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Articles by Sandra Dee Robinson

Browse published articles attributed to Sandra Dee Robinson, with full-archive search.

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By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Are you a Stream or a Twisted Garden Hose? Keep the energy flowing between you and your audience

There’s the old saying: “It is better to give than to receive,” but really, that’s only the half of it, right? “Giving is better than receiving because giving starts the receiving process,” said Jim Rohn. Deepak Chopra, in The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, refers to the Law of Giving: “The Universe operates through dynamic exchange… giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of the universe.” While these philosophies are usually associated with wealth and prosperity, they can be applied to your next presentation or media opportunity with great success as well!

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

2,640 views5/5 (2)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Making a Pitch Video? Put Your Best Stuff Up Front

Many people have been have been inspired by the buzz about a very recognizable TV producer’s search for the next big TV show host! If this sounds familiar, you already know I am talking about Oprah. Whether you are going for Oprah’s contest, or you have your sights set on other networks that would be more appropriate to you tha Oprah’s OWN network, shooting that pitch video is a great idea. But it can be tricky!

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

2,138 views5/5 (2)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Perfection Is Overrated!

Find the freedom that comes from giving you a break Are you a perfectionist? If your automatic response is “no!” I invite you to take a closer look; there is a well-meaning perfectionist in every one of us! Wanting to be the best, and see things executed to the highest level of quality is a good direction to set your business compass but, I see this quest for perfection keeping people from reaching their true potential nearly every day.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

2,847 views3.7/5 (3)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Make Your Self at Home!

Pack up those limiting beliefs and move into your comfort zone What a great feeling it is to toss that last moving box into the driveway, walk back into your new place, and realize that you have created “Home.” This is where you come after a long day, where your routines are established, where your kids frolic and where your dogs sleep curled up under your feet. After a long business trip, this is the place that you can re-establish your Zen, your sense of self.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,310 views4.5/5 (2)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Loosen the Reins! Is he Crazy?

“Loosen the reins up, don’t hold her so tight!” yells my instructor across the arena. “You are absolutely nuts,” the frustrated voice in my head yells back. It takes more than a leap of faith to loosen the grip on the fantastically energetic quarter horse as I am watching the fence posts clip by at such a pace that they seem to become a solid wall of white. “She’ll only take off faster if I let go!” but I do as instructed and … bingo: she speeds up. “Isn’t this nice?

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,786 views3/5 (2)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Audience Participation… Through a Camera Lens?

Have you ever noticed how some of the best motivational speakers seem to have trouble completing a thought? It’s not that they don’t know what to say, but I’m referring to the way some will leave a sentence hanging in anticipation of the audience completing it: For example, a speaker might say, “ You’ve got to be hungry like a _______” (He pauses and the audience finishes his thought by chiming in, “wolf!”). Audience participation in a live presentation not only keeps the listeners engaged and feeds the energy level in the room. It has also been proven to greatly improve retention.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,159 views4/5 (2)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

A Surprising Lesson From Reality TV

How you can use the power of empathy The intense attraction we have toward reality TV is glaringly obvious. Nothing new here, right? But what is the IT that attracts fans to these shows in the first place? What can we learn here, and how can we apply that to the presenting of our story and products and businesses? Many think the draw of Reality TV is the belief that anyone can become a Reality TV star - no matter who you are. Sometimes a completely normal-looking individual delights viewing audiences and becomes a superstar (Susan Boyle, anyone?).

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

2,246 views3/5 (1)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

The Vanishing Self-Confidence

My presentation was so good in the bathroom…what happened? It’s an old actor’s comment after flubbing an audition, “I was so good in the bathroom at home…” Has that happened to you? You felt prepared, your research was done, your key points were solid in your brain, and you did your relaxation exercises; so, why in the world did your confidence drop in mid-speech?

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

2,200 views3/5 (1)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

“That’s Just how I Am”, Why you may want to change before mainstream media runs away with you

Perception of behavior is innate, we have been evaluating behavior and movement since our cave dwelling ancestors relied upon disce ment for survival. Actually, in some ways we still rely on acumen for our well being on a daily basis, but now we may not even realize what we are doing. Working with my clients on camera there are times when it may be hard for them to understand that certain behavior or even part of their story may be the wrong thing for mainstream media.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,665 views3/5 (2)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Opportunity Verses Emotions

How to entertain an audience in a time of personal turmoil Have you ever been hit by an emotional boulder? Maybe you just got a disturbing phone call from a family member, had a fight with your significant other or a business emergency that shakes your emotional foundation like a southern Califo ia earthquake. You need some time to process and recover, right? What happens if you don’t have the luxury of time? You are required to speak in front of an audience in moments; they have expectations, and you have turmoil. The countdown to your presentation is on, what do you do?

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,103 views2/5 (9)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Be a Quitter! Eliminate Negative Self Talk Now!

My husband has a little plaque in his office, a gift from his father, with the words, “Winners never quit, and quitters never win!” We have all heard it. In fact, years ago that saying was uncontested, considered true as the gospel. Well, times change, and our understanding of how we can best succeed evolves constantly. Currently, one of the most important shifts is a newfound understanding and appreciation of the word “quit”.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,254 views4/5 (1)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

“Sound bites?” Why do I need to know this?

You may already be familiar with the term, “sound bite:” A sound bite is a phrase that can be pulled intact from an original broadcast and re-used in another venue. So what is the value of a good sound bite? Let’s assume that a good sound bite is about 30 seconds long. We know that 30 seconds can still give you time to get your message across, or at least peak curiosity; think of the best “elevator speech” or mini commercial that you may use in a networking atmosphere.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,588 views3/5 (1)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Pitch Yourself Famous: A Four-Step Formula to Creating a Perfect Pitch

Have you pictured yourself a go-to guest expert on TV or sharing your expertise to live audiences? Do you watch news segments with interviews on current topics and say, “Heck, I can do that!” Ever sit in an audience at an event and wish you could grab that microphone next? Guest appearances and stage presentations are to excellent ways to elevate your brand, increasing recognition and trust thus creating the possibilities for increased revenue for your business!

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,586 views3/5 (1)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Own Your Space! Tried and True Tips to Command Attention

Do you know someone that enters a room with flair? They don’t just slide in…but they command a certain amount of attention and recognition. People will glance at this newcomer as they walk by. If they have not been introduced, chances are they soon will be. (Being drop dead gorgeous is not the prerequisite to create this phenomenon, by the way.) This is the power of “owning your space”. On a stage, on TV, in networking events or a small dinner party, being in control of your space is the platform from which you can send out clear and highly effective messages.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,273 views3/5 (1)

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Make it Matter

Two Steps To Focus Your Mind Before You Step Into The Spotlight "Make it matter.” What do I mean by that? First… Think of your big picture. Even if, at this moment you don’t know the “how,” go ahead and picture the impact that you would like to make in the world . Consider too, that if your company is fueling a charitable cause and that’s what you are passionate about… that is your big picture. Your business success is directly related to that positive outcome. So, even if you sell magic markers, I know you have a big picture!

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

3,196 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Fear is Your Co-Pilot: Ways to harness your fear and gain that edge with your audience!

I saw a painful surveillance video the other day showing a thief attempting an escape from police by climbing a ten-foot ladder. He plummeted to the ground on the first attempt. The sirens grew louder and he tried again, and fell. In fact, he fell five more times to the cement floor of the store he had attempted to rob before he made his escape. It was almost comical, and the news anchors joked about his tenacity. In his case, fear of getting caught and facing jail time fueled him, and he succeeded in eluding the police.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

2,256 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Flip the Switch: Let the Light You Shine Dispel Your Fears

We have heard the phrase, “God doesn’t make junk,” but do we realize how divinely equipped we each are? Do we wake up in the morning and see a reflection of God’s best work in our mirror, or do we focus on the negative? Do we see only the things that we would like to improve in our lives instead of the gifts we innately have? So often, we see only those few pounds of weight that never seems to leave us or the friend that doesn’t call anymore or that big break that never seems to come.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

2,187 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

5 Ways to Knock Out the Performance Jitters

Feel like you’re never going to stop those shaky knees and pre-performance nerves? Here are a few ideas to help you get past the debilitating effects of the jitters:

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,774 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Up-Level Your Life Now: Three Reasons to Stop Procrastinating and Go for It

Republican politicia Newt Gingrich is known to tell a story about a lion and a field mouse; a lion can use his hunting skills to easily capture a field mouse with ease any time he desires, but at the end of the day, no matter how many mice he’s gotten, he will still be starving. What Newt’s story means: sometimes despite the risk and the work needed, it’s worth our time to go for the antelope. Are you still chasing your mice, playing it safe and finding convenient reasons to wait to chase your antelope? Are you starving to make the impact you are born to make?

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,708 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Carry-on Only! (Only carry the necessities in your story)

Have you taken a trip in a small plane? I mean truly small… the type that requires a limit of one carry-on bag only? Aside from the apprehension that I personally feel about bouncing around in a small airplane, I feel a slight anxiety about the packing of this all-important bag. “Carry on only,” the travel documents read; which means that one seemingly diminutive piece of gear has to contain absolutely everything that could be needed for the travel time and the destination. What do you do?

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,545 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

The Battle of Negative Body Image

3 Ways to “Get Over It!” The issue of negative body image seems to be, quite frankly, beaten to death. Resurrected, and beaten again. Everywhere we look, we see headlines condemning the media for creating this obsession with our bodies, and yet, the headlines themselves are developed from the same source that put the retouched photos, and deathly thin models in the spotlight in the first place.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,473 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Fearless and Focused for On-Camera Ease

5 Steps to Get You Feeling Like a Rock Star in Your Video and Media Opportunities What’s the number one reason people hesitate on moving forward in the use of video or other visual media in their business? I’ve found it to be nearly always fear of some form. Ranging from absolute paralyzing terror of the lens to negative self-talk and overall-fish out of water feeling, fear can cost you! Here are five easy rules to get over it!

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,471 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

THAT’S WHAT HE SAID!

Why your words may be working against you in your video script One of the main causes of discomfort for many entrepreneurs when they attempt a promotional video is the words they are trying to say. Most often entrepreneurs and experts will come to their video shoot with a script derived from copy on their website. I totally get it; working so hard to get that copy right it has to be just what you need to say, so why not just cut and paste it for a video script, right? WRONG!

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,333 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Ease Stagefright in One, Two, Three

The questio I am asked most often has to do with fear management; What do I suggest for “stage fright.” Whether you are speaking to a live audience or into a camera, the same trepidation may surface. For each person, the source may be different, so a blanket answer is not a guaranteed benefit to anyone. There are a few ideas, though, that I have discovered can help to ease anxiety in most people.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,264 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

What’s Love Got to Do With Success? Lessons from Media Darlings

While Valentine’s Day focuses primarily on romantic love, I would like to invite you to escape the frenzy of your local greeting card store, which at this time is probably looking as chaotic as the once-yearly shoe sale at Barneys, and widen the lens through which we see “love” this month. After all, if you are reading this, you are most likely in “work” mode, and business is on your mind so what can this drippy topic do for your bottom line?

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,250 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Lessons From an Ugly Tree

I have been at odds with a crooked palm tree for a long time. Every time I would enter my bedroom, my eyes would inevitably focus on this plant and I would sigh in irritation. For whatever reason this palm has grown sideways, twisted, and then just slightly upward. It defies the rule of a straight and majestic palm. It was not pretty to me. Since I can’t discard a living thing, I placed it in the master bedroom because it was less likely to be seen by guests.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,238 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Got Dirty Laundry? Three things to consider before major media exposure

As I sip my morning coffee and view last night’s election results, I’m evaluating the power of the media once again; I’m contemplating if a small tweak here and there in the candidates’ media presence could have changed the outcome. I find myself reflecting to a conversation just a few days ago with a former White House speechwriter:

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,226 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Is Your Wardrobe Red Carpet Ready?

Inspiration from the Golden Globes Hollywood’s A-listers are lucky to have designers that cut specifically for them. Did you see Claire Daines at the Golden Globes in her gorgeous hot pink dress sewn with perfection for her by Calvin Klein? Unfortunately, most of us do not fall into the category of red carpet goddess (THIS week!), but with a little help from some designer experts, it is possible to apply some savvy Hollywood style tips to a wardrobe-retrofit, so that you have a closet that is ready to showcase you at any time!

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,219 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

The Who, What and Why of You

I had a fantastic Saturday with an intimate group of amazing women in business. Each of them had a story that was so intriguing and each possessed a passion for what they did; they just glowed when they had the opportunity to talk in length about what they did. But, when it came time to give a concise definition of their unique business I saw a problem across the board.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,205 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

What Not to Do in an Interview!

Four mistakes you should be sure to avoid “We will never have him back again! I’m exhausted!” These are words you never want to have said about you after a radio or TV interview. I am the one who said them.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,193 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Speak to Transform: Three Magical Elements to be Memorable to Your Audience

There are those extraordinary, memorable speakers that command the highest respect and have created multi million dollar businesses. You see them just once, become an immediate fan and recommend them to everyone you know because of your great experience. And then there are all the others. The memorable speakers share a common denominator and although they may be savvy business developers, the common thread is more creative than logistical.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,189 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Warning: Holiday Treats Can Hinder Your Speech!

Five Foods to avoid now and any time you need to be “on”! There is a lot of focus on food and drink during this season… we are shown how to make it, how to serve it and how to make “healthy” versions of our favorites. Holiday foods are traditional, comforting and all-out yummy. They are hard to resist, but if you are presenting or speaking on camera, the holiday foods could sabotage your performance! Even if they are the “healthy” version.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,169 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Reaching the Decision Makers with Video

To film or not to film? Creation of your visual brand is a powerful marketing step. That’s a given. But what if you are trying to reach executives? Don’t they prefer charts, figures, whitepaper and written statistics to video? Truth is, executives are just like the rest of us. A recent study by Forbes (Forbes Insights) shows that while it is true that younger execs have a higher preference for video, even their senior counterparts are turning to visual medium more often.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,104 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Video Promotion That's SO EASY

Sometimes a theme will just show up organically, and since last week I was talking about the fabulous power of a good testimonial I thought, why not continue the theme of free (or nearly free) video marketing ideas for your business that you can do right now? Today I want you to share the information that you know like the back of your hand. Pretty easy, huh? I would venture to guess that no matter what your field of expertise, you have the same questions asked of you over and over. Yep, I am referring to the "frequently asked questions."

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,084 views

By Sandra Dee RobinsonRecently published1 topic

Interview Like a Hollywood Media Star!

How to Keep Answers Short and Effective Did you know that not only can long-winded answers be hard for the audience to follow, but they can actually cause your interview to go off track? Concise answers can keep you in control, and THAT’S where you want to be! Brevity is the key word here. Think of the quotes and sound bites you would like to have associated with your image and try to incorporate them as your answers when appropriate.

Primary topic: Communication Skills and Training

Communication Skills and Training

1,080 views

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