Instant Public Speaker By Ter Scott!

Use soft skills to aid your public speaking ...

2011-06-15T11:34:00.000-05:00

I teach classes and seminars covering topics from public speaking to marketing and customer service. Here I speak to my students and clients who are public speakers or at least want to improve their communication skills.

The secret to "instant" public speaking is to speak about something you love and know about. Having soft skills helps your public speaking but also you "social" speaking!

As always there are as many challenges and rewards as there are personalities of students in the class. Every student has grown in at least some ways. My regret is that some students only do the minimum and could certainly stretch themselves further.

For whatever reason, some do not stretch themselves. As long as this is not the way they conduct other things with their lives, this would be OK but sadly I know better. Just as when a person keeps a neat and organized trunk means that they have probably maintained the rest of the vehicle, in the same way, how one conducts school activities is how one conducts their life.

Face your fear, and you’ll conquer fear. It’s this way with public speaking and anything else in life. Once you conquer one fear, another takes it’s place. Have you met someone who you think is a leader, someone who “seems” fearless? It’s only because they have conquered many smaller fears. Conquer fears early in life and get through them faster so you can live in victory.

Public speaking, or at least communicating socially and at work, are soft skills that are sought by employers because when one does them well, employees are so much more productive. Having such soft skills means you’ll have a better chance of landing that position after a great interview and loving the job when you have it. Also, I’m an advocate for working for oneself versus working for a boss (or at least moonlighting so you can eventually get yourself free). Having soft skills when working for yourself may be at least “doubly” important. (Really, when working for another you are still in control as to whether you keep your job, get a raise, or get out so you really are “working for yourself”; it’s just that another signs your paycheck. I know you may disagree and “blame” it on the economy, etc. but deep in your heart and inner being, you know this to be true).

Every day I am reminded of the need for soft skills because so many people around me are looking for a job. (Actually I remind them that they are really looking for what a job gives them which is “money”, etc, which helps open their mind to greater possibilities)! But that’s another topic; for more go to: http://www.attainmentrules.com/).

The soft skills that you’ve hopefully learned in our time together will add dividends in many unexpected ways from today forward. These “skills” have been used since the beginning of time and will continue to be valuable to the one who takes the time to master them.

For example, not so long ago, only about 60 years ago, Jews used their communication skills to save themselves and their families from the death camps. Even today, here and abroad, people use soft skills to make their lives better in small and big ways. If you are not where you want to be in life, it is up to you, it’s your choice to be where you are today and where you will be tomorrow. Soft skills will get you where you want to go.

Keep learning and honing your skills because you may need them to literally “survive” in the future.

Ter Scott

Alter Your Handwriting, Improve Your Public Speaking

2011-06-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

When I was reading this morning from a book titled: Brain Writing*, I found an excerpt by the writer that I thought I should pass along. The writer explains a technique that she uses just before making a speech that helps her to concentrate. One such exercise I’ve known about is to make connected figure eights over and over. Her techniques are new to me. From a graphologist’s perspective, they make sense. Here are her words:

If you do not normally write small, learning to write in a more concentrated way can be a help before speaking or doing anything that is important to you. If you are making an important presentation, taking the time to write, even for only five minutes, can help you become more centered and keep you mind on track. The writing should be done as fast as is comfortable, without trying to make it look too perfect.

I am a medium-size writer. Whenever I need to make an important speech or presentation, I try to take the time to sit down, preferably about a half hour before I must make the presentation, and write smaller than I usually do. The smaller writing helps me to focus completely upon the work at hand and usually intensifies my ability to keep my wits as sharp as possible to handle the important task of that hour.

Another such exercise I’ve known about for some time is to make connected figure eights over and over. You may want to try that as well which will help you to relax. Use it before presenting a speech, an interview, or before you have to confront someone about something; it works.

If you want to learn more about your handwriting, visit: http://askyourgraphologist.blogspot.com/

I believe that the down fall to communication is the inability to listen effectively.

2011-05-24T18:35:00.000-05:00

Want to learn how to listen effectively? Shelley's article is full of great advice and links to other sources!

I believe that the down fall to communication is the inability to listen effectively. Have you ever had the experience of talking to someone and when you finish, they ask you a question that should have already been clearly answered? In the end it leaves us feeling as if we have just wasted our time. Then we end up spending more time repeating what we have already said when we could have used that time to further discuss the topic.

Do You Want to Impress Others? Then Don’t Talk…Listen – Article by Della Menechella

www.dellamenechella.com/do_you_want_to_impress_others.htm

Della Menechella states: “Listening is an underappreciated aspect of communication. When you carefully listen to others, you impress them in ways that talking can never accomplish”.

In Della’s article she points out that it is important to show an interest in what others are talking about and to focus on others rather than ourselves. By “listening” we are showing that we have respect and appreciation for what other people have to say.

Good Communication Starts With Listening – Article by Nancy Foster

www.mediate.com/articles/foster2.cfm

In Nancy’s Article she states “To be a good listener, we must, first, pay attention”.

To show that we are listening we can use brief responses to let the speaker know that we are listening and are interested. Also the way that we use our body language is a form of nonverbal communication and a way for the speaker to tell if you are interested or paying attention.

The most important fact I feel that Nancy points out is the difference between knowing when to speak and when to just be quiet and listen. I personally liked this article.

Now Pay Attention: Here’s why you need good listening skills- Article by Dawn Rosenberg McKay

http://careerplanning.about.com/cs/miscskills/a/listening_skill.htm

Dawns article states – “Hearing is a physical ability while listening is a skill” and “Listening skills allow one to make sense of and understand what another person is saying”. The article includes some reasons as to why we should attain good listening skills in the workplace, also how to listen well, barriers to listening and how listening starts at an early age. To poses the skill of listening begins at an early age and with some effort it can improve throughout our lives. The ability to listen doesn’t come as easy to some as it might to others. There are steps that can be taken to learn the skills that can help us be effective listeners. It won’t be until we come to the realization that we lack these skills that we will actually try to change our ways.

It is very important to have good listening skills when it comes to so many of our career choices. If a Doctor or police officer doesn’t have very good listening skills how will they ever be able to respond to our needs in the correct way? Listening is an extremely important factor in the process of communication.

An important listening skill that I have come across the most would be acknowledgement. To show a speaker that we are “listening” and paying attention not only verbally but nonverbally as well shows that we care. I think that even though we might not be interested in what someone is talking about that it is common courtesy to listen. Who knows we just might learn a thing or two and walk away more knowledgeable then we were before.
Shelly Young

Listening Perception by Therese Padgett

2011-05-24T18:29:00.000-05:00

Perception is an interesting word. As speakers we always need to know how we are "perceived" by the listener. In this article, we understand that even the act of listening is perceived as hearing by some and truly understanding (or understanding better) by others. Therese shares:
Well the first point seems kind of self explanatory but maybe that is deceiving, we spend 70-80% of our waking hours in communication, so if you become a good listener you will get more out of each conversation and convey a good attitude to the speaker, you will earn the respect of the speaker and this respect will be returned to you when it is your turn to be the speaker.(1)

Always concentrate on the speaker so you can respond in kind. (1) Make sure your non verbal cues tell the speaker you are open and willing to listen, your eyes focused on the speaker, sitting slightly forward in your chair and arms and legs in an open and relaxed position. Ask pertinent questions, interject appropriate questions. (2) All important points, maybe not so self explanatory, huh?

Most all sources say the most important is to be an active listener. As a result we are able to give verification or feedback and is what distinguishes effective listening and makes it so effective.(2) Most all sources agree that if you are just going to parrot the facts back at the speaker it is not an effective conversation. Know when to turn off the active listening so when you respond it will be your message you get across. (2)

All sources I found said eye contact and empathy are very important principles of active listening. (3)

Sources:

1. www.more-for-small-business.com/1html

2. www.study9s.net/listening.htm

3. www.drnadig.com/listening.htm

“We were given two ears but only one mouth, because listening is twice as hard as talking."

2011-05-24T18:24:00.000-05:00

Hearing is not the same as listening, as many of my clients and students point out. Understanding this concept is the start of understanding others. Here are a few thoughts from my students.

Ken Nyberg shares:

We listen to obtain information, understand, enjoyment and to learn. Without good listening skills we can miss out on very important information. When talking with your boss, clients and co-workers if you do not have good listening skills than you can not do a good job.

Thoughts move about four times faster than speech so be a good listener we need to hear correctly and precisely to understand this information and reflect it back upon the speaker.

We listen to obtain information, understand, enjoyment and to learn. Without good listening skills we can miss out on very important information. When talking with your boss, clients and co-workers if you do not have good listening skills than you can not do a good job.

Thoughts move about four times faster than speech so be a good listener we need to hear correctly and precisely to understand this information and reflect it back upon the speaker.

“We were given two ears but only one mouth, because listening is twice as hard as talking."

This quote came from Larry Alan Nadig, Ph.D. He believes that active/reflective listening is the most important form of listening. This is when as a listener you repeat important information or respond to the speaker to verify that you have heard and understood what was said. This is agreed upon by many professionals as the most important form of listening.

I received information from:

www.studygs.net/listening.htm

www.drnadig.com/listening.htm

www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm

This quote came from Larry Alan Nadig, Ph.D. He believes that active/reflective listening is the most important form of listening. This is when as a listener you repeat important information or respond to the speaker to verify that you have heard and understood what was said. This is agreed upon by many professionals as the most important form of listening.

Ken Nyberg

Public Speaking Motivational Bullet

2011-05-10T12:30:00.002-05:00

MOTIVATION BULLET

From time to time, I like to share a few “bullets” of wisdom that will hopefully make you “stronger” not only as a speaker but as a person as well. Remember that when I’m (figuratively) pointing a finger at you, I’m pointing the others right back at me; we all need this stuff to move on!

I read from a group of books at the same time, a kind of multitasking for the mind. One of the books I’m reading now is called NO EXCUSES! Fitness Workout, written by Harvey Walden and I must say this guy is the real deal. He’s a marine and is seen on VH1’s Celebrity Fit Club.

I’ve only read a few pages but this guy gets right in your face from the pages of this book. I’m sharing with you just a few paragraphs from page 4:

In martial arts you learn that if someone pushes you down you’ve got to know how to roll, how to fall, and how to absorb the blow. You’ve got to give in so that you can come back up and kick some a--.

That’s a good lesson for life too.

So the trick is to find your chi: Relax, breath easy, believe you can do it.

Roll with the punches- and then come back up.

And you already know: The good things in life don’t come easy. When you put in the hard work and make sacrifices, and believe me, if you bust you butt you appreciate what you’ve achieved later. Don’t think its’ always going to be read roses. H---, if it was easy, you’d be a waste of sperm.

Strong stuff, right?

Let’s be strong. Sure you’ll have obstacles, you’ll have times you don’t want to do something, times you’ll settle for less, find ways not to do something instead of finding alternatives to make it happen.

Get Paid to Read Ter Scott’s NEW KINDLE BOOK: Personal PR, Getting What You Want through Better Personal Relations!

2011-05-07T07:36:00.002-05:00

Yep, you read this right. I will pay you to read this short book on human relations. The great part is that by reading this book, it will pay you, as many books will, many times over as you use the simple straight forward techniques.

Getting paid to read my PERSONAL PR kindle book, is part of a marketing campaign I’m currently doing. To get all the details, visit: http://www.terscott.com/ . It’s right on the first page of my site in the blue box. You will also see a place to click to hear an abbreviated version of when I presented it to Toastmasters International some time back; it’s a 5 -7 minute presentation I customize and use when I speak at meetings and conventions. The book is based on this award winning speech.

So, visit http://www.terscott.com/ right now while the marketing campaign is running and tell your friends too.

Make it a great day!

Ter Scott!

Bricks to Clicks Marketing Consultant

2008-07-07T17:34:00.001-05:00

In the previous post, I mentioned: Tom Hopkins with Sales of Champions, James R. Alburger the Voiceover coach, and Darren LaCroix, the Toastmaster 2001 World Champion Speaker. You'll find resources for their material on the left side of this page. Two other blogs which speak of performance anxiety are: Sandra Zimmers "Speaking Freely": http://www.self-expression.com/speaking-freely/what-happens-in-stage-fright-and-fear-of-pubic-speaking/ and Stage Fright Help: http://stagefrighthelp.com/2008/05/what-are-symptoms-of-performance.html . Visit them both for more great information!

TEN KNOWS TO EXTINGUISH FEAR

2008-07-07T17:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing has changed since sometime around 420 BC when the world’s most influential philosopher, Plato stated: “Know thyself”. This is good advice to remember when asked to give a presentation and battling something known as “performance anxiety” in the wonderful world of public speaking. Usually in my seminars, I get attendees up and speaking immediately before they even consider being “scared”. They first take a very small step such as stating their name and something they like to do. Then, as our time together progresses through a 3-hour seminar or an ongoing 12-week online course, I continue slowly building their confidence. Tom Hopkins, known worldwide as a best selling author and sales trainer states: “Do what you fear most, and you control fear”.

Whether public speaking to you is something that you “fear most” or you just need a few pointers to keep your anxiety level to a minimum, my ten “knows” of public speaking may be invaluable for your next presentation:

KNOW YOUR STUFF. Most public speaking mentors will tell you to know your material. But here’s something that is sometimes overlooked. Why not simply speak on something you already know? When you speak on something you already know, you are already an expert at some level and you’ll tend to speak more passionate about it. For those times when you can’t choose your topic, inject personal stories about things that you know within your presentation but… be sure to make sure they serve to make a point.

KNOW YOUR VOICE. In voiceover work, as when you hear someone narrating a commercial, a voiceover actor pays close attention to all aspects of the voice. You can do a bit of research to find how a voiceover artist prepares, at one of my favorite voiceover coach’s site: http://www.voiceacting.com. James R. Alburger In public speaking we need to know what our voice is capable of doing. Experiment and practice areas in your speech, using variation of highness and lowness (pitch), the slow or fast pacing of our words, and pause in places to show emphasis. Work to speak more conversationally and not like an announcer selling cars on the radio.

KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS. What are you good at? Are you good at painting, cooking, or accounting? Just as there is no such thing as a natural born painter, chef, or accountant, so too, there is no such thing as a natural born speaker. Invite evaluation from others. Ask what things you do best when you present. Do you use gestures well? Do you have a contagious smile? Are you humorous? Use your best attributes in your presentations and slowly incorporate other things you’d like to improve upon. Speaking is something you’ll do the rest of your life. Every episode is an opportunity to improve.

KNOW YOUR FACE. Your face is your fortune. Your face may not grace any page of a celebrity magazine, but we all have a smile, use it. You have facial expressions so let your face “express”. Look excited and you’ll be excited. Remember that to the audience, many times nervousness translates as excitement. Going beyond facial expressions, work on your body “expressions” as well. This is called body movement. And, don’t be tied to the lectern, move around a bit. This will ease your anxiety as well. Conduct a bit of research on the use of body movement for presenting. Study the science of body movement, which is called “body language” to add interest in your presentations.

KNOW YOUR PROPS. I believe that every speaker should use a few props when giving every speech. It adds interest, makes points clearer, and gives the speaker a “security blanket to hold onto! Try it; you’ll like it!

KNOW YOUR VENUE. There’s probably nothing more disconcerting than to get to a place to deliver your presentation and seeing that the room setup is not conducive to presenting well. I try to get as much information prior to the event about the venue I’ll be presenting at. Then I get there early. You’ll be more comfortable after getting a “feel” for the room.

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE (BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER). Do research before your event to learn about your audience. What age are they? What level of education do they have? What do they like to do after work? Then incorporate this information in your presentation and you’ll relate well with them. During your delivery, when you get feedback like smiles, nods of affirmation, and laughter, your performance anxiety will surely melt away. Also, after your presentation, ask for sincere feedback, and be sure to take notes and actually use this valuable feedback to do better. Remember when your thoughts are on others, and not on yourself, you’ll have less performance anxiety.

KNOW THAT YOUR AUDIENCE DOESN’T HAVE A SCRIPT. The audience doesn’t know what your speech is about. They will not know if you leave out a few words, or points. Of course, always strive to do your best, but knowing that the audience does not have a written script as to what you will say, should bolster your confidence and decrease any stress.

KNOW YOUR SPEECH DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. This is much like point eight above; know that you are always learning and getting better. No one in the audience is perfect and they’ll relate better to you when you are more “human”. Believe that the audience is your friend and want you to succeed!

KNOW THAT THERE IS MORE TO KNOW. Join Toastmasters, associate with other speakers, take courses, and learn a different hobby. Enjoy life and enjoy speaking about it.

Ok, I like to add value to all of my products and services so I’ll offer one more “know”: KNOW THAT YOU’LL NEVER KNOW. There are many “knows” that I haven’t covered here because of space limitations. I’m sure you can think of some of your own. Don’t stop learning and keep improving.

Don’t wait to be asked to speak. Look for (and make) opportunities to speak, just like my friend, Darren LaCroix, the Toastmaster 2001 World Champion Speaker. He had severe stage fright when he started but today he triumphantly expresses in his mantra, “stage time, stage time, stage time.”

Get to know these ten “knows” of public speaking and they will help you to say, “yes” the next time you’re asked to speak.

Public Speaking Skills, Important or Essential?

2008-06-28T15:54:00.000-05:00

Public Speaking Skills, Important or Essential?

Are we skillful in getting our point across? Do we relate well with others? Are speaking skills important or essential?

Some may think that good communication skills are not essential because they don’t speak in public, or are not currently in a job that requires speaking “publicly”. First, let’s address this. Have you spoken with anyone today? You probably have and unless you only talk to yourself in the bathroom or any other secluded place, you are indeed a “public” speaker. Now, think back to any verbal discourse with someone today and ask yourself: “How did it go; did my verbal and nonverbal communication present my intended message, was it received in the way I intended, and did I receive my intended feedback”?

The importance of constantly developing and using good communication skills in every part of our day becomes apparent in this example. Remember getting directions from someone while navigating in an unfamiliar town, and then you became more lost than you were before asking for assistance? Somehow you and your guide did not communicate well. Was this exercise in communication just “important”, or was it “essential”? Depends.

If you arrived late at your family picnic, then communication skills in this case, were perhaps just “important” unless of course you arrived too late to enjoy Aunt Jane’s fried chicken. However, if you were on your way to a job interview, you may have missed advancing your career because you arrived late, due to this misguided communication. Worse yet, if you arrived at your job interview on time but because your communication skills were poor, you foiled any possibility of being hired. Is the word “essential” taking on more meaning?

Getting directions, or giving directions as in our earlier scenario above requires communication from both the speaker and the receiver. But since we can’t control others, the responsibility to give and receive accurate information relies on our side. You can now start to see how good communication skills can truly be essential in your social or business life. Become interested in learning to speak well, and then become trained. Take a course either at a formal educational source, online, or in other ways.

All of us are public speakers at least at some level, and I believe good public speaking skills are essential in every area of life. Good communication skills will get people to accept your ideas, help improve relationships, and advance your career.

Ter Scott – Professional Public Speaker is available for Keynotes, Seminars, and Consulting

Lisa Braithwaite (http://coachlisab.blogspot.com/2007/11/seven-ways-to-practice-public-speaking.html) states “It's getting harder and harder to find a job that doesn't require competency in communication and public speaking skills”. She lists seven ways to practice public speaking in the workplace. Visit this blog and say “Ter Scott sent you!”

Estienne de Beer (http://www.crmlearning.com/blog/?p=39) states: “Perhaps you think your career does not entail delivering any presentations. Well, this is where you might be wrong because no matter what your job is, presentation skills ultimately will come into the picture in some ways.” Visit this blog and say “Ter Scott sent you!”

Public Speaking Secret for not saying “UM”!

2008-05-13T16:27:00.000-05:00

As a professional speaker, and one who trains others in this fine art, I’ve been asked many times by aspiring newbie’s and professionals alike, “How can I stop saying “um” in my presentations?” My quick answer may surprise you, and that is: Don’t worry about it, just continue saying “hmmmmmmm” or “um” every time you feel like it. Now you are probably saying to yourself that I’m out of my mine and not being of any help here. But like many of my “public speaking secrets”, this too is contrary to what you might think. So please keep reading and promise I will disclose this secret, explaining what I’m really trying to say here later.

Using filler words such as: “um” can be very distracting for your listeners and since I think your intent is to improve your speaking delivery, I’m sure it is distracting to you as well. Unfortunately, the biggest abusers seem to be radio talk show hosts, and since I love talk radio, this infuriates me. Why can’t these people be better public speakers? Why can’t they get to their point without so many filler words? Why do they have to state something such as: “Well (which is also a “filler word”), today I’m going to talk about, um, Duluth”. Don’t they know where the heck they live? Most of the time they are reading off a script, for crying out loud! I know that they may think that they are coming across as “conversational”, but I think it comes across as being unprepared and unprofessional.

Let me congratulate you, the reader, because if you are aware that you are using this “filler word”, you are well on your way deleting it in your presentations. Many speakers (and radio announcers) may feel that they are good, or even great speakers, when they are probably simply unaware that they do this. However, unlike these people, you’ve risen above the level of unconscious incompetence (not being aware), to the conscious incompetence level of knowing you have this situation. I will help move you to the conscious competence level, where you consciously remove the “um” and later with action on your part, you can go beyond this level to the unconscious competence level of removing this “bad” speech habit and not having to “worry” about it!

When you are using the "um" filler word, it’s typically because you are thinking “on the spot”. A well-rehearsed speech (and knowing your materialwell), will avoid having you doing your thinking during delivery. So, rehearse what you are going to say before you approach the lectern.

Next, don’t be too concerned about thinking silently before answering a question, or stating your facts. In today’s world, most people don’t think before they speak. Observe this in your conversations this week. Note how people aren’t really listening but rehearsing in their mind what they want to say, and waiting for you to take a breath so they can speak! You can come across as an intellectual, by thinking first silently, then speaking.

Finally, here’s my secret I told you I would share. When you feel that you must, go ahead and say “um” or “hmmmmm” (or even “hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!”) to your heart’s content, but… say it silently! This will come across as a “pause”. Speakers don’t use as many pauses as they probably should in their speaking so this will come across just fine. Eventually, with action, and a sincere desire to improve, you’ll quit using filler words and wont' need to use this technique becuase you'll have arrived at the unconscious competence level. Then you will use the “pause” as a technique to “punctuate” certain places within your presentation. We’ll cover that another time.

Don't forget to associate with others who speak well. You’ll pick up good and bad habits from those you “hang” with. That’s why I endorse the Toastmasters Organization. I’ve talked with several World Champion Speakers from Toastmasters who tell me that fretting over one or two “ums” in a longer presentation is not anything to worry about. Because we all agree that perhaps no one will probably “conquer” eliminating filler words altogether, when you strive to do so, you’ll use them so infrequently, that they will become less distracting and you’ll be a better presenter!
Ter Scott is a professional public speaker/instructor/trainer in the topics of motivation, customer service, and marketing. Visit www.terscott.com/speaker

5 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SPEECH MEMORABLE

2008-05-09T17:27:00.000-05:00

After you’ve given a few speeches you may benefit from a few of my individual replies to my clients. I hope they may help you, who may share the same concerns. Certainly, much more can be said about each of the following areas, but here is a bit of wisdom to aid you in your next presentation:

PREPARATION
In preparation, always find at least something that you can enjoy (or at least interesting, or life-building) about each presentation you give. Not all will be topics or presentation that you may want to give (a eulogy, or a speech asked to be presented on the spur of the moment and “off the cuff” by your employer, etc.). Coming up with a topic about something you love and know about helps you to do your best whatever the occasion.

USE ADJECTIVES TO PAINT WHAT I CALL “WORD PICTURES”
Consider using more adjectives in your speech to paint word pictures, such as singing birds, buzzing bees collecting pollen, and waking to the warmth of sunshine, etc. This really “paints a picture” for your audience. Don’t be overly concerned when they close their eyes. They’re still listening but this time “picturing” the place your words are taking them!

SUMMARY VS. CONCLUSION TECHNIQUES
Even though many texts state that the summary is a conclusion “technique”, I disagree. I feel that all speeches should have a summary, followed by your conclusion. Because I differ with others out there, many texts do not go into any variety of concluding techniques. Simply, for a good conclusion, I suggest that you use any technique you’ve used in the intro. Many times, using the same technique as you did in the intro will give a nice “wrap up” to your speech. For example, you could leave your audience with the answer to your question you asked, if your attention getting technique in the intro was “asking a question”.

ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR AUDIENCE
I know it may seem “odd” to state your name in the acknowledgement part of your speech when practicing (or giving an actual speech as an assignment) with just one or a few people in the audience, (especially when you know them and they know you) but you’ll want your presentation to be as typical as possible to a real life situation. With this in mind, be sure to state your name during this part of your speech.

MEMORIZE YOUR INTRODUCTION
It’s good to actually memorize your intro and visualize yourself going through it with good and positive things happening, such as acknowledging your audience, and communicating well with them. You “become one” with the audience just as if you were having a one on one conversation. Now when you are at the lectern delivering your speech, it get through this section and start into the body of your speech feeling more confident, and comfortable. Once you got into your speech, and get “rolling”, any nervousness will start to fade.

There are so many things to think about when preparing, and delivering your speech. For more information, contact Ter Scott. Visit: http://instantpublicspeaker.blogspot.com/ or www.terscott.com/speaker .

Instant Speaker Discusses the Communication Model

2007-04-15T17:16:00.000-05:00

Before we get to today’s Instant Speaker topic, I’d like to address two of the questions/comments I’ve recently received to a previous post. The first is from someone who wants to “sell’ his/her ideas to clients better. Great, this is a noble desire on your part as long as you are using the win-win philosophy in selling being sure that both sides win. (Also, as a sub point here, remember that no one likes to be sold but everyone loves to own, but that’s going into my sales seminar material). Learning speaking skills will help you to relate to others more and people like to buy from people they like! In addition, I’m glad you realize that “ideas” are a commodity worth value.

Next, someone asked, “What is the longest time for a presentation to be effective or lose its effectiveness?” Your key word here may be “effective”. Toastmasters (a great organization to learn and improve your speaking skills) usually presents five to seven minute speeches which may be partly because of time constraints but I believe if you can’t say it in 7 minutes, you probably won’t be effective in saying it in 20 or 30 minutes. Longer presentations are considered lectures or workshops and are made up of several seven-minute presentations. Remember that today, we are in the MTV generation in which everything has to move fast and you need to get your point across soon, almost instantly. That’s a nice segue to today’s Instant Speaker…TO READ THE ARTICLE PLEASE CLICK HERE OR CUT AND PASTE INTO YOUR ADDRESS BAR: www.terscott.com/iscommodel

Instant Public Speaker Presents Speaking Secrets

2007-04-02T15:31:00.000-05:00

Instant Public Speaker is based on Ter Scott's years of experience as a public speaker and trainer. Anyone can be an "Instant Public Speaker" when they know a few of the basics seasoned with a few "secrets" by this professional.

"As a public speaker and trainer I share ideas, tips and "secrets" that can help anyone speak on any level "instantly" or almost instantly". Ter Scott teaches Oral Communication at Duluth Business University in Duluth Minnesota and has shared his Instant Public Speaker materials internationally and around the USA.

This blog will be based primarily on Questions and Answers by me and the students/participants in my classes, workshops and seminars.

Contact Ter Scott at terscottpromotes@yahoo.com for booking and private training consultation.