Are your presentations persuasive? Powerful? Subtle differences in language can make an enormous difference. Maybe you’ve already edited a script of your speech. This is a great first step, but I recommend you also record yourself and listen carefully. Then, fine-tune your words and phrases to maximize your impact. Consider both your word choices and word order. Here are a few inside secrets I share with my speech coaching and Fripp Virtual Training clients:
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I am honored to speak this month at the 2015 Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas. The semifinalists in the 2015 Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking competition have just been announced. Those who make it to this international speech competition have won competitions, beginning with club contests and continuing through area, division, and district level contests. Just 96 of 30,000 initial participants made it. Statistically, contestants had a better chance of being admitted to Harvard! The work it takes to get to this level of competition is an education in itself.
Does your organization encourage, or even better, provide training to equip your employees with competitive communication and leadership skills? Have you considered your own in-house Toastmasters club or perhaps Fripp Virtual Training? If you are reluctant to allocate employee time or company resources to presentation training because you worry “they might leave,” consider what my friend and colleague Jim Cathcart says, “What if you don’t train them, and they stay?”
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You’re waiting your turn to deliver your presentation when suddenly you realize that your stomach is doing strange things and your mind is rapidly going blank. How do you conquer the jitters? People ask me this question all the time; there is no single answer. You must prepare mentally, physically, and logistically.
Start by understanding that you’ll spend a lot more time preparing than you will be speaking.
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My brother, Robert Fripp is known around the world as a legendary guitarist and a member of King Crimson, but not everyone knows he is in fact a superb and entertaining speaker! I had the pleasure of presenting with him at the 2015 Lady & the Champs Speakers’ Conference. (Our presentations were recorded and are now available.) I loved this article, featured last week on the Discipline Global Mobile website – Sid Smith shares the history of a remarkable King Crimson milestone. Enjoy!
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Stand still at the start of your presentation. Your audience members need a moment to become accustomed to the sound of your voice, your style of speaking, and sometimes your accent. After this, incorporate movement into your presentation, only if your movements are purposeful and support your message. Unconscious expressions of nervous energy will detract from your message.
My friend and fellow professional speaker, Darren LaCroix shares these excellent techniques to help you make the most of the stage during your presentation:
Most people are aware that a formal presentation requires research and rehearsal, but keep in mind that preparation can ensure your success in all speaking situations. If you have been asked to moderate a panel, be aware that there is more to this than simply firing off a few questions and hoping your panelists will respond with scintillating conversation. My friend and retired corporate speechwriter Ian Griffin and I had a conversation about the challenges of moderating a panel. Enjoy some of the advice that came from our conversation. We hope they will help you prepare when you find yourself with the awesome responsibility.
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Do you think of yourself as the center of the universe? Hopefully not. Unfortunately, if we’re not thoughtful in our approach to sales conversations we can sound like we do.
When it comes to sales, the word “I” can be a barrier to connecting with prospects and clients.
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Frippicism: It is not your clients’ and prospects’ job to remember you. It is your obligation and responsibility to make sure they don’t forget you. A recent Wall Street Journal article entitled, “U.S. Recovery Stumbles Yet Again,” declared that despite the current economic recovery, unusually harsh winter weather at the start of this year caused our Nation’s GDP to shrink. Regardless of the ups and downs in the economic climate, or in the weather itself, your marketing efforts must be ongoing, consistent, and relentless. Here are a few strategies to help you market yourself and your business in any economy:
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Where will you be on June 20th?
If you are in Arizona, and are interested in becoming a more powerful and persuasive presenter, you will definitely be at the National Speakers Association of Arizona’s meeting in Phoenix.
Whether you speak in the boardroom, training center, or convention hall… I can help you. Join me as I share the secrets to powerful presentations.
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Receive free, on-going Fripp webinar invitations, sales and presentation skills information, and special discounts from Executive Speech Coach, Sales Presentation Trainer, and Professional Keynote Speaker, Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE. As an added bonus, sign up now and receive a free copy of Patricia Fripp’s How to Present and Teach in the Virtual World.
