Opportunity = More Business = More Speaking

I was with my bike club getting ready to go on a ride when I saw a man run out of the restaurant adjacent to the parking lot where approximately 75 cyclists were. He went up to every person and said, “I hope you enjoy your bike ride today. If you are hungry when you get back, here’s coupon for our all you can eat brunch.” He saw an opportunity and grabbed it. As a result, he got more business. The more speaking opportunities you have the more exposure you will get and the more business you will gain.

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Text Messaging

If there are people in your audience text messaging, let them. They could be texting to their boss to hire you because your speech is so good!

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Over and Over - What Do You Say?

I was listening to a speaker and noticed that she kept saying “ya know.” I then heard the person next to me whisper to his friend and he said, “ya know, ya know, ya know.” Pointing out to his friend that the speaker kept saying that over and over. At this point, there were at least three people not focusing on the speaker or what the speaker was saying. All we were thinking about was ‘ya know.” Having some kind of word or phrase that we repeat over and over during our presentation is very common. Discover what yours is, become aware of it, and work on stopping it. How? Practice using the pause instead or just skipping over that word or phrase. Your audience will be more attentive to what you are saying (your message) rather than what you are saying over and over.


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Using your Notes when Presenting

When you look at your notes, do not say “I’m going to look at my notes so I do not forget anything.” I admit that I even do this from time to time, but there is no reason for it. Your audience expects you to have notes and refer to them so you can stay on track.

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Conference Presenting - Podium

Just because the podium is there, doesn’t mean you have to speak behind it. Get out in front. Ask for a wireless microphone, own the stage, Take the Stage and Love It.

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Funny Noises from a Conference Presenter

The keynote speaker at the convention was great, but every now and then she had to clear her throat and did it right into the microphone. It was distracting and annoying.

If you need to clear your throat, sneeze, or cough, or make any kind of funny sounds that will not enhance your speech, then please move your mouth away from the microphone.

Tips to clear your throat: Always have water nearby, use lemon drops, relax the throat, breath from your diaphragm - not your chest.

Feel free to leave a comment on what works for you.

Shark Presentations

Would you rather swim with sharks or speak in public. Watch Shark Tank and see inventors do both.