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Articles by Nancy Daniels

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By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Easy, Effective, Efficient - 5 Steps for Improving Your Presentation Skills

Public speaking is only as difficult as you allow it to be. Unfortunately, many people make it more difficult than it is because their fear or their nervousness is in control. If such is the case with you, then you should consider changing your approach so that you have the upper hand over your nervousness. Personally, I love nervousness. That adrenaline rush helps me be more dynamic and allows for my passion and enthusiasm to be seen and heard. And, because I am in control of it, my audiences have no idea that I am nervous. They neither see it nor do they hear it in my voice.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,588 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Is Your Soft-Spoken Voice Holding You Back?

When you look at your assets and liabilities in the business world, have you ever considered that your soft-spoken voice is not an asset but indeed a liability? If others cannot hear you, your message is not being received. Volume is a very tricky dynamic. A voice that is too loud is offensive, overbearing and uncomfortable for your listeners’ ears. One that is too soft, on the other hand, shouts timidity, lack of confidence, and is hard for your listeners to grasp.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,574 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Speaking in Monotone Is Not a Permanent Fixture!

Are you plagued with a voice that is luckluster when you speak? Have others told you that you sound boring when you talk? The good news about speaking in monotone is that you can change it. As long you allow yourself to do so. That is where the difficulty lies. If you express little emotion in talking, you must: 1. want to make the change; and, 2. allow yourself to do it. For those who speak in a monotone, this is easier said than done. Yes, the 1st criterion is simple but the 2nd one will take effort, diligence and permission from yourself to make the change.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,527 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

*** Excessive Nasality Is Like Nails on a Blackboard

Imagine nails on a blackboard and how it makes your skin crawl or how the hair on the back of your neck stands out. Now imagine a nasal voice similar to those who hail from Brooklyn or the Bronx. After hearing a sound like that for any great length of time, you might get the same reaction that you did from the nails as they scrape the smooth surface of the board.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,506 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Does Your Voice End BEFORE Your Sentence Does?

There is an interesting lesson we learned in our early elementary school years that has managed to cause more negative results than the positive results for which it was intended. In 2nd or 3rd grade, our teachers taught us to wait until we came to the end of the sentence before taking a ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,504 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Valley GirlEse Doesn't Sell -- Professionalism Does

Recently, I had the opportunity of working with a group of young professionals in a corporate workshop on voice and presentation skills. Comprising six women and one man, the group was under 30 years of age except for one woman who was 32. Smart, savvy, outgoing and most able, this group took me by surprise when I heard them in normal conversation.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,479 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Differentiates the After-Dinner Speech from All Others?

While the after-dinner speech is as old as mankind, this type of oratory became most popular in England in the early 1900’s. Although its purpose was originally intended to be a light-hearted speech after the evening meal, the after-dinner speech today is often given after a business lunch or even after a breakfast meeting.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,472 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Lose the Childlike Voice and Mannerisms and Watch What Happens to Your Career

I am working with a woman who taught kindergarten for many years and is now in the process of changing her career. Susan would like to become a professional public speaker and consultant. Regarding her voice and presentation skills, her delivery is similar to that of a kindergarten teacher telling a story to a class of 5-year-olds with exaggerated facial expression, body language and vocal variety.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,451 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***One Voice Matters -- Yours!

When it comes to improving your presentation skills, only one voice matters – yours! Have you ever considered what your speaking voice is saying about you? Have you ever listened to a recording of yourself? No, I mean listened, truly listened to how others recognize your voice. Most people ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,438 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The 3 Step Approach for a Deeper Speaking Voice

While there are various methods and suggestions as to how to make your voice deeper in pitch, the difference between those approaches and the one that is correct lies in the word make. As soon as you make your voice do something it shouldn’t, you are forcing it. When you force your voice into an unnatural, lower pitch, you begin the process of damage to your vocal folds (cords) and throat, also known as vocal abuse.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,429 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***3 Reasons Why Breathlessness Is Such a Problem in Public Speaking

One of the reasons people contact me is because of lack of air at the podium, in the webinar, or in a sales presentation. So I have a question for you. - Do you ever experience breathlessness when in conversation with family, friends or colleagues? More than likely, your answer is No unless you are very excited. So what is happening in public speaking that causes you to gasp for air and always feel like you are running on empty? There are three possibilities. 1. You are nervous. Nervousness can sap your oxygen.r

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,416 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How to Address an All-Male Audience

While it is definitely easier to speak to female audiences, you can have as much success with male audiences if you understand the differences between the two. In addition, knowing the makeup of the particular male audience you are addressing will be to your advantage.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,385 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Your Accent Is Not Holding You Back -- Your Diction Is!

Unless you are planning to become an actor, I see no reason to try to get rid of your accent as long as you speak clearly. This is a prerequisite for success. It does not matter where you live or what language is your mother tongue.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,361 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Stress Does to Your Speaking Voice

If you are plagued by a great deal of stress on a daily basis, do you know what it is doing to your speaking voice? You are probably aware that it is affecting your sleep, your diet, your mental health, your physical health and your overall well-being. But what do you think it is doing to your voice? Possibly you notice a strangled sound or tightness in your jaw that becomes more apparent as the day wears on.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,343 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Your Soft-Spoken Voice Could Be Jeopardizing Your Career!

If others continually ask you to repeat yourself, what do you think that says about you? If you are striving to achieve success in your career, do you think your soft-spoken voice might be jeopardizing your goals? Have you ever considered that your lack of volume is possibly what could be holding you back? I would never advocate for a loud voice. Admittedly, I would prefer that someone spoke too softly than too loudly because a loud voice can be offensive; however, that is not a justification for being too soft in volume.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,333 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If Only One Voice Matters, What Is Yours Saying?

When I was in graduate school studying music composition, my singing professor told me that the pitch of my speaking voice was too high and proceeded to show me my ‘real’ voice. Deeper in pitch, warm and resonant, my ‘real’ voice no longer exhibited whiny, young-sounding qualities. At the same time, I was waiting on tables at an exquisite restaurant in Columbia, Maryland, by the name of King’s Contrivance. Upon discovering my real voice, I knew I was going to sell more food. And, it worked. I sounded more mature; I sold the higher-priced items; and, my tips went up.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,308 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Are Looking for a Way to Improve Your Image, Do Not Forget Your Voice

You have probably heard the statistics: when you meet someone in a face-to-face situation, 37% of the image you project is attributed to your speaking voice; 55% of your image is the visual and a mere 8% your content. Whether those percentages are true is not the issue. The issue is whether your voice speaks positively or negatively about your image.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,292 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Does Your Body Language Convey Confidence, Diffidence or Indifference?

When you are delivering a presentation, do you know that your body is speaking as well as your voice? Watch all great presenters and you will see that they use their bodies to express their feelings, their thoughts, and, most importantly, their confidence. If you walk to the podium with ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,285 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Value Of The Anecdote

In public speaking, the anecdotes you include in your presentation can say a lot about you as the speaker. Simply put, the anecdote is a very brief retelling of a true account which can be humorous or interesting, but more importantly, is relevant to your topic. The value of the anecdote is ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,251 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How To Make A 10-Minute Presentation When You Need 40 to Do the Job

One of the best courses I had in college was an English class on the 18th Century Novel. My professor assigned one book per week and would ask one question per book for which we were allowed to answer on only one typewritten, double-spaced page. The problem was that the question asked could be ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,209 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***3 Steps for Tapping the Full Potential of Your Speaking Voice

If you want to tap the full potential of your speaking voice, do your homework first and research what is out there. The question you need to ask yourself is whether you want to improve the voice you already have or would you prefer to discover the voice you don’t know you have?

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,195 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Approaching the Lecte With Grace and Composure

The first time I had to introduce myself professionally was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of my life. I remember sitting, waiting for my turn to stand and walk to the lecte amidst 150 members of the London, Canada Chamber of Commerce. At first I was relaxed until it dawned on me that my voice, my own personal introduction, was my business. And then I began to sweat!

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,186 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Tips for Controlling Your Rate of Speed in Public Speaking

Nothing is more frustrating than listening to a public speaker deliver a speech or presentation at 100 mph. A few minutes at this speed is one thing; however, 50 minutes or more at that pace can easily lose your listeners. Talking too fast is tiring for both you as the speaker and your audience as well. 2 other factors that you should take into account regarding speaking too quickly are: 1. the faster you talk, the more likely you are to trip over your words; and,r

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,186 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Are Expecting Perfection in Public Speaking, You Will Lose the Battle

If you are an A-type personality, public speaking can be most frustrating for you because of your need to make your delivery perfect. One of the definitions of perfection is to be entirely without fault. Have you ever seen a theater performance or listened to a concert that was entirely without fault? Were no mistakes made? While you in the audience for the concert or the play may not have been aware of the wrong note from the band or orchestra or the flubbing of a line by one of the actors, mistakes are made.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,139 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***3 Steps for Eliminating a Nasal Voice

When we hear the word nasality, we tend to think of New York City and her 5 boroughs. Excessive nasality is not limited just to New Yorkers though. You can find various forms of nasality in certain pockets of both the United States and Canada.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,109 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Your Childlike Voice Does Not Lend Credibility in Your Business Dealings

Do you believe that the image you project has an impact on your professional or business life? I would imagine that your answer is yes. I would also imagine that you have heard yourself on some type of recording equipment - your voicemail, an answering machine, a camcorder, or maybe even an old audio tape recorder.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,107 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Breathe Life Into Your Words When You Speak

Something we never think to do in public speaking is to breathe. We never think about our air supply and yet we find we are constantly running out of it as we struggle to get the words out of our mouth. Without air, you have no voice; and, yet, one of the most common complaints I hear from my clients is that they are breathless in public speaking.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,081 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Discover One of the Little Known Secrets of Voice Training

One of the little known secrets of a good voice training course is that it will change your life for the better, both personally and professionally. Yes, your confidence will be bolstered and you will certainly sound more mature, but the improvements in your life will go far beyond your voice. - The reason is because you will have to learn to breathe with the support of your diaphragm.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,071 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Is Your Diction a Stumbling Block to Your Success?

Why does everyone else seem to get the promotion and not you? Is it possible that your diction is getting in the way? Speaking clearly today is now more important than ever because business has become global – from the largest corporations to those who run their own business out of their homes. Video and audio have made a huge difference in how we do business today and being understood the 1st time you say it may mean the difference between a raise, promotion or even a new job.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,065 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Is Your Fear of Public Speaking Hindering Your Advancement?

I am amazed at the number of people who confide in me that their fear of speaking at a lecte or even at the head of a boardroom table is jeopardizing their career advancement. This is so unfortunate because their fear is control of them instead of the other way around. Everyone is nervous in public speaking – or should be. Personally, I want you nervous because it makes you more alert and more focused. The secret, however, lies in harnessing that nervousness and putting it to good use.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,060 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Does Your Posture Speak Confidence Or the Lack of It?

I had an interesting experience recently when I had new photos taken. One of the shots showed my shoulders drawn in – not back and straight. Whether I had liked the smile on my face or not was irrelevant, because the position of my shoulders did not speak of confidence which is something I teach in my own business.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,053 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If Your Voice Is the Vehicle for Your Words, Are You Driving a Cadillac or a Jalopy?

No matter how great your message or how powerful your delivery, have you ever considered the vehicle or instrument that is transporting your words? What does the sound of your speaking voice say about you? If you are over 21 and sound like a teen or preteen, do you know that you image you are projecting will not be one of maturity or confidence? On the other hand, having a voice that is reminiscent of your grandmother is most definitely giving the wrong impression of your age, especially if your grandmother is still alive!

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,047 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

Webinar, Podcasts and Video Are a Good Reason to Consider Voice Training

When you think of voice training, your first thought may be that it is something for actors or politicians. Presently voice training is something more and more people are becoming aware of because of YouTube, webinars, and the marketing of themselves by means of video. In truth, video is one of your greatest marketing tools today.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,043 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Absolutely, Positively Cannot Face an Audience, Try This Exercise

Without a doubt, most people experience some type of nervousness in delivering a speech or presentation. It is normal; it is natural; and, in truth, it is beneficial. There are others, however, who are filled with such fear and dread at just the thought of public speaking, that panic ensues. When you absolutely, positively cannot stand and face an audience, you need more than a few tips to enable you to accomplish your goal. When I work with clients who have difficulty addressing a group of people, I take them through an exercise that is most successful. And it is simple, to boot.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

3,006 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Why You Should Include True Stories in Your Next Presentation

In an article some months ago, I talked about the value of storytelling in public speaking and why a descriptive retelling of a story is much more interesting than a brief quip. Audiences love true stories especially if they involve you and have a good ending. They must be pertinent to your topic, however.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,987 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If Your Nervousness Is in Control in Public Speaking, You Will Lose the Battle

Of all the articles written on public speaking, the most frequent subject deals with nervousness and how to get rid of it. And while you may find that you are able to eliminate those nervous jitters after the first 5 minutes of your presentation, the problem is that your audience judges you the moment you open your mouth to speak – not 5 minutes later, after you have ‘warmed up’.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,977 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Is Your Face Expressing in Public Speaking? Delight or Dismay?

Think about the last time you addressed an audience. It may have been a requirement for your job, for your presentation skills class, for Toastmasters, or for your leads group. Maybe you toasted the bride or groom or were introducing a guest speaker at your Rotary or Lions Club. What was the expression on your face? Did it say that you were glad to be there or was abject fear written all over it?

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,957 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Language Is Your Body Speaking at the Lecte ?

Body language. The nonverbal communication of your body that can tell your audience you are speaking with confidence or cowardness, delight or disingenuity. Do you know which language your body is speaking? Something as simple as an arm gesture could be telling your audience one thing while your voice is saying something totally different. And, of course, no body language usually means no vocal variety which is always boring.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,951 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Just How Passionate Are You in Public Speaking?

The one characteristic that all great public speakers possess is passion – intense, driving emotion that colors their speech, their facial expression and their body language. You hear it in their words; you see it in their actions; and, you can feel it in your soul. Their passion can motivate you to bettering your life in some fashion.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,939 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Public Speaking - Use Your Head But Speak from Your Heart

While you can’t go very far in public speaking if you do not know your material well – and that means inside and out – what will capture your audience is your delivery. A colorful, dynamic delivery determines whether your audience will pay attention to you or not. That is not to say that your words, your actual material, are not important. They are. Many people are aware that a dynamic delivery sells. My question for you, however, is whether you should speak from head or from your heart?

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,935 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Why Nervousness Increases Your Breathlessness in Public Speaking

There is no doubt that for many novice speakers, breathlessness is an annoying problem. It goes hand-in-hand with a voice that rises in pitch and a speed that goes faster and faster. None of these ‘qualities’ are beneficial in public speaking.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,934 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Type A Personality and Public Speaking

When it comes to public speaking, those who have the most difficulty permitting themselves to deliver a dynamic presentation are those of the Type A personality. Characterized by an intense drive for perfection, the Type A individual does not allow for mistakes. And, that is the crux of the ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,927 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Plan on a Career in Public Speaking, Take Notes on Your Audience

When given the opportunity to speak, most people are so conce ed with their material and delivery, that little, if any, consideration is given to their audience. After finishing your speech or presentation, take notes on your audience and how receptive they were as well as your specific topic. Keeping this information updated in a program on your computer will do much to add to your success in public speaking.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,923 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***What Stress Does to Your Speaking Voice

If you are plagued by a great deal of stress on a daily basis, do you know what it is doing to your speaking voice? You are probably aware that it is affecting your sleep, your diet, your mental health, your physical health and your overall well-being. But what do you think it is doing to your voice? Possibly you notice a strangled sound or tightness in your jaw that becomes more apparent as the day wears on.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,909 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***If You Hail from New Jersey or New York, How's Your Diction?

You know what this article is not about? Nasality. I know, New Yorkers, you have heard it over and over again. Have you ever considered how fast you talk, however? While there is much to be said about diminishing, lessening or even eliminating nasality, one of the greatest problems for New Yorkers is their speed. Aside from the fact that you drive fast as we do here in South Jersey, you also talk at 100 mph! Add that to the nasality issue and it may be more than difficult for others to understand you.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,904 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

Articulation Matters: How Good Is Yours?

When you address an audience, do you think your articulation has value? The only answer is most definitely yes. If your audience cannot understand you or misses a word or a phrase here and there, then they are missing your message. And, if they are missing your message, then it doesn’t ...

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,901 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***The Human Touch of Public Speaking - Do You Know What It Is?

ever listened to a speaker deliver a rote or memorized presentation and were left feeling empty? A memorized delivery, be it for a speech, a presentation, or even someone in telesales is definitely a performance; but, it is not a means of communication. And, it is cold to boot!

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,896 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***How Breathlessness and Nervousness Go Hand-in-Hand in Public Speaking

One of the greatest problems for the novice in public speaking is nervousness which often results in lack of air. While nervousness should be one of your greatest benefits when addressing an audience, breathlessness is not. The problem with the latter is that it increases your stress which in turn increases your nervousness. Left unchecked, it can even cause panic. So how do you deal with both the vicious cycle? The answer is surprisingly simple yet most people are unaware of the solution.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,892 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***Public Speaking: What Novice Speakers Never Think to Do

It is simple, it is basic, it is fundamental, and, it is a necessity. It is something we do every day without a 2nd thought. At the lectern, however, it is something we do not allow to happen and yet it is something we cannot do without. It is called breathing. The 1st thing your body did at birth was to take a breath. And, it will be the last thing you do at death. In public speaking, it is something we never consider and is the one thing we are often lacking while addressing an audience.

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,877 views

By Nancy DanielsRecently published1 topic

***You Don't Have to Live with the Voice You Hear on Your Voicemail

Do you remember the first time you heard yourself on a recording? I do. The memory is seared into my mind. I was shocked. In fact, I was sure it was the fault of Sony and not of me!

Primary topic: Public Speaking

Public Speaking

2,859 views

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