want to emphasize. (Refer to this website's'How to Deliver a Punch Line' article,for reference.)
Spontaneity
Another neat pause is known as a spontaneity pause. This is a planned 'unplanned' pause used so that you don't look too rehearsed. You might apply this pause when you want to pretend to search for a word or phrase that you already know.
Long
Long pauses of more than three seconds are very powerful. They command the audience to think about what you just said, that is if what you just said was worth thinking about.
Please[pause][pause][pause] don't be afraid to be quiet once in a while. It can dramatically increase your impact.
Short
The shortest pauses, which last anywhere from one-half to two seconds, are for the simple purpose of separating your thoughts. All you have to remember is to slow down. Give the audience a fighting chance to absorb what you are saying. Change your voice inflection slightly at the end of each thought to cue the audience the next thought is coming. Also, use a short pause before and after any phrase or word you want to emphasize. (Refer to this website's'How to Deliver a Punch Line' article,for reference.)
Spontaneity
Another neat pause is known as a spontaneity pause. This is a planned 'unplanned' pause used so that you don't look too rehearsed. You might apply this pause when you want to pretend to search for a word or phrase that you already know.
Long
Long pauses of more than three seconds are very powerful. They command the audience to think about what you just said, that is if what you just said was worth thinking about.
Please[pause][pause][pause] don't be afraid to be quiet once in a while. It can dramatically increase your impact.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Public Speaking : Serious Q & A Sessions
One of the biggest mistakes I see presenters make during public speaking engagements has to do with the handling of question-and-answer sessions. The presenter does a good program, has a powerful close, opens the program up to questions, answers them well, and then fades off the stage into oblivion.
The lack of a second powerful close after the question and answer period could negate much of the impact that was created throughout the program. Make sure you have two good closes whenever there is a possibility of a Q & A session.
Trick: Purposely omit material that you know will evoke certain questions. When the questions come, give a preplanned answer that appears spontaneous. They'll think you are a genius.
The lack of a second powerful close after the question and answer period could negate much of the impact that was created throughout the program. Make sure you have two good closes whenever there is a possibility of a Q & A session.
Trick: Purposely omit material that you know will evoke certain questions. When the questions come, give a preplanned answer that appears spontaneous. They'll think you are a genius.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Public Speaking : ENERGY
by Ty Boyd, CSP, CPAE
The greatest asset any public speaking expert can have is ENERGY. Energy comes in many colors and hues, from a whisper to a shout. Some will define energy as passion, enthusiasm or 'fire in the belly.' With this fire, even a trivial message becomes compelling; without it, the most powerful message will fall unheard. We say 'fire your purpose with passion. Run it through your principle-filter. Prepare. Practice. Then, present. The result will be enormous speaking POWER.'
The greatest asset any public speaking expert can have is ENERGY. Energy comes in many colors and hues, from a whisper to a shout. Some will define energy as passion, enthusiasm or 'fire in the belly.' With this fire, even a trivial message becomes compelling; without it, the most powerful message will fall unheard. We say 'fire your purpose with passion. Run it through your principle-filter. Prepare. Practice. Then, present. The result will be enormous speaking POWER.'
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