Browse Public Speaking

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. I have found various forms of nasality common in certain pockets of both the United States and Canada. If you are from Philadelphia, Detroit, or ...

We have all watched presenters and decided if they are good or not, but how are we judged? Research shows that 55% of communication is conveyed by the body language we use, i.e.; Use of eye contact, gestures and facial expressions. 38% is conveyed in the voice, it's quality, use of tone and ...

A reader emailed me with a question: "You give points on being a good listener. I try, but I find myself at times interrupting because I'm so afraid I'm going to forget what I have to say. I've been told to keep a pen and paper handy to jot down what I want to say once the speaker has finished. However, for simple one on one conversations or small group discussions, this isn't always practical. Any other suggestions??" This is a common issue that many of us face. Here are my suggestions: First, let it be all about the other person.

The last thing you want in public speaking is to leave your audience abruptly hanging without the knowledge that you have concluded. In my previous article, I discussed the need for signaling the end of your talk. The 2nd criterion, however, involves reinforcing your central idea. The most common closings are: 1. Briefly Summarizing Your Development. If you have a few subtopics, then you could end your speech or presentation by briefly listing those subtopics which all serve to reinforce your main topic.

"This is the way the world ends, Not with a bang but a whimper!"rn~ T.S. Eliot WARNING: When it comes to ending your speech, the last thing you want to do is go out with a whimper! In speaking it's important how you start and especially how you finish. Let's look at this scenario: Let's assume; God willing, you haven made the mistake of talking too long and wearing out your welcome and you're ready to finish.

You are standing in front of an audience. Your knees and hands are shaking; your heart is pounding in your ears and in your cheeks; sweat has formed on your brow; your lips are quivering. If all of that isn’t bad enough, when you open your mouth to speak, the voice that results is quivering or shaking as well. If this has happened to you, rest assured that there is help. Below are 5 tips that can change you from looking and sound like a timid, nervous Nellie to one who sounds confident and in control.

Neither is correct. The voice that is too loud hurts the listeners' ears -- the voice that is too soft is not being heard. In both cases, the message is being lost because listeners are unable to focus and it all boils down to volume. I just received an email from a Public Speaking Forum in which the writer was questioning what to do with her client's loud voice. The responses from those who are professional speakers, as well as some who teach presentation skills, were interesting and varied -- none of which I would recommend.

In the direct marketing world, of which I am a part of, there is a formula that sales writers adhere to. And it’s one that speakers can use as well. It is called The 3 T's Speaking Formula! It is old advice, and yet, it's an excellent use of your talents and time and is quite effective in holding your audience’s attention. This formula holds up today. Because, well, human nature really doesn’t change.

Torture is sitting through a long-winded speech in which the presenter is staring at his/her notes on the lectern, focused entirely on reading to the audience. My feeling is that if you are going to read something to me – and I’m not attending a reading at the library or Barnes and Noble – then why not copy it, pass it out, and we can all go home or back to work. Better yet, email it to me! Public speaking means communicating with your audience. It is a live venue, the sole purpose of which is to speak to a group of people.

For many people, selling is still a dirty word, conjuring up images of deceitful used car salespeople selling shonky vehicles or struggling door-to-door salespeople selling encyclopedias and getting doors slammed in their faces. Know this: You do not need to be embarrassed about selling your products. All the famous speakers do it, and even the not so famous. It’s not just about making a profit. Selling product at your speaking engagements is what helps spread your name.

If you answer the phone and the caller asks to speak to your mother, you might want to consider voice training in order to add some ‘years’ to your voice. Not that I want you to sound old. I don’t. Good voice training means that you will no longer sound like a teen or pre-teen. Instead, you will sound mature. Not too old, not too young, ageless. You have a better voice inside. It is just a matter of discovering where that voice is. Located inside your chest cavity, your ‘real’ voice is deeper in pitch and warmer in quality.

At a workshop I was holding in Toronto, one of the participants proceeded to deliver part of a rote, memorized persuasive presentation. This man, who I will call Bill, told us that he was a ‘professional’ speaker and that his presentations lasted 90 minutes. Luckily for us, he was only allowed to speak for 8-9 minutes; however, it took just 5 minutes of his memorized script for the attention of the group to begin to fade, as their eyes glazed over. What was so interesting about Bill’s delivery was that at one point, he forgot a word.

It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who are so conce ed with their visual image, watching their weight, working out, donning the most recent style of clothing, and yet are totally in the dark when it comes to the sound of their speaking voice. If you are plagued with a voice that is nasal, whiny, high-pitched and thin, you are not doing justice to your visual image. People recognize you by the sound of your voice. Unfortunately, how you think you sound and how you actually sound are two different ball games.

Through the years, I have been amazed at how many people are totally unaware that they have a richer, warmer, resonant, and even sexier speaking voice inside. Most people believe that the voice they are using out of habit is something they cannot change. Nothing could be further from the truth. Unless you are already powering your voice from your chest cavity, you do have a better voice inside. There are some changes on the ‘before’ and ‘after’ video clips of my clients that are so dramatic you might think it was two different people speaking.

If you are looking for answers when it comes to improving the sound of your speaking voice, there are 3 things you should seek in your training because there are sseveral different approaches. You will find articles, books, CDs, and DVDs all promising to improve your voice. Which approach is the best? Many courses in voice offer various exercises for you to practice in order to change or eliminate the characteristics which you don’t like.

While you may not think that nervousness is beneficial in public speaking or for that matter in any other type of live performance, be it in the performing arts or in professional sports, the truth is that there are wonderful bonuses of the dreaded adrenaline rush. Many people, however, are unable to appreciate just what nervousness can do for them, because they have no control over it. In truth, I would rather an individual be nervous in public speaking than not because nervousness or the increased level of stress actually increases your chances of success at the lectern.

There’s no doubt that speakers put a lot of time into developing the content for their speeches. Unfortunately, as you’re well aware of, because of sensory overload audiences will only be able to digest two to three points of your talk. (yes, they will channel surf when you speak) So your rule of thumb should be, “less is more.” But then how can you still give your adoring fans their money’s worth? Simple. If you’ve branded yourself as a speaker—then you should definitely brand your message.

With all the articles written on nervousness in public speaking, I thought I would approach this topic from a different perspective. Everyone gets nervous in public speaking (or should). There is a reason why it is man’s greatest fear. The questio I would like to ask you is what is the one thing that conce s you the most when you are scheduled to speak? Your answer cannot be dying while public speaking because that has never happened and I don’t think you will be the 1st one to get that title!

When I first started my speaking career I had to fight constantly the urge to tell my audience everything I knew on the subject at hand within the one hour assigned to me. After the contract had been signed and the topic defined the conflict began. What content should I include? Which stories should I tell? What humorous anecdotes should I select? My answer to these questions was always, Why not tell them everything you know?

One of the skills a marketer knows if he wants a high response from his campaign is to understand the make-up of his audience. He (or she) will dig deep to understand their core desires, needs, and wants. In essence, what “makes them tick!” Well, the same type of expertise is needed to win over your audience when you giving a speech or presentation. For the speaker to succeed he NEEDS to know who they are and why that audience is there. The good part is that the client and the location can give significant information about the audience and related demographics.

With all the articles written on nervousness in public speaking, I thought I would approach this topic from a different perspective. Everyone gets nervous in public speaking (or should). There is a reason why it is man’s greatest fear. The questio I would like to ask you is what is the one thing that conce s you the most when you are scheduled to speak? Your answer cannot be dying while public speaking because that has never happened and I don’t think you will be the 1st one to get that title!

The other day I was reading an article about stress written by Health Information Publications and I was delighted to see that the medical professionals really do understand the value of diaphragmatic breathing in the elimination of stress. Most of the articles on stress that I have encountered on the internet place little, if any, importance on this simple, healthy technique.

It seems the jury is out on this one, with opinion divided on whether or not it is okay for a professional public speaker to laugh at your own jokes. Maybe it's just me (although I doubt it given the number of comedians and humorists who also laugh at their own jokes), but I believe the aim of a speaker is to connect with the audience, and sharing a laugh is the perfect bridge to achieve that. Yes, to a degree speakers are entertainers. Entertainers do it because not only do they love what they're doing, they also love the interaction with and the reaction of the audience.

Welcome back to Storytelling Tips and Tactics. As I mentioned in my previous article… specificity sells and makes a story more personal! When it comes to effective story telling give your audience a place to envision by telling them the specific location of your joke or story. For instance, say you were in Tommy's Diner in Hoboken, New Jersey -- as opposed to just New Jersey. Your audience will have a specific place to think about and will become more engaged.

The beleaguered carpenter ran his hand over the wood the way a horse trainer stokes the back of the thoroughbred that he is about to take out for a run. In happier times this artisan was in high demand. Of course, this was before “the accident” that shocked the town. “No mistakes… not THIS time!” he chided himself. Not when you’ve had loan sharks bust your leg for not paying them on time. So the carpenter gently picked up the bevel--- like a mother lifts her child, and began to measure the straightness of the mahogany that he was about to sculpt.

When you speak at the lectern, on a stage or even at the head of the boardroom table, have you ever considered the imagery you use, thereby depicting your thoughts more effectively? Too often I hear those who speak so quickly and are so anxious to get it over with, that their words are said in haste with no qualifiers, no adjectives, and no adverbs. Your success in public speaking is not just your message but how well you deliver that message. Using imagery to create a more vivid picture of what you are saying is part of those dynamics.

According to a poll take by MSNBC men and women were asked what personal qualities had the greatest impact on the success of their careers. Naturally, men and women differed when it came to the importance of intelligence, ability and 'looks.' (I know... what a surprise) BUT the one thing they did agree on was the importance of self-confidence. As you can imagine self confidence is of 'mucho' importance when it comes to speaking. I am sure you know that people judge and size you up in about five seconds when you first meet them.

While this particular problem can affect men, tension in the jaw is much more common in women. Women carry stress differently than men and it usually affects us in our shoulders, neck and/or jaw regions. If you are experiencing tightness or soreness in your jaw, it is more than likely that it is affecting your speech as well. Unfortunately, the problem will not go away on its own. The first thing you need to do is to learn how to get rid of the stress in these regions.

The speakers people like the most, or who have the greatest impact, are said to have “presence.” Something special that leaps out at you. Certain actors have it, and that makes them "stars." Certain models (who by the way are sometime average looking people in real life) somehow "click" with the camera and it just loves them.

With over twenty-four years experience performing stand-up comedy, writing comedy, and doing audience warm-up on sitcoms, I've learned that using humor in a corporate setting is a lot different than in a comedy club. For success here, you must tread carefully. To that end, I offer you my five writing commandments for delivering humorous keynote speeches.

Let’s say that you are interested in pursuing a career in public speaking. Or maybe you have a presentation due in your public speaking class. Possibly you are a member of Toastmasters and you are scheduled to speak at your next meeting. Why should people listen to you? Why should others trust what you have to say? What makes you credible? Establishing credibility is one of the most important qualifications for ensuring your success as a speaker. Zig Ziglar, internationally-renowned public speaker, salesperson, and writer, commands thousands of dollars to speak for 40-minutes.

While everyone recognizes a nasal voice in which excessive sound is traveling through the nose while speaking, many are unaware of the opposite extreme known as denasality. When you are congested or if you suffer from allergies, often the result is a voice in which little or no sound is able to be carried through the nasal passages because they are inflamed and swollen. Recently I spoke to a young man named Jason whose voice exhibited both characteristics. In addition, the pitch of his voice was unusually high for a man.

Persuasive public speaking is all about connecting with your audience. One of the quickest ways to heighten your audience connection is to use a theatre acting technique called 'Breaking the Fourth Wall. One of the reasons you go to the theatre is to be transported to a different time and place and experience something magical. Of course you know it's a play (orrna movie), you paid a ticket to see it, but once there you've suspended disbelief. Picture two characters on stage having a passionate argument.

Color is the life, the emotion, the animation, and the passion you express in speaking. Whether you are in conversation, holding a conference call, or giving a speech or presentation, not expressing color when you talk is referred to as speaking in monotone. Another way of saying it is boring. I have found a distinct relationship between dressing colorfully and speaking with expression.

New speakers make the mistake of focusing all their creative efforts on the body of their talk, and maybe the opening. But guess what? The 'close' is just as important as the 'opening' of your talk. In fact, your audience may remember you more from your close than from your opening. If you think about it, the close is probably even more important than the opening. If your opening wasn't the huge success you'd hoped for, you have the rest of your talk and your close to remedy the situation.

I cannot tell you how many of my clients have admitted to me that they do not prepare for their presentations. When I hear that I am always stunned. If you know in advance that you are to speak to a group of people for whatever reason, how can you not prepare in advance? This is a no-brainer in my opinion. Do you not think that every single athlete, musician, singer and actor prepares for the big game or opening night in advance? Yes, they may be extraordinarily gifted in their abilities but that does not mean they can afford not to practice or rehearse.

When you hear yourself on your voicemail, chances are good that you don’t recognize what you hear. Chances are even better that you not only don’t recognize the sound but that you find it embarrassing, shocking, or revolting. Because you are unable to hear yourself the way everyone does, the sound you hear on your answering machine is probably higher in pitch than that which you hear in your head. In addition, your voice may be whiny, nasal, breathy, throaty, weak, shrill, boring, monotonous, wimpy, loud, or too soft in volume.

There is a major 'problemo' that a lot of speakers sometime fall into when using Power Point. I call it upstaging yourself. 'Upstaging' is a 'technique' that stage actors have been using 'against' each other since Greek times. It happens when one actor moves up the stage which in turn makes the other actor turn his back to the audience so he can continue the conversation with the other actor. Guess what happens? All the audience's eyes are focused on the 'other actor.' That's why stage actors get miffed and tell their brethren, 'Please don't EVERr

Before the invention of equipment that could capture the sound of the speaking voice, people really had no way of telling how their voice sounded to others. When I first heard my voice, back in the '70's, I was horrified. What I could not understand was why my friends' voices on the tape sounded correct, but mine didn't! I thought it was the tape recorder. Duh!!!

I have an entrepreneur friend who is an engaging speaker. He always gets high marks on audience evaluations. On stage, he comes off as quite confident. Watching him, you’d think he was loaded with self-esteem. In fact, the opposite is true. And at a recent presentation, he let his audience in on this personality “flaw” right from the start.

I couldn’t believe I was going to open my presentation with that joke. Me, of all people! Yet, there I was. With my heart pounding in anticipation… I was about to bound onto the platform and speak in front of over 250 people… Not only that, I was going to open my presentation with a bit I had just come up with! Before I continue, you need to know the back-story. I was asked to emcee AWAI’s 2009 FastTrack to Success Bootcamp Awards Ceremony.

Absolutely. I have worked with many, many people who were not outgoing or extroverted but were able to 'bite' the bullet, so to speak, and address an audience with great success. The question is, how do you 'face' the crowd the first time and conquer your fear, your inhibitions, your timidity? First, it is important to realize that, in many respects, you are no different than the extroverted individual who is deathly afraid of the speech or presentation. Nervousness in public speaking is not selective. It is man's greatest fear, so rest assured, you are not alone.

I love all the articles and advice on the internet today which deal with quelling nervousness, combating nervousness, eliminating nervousness and ending those nervous jitters. Unfortunately, most of them do not discuss the benefits of nervousness in public speaking or in the job interview and why it should be your best friend and not your worst nightmare!

Who are you if you have a book available for purchase? An expert? Someone successful? A smart marketer? All of the above. Reinventing yourself often requires a new life set of references. The doubts are out there. "Sure", the clients says (or worst, just thinks), you were successful as a project manager for IBM for the last 20 years.

A frequent problem that is coming to my attention is the number of ministers, rabbis, those in the clergy, who get in touch with me because of voice loss. For many of these people, they are sometimes losing their voice before the end of the sermon. Unfortunately, microphones are not the answer because in most of these cases, they are using an amplification system. The problem lies in their internal amplification system. Because most people use their voice box, pharynx, mouth and nasal cavities as their primary amplifiers, they place tremendous wear and tear on their vocal folds and throat.

The last thing some people think about when heading out the door for a job interview is confidence. Too often, there is such trepidation and fear, that their vision lacks this one thing the employer is looking for. Why should someone hire you if you do not look and sound confident? Trust me, some of your competition is definitely not lacking in this department. By no means do I suggest overconfidence however. Sounding too assured of yourself is just as bad as the opposite extreme. So how do you project confidence when you are ‘dying a thousand deaths?’ By believing in yourself.r

One of the most frequent questions I hear is how do I tell my spouse, my friend, or a colleague that they need to improve their speaking voice? This really is a tough issue because if you approach someone advising them that their speaking voice needs some work, they are probably going to be offended. If we had the ability to hear ourselves the way everyone else does, this would not be an issue.

Through my many years teaching voice improvement, I have made some startling discoveries regarding dyslexia, stuttering and even spasmodic dysphonia. Because my approach deals with learning how to breathe with the support of the diaphragm, my clients have benefited in ways unimaginable; and, this has become very apparent with those who are afflicted with dyslexia. Part of the material I use in my training is from Edgar Allen Poe’s, The Fall of the House of Usher.

A problem that affects a surprising number of people is that of speaking too softly. If you are not able to be heard, then much is being lost in your life because your communication skills are not being recognized. In short, you are not effective – either professionally or personally. On the other hand, I am not recommending that you speak too loudly! The difficulty for those who are soft-spoken is understanding how much volume is proper or is needed in any given situation. As a voice coach, I have devised my own volume levels through the years.

I am going to assume that your delivery skills are above average. You have addressed an audience on numerous occasions and you enjoy the challenge of public speaking. As strong as your presentation skills are, however, how good is the sound of your speaking voice – the one you hear on your answering machine, not the one you hear in your head? If you could improve that aspect of your delivery, would you be interested to know that there is hope for the voice that you may find embarrassing or even humiliating when you hear it on a recording?