Skip to content

Browse Topics Find an Expert Search About

Log InLog In Contribute

Browse Topics Find an Expert Search About

Home/
Articles

Browse SelfGrowth articles

Loading the searchable article library…

SelfGrowth.comThe Self Improvement Guide

Explore experts, guides, articles, videos, and events by topic.

Explore

All topics Experts Guides Articles Videos

Platform

About SelfGrowth Websites Newsletters Events Become an Official Guide Contact

Compliance

Legal

Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy

Your choices

Privacy Requests

Help improve SelfGrowth

Accounts

Personal account Create Professional Account Become a Contributor

SelfGrowth helps readers explore personal growth topics with clear paths into guides, experts, and related resources.

Home/
Experts/
Nancy Daniels/
Articles

Articles by Nancy Daniels

Browse published articles attributed to Nancy Daniels, with full-archive search.

articles: 593

Explore

TopicsBrowse every topic ExpertsFind people ArticlesRead guidance WebsitesOpen resources EventsSee sessions VideosWatch clips

⌕

SortRecommended Most viewed Most recent Highest rated Alphabetical

Showing 401–450

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Art of Storytelling in Public Speaking

Have you ever considered opening your speech or presentation with a story? If done well, a true story is an attention-grabber. It can be humorous, suspenseful, thrilling, provocative, or dramatic, any of which immediately lends credibility to you as the speaker. Don't stop there, however: good presentations have true accounts woven throughout the development. They add interest as well as validity to your topic or your subject.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,592 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Your Presentation Skills May Be Great, But What About Your Voice?

I have belonged to a public speaking network for some time now and it never ceases to amaze me that the members do not talk about the actual sound of the speaking voice. From topics covering the value of content versus delivery to the elimination of nervousness and even ways to find speaking engagements, they never discuss the image of the voice and what it says about them.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,589 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Is Your Personal Introduction Something Worth Remembering?

Have you ever been to a business meeting in which all in attendance had to stand and introduce themselves and you heard basically the same thing from each and every individual? One of the worst things we do as a people is our personal introduction. While the names and the businesses will be ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,580 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Who Is In Control at the Lectern, You or Your Nervousness?

Nervousness is wonderful. In fact, I will take that one step further and tell you that nervousness is a blessing. How can it be a blessing, you ask? Because that rush of adrenaline can give you an edge. It can take your presentation to an entirely new level if you learn how to control it. Articles today talk about eliminating, stopping and ending your nervousness and I disagree. I want you nervous but I want you to learn how to take control of that nervousness. If you think the ‘greats’ in public speaking are not nervous, then you are wrong.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,576 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Getting Rid of the Um's and Ah's Is Easier Than You Think

While the phrase ‘you know’ has not yet replaced the verbal tics ‘um’ and ‘ah,’ it is gaining momentum both in the delivery of presentations and in normal conversation. If you are aware that you use one of more of these fillers, it really is not difficult to eliminate them if you willing to practice and record yourself.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,571 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Color at the Lecte Doesn't Just Refer to What You Are Wearing!

Have you been told that you speak in a monotone when delivering a speech or presentation? You may have been surprised to hear that description about yourself because in normal conversation you are quite animated, displaying a lot of emotion. What happens at the lectern, however, is that you lose all sense of self as you spit out a pile of words in the hopes of getting it over with as quickly as possible.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,569 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Don't Know Your Material Well, You Are Selling Your Audience Short!

One of the secrets of good public speaking is to know your material very, very well. You may not think it a secret but you would be surprised how many people approach the lectern, the stage, or the boardroom table and do not know their script. And, the only way that can happen is if you practice it out loud over several days or maybe even a few weeks in advance. How much practice you need is entirely dependent on how quickly you learn.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,565 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If Your Accent Interferes with Your Diction, You Need Voice Training

Many years ago when I first started my business, my husband commented on the ‘before & after’ video clips of my clients, remarking that he could understand everyone in the ‘after’ takes but none of the speakers in the ‘before’ takes. All the speakers were Canadians in which English was their first language. What my husband, Alexis, was noticing was the clarity of their speech in the ‘after’ videos.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,543 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Learn to Breathe Correctly: It Will Make Your Voice and Your Presentations Stand Out!

As a voice coach, the first thing I teach my clients is how to breathe with the support of the diaphragm. The reason is because you cannot discover your ‘real’ voice until you learn this simple technique.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,543 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Why the Pause is Invaluable in Public Speaking

Sometimes it appears that there is just too much to think about, to be aware of, and to focus upon in public speaking. While that may seem true at first, if you allow yourself to pause during your delivery, you will discover one of the most important aids when delivering a speech or presentation.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,540 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Which is Better in Public Speaking - Impressing or Expressing?

There is no doubt that public speaking is a battle, a battle often lost because the speaker is trying to be something or someone he is not. What is interesting about public speaking is that you stand a much better chance of winning the battle if you would stop trying to impress your audience. Instead, you should express to your audience. Good public speakers talk to their audience, not at them. They treat their audience just as if they were having a conversation in their living room. For some, however, that is the battle.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,534 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Are You Aware That Your Soft-Spoken Voice Is a Liability?

In today’s fast-paced business world, speaking in a soft-spoken voice is definitely not to your advantage: you need to be heard the 1st time you say it. While softer levels of volume may be culturally correct in some countries, here in the States, we tend to talk in a volume that is comfortably heard by all in the same room.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,533 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Presentation Skills: To Whom Are You Speaking?

Sometimes we get so caught up in the idea of public speaking – be it from nervousness or excitement – that we often do not have a clear idea about those to whom we will be addressing. In truth, you cannot even begin to create your presentation until you know about your audience. And, the best way to gain that information is to ask.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,532 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Watch What Your Face Is (Or Isn't) Saying in Public Speaking

Before your give your next presentation or speech, can I make a suggestion? Why don’t you video-record yourself, study the playback, and watch your facial expressions. Are they in line with what you are discussing? Does your face display enthusiasm if you are excited about your message? Does it show worry, for example, if you are conce ed about the serious nature of your remarks? - While color deals with the vocal variety of your voice, it also includes your body language and your facial expression.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,524 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Abuse of the Word - AND - in Public Speaking

When I teach public speaking, one of the tips I offer is to learn how to stop connecting your sentences with verbal tics, such as “um” or “ah.” There is a word, however, that is that is sometimes abused in speaking as well. Many people connect their sentences with the word and. After some time, this verbal faux pas becomes very obvious especially on stage. What it means for the speaker is that he/she is delivering one huge compound sentence. What it means for the audience is verbal tedium.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,520 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Do You Know the 1 Thing People Never Think to Do in Public Speaking

It does not seem possible that this one commonality exists among so many people in public speaking. Whether it is for the presentation or the speech, it happens quite frequently and is both visible and audible to an audience. It may only occur in the opening; although, it often continues throughout one’s delivery. Without it, it is sometimes difficult to be heard. Do you have an idea what I am talking about?

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,512 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Talk TO Your Audience, NOT AT Them

One of the secrets for becoming a dynamic public speaker is to make eye contact with your audience. While there are some courses on presentation skills or public speaking that teach you to stare at an object on the wall in order to eliminate your nervousness, I couldn’t disagree more. Forget ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,507 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How Confident Do You Sound If You Are Soft-Spoken?

Volume is an aspect of your personality that can say a lot about you. Yes, there was a time when women spoke in a very soft voice. It was considered a feminine trait: demure, coy, flirtatious. It was also a time when women were treated as 2nd class citizens. In today’s highly competitive business world, however, there is no room for the voice which is difficult to hear. Your volume, or lack of it, may be saying something about you which is not correct whether you are male or female.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,501 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***3 Reaons to Know Your Competition If You Plan a Career in Public Speaking

With all the articles about public speaking, few ever talk about knowing your competition. If you are a novice and planning a career at the lectern, part of your homework is to listen to as many speakers as you can and get to meet them in the process if at all possible. Words cannot say how valuable this can be for your future and is one of the great public speaking tips that you would be wise to heed. There are 3 reasons why you should take this advice.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,497 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How to Stand Out From the Crowd in Your Job Interviews

Today, unemployment is higher than it has been for quite some long time and, in many cases, older workers are looking for a job after years of security in their former positions. For some, just the idea of being interviewed is a frightening experience. With the high number of applicants seeking the same job, older workers may feel quite daunted in their search. What can you do if your experience is excellent but your interview skills are less than stellar? Without a doubt, good interview skills are one of the most important characteristic for those obtaining employment today.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,497 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

Do You Run Out of Air BEFORE You Run Out of Sentence?

I remember when one of my sons was in 2nd or 3rd grade and was practicing reading out loud. He would take a breath after almost every word. Teachers explain to children in that age group that they should wait to take a breath until they come to the end of the sentence. At that age, there are only 6 or 7 words in the sentence!

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,496 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If Voice Training Doesn't Cover Volume and Projection, It Isn't Voice Training

The other day I received an email from a young man who told me that he was getting a sore throat by speaking loudly at the clubs and wondered if my training dealt with volume. I had to smile when he said that he had read several books on voice and none of them talked about how to increase or decrease the amount of sound you use. They also didn’t discuss projection which involves speaking in a bigger voice without shouting or yelling.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,480 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Speaking Clearly Is the Name of the Game in Business Today

In the past, you could afford to speak with a Brooklyn dialect because your business probably dealt with those who spoke the same way. Today, however, no matter where you live, business is global. What this means is that your clients and associates need to be able to understand your words. If not, your message is lost. With the lightning quick speed available because of the internet, prospective clients can come and go in the blink of an eye. If they are unable to understand you when you speak, then they are more likely to go and find someone else whose diction is clear and concise.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,480 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Are Your Options If You Forget While Public Speakiing?

Admittedly, part of the difficulty for many in presenting is just this fear. It happens to lots of speakers; it has certainly happened to me. Even with notes or some form of visual aid upon which to refer, however, you may find yourself at a total loss as to how to continue. What is the answer? Total honesty.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,479 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Dynamic Public Speaking Means Never Letting Them 'See You Sweat'

Yes, I want you nervous for your upcoming speech or presentation because nervousness is good. I do not want your audience to see it however. Great public speakers are nervous. As many times as they have spoken, as many times as they have delivered the same presentation over and over, their adrenaline is in high gear when they enter the stage.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,478 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***5 Ways to Bring Your Audience into Your Presentation

When I attended James Malinchak’s BootCamp a few months ago, one of many things he did to grab our attention was to ‘cast the net’ during the introduction. Those are his words. His introductory material was designed to bring the audience into the fold and immediately build a rapport with us. And, there is no doubt that it worked. - When you create your introduction, do you consider your audience in your opening remarks? - Do you tailor your material around their needs as you ‘cast the net’ to become more intimate with them?

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,466 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Discover the Best Means of Increasing Your Volume If You Are Soft-Spoken

If you are soft-spoken, there is a right way and a wrong way to increase your volume. Just speaking 'louder' is not the answer. In fact, the difficulty for those who speak softly is that when they do try to increase their volume, they think that they are shouting. As a voice coach, I don’t teach people to speak loudly; I teach them to speak with a bigger voice. There is a big difference between the two. Loud hurts your throat and your listeners’ ears. A big voice is more volume but it is neither ‘painful’ for you or your listeners if it is produced properly.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,462 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Voice Training Could Have Prevented Vocal Cord Surgery for Yankees Mariano Rivera

It is sad that Mariano Rivera underwent surgery on his vocal folds (cords) recently. The Yankees’ closer was diagnosed with severe vocal abuse in which polyps had developed on his vocal folds. A month prior to his surgery, he noticed a decrease in his ability to speak which was characterized by a raspy, whispery quality. What is interesting is that, with the right training, he could have prevented it.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,459 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

The Truth About Loss of Voice, Hoarseness, & Vocal Abuse

Many people suffer from chronic hoarseness, sore throats and even loss of voice; and, most of these people do so because of misuse of the speaking voice. It is common; it is world wide; and, it is a growing concern. Through the years that I’ve had a website on voice improvement, 40% of those ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,459 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Plan A Career in Public Speaking, Start With the 'Freebies'

In order to establish yourself in the business of public speaking, you should begin contacting local clubs and organizations in your area as soon as possible. It is important to understand that the majority of those engagements will not be paid. In fact, at this stage, I would doubt that any of those invitations will offer you any monetary gain. Therefore, if you already have a job, it would be a good idea not to quit your place of employment just yet!

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,451 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How Important Are Your Presentation Skills in Getting a Job?

Yes, your education is important; yes, your experience is important; and, most definitely, your attitude is important in landing a job in today’s questionable job market. Have you ever taken into consideration, what your presentation skills are saying about you however?

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,449 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Stop Yelling for Your Favorite Team -- Try Projecting Your Voice Instead!

When I hear a raspy, gravelly, hoarse voice, I know what the problem is. It is called vocal abuse; and, I also know that it will not get any better on its own unless the speaker changes how he or she produces voiced sound. Those who suffer from chronic hoarseness, a persistent sore throat or even loss of voice are often fans rooting for their favorite teams. It is not just happening to those in the stands at professional sports games or those watching on television. It can also happen when we attend our children's football, baseball, soccer and/or hockey games

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,446 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Are You Aware of Your Vocal Shortcomings?

How many times have you spoken to a stranger on the phone and formed a mental picture of that individual only later to be surprised when you met that person face to face? How we speak and how we sound often conflict with our education, our cultural background, and even our intelligence. Your speech reveals many things about you and yet it often does not reflect who you truly are: your training, your experience or your abilities.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,444 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Target Your Smilers in Public Speaking -- They Will Bolster Your Confidence

When you look into the sea of faces in your audience, have you noticed that there are some people who smile? Whatever the reason, every audience has smilers and they can be found throughout the room when you are speaking. It just happens. Whether you are presenting to 5 people or 500, there are always smilers and those are the ones that you should target during your talk.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,438 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***When the Pregnant Pause Goes into Labor!

Recently I was interviewed on a blog radio program and the host paused so long after every comment I made that I wondered how many listeners she really had. Yes, the internet station of which she is a member has an excellent listenership, but I seriously question whether this particular woman has any real following.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,424 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***There Is No Reason for Breathlessness in Public Speaking

One of the most common complaints I hear from my clients is that they run out of air in public speaking. This may be a problem for you as well. Do you know why this is happening? Many who teach public speaking will tell you it is because you are nervous. Certainly nervousness exacerbates the problem but it is not the cause. The reasons you are breathless in public speaking are because: 1. you do not allow yourself to breathe; 2. you do not think to breathe; and, 3. you wait until you are totally spent before gasping for your next breath.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,422 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Capitalize on the Voice You Don't Know You Have

Most people are unaware that voice training is something they can do for their personal and professional development. No, it is not just actors and politicians who study with a voice coach. More and more people are discovering that they are not stuck with the voice they hear on their answering machines or voicemail.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,421 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Don't Believe in Yourself, Why Should Your Audience?

One of the most important skills you need in public speaking is the ability to believe in yourself; otherwise, why should your audience? Many people approach the lecte or the head of the boardroom table, thinking they are going to fail. If that is your approach, then your chances of success are greatly reduced. Believing in yourself requires only one prerequisite – knowing your material inside and out. This is often a problem, however, for the novice speaker. If your lack of preparation is due to your fear, then your prediction of failure will become a reality.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,417 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Should You Do with Your Hands in Public Speaking?

A lot of people ask me what they should do with their hands when they are addressing an audience. My answer to them is simple. “What do you do with your hands when you are talking to your family, your friends or your colleagues?”

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,393 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***In Public Speaking, Nervousness Is a Stumbling Block Only If You Allow It to Be!

The angst, the agony, the sleepless nights. The overwhelming dread that pervades your life knowing you are scheduled to speak, either for your business or personal life. It could be toasting the groom at your best friend’s wedding or giving the quarterly budget report for your company. It might be a 3-minute summary at your leads meeting or maybe you are introducing a speaker at your Rotary Club.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,385 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Want to Heard in the Club Scene?

Yes, your lack of volume is the issue. I can’t tell you how many people get in touch with me because of this problem. And, it doesn’t just affect those who are soft-spoken. The amount of volume needed in a loud bar or club (or even a wedding) is at least 50% more that what I refer to as Volume 1 – your everyday level of speaking. If you are soft-spoken, however, that percentage is higher.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,383 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How to Increase Your Volume and Be Heard the 1st Time You Say It

Lack of volume in speaking is a big problem for many people. Unfortunately, this characteristic can label you incorrectly. While it is possible that your soft-spoken voice is due to a lack of confidence, it is also possible that you speak softly because you were raised to speak softly. If you would like to learn how to increase your volume correctly without shouting or being too loud, you will need to record yourself as well as someone else who speaks with a normal amount of volume. This person can be a friend or even a professional voice that you hear on the radio or TV.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,377 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***There Is an Art to Storytelling in Public Speaking -- Do You Have It?

Have you ever listened to Zig Ziglar tell a story? One of today’s most highly sought after speakers, this man captivates you with his true stories and anecdotes. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious as well which means he motivates his audience to action. Audiences expect stories so if you aren’t using them, you should begin to do so. You might liken a good story to the icing on the cake; however, if not delivered with life and with emotion, then your story will not grab your listeners.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,374 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Stop the 'Um's and 'Ah's and Get Your Message Across

Have you ever listened to a speaker who used so many ahs or ums that you started counting them? When that happens, you then lose the ability to concentrate on what the speaker is saying. Suffice it to say that the ums or ahs become the message. Um, ah, uh and you know are verbal tics ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,373 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Learn How to Increase Your Volume Without Shouting

To yell or shout is offensive to your listeners’ ears and can be offensive to your throat and vocal folds (cords) as well. Over time, continual yelling can do untold damage to both your pharynx and larynx. So what is the answer when you need to increase your volume? Learn how to speak with more power without pushing the sound from your throat. It is called projection. Powered by your chest cavity, projection stops vocal abuse. And, it comes in very handy if you do any of the following on a regular basis: - root for your favorite sports team;r

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,367 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How to Select a Topic for a Persuasive Presentation

Nothing is more frustrating than finding a topic for a persuasive presentation for your public speaking class or for Toastmasters, especially if you are not one to voice your opinion on subjects that could be controversial. If you are stymied for a topic, do some soul searching and make a list of topics for which you have particular leanings.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,362 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Your Voice Is or Isn't Saying

Nothing is more frustrating for your listeners then when they are unable to distinguish what you really mean by what your voice is or isn’t doing. Given the wrong tone, the wrong inflection, the wrong volume or a total lack of vocal variety and your voice could be saying one thing when you mean something else.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,359 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Nervous in Public Speaking? Good!

Did you know that nervousness in public speaking is beneficial? While many articles are written to help you try to eliminate or stop those nervous jitters, I want the exact opposite. Yes, I want you nervous. However, I want you to learn how to take control of it. - When you can put your adrenaline to use, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish. Adrenaline comes into play in the body under duress and places you in the fight, flight, or freeze mode. Unfortunately, many people assume either the flight or freeze mode when addressing an audience.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,358 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How to Avoid Public Speaking Excuses

I love to hear the excuses my clients give for why they did not do well at their last speaking engagement. Whatever the excuse, in most cases, the real reason for this problem is lack of preparation. I cannot tell you how many people tell me that they went over their material several times and they still did not do well giving their speech or presentation. I then ask them how they practiced and they proceed to explain that they went over it in their mind on numerous occasions. Do you know the mistake in that scenario? They went over it in their mind.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,357 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Learn From the Greats in Public Speaking But Don't Try to Imitate Them!

Without a doubt, you can learn much from Zig Ziglar, Anthony Robbins, and Brian Tracy and so you should. What you shouldn't do, however, is try to copy them. The best public speakers are themselves, first and foremost. They are not trying to be or to sound like someone else.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,356 views

Previous pagePage 9Next page

Back to top ↑