Higher Speech
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
 
An easy and effective way to be a better presenter

There are a lot of ways to become a more effective presenter. The one I'm going to share with you today is absolutely critical. You will never get past a certain point in your presentation effectiveness unless you do it. If you use it, you will improve - no matter how good you are right now.


Here it is: Record yourself every chance you get. Depending upon the situation, use video when possible, or use a pocket-sized audio recorder. Even if you are speaking at a "Leads" group, a PTA meeting, or at your local chamber of commerce for 2 or 3 minutes, at least audio-record yourself. If you are presenting, video yourself. That is Step One. Step Two is to listen to or watch it after you record it, with an eye for improvement. Note: A lot of people do Step One only. This process ONLY works if you do Step Two as well.
Flip Video Camera
Having the right equipment is crucial. One of the best tools I ever bought was my Flip Video camera. Yes, most of us have camcorders. But who wants to go to the trouble to set them up? They also attract a lot more attention than the Flip, which is only slightly bigger than a cell phone. It works wonderfully with a small (5 inch tall) table tripod. It's small enough to fit in your pocket, purse, or carry-bag, and therefore more likely to be taken along when you go somewhere. I found that while I intended to record all my presentations with my camcorder, I rarely actually did that. In practice, I use the Flip Video because 1) it sets up in seconds, 2) it's inconspicuous, and 3) I can download it later to my computer in minutes (while charging it at the same time).


The best part is that it is pretty inexpensive. You can get a Flip Video camera for between $90 and $180 (US$Sony Digital Video Camera) depending upon features. I recommend the rechargeable model (which will charge when you plug it into your computer, and is very convenient). Sony and Creative Labs make similar models. I suggest you look at online reviews to see what is best for you, and walk into an electronics store in your area that carries them to see how they actually work.
Olympus Digital Voice recorder
Digital audio recorders are cheaper than ever, and you can find them starting at around $25. I recommend getting one with features you want (and better sound quality) but it still shouldn't cost more than $50 or $60.


I highly recommend both the audio and video recorders. They have different uses, and are both valuable. An added bonus of recording yourself is that you now have material you can use on your website, or to produce a CD or DVD that you can either sell or to "demo" your work.


Video feedback is so important that we now video every participant in our speaking workshops (and send the participants the results).


Please email me with any questions you may have. Whatever you do, keep improving.

~Datta Groover

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Higher Speech is a quality training organization for speakers, presenters, trainers, and coaches.

Higher Speech is also dedicated to providing quality speakers who are experts in their fields and are dedicated to inspiring others and making a positive difference in the world.

Visit the Higher Speech and learn how to increase your speaking skill

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Higher Speech

The Mission of
Higher Speech

1)

To provide quality speakers who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.
2) To help others reach their next level of communication; enhancing their work, their relationships, and their lives.
3) To assist organizations in reaching the communication level they desire - and in doing so increasing their over-all effectiveness, efficiency, and profits.

The History of
Higher Speech

Higher Speech was founded in 2004 by Datta Groover in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. He realized that as much as he had to offer others, by bringing others on board with their own unique specialties and strengths, there is far more to offer the world at large together than what we can all do separately.

The name "Higher Speech" was chosen because it says what we are all about. In the history of our planet, "Higher Speech" is what has always made the most positive and long-lasting influences.

About Datta

Datta Groover's goal is to inspire others to improve their level and quality of communication, helping lives work better personally and professionally. He offers public-sector workshops on Communication and Public speaking, as well as workshops within the corporate world.

He has authored 4 books, both fiction and non-fiction, is a professional member of both the The National Speakers Association, and of The Author's Guild. Datta has published numerous articles, and worked for many years as the content and style editor for Torchlight Publishing.

He has been speaking in professional circles since the mid-1980s when he chaired the International Committee for Self-Sufficiency, and has spoken in Europe, India, Africa, South America, and North America (and not just to ask for directions).

He works primarily as a fee-paid speaker, though is always happy to lend his services to a worthy cause.  His primary area of speaking centers around personal communication, both within the business environment and in people’s personal lives.  His speaking style is simple, direct, entertaining, and from the heart.   

Datta & Rachael Jayne GrooverDatta is a motivational speaker and is hired frequently by speakers, authors, and trainers who want to improve their presentation and communication skills. He lives with his wife Rachael Jayne in Fort Collins, Colorado.