tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17006407817702208342024-03-13T04:01:24.319-07:00Higher SpeechThis blog is dedicated to giving people tools and means to increase their speaking skill level and otherwise improve communications in their life.Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-10916302228866418802010-08-19T12:17:00.000-07:002010-08-19T12:17:06.775-07:00Have you heard of the Speaker's Workout?<p align="left"><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif">Are you willing to do what it takes to become better as a presenter? In the words of Goethe, "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do." </font></p><p align="left"><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/blog/workout.jpg" alt="Gym workout like speaking workout" width="165" height="135" align="right" />One of the things you can do is to work out. If you were preparing for a triathlon, you'd be putting some serious time in at the gym, wouldn't you? Similarly, there are exercises that will help improve your speaking ability. They may or may not be fun for you, depending on how weird you are. These can be done with material you would actually be using in your presentation, or with other material. The main thing is: <b>they work!</b></font></p><p align="left"><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif">Ready? </font></p><p align="left"><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/blog/Stopwatch.jpg" alt="Speaking quickly and articulately" width="100" height="108" align="left" />1) <b>Speed Demon</b>: Practice your material speaking (either from memory or reading) as fast as you can while articulating <b>clearly</b>. Do <b>not</b> slur the words. Make each syllable distinct. This will help improve your clarity when you speak, and will make it more comfortable for you to not only speak more quickly when you need to, but to be able to vary your rate of speaking - which will make you more easy to listen to.</font></p><p align="left"><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/blog/change.jpg" alt="Change your speaking style" width="160" height="98" align="right" />2) <b>The Change Up</b>: When we speak, we naturally speed up, slow down, and pause. Otherwise, we put people to sleep, or simply lose them. This exercise involves noticing where to speed up, slow down, and pause, and exaggerating it to the max. Consider a scale from 0-10; zero being dead and 10 being so far over the top that people would be running from the room wondering what drugs you'd been taking. Five would be ideal; not too much, not too little. For this exercise, get as close to a 10 as possible. <b>Please note:</b> in coaching hundreds of people in workshops and private sessions, I <b>RARELY</b> hear anyone get close to a 10. Many people do not even go over a "5." Be outrageous with this one. Give yourself permission to go "over the top." What this does, is to make it easier to hit that "perfect 5" more consistently. It also tends to make it easier for you to add more variety and interest to the way you speak. Try it - it really works.<br /><br />
</font></p><p align="left"><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif">Use both exercises, and you will like what they do for you. Yes, it is a bit of a workout, but it's worth it. The best part of it is that by practicing these simple exercises, not only will you be more effective as a presenter, your audiences will be more attentive to your message - and both you <b>and</b> them will have more fun.</font></p><p><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif">Let me know how these work for you. </font></p><p> </p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-11438864411113861422010-08-12T11:55:00.000-07:002010-08-12T11:55:24.958-07:00It's all about conversation! . . . or it it?<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">I bet you've heard many times that a speech should be a conversation. Some presenters agree with that, and some don't. Whether we like it or not, however, successful speaking involves conversation. If we ignore that, we will die on stage. Neither we, nor our audience wants that to happen.</span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/email/Conversation.jpg" alt="Personal Conversation" width="210" height="130" align="left" /></span></span>There are <b>many</b> kinds of conversation that take place with every presentation. When you talk about a bad day you once had, and some of your audience nod — <b>that </b>is a conversation. When you ask for a volunteer, and get one — <b>that </b>is a conversation. The title of this post is a conversation. Your audience members will constantly have conversations going on within their heads as you speak. Those are conversations you can't control, but you <b>can</b> influence them. Based on that influence, those "internal" conversations will determine the success or failure of your presentations because they are what connect you to your audience. Your message will only be "taken home" by people if they connect with you.</span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">When you recall (and share) a conversation you had previously — or one you might have in the future, or even put into words what the audience is (or may be) thinking — those are <b>all</b> ways to use conversation. <b>How</b> you use these conversations, how <b>often</b> you use them, and <b>when</b> you use them are all up to you — and should be considered in light of your particular audience.</span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">The most important thing to remember is this: If <b>you</b> were in your audience, what would <b>you</b> prefer — to listen to someone else's speech or to participate in a conversation? Your audience will probably have the same preference. In fact, you can bet on it.</span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">That's all for today. Let me know how things are going for you and your presentations. Thanks for listening, and please stay in touch! I'd love to hear from you.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><br />
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<strong><em><img _wpro_src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Datta_Bio_sho_HQ.jpg" align="left" alt="Datta Groover" height="137" src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Datta_Bio_sho_HQ.jpg" width="110" /> </em></strong><em>Best regards,</em><br />
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<em>Datta Groover, Presentation Skills Coach</em><strong><em><br />
</em></strong></span></div>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-48988871350886217442010-08-04T02:11:00.000-07:002010-08-05T08:43:41.949-07:00Questions and Credibility<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><img align="left" alt="The Question" height="123" src="http://HigherSpeech.com/Blog/QUestion_Mark_s.jpg" width="122" />As a presenter, have you ever had the "recurring nightmare" that someone asks you a question, and you don't know the answer? Could you imagine that happening to you? Has it already happened?<br />
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When it does, it doesn't have to be a disaster, or even difficult. It can be as easy as saying "Great question. I don't know the answer to that, but I will find out and get back to you. See me afterward so I can get your contact information." If that is not appropriate, then at <strong>least</strong> admit that you don't know the answer.<br />
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What will <strong>happen</strong> if you do that? Will you lose credibility? In truth, some <strong>may</strong> judge you for it. Especially since as presenters, we are usually being counted on to be the "experts." Here's the hard news: People will <strong>know</strong> if we bluff. They may only know it as a "feeling," but they <strong>will</strong> know.<br />
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Pretend you have an audience of 100 people, and consider two possible scenarios. In the first scenario, you tell them you don't know the answer to a certain question. Say 13 (a number I just pulled out of thin air) of that audience judge you in some way for not knowing the answer when you "should." The other 82 members of the audience (we'll pretend 5 happen to be asleep) find you <strong>more</strong> credible because you admit that <strong>1)</strong> you're not trying to <strong>pretend</strong> you are perfect the way so many other people do, <strong>2)</strong> you are <strong>confident</strong>, and mostly <strong>3) </strong>you are a person they can <strong>trust</strong>. The trust and credibility you gain in this scenario is real<strong>and</strong> substantial.<br />
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In scenario 2, say you bluff cleverly, with great expertise and finesse. Half the people in the room <em><strong>may</strong></em> not notice, but (at least) half will have a feeling that something is not <em>quite</em> right. You may have gained <em>some</em> trust or credibility with the half that thinks that you know the answer, but will <strong>lose</strong> trust with the second half. The slight amount of credibility you <strong>do</strong> gain with the first half will evaporate like windshield wiper fluid on a hot summer's day when they find out the inevitable contradictory information, <strong>or</strong> when their sense of intuition kicks in -- whichever comes first.<br />
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Which scenario would <strong>you</strong> rather have? <em><br />
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</em></span></div>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-53075176032390965972010-06-02T09:30:00.000-07:002010-06-02T14:14:50.982-07:00The value of presenting more naturally<font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif">Have you ever noticed that some of your best presentations may have been the ones you prepared for the least? Sounds backwards, doesn't it?<br />
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<img src="http://HigherSPeech.com/blog/Practice.jpg" align="left" />If you have ever given a presentation that has to be just "so," and took a lot of practice for it to be exactly the way you want, the biggest problem you may have after lots and lots of practice is that it looks too "rehearsed" or "polished."</p><p align="left">You <strong>may</strong> think being polished is good, but in truth only<b> one</b> thing is good: your audience connecting to - and relating to - you and your message. If you are too polished, that connection won't happen - you will instead create a separation between you and your audience. So what's a presenter to do?</p><p align="left">The first thing to do is to focus on your audience, and how they will benefit from what you have to say. The opposite of this is to focus on what will make you look good. My friend Tony recently shared with me that he imagines there is one person somewhere in the audience who <strong>really</strong> needs to hear his message (maybe it's a matter of life and death), but he doesn't know which audience member it is.</p><br />
<img src="http://HigherSPeech.com/blog/Audience.jpg" width="200" height="133" align="right" /><br />
<p align="left">He then has a conversation with all the members of the audience, connecting with them individually as far as possible in order to reach that one person at the very least. One way to practice presenting in a more natural way, is to give your presentation sitting at the kitchen table, talking to a close friend (or at least pretending a friend is there). Taking it one step further, practice while eating a meal. Just making it very informal and conversational is powerful. The more you practice it that way, the better it will be when you deliver it.</p>Try being more natural and conversational when you present. You may already do that - consider trying even harder. I think you will like it. Remember that there is a range of how naturally we deliver - and typically we may be at different places within that range on different days. Work toward more <i>consistently</i> natural presentations, and you will not only be more effective as a presenter, your audiences will be happier and will take away more of what you have to offer.</font><br />
<p><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif">Let me know how this works for you. If you already work towards being more natural as a goal, let me know that, too. I'd love to hear from you either way.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Please <a href="http://HigherSpeech.com/Contact">email me</a> with any questions you may have. Whatever you do, <b>keep improving</b>. <br />
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~Datta Groover</font></p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-42550207169622142302010-05-04T19:26:00.000-07:002010-05-04T19:27:52.791-07:00Just Drop It Into Neutral<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> When someone gives feedback about speaking, how often have you heard “That was great - just add a little more vocal variety,” or “your gestures could be more dynamic,” or “try moving more on stage”? When offered at the right <img src="http://Higherspeech.com/images/bored.jpg" width="208" height="132" align="right" />time, in the right way, to the right person, any of the above can be appropriate, or even excellent advice. We’ve definitely seen our share of speakers who need some (or all) of those tips. No one wants to hear a speaker who doesn’t have enthusiasm for their topic, or even worse, who seems determined to put their audience straight to sleep. I think it would be safe to say that is an area in which we all agree.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="http://Higherspeech.com/images/MegaPhone.jpg" width="200" height="223" align="left" />On the other hand, have you ever heard a speaker who is so unceasingly dynamic, they make you want to jump up and say "Hey, could you just relax?" Always dynamic is not dynamic. When a presenter is always in "dynamic speaker mode," they are not only tiring to listen to, they may come across as less then genuine. Neither of those results is a worthy goal for someone who wants to be an effective speaker.<br />
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What's a speaker to do?<img src="http://Higherspeech.com/images/shifter.jpg" width="240" height="148" align="right" /> I'm glad you asked, because the solution is simple. All you need to do is occasionally "drop it into neutral," and add no dynamic inflection at all. That will make the times when you do use dynamics far more effective, as it will leverage those dynamics. <br />
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"Dropping into neutral" can work best when you make your most important point. This can seem somewhat counter-intuitive to those used to making points while increasing their dynamic level, but it <b>does</b> work. </font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Don’t take my word for it. Try it with your next speech, and ask someone in the audience whom you trust how it worked for them.<br />
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It is said that variety is the spice of life. That is especially true for speeches and other presentations. "Dropping into neutral" gives you that extra variety. The hardest part may be breaking the “always dynamic” habit. By all means, be dynamic, enthusiastic, and energetic. Then occasionally “drop it into neutral” and see how well it works. Just don’t stay there all the time. </font></p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-44369607335981227522010-03-24T20:55:00.000-07:002010-03-25T09:13:32.919-07:00An easy and effective way to be a better presenter<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 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 <b>unless</b> you do it. If you use it, you <b>will</b> improve - no matter how good you are right now. </span></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Here it is: </b></i>Record yourself <u><b>every chance you get</b></u>. 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. <b>That </b>is Step One. Step Two is to listen to or watch it after you record it, with an eye for improvement. <b>Note</b>: A lot of people do Step One only. This process <b>ONLY</b> works if you do Step Two as well.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://flip.com/" target="_blank"><img align="left" alt="Flip Video Camera" border="0" height="150" src="http://HigherSpeech.com/blog/flip.jpg" width="116" /></a><br />
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 <b>rarely</b> 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). </span></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The best part is that it is pretty inexpensive. You can get a Flip Video camera for between $90 and $180 (US$<img align="right" alt="Sony Digital Video Camera" border="0" height="150" src="http://HigherSpeech.com/blog/Sony_flip.jpg" width="91" />) 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.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img align="left" alt="Olympus Digital Voice recorder" border="0" height="175" src="http://HigherSpeech.com/blog/olympus_vn960_sm.jpg" width="77" /><BR>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.</span></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I highly recommend <b>both</b> 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. </span></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Video feedback is so important that we now video every participant in our speaking workshops (and send the participants the results).</span></div><br />
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<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please <a href="http://higherspeech.com/Contact">email me</a> with any questions you may have. Whatever you do, keep improving. <br />
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~Datta Groover</span></div>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-51052185760464109342010-03-03T21:11:00.000-08:002010-03-24T21:00:33.686-07:00Guaranteed to boost your communication effectiveness -<div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">most</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> effective presentations consist of 3 essential elements that </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">must</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> intersect. Most presentations have at least one, many have two of these elements, but </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">very few</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> have all three.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <img align="right" alt="3-Way" height="139" src="http://HigherSpeech.com/blog/3-wayb.jpg" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" width="200" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">first</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> element is to share what you are passionate about - what you </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">care</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> about, what </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">drives</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> you - basically what is </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">meaningful </b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">for you.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">second</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> element is to give your audience what</span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> they </b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">want. That usually means some mixture of entertainment, information, and inspiration. You can </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">ask</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> people what they want ahead of time. What a concept! What would happen if you asked people in your Toastmasters club what they would like to see in your next speech (for </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">them</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, not necessarily for you). </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> With rare exception, people want some degree of entertainment, so assume they do even if they don't say it.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">third</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> element is to give your audience </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">what they need</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. To be </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">most</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> effective, it's important to look more deeply into what people's needs are, and to the best of your ability, meet those needs. For example, say you are asked to give a talk that will motivate a group of salespeople to increase their results. That is a </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">want</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> of the people hiring you, and hopefully the sales people themselves. Their </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">need</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> (which they may not even be aware of) might be to look at how inter-office politics affect their over-all morale, and consequently their results. To find people's needs, you might have to do some digging - but they can </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">always</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> be found, and it is always worth it.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> A good real-life example of the intersection of these three elements is </span><img align="left" alt="3-Way" height="167" src="http://HigherSpeech.com/blog/BillCosby2b.jpg" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" width="150" /><a href="http://www.billcosby.com/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Bill Cosby</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. His humor addresses people's </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">wants</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. His messages </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">within</b> that humor addresses their <b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">needs</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> for higher understanding and growth, and his own </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">passion</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> for his topics make it all come together.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The intersection of these three elements is what will make </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">your</b> presentations successful, every time.<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Don't forget</b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> - the more you practice, the more effective you will be, and the more these tips will become second nature to you (which roughly translates to "the more you do it, the easier it gets").</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> I trust this finds you steadily increasing in your skill as a speaker and presenter. Let me know how you're doing - I'd love to hear from you.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /> <br />
</span></div>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-5959442632800802892010-02-09T09:39:00.000-08:002010-06-02T13:51:21.198-07:00This will work for you or against you - the choice is yours<p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">With the previous entry, we looked at how what you are focusing on matters, and the importance of focusing on your audience's needs and wants. <br />
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There is <b>another</b> aspect of focus that is equally important. <br />
<br />
Ready? <br />
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It is all about <b>not</b> focusing on your mistakes (whether you are making <b>lots</b> of them or <b>none</b> of them). Many people focus on giving that <b><i>perfect</i></b> presentation, free from "um's" and "ah's," "false starts" or grammatical errors. I have seen many of these people speak, and it <img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Star_SM.jpg" width="221" height="114" align="left" />seems to me they believe they are giving the "perfect speech." However, in many cases, because they are looking so intently at what they <b>don't</b> want to do, they lose the freshness, energy, and life force they could otherwise be conveying to their audience. <br />
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It is important to recognize that certain elements of speech - like "um's" and "ah's" - can get in the way of the effective delivery of your message. However, the other extreme - being too "perfect" - can also get in the way. <img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Dr.Martin_Luther_King_sm.jpg" alt="Dr. Martin Luther King" width="150" height="131" align="right" />Look at some of the best speakers in the world. Most of them make a lot of mistakes in terms of grammar and other things like that, but you don't even notice because they are doing such a great job of sharing their message by dynamically and authentically expressing themselves. Dr. Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech comes to mind.<br />
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This principle can work either for you or against you. Be aware of it, and practice using it to your (and your audience's) ultimate advantage. It's up to you.<br />
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I hope this finds you well in all respects, and steadily increasing in your skill as a speaker and presenter. Let me know how you're doing - I'd love to hear from you.<br />
<br />
~Datta Groover</font></p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-46568563676328980882010-01-21T14:11:00.000-08:002010-01-21T14:13:28.064-08:00When you speak, what do you focus on?<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a</span><span style="font-size: small;"> very important question for you regarding your speaking and presenting: <b> What are you focusing on? </b></span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have seen speakers focus on a wide variety of things. A speaker may focus on how they appear to their audience. Or they may focus on the speech itself, or how they will say it. They may focus on what is going on elsewhere in their lives, and therefore while physically present, are actually far, far away.</span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Great speakers focus on their <b>audience</b>, and on that audience's needs and wants. They focus on the benefits the audience will <b>receive</b> from their presentation. Their intent is centered around what they have to <b>give</b> their audience.</span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm not a huge fan of memorized speeches. I could give you many reasons for that, but the reason I want to talk about today is that when the speech is memorized, it is too easy to simply focus on the script in your head - whether you are struggling to remember the words of that script, or even if you have those words down cold. Either way, it can take your focus away from where it should be. </span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One thing I have experienced over the years is that focusing on my audiences is not automatic. Sure, the more I've practice it the easier it gets, but if I don't make it a conscious decision <b>every</b> time I speak, it won't happen, and I won't get the connection with the audience I want. </span> <span style="font-size: small;">I found that <b>intending</b> to focus on my audience, and to remember that I am there for their benefit, that focus, and the positive result that comes along with it, tends to happen most of the time.</span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like any muscle, the more you work it, the stronger it gets. Let me know how <b>this</b> works for you - I'd love to hear how you're doing.</span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
<b><i><img align="left" alt="Datta Groover" height="137" src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Datta_Bio_sho_HQ.jpg" width="110" /> </i></b><i>Best regards,</i></span><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Datta Groover <br />
</i></b><a href="http://higherspeech.com/">HigherSpeech.com</a><br />
<br />
</span><br />
</div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-7914597331035265652010-01-07T08:53:00.000-08:002010-01-07T09:04:55.831-08:00How to Create a More Effective Presentation<p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
To dramatically increase the effectiveness with <b>all</b> your presentations, whether short, long, impromptu, or painstakingly prepared: <b> Prioritize! </b></font></p><br />
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Speaking_Lecturn_SHadow_sm.jpg" width="255" height="166" align="right" /><b>1)</b> Make your first priority <b>connecting</b> with your audience. This will only work if you truly care about them. If you <b>don't</b> care, find something else to do, because they <b>will </b>sense it. When they know you care, that is the first step to them liking and trusting you. If they <b>don't</b> like and trust you, you will not be going far with them.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>2) </b>Make your second priority <b>delivering meaningful content</b> to your audience that is for <b>their</b> benefit, not your's or someone else's. Again, they will know if that is not your goal, and it will only work if you are <b>clear</b> about what you are offering them.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>3) </b>Make your third priority <b>entertaining</b> your audience in a way that works for them. That doesn't mean you have to tell hilarious jokes and make them cry and/or fall out of their seats, but it <b>does</b> mean you have to make it fun for them. <b> Hint</b>: You may want to use your research skills (before you go on stage), your imagination, and your intuition. </font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">These priorities <b>MUST</b> be kept in order - with one major exception: if you are speaking to a younger audience (as in younger than 28), 3) can go before 2), though 1) must <b>always</b> be first - no exceptions there (if you want to be effective).</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Your fourth and final priority, is you and your business. You <b>want</b> your audience to like you, buy your CDs, sign up for your newsletter, take your workshop - whatever. We <b>all</b> want to be successful, but that will happen <b>only</b> when we get those first 3 priorities first - guaranteed.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Try it - you will like it. The best part of it is that by following these simple rules, not only will you be more effective as a presenter, your audiences will be happier and will take away more of what you have to offer.<br />
Let me know how this works for you. If you are one of the few who already prioritize in this way, let me know that, too. I'd love to hear from you either way.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><em>Thanks for reading!</em></font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br />
<strong><em>Datta Groover <br />
</em></strong><a href="http://HigherSpeech.com"><font size="2">Speaker and Speaking Coach<br />
HigherSpeech.com</font></a></font></p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-63914527567146002262009-12-27T14:21:00.000-08:002009-12-27T14:42:25.750-08:00A Simple Way to Increase Your Credibility with Your Audience<p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Would you like to have greater credibility, an air of authenticity, and greater connection to your audience? Great - you've come to the right place. The best thing is that the tip you are about to read is really easy to use. All you need to do is relate something that just happened to something in your talk. If you can make it funny, even better, but it doesn't have to be funny - and it should never seem forced.</font></p><br />
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">There are a few ways this can work:</font></p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img src="http://HigherSPeech.com/images/speaker_at_meeting_Istock_paid_sm.jpg" width="200" height="145" align="left" /></font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif"><br />
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">1) By referring to something your introducer or a previous speaker said.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">2) By referring to something the group normally does, or did that day only (or sometimes didn't do) in preparing for the meeting/gathering.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">3) By referring to something in the wider world of news that just happened, that the people present would most likely be aware of.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">#3 is the least effective of the above, but it still works, and is the easiest to prepare for. </font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">For 1) and 2) to work, you have to pay close attention to what is going on and what is being said. The reason these work so well is that it tells people you are not only "in the moment," but that you care about them and about what you are doing <b>with</b> them. That you <b>are</b> paying attention. Sure, this is an extremely simple concept, but it is an extremely simple concept that works.</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">A friend of mine, <a href="http://LanceMillerSpeaks.com" target="_blank">Lance Miller</a>, who won Toastmasters' 2005 International Speech Competition (out of over 25,000 competitors), was in one of the competitions leading up to the finals. A previous competitor that day gave a speech based on what his uncle, named Ernie, (who was present in the audience), had given to him throughout his life. It was a very inspiring speech, and the audience loved it. When Lance's turn came to speak, he started by greeting the audience, then added " . . . and especially Uncle Ernie." </font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><i>Just a quick bit of background information- in speech competitions, people usually know exactly what their speech is going to be, word-for-word. That's not Lance's style, but it's how 99% of the people in the competition do it.</i></font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The audience loved it! People found it very funny <b>and</b> very personal. Lance won the competition, then went on to be the World Champion. Just adding those few words helped him immensely. </font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It can also be even simpler. One I've used (after greeting the audience), is saying " . . . and thank you Gillian, for matching my tie." That only works if 1) you are wearing a tie, and 2) Gillian's clothes really <b>do</b> match it. Of course, <b>any</b> time you make any reference to how someone is dressed, you must be <b>very</b> careful to not offend them.</font></p></font><br />
<p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Try it - you will be <b>pleasantly surprised</b> at how well this works.<br />
</font></p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><em><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Datta_Bio_sho_HQ.jpg" alt="Datta Groover" align="left" height="137" width="110" /> </em></strong><em>Best regards,</em></font></p><p> </p><p><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong><em>Datta Groover <br /><br />
</em></strong><a href="http://HigherSpeech.com">HigherSpeech.com</a><br /><br />
(970) 377-2543<br />
</font><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif"><br /><br />
</font></p><p> </p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-18345761237405608512009-09-02T19:34:00.001-07:002009-09-02T19:34:17.166-07:00Two Magic Words<p align="left"><font color="#000000"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/thought.jpg" alt="Thought" width="120" height="155" align="right" />Would you like to hear a tip I guarantee will make a huge difference in your presentations? This may sound a little woo-woo to you, but bear with me - this works. If you already know this tip, please pretend you <b>don't</b> (sometimes when we already "know" something we may be less inclined to try it).</font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000">The two magic words are: <b>Affirmation and Visualization. </b>They both work. <b>Affirmations</b>, in the simplest sense, work when you say what you want to be true, with as much conviction as possible. For example, "I speak from the heart and connect with others, " is an affirmation I say every day. <b>Visualization</b> means putting yourself in the picture. For example, "seeing" yourself giving a great speech that inspires people is very powerful.</font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000">Scientific studies have shown that athletes who repeatedly visualize success have the best chance of winning when the actual competition happens. Those studies have also shown that visualizing something in the mind is nearly the same experience for the mind as experiencing it in real life - the mind doesn't know the difference. When the mind is <b>used</b> to winning, it is far more likely to "win" the next time. Same thing with failure - the more you visualize "freezing up" when you speak, the more likely it is to happen. </font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000"><em><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/basketBallSHot.jpg" alt="Shot" width="161" height="225" align="left" />Dr. Blaslotto at the University of Chicago conducted a study where he split basketball players into three groups and tested each group on how many free throws they could make on the basketball court. </em></font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000"><em>Next, he had the <b>first group</b> practice free throws every day for an hour for a full month.<br /><br />
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The <b>second group</b> just <strong>visualized</strong> themselves making free throws, without any physical practice.<br />
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The <b>third group</b> did nothing relating to basketball - no practice, no visualization.</em></font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000"><em>After 30 days, he tested them all again. The third group did not improve, as was expected. The first group improved by 24%. <strong>The second group improved by 23% without even touching a basketball!!!!</strong></em></font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000">One of my personal affirmations is "I see others not by the shadows of their apparent shortcomings, but by the brilliance of their highest potential." You may wonder what that has to do with public speaking and presenting. <b>Everything</b>! Your attitude toward your audience will always show through whether you want it to or not. Ask me and I will be happy to share my other affirmations with you. As far as visualizing is concerned, before I go on stage, I imagine people entertained by my speeches, and I see them walking away afterwards with their lives positively changed.</font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Fear_Flipped.jpg" alt="Fear" width="284" height="165" align="right" />Avoid <i><b>negative</b></i> affirmations or visualizations. Some people imagine themselves forgetting what they were going to say many times before they speak, and then they DO forget when they actually deliver their speech or presentation, because that's what they've practiced in their minds. Some people think for days about how nervous they are going to be when they get in front of a large group. When it's finally their "time," they <b>are</b> extremely nervous - just the way they practiced it in their mind. I can't even begin to tell you the number of people I've heard say "I'm really bad at speaking in public," or "I don't know what to say whenever I get in front of a group" or "I'm terrified when I speak in front of others." If they want a suggestion, I will then tell them to first of all stop the negative affirmations and replace them with positive ones.</font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000">If you remember and practice these principles of Affirmations and Visualizations, you will be more effective in your speaking and presenting, every time. You have my word on it.</font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000"> Please let me know how you are doing with your communication, and let me know how I can improve my service to you.</font></p><p align="left"><font color="#000000">Thanks for tuning in!</font></p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left"><font color="#000000">~Datta Groover</font></p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-75056151956208636552009-08-06T15:56:00.000-07:002009-08-06T20:36:38.500-07:00Seven Little Things That Make A Big Difference In Business<img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/PlanA-B.jpg" alt="Decisions" width="235" height="163" align="left" /><font color="#000000">Every day we are faced with major decisions and large issues. Some of our decisions involve large sums of money and effect people in a profound way. We worry, fret, or lose sleep, which can adversely affect our health in dealing with these big decisions and issues.<br /><p>Effective business professionals must be able to stay focused but maintain a wide field of vision. In addition to the major issues, there are seemingly small activities that can yield great results.</p><br /><p>Here are seven little things that you can do to make a big impact on your business.</p><br /><p><b><font size="4">1. Say “Thank You”</font></b></p><br /><p><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/thank_you.jpg" alt="Thank You" width="200" height="194" align="right" />Take the time to thank the people who are a part of your success. Too often we only focus on customers. While you should thank your customers on a regular basis, you should also thank the other important people that contribute to your success.</p><br /><p>Take the time to say “Thank You” to your suppliers, others working in your organization, and anyone who adds value to what you do. Remember, the mailperson is important to your success just as the person behind the counter at the office supply store.</p><br /><p>People like to be appreciated and will be there for you when you need them if they know how much you really care.</p><br /><p><b><font size="4">2. Re-connect</font></b></p><br /><p><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/phoneCall.jpg" alt="Just a Phone Call Away" width="308" height="230" align="left" />Is there someone in college who you haven’t spoken with in many years? Maybe there is an old client or supplier who you’ve lost touch with. Have you moved up the ladder and lost contact with some of your former professional friends?</p><br /><p>Re-connect with some of these people. You will be amazed at how much someone will appreciate your taking the time to call and say, “Hello.” Many times, others are thinking about you but they are too busy or just don’t make the time to call. You can make that call and earn their goodwill.</p><br /><p>Business is built on relationships. Re-connecting with someone will rekindle a friendship and renew a relationship.</p><br /><p><b><font size="4">3. Ask for the order</font></b></p><br /><p>As a sales professional you have many responsibilities. You must understand your clients’ needs, develop product and industry knowledge, and make presentations just to name a few. Probably the most overlooked responsibility of a sales professional is to ask for the order.</p><br /><p>Not only do you need to ask for the order, you may need to ask for the order several times and in different ways to ultimately get the order! And, when you ask your client that final question, always shut up and let them respond. If you continue to speak you will release positive pressure from the moment and most likely not get the sale</p><br /></font><br /><p><font color="#000000" size="4"><b><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/dayTimer.jpg" alt="Organize" width="210" height="220" align="right" />4. Organize</b></font></p><br /><font color="#000000"><br /><p>Don’t just continue on with old antiquated systems. Many people are not mentally or physically organized. If you fall into this group, take the time to get organized now!</p><br /><p>By creating order in your professional life you will become more efficient, achieve more, and build your business. I average one day a week in what I call my organize mode. I want to be in charge. I don’t want to be the dog that is wagged by its tail</p><br /><p>5. Make Time to Strategically Plan</p><br /><p><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Bus_News.jpg" alt="Business news" width="215" height="142" align="left" />This may not really be a little thing, but I just had to include it on my list. The three main reasons businesses fail is that they lack financial capital, they lack personal capital, and they lack strategic planning. Strategic planning will allow you to design the organization you want to build so that you can go about achieving that goal.</p><br /><p>Many professionals I know set aside time once a year to strategically plan their business. Actually this process should be visited on a weekly basis, sometimes more often!</p><br /><p>Having a coach lead you through the process is great. Some people look to their mastermind group for assistance. Serious professionals may have both!</p><br /><p><b><font size="4">6. Do Something Extra</font></b></p><br /><p>Great customer service, low prices, and being polite are all required to just play the game. If you want to get ahead in any business you must do something extra for your people.</p><br /><p>By now you know that when I say, “people” I mean more then your customers. Go the extra mile and do something special that will impact everyone you come into contact with.</p><br /><p>A business owner I know will barbeque lunch for his employees once a month. It’s a festive time, and everyone really appreciates Tom slaving over the grill to cook the hotdogs and hamburgers.</p><br /><p>Watch someone light up when you do the unexpected. Your customers, associates, etc. will all stay loyal beyond your wildest dreams.</p><br /></font><br /><p><font color="#000000" size="4"><b>7. Be Yourself</b></font></p><br /><font color="#000000"><br /><p>This lesson is very important. So often in life we try to be the best John, or Suzy because we admire them. We want to copy and emulate them rather than try to understand our strengths and who we really are.</p><br /><p>If you try to copy someone else, you can only be “almost” as good as them. If you try and be the best “you,” then it is always possible to be number one! People want and respect other people who are genuine. </p><br /><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Laugh.jpg" alt="Be Yourself" width="245" height="188" align="right" /><br /><p>Discover the real you. Enjoy that journey, and then share the real you with all you come into contact with.</p><br /><p>For the next seven weeks, take one of these seven items and focus on them. Work to bring it into your life and the lives of those you serve. Build these seven “little things” into what you do, and you will be accountable to Building a Better Biz.</p><br /><p><br /> by <b>Sam Silverstein</b>, CSP,<br />Immediate Past President of The National Speakers Association<br /><a href="http://www.samsilverstein.com" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), 'd858650c046b6eb6a9b19c8adf6d11f3', event)" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.samsilverstein. com</a> </p><br /></font>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-70623376172990490972009-05-31T21:01:00.001-07:002009-06-01T10:29:53.719-07:00The Next Level<p><font color="#000033"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Rotties.jpg" alt="Comparing" width="117" height="121" align="left" />I have been told that in the Basque language, the literal translation of the phrase "to compare oneself" comes out to “little murder." The idea behind this is that by comparing ourselves to others we are performing the greatest disservice to ourselves. Comparing ourselves in either an upward or downward direction creates nearly the same level of disservice. By looking at how we're better than someone else, it can encourage arrogance -- or at least a reluctance to improve. After all, if we are already "better," why should we work hard to get to that next level?</font></p><br /><p><font color="#000033"><img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/seinfeld_sm.jpg" alt="Jerry Seinfeld" width="108" height="122" align="right">On the other hand, if we compare ourselves to someone who is better, it’s easy to get discouraged thinking we could never get to be "that good." Say somebody who's starting out in standup comedy compares himself to Jerry Seinfeld. That would be a pretty discouraging comparison.</font></p><br /><p><font color="#000033">Ultimately, how good somebody else is, is totally irrelevant to us. The only thing that's really important for us is to find out how to get to the next <img src="http://HigherSpeech.com/images/Pavarotti_sm.jpg" alt="Pavarotti" width="108" height="119" align="left" />level. Pavarotti is considered by many to have been one of the best -- if not the best -- tenors of the 20th century. He started his professional career as a singer in 1961. He passed away in September 2007, and up until that time he always had a voice coach. He always looked at the next step -- how to get from whatever level he was on to the next level. As a result, he kept growing and improving as a performer.</font></p><br /><p><font color="#000033">Pavarotti is a perfect example of what is possible for each of us. All we need to do is to look at that next step -- and get from whatever level we are on to the next higher level. One of the great things about public speaking and presenting is that we can practice and improve with every single conversation we are in. We can practice the arts of listening, of being present, and caring about our audience on a daily basis. Doing so will radically help increase our skill level as a public speaker or presenter, regardless of what level we are presently at.</font></p><br /><p><font color="#000033">Thanks for listening!</font></p><br /><p><font color="#000033">~Datta Groover</font></p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700640781770220834.post-70895935295533514652009-04-26T09:06:00.000-07:002010-06-02T14:22:06.633-07:00Don't Just Sit There on your Assets™<p>You can't turn on the news or browse the Internet these days without hearing about losses of assets — to persons, small businesses, corporations, or governments. There is naturally a lot of concern over these losses. Now is the best time, however, to look at what we have - and have possibly overlooked in the past.<img src="http://deeppacific.com/is/blog_support/searching.jpg" width="110" height="83" align="right" /></p><p>Assets are commonly thought of in terms of measurable material commodities — whether cash in the bank, stocks, vehicles, real estate, etc. The most valuable assets we own, however, are those that are not as measurable in terms of exchangeable value, but have a far higher intrinsic value. We simply have to look in order to find them.</p><p>One of the biggest errors speakers of all experience levels make is not taking full advantage of their assets. We each have a uniquely distinct set of assets that differentiate us from every other speaker out there. These resources can be our greatest strengths, and are easily overlooked just because we are so used to them - they may seem common to us. We may even see them as liabilities.</p><p>How many speakers have you heard that have tried to be Tony Robbins, Les Brown, or Dr. Phil? Many people overlook some of their own greatest strengths trying to imitate (consciously or unconsciously) the strengths of others. The great thing about focusing on your own personal assets is that they are yours alone. </p><p><img src="http://deeppacific.com/is/blog_support/chain.jpg" width="110" height="73" align="left" />What do I mean by assets? Anything that you have acquired by experience, by accident, or by choice. For example, my wife Rachael Jayne, who is a professional speaker, speaks with a delightful Australian accent that many people (outside of Australia) find charming. A PhD degree is also an asset. So is having performed active military duty, experience as an elementary school teacher, or having won the lottery (duh!). Think of your assets as many links in a strong chain.</p><p>The most overlooked assets are people's stories. You have hundreds upon thousands of stories from your life. If you haven't already, start writing them down. As you write them down, more will come. You will find these stories from your life very useful when you speak. Using personal stories told in context of the point being made give the speaker authenticity and credibility. </p><p><img src="http://deeppacific.com/is/blog_support/memories.jpg" width="73" height="110" align="right" />Last, but not least, one day in the distant future you will look back with great pleasure at those stories, and realize it was all worthwhile.</p><p>Thanks for tuning in!</p><p>~Datta Groover</p>Datta Grooverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00376171097264058872noreply@blogger.com1