You’ve accepted an invitation to speak at a prestigious event. You prepared the content of your talk, you have beautifully designed visuals supporting your message and you’ve rehearsed.   Now it’s time to get yourself to the event. Feeling excited and also a bit nervous, you now realize you’re flying into the unknown.

“Fear of the unknown translates to fear of losing control. In order to feel safe, we feel we must control every variable--human, environmental, technical. And yet, as life, this just isn't realistic. Controlling everything that's around the corner simply isn't possible.” - From Speak Without Fear, Ivy Naistadt Notable Quotes

While you can’t prepare for every eventually, there are Specific Actions you can take that will make a world of difference the day of your event and avoid unforseen problems. The most important suggestion for you is...

Arrive Early and Get into the Space.

If possible, arrange a quick walk-through. Get familiar with the environment. If there’s a stage or raised platform, walk on it.

I was in Kansas City at a Marriott hotel the night before a big event. The stage was still being built as I rehearsed. It was getting late and the meeting planner asked if I was all set to go.  Except for one more thing, I said. As the stage was more or less completed by now, I wanted to take one run-through in the high heels I would be wearing the next day.

So I took off my sneakers and put them on. As I walked across the stage, I discovered a serious problem.

The stage consisted of large connected risers and in between each was a small gap. At any point during my presentation, a heel might have gotten snagged in one of these gaps, and, in theatrical terms, I might have broken a leg – literally! *

Good thing I took the time to check out this seemingly small detail.

Another useful piece of advice came from one of my trusted colleagues who speaks all over the world. He shared with me that he walks around the stage and notices if there’s an area that creaks when he walks on it. And if there is, he says he stays away from it. The repetition of the sound can become a distraction for your audience.

I know these seem like small details but in this case, they matter. They affect your performance.

Is there a podium?  Where will you enter from? Are there stairs on the side of the stage?   Is your image projected on large screens flanking the stage?  It might be disconcerting for you to see a large image of yourself for the first time, as you begin speaking.

Of course there are other considerations but the idea is to develop an awareness of what’s going on around you. You’ve been invited to speak because your insights and perspective have meaning for your audience. By taking the extra step to feel secure in your surroundings, you stay focused on the task at hand - delivering an engaging and impactful presentation.

* By the way, the solution for my dilemma regarding the gaps in the risers? Old fashioned gaffer tape!

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Copyright © 2020 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

To learn more about how you can work with Ivy to create a customized Public Speaking program for your company or work privately through the ‘Join The Ivy League’ coaching program, contact us here for a complimentary consultation today.

I took a step back from blogging this year due to intensive scheduling and coaching demands.

Also, because I want to be able to offer you Public Speaking insights based upon the new realities many of my clients are facing.

It’s been an incredible year.  I’m grateful to be afforded the opportunity to coach talented, smart Business professionals who are making a profound impact in the world.  And each one of them, is dedicated to honing their speaking abilities to meet their growing public speaking demands.

The commitment they make (in addition to running successful companies!) has afforded my clients opportunities that build trust in their brands and help them gain significant recognition and influence in their industries. 

In addition, an unexpected benefit for many, is the powerful, creative experience of performance.

So, how can you prepare yourself to Rise to the Occasion in the coming year?

There are significant changes that are impacting my clients and their approach to speaking and if you’re aware of them you can get off to a great start in 2020!

What’s Changed?

1. Your Speaking Requirements

Several of my clients who are CEO’s, Presidents, Founders and Partners of companies, are now speaking at a level that, in the past, was relegated to professional speakers.

As recently as 5 years ago, many of the people I coached were delivering in-house presentations to their direct reports, employees or in the board room. They might be presenting in a large conference room or in a town hall type environment.  Occasionally they were delivering an external conference presentation while speaking behind a podium.

Today, in any given week, I’m working with people who are preparing for:

• Delivering the Keynote at an industry wide conference on an open stage without a podium which is videotaped and shared,

• Participating on an expert Panel, often broadcast live throughout their industry,

• A guest interview on a Podcast,

• A CEO/Founder short video for their company.... and the list goes on.

What’s changed is that these are not professional speakers!

They are business professionals running the company or internal innovators with specific expertise and their voices are being requested and heard.

They are speaking to large audiences on open stages or platforms without a podium. They are reading scripted copy from a Teleprompter or monitor designed for wide audience reach. They’re also being interviewed live on television and sharing their stories on audio-only platforms.

In all instances they must come across Believable, Credible and Engaging. And of course speak clearly.

Not a small task. The other piece that’s changed is…

2. Higher Expectations

Due to the Ted Talks, when someone gets up to speak now in a live situation, we expect the content to be compelling, concise and either motivating or inspirational. And the Delivery must appear natural and authentic.

The bar has been raised

Whether you know it or not, you are now being compared to prepared, well-rehearsed, dynamic presenters.

So, in light of the increased exposure and expectations, how can you prepare yourself for the inevitable invitation to share your ideas and perspective? And do so without risking your reputation and credibility? 

Rise to the Occasion by building in a Speaking Strategy

Build in a Speaking Strategy as part of your professional development.  Just as you put together a business, marketing and social media plan to grow your business, pay special attention to your speaking requirements.

Whether you work with someone skilled inside your company or hire a professional from the outside, get the support you need and outline a Speaking Strategy to get you where you want to go.

Ideally you want to work with a person who can make you feel comfortable and confident in various settings. There are nuances and small adjustments that have a big impact on how your message is received in an audio interview or video segment, vs in a face to face presentation.  

For example, I worked with a brilliant doctor who suddenly found himself in the featured guest speaker spot delivering a 45 minute keynote at an annual conference, accompanying the release of a new book. He was understandably nervous because prior to all of this, he was used to speaking in his accepted academic lecture style. A few days after the event, he was invited to be a guest on NPR.

The most important thing he did, was to build time into his demanding schedule. The keynote prep was rigorous and ultimately he learned how to adapt his content and adjust his style for both situations. He did a beautiful job in both instances. What had been nerve wracking for him in the past, has now become an experience he actually looks forward to.

Once you understand what works best for you, it’s smooth sailing. 

I really encourage you to make your speaking abilities a high priority. It’s no longer a nice to have, it’s a must have, if you want to compete in this arena.

The best of the best are making their speaking abilities a high priority, so why not you?

Coming up, I’m going to be sharing lifesaving speaking tips with you starting this month. These are real time useful concepts you may encounter and will help you execute with confidence and feel more prepared in uncertain situations.  As the saying goes...

“If you can keep your wits about you when all others are losing theirs... the world will be yours and everything in it. “

- Rudyard Kipling

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Copyright © 2019 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

To learn more about how you can work with Ivy to create a customized Public Speaking program for your company or work privately through the ‘Join The Ivy League’ coaching program, contact us here for a complimentary consultation today.

Storytelling has become a national Buzzword today. Everyone is talking about storytelling. I often have clients call me and say, “I want to tell my story better.” Or, “I need to hone my story for my brand.”

What they’re generally referring to is their company story or their personal brand story: How they came to what they do, why it’s so important to them and why it’s important to you.

The tip you’re going to hear about in this post is more related to the type of stories you incorporate within your day to day presentations. And if done well, also help you become (another request I hear often) more relatable and authentic.

A quick route to becoming relatable and authentic as a communicator is to learn how to incorporate one or two well-crafted examples in anecdotal form or short stories within your presentation.

When you’re considering the type of story to choose within your presentation or talk, keep this in mind:

The more Personal, The more Universal.

A little background...

The way I was introduced to this concept was through my acting teacher. Before I developed my public speaking expertise, I was a professional actor. I moved to NYC out of college to pursue an acting career.

Early in my career, I was fortunate to study with a gifted and powerful acting teacher, Larry Moss. As hopeful young actors we spent hours (days) in his class learning and honing our craft.

Now he’s a distinguished, world renowned acting coach to award winning actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Helen Hunt, Hilary Swank and so many others. I now realize how lucky I was to be introduced to his methods early on. That experience was a great influence on me as an actor and later on as a Professional Speaker and Public Speaking Coach.

One caveat to keep in mind is that acting is different in many ways from speaking. The entire play, script, opera or whatever form, is a story in and of itself. The actor must draw upon their own experiences and emotions in order to make the playwright’s words resonate and become believable for the audience.

The principal of The more Personal, The more Universal as it applies to actors means the more you learn to draw upon your private emotional life, the more real it is for the audience. And the audience will not know what the actor is accessing to make it real. It takes a life time of learning and exploring.

I’m going to share this same basic tenet with you that we learned and show you how you can apply it to your day to day business stories.

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In a business or professional presentation, while you certainly want it to have an emotional impact, there’s no need to dredge up deep seated emotions. It can come across as overly dramatic and perhaps even inappropriate. You want to make sure you understand how to control the emotion.

However, the principal applies beautifully to how you choose your stories. Here are few guidelines to help you unearth your universal stories:

1. What’s Your Point?

First and foremost, your story or example has to support a point you’re making. In other words, your anecdote is not gratuitous. You want to make a point, support it with a relevant example that supports the idea you’re putting forth and then repeat the point.

2. What does this remind me of?

You want the story you choose to reflect the point you’re making so every time your listeners find themselves in a particular situation, they recall the story. And what they’re really thinking about is the point you made.

3. Start with stories that happened to you.

People tell me, “But I don’t have interesting stories! The speakers I see tell such powerful stories... I can’t do that!” Your stories are everywhere. Most professional speakers train continuously to improve this aspect of their craft. You can take a page from the speakers’ play book once you understand where to find, craft and hone them.

If you’re sharing a relevant example and relaying an incident that happened to you; you were there, what you heard, what you saw, what you did - it will be memorable. Another plus is that it’s hard for someone else to replicate because it’s your story.

I once attended a public speaking event where the speaker guided us to go through our lives in five year increments and make a list of all of the challenges we encountered as well as the successes. When that part of the exercise was completed, we made a list of the lessons learned in each of the most compelling scenarios.

Once you’ve mined for stories that happened to you, look for other people in your life who influenced you. We all have coaches, teachers, family members or friends who taught us values that influenced us and we carry with us today. Look for those as well.

4. Small Stories have a Big Impact.

Your stories don’t have to be big life changing experiences to make a point. You don’t have to have climbed Mount Everest or had a near death experience. The smaller moments in your life, the more personal incidents have equal power.

Look for opportunities where you can find material that simplifies or clarifies a complex work idea you’re sharing and relate it to the everyday experiences of your listeners.

5. Edit. Edit. Edit.

Finally, craft and fine tune your story to keep your audience engaged. It’s critical to keep your stories lean and to the point. It requires discipline (and a bit of courage!) to eliminate excess and unnecessary verbiage that may be fun or interesting to you but doesn’t keep the story on track for your listeners.

As a reminder, this earlier post gives you more ideas for how to structure your story.

Here’s to a successful public speaking experience in the New Year and searching for your Personal stories with Universal appeal.

Happy Hunting!

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Copyright © 2019 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

To learn more about how you can work with Ivy to create a customized Public Speaking program for your company or work privately through the ‘Join The Ivy League’ coaching program, contact us here for a complimentary consultation today.
                                                                   

“Fear of the unknown translates to fear of losing control. In order to feel safe, we feel we must control every variable--human, environmental, technical. And yet, as life, this just isn't realistic. Controlling everything that's around the corner simply isn't possible.”

- Ivy Naistadt, Author of Speak Without Fear

Courtesy of Notable Quotes

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Copyright © 2018 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

To learn more about how you can work with Ivy to create a customized Public Speaking program for your company or work privately through the ‘Join The Ivy League’ coaching program, contact us here for a complimentary consultation today!
                                                                   

“Things done well and with a care, exempt themselves from fear.”
       - William Shakespeare

Most of the people I work with who are giving important presentations organize their thoughts around key phrases or bullets and speaking from notes.  Working this way has a distinct advantage in that it allows the speaker to access their personality for an authentic and engaging delivery style. 

However, In the past three months, I’ve had the pleasure of coaching several people, all who had to deliver fully scripted presentations. It’s definitely not the norm. 

And although I encouraged each one to consider a less formalized approach, they all had specific reasons for working with a script.  

In one case, a highly respected professional in their field was delivering a keynote for an upcoming event accompanying a release of a new book.  Another client was being honored in their industry and their remarks would be reprinted verbatim.  And finally a newly appointed VP was asked to deliver the financial industry update to the Chairman of the Board. Language and accuracy were paramount. No pressure there!

In all instances, due to a combination of being in unfamiliar territory and the understandable nerves accompanying visible, high stakes events, they opted for a fully scripted approach. 

Ok,  so what happens when you must read a fully scripted speech? And most likely present from a podium?  How do you make it sound natural and remain relatable?     

(And by the way, this could apply to giving a Best Man speech, delivering a Eulogy, the company Keynote or a spring Commencement Speech!) 

First, it’s important to understand why it can be a challenge - for both the presenter and the audience.

‘Reading’ Creates a Barrier

You want to minimize any element that creates a barrier or distance between you and your audience. It could be reading a full script, a podium or a form of technology that interferes with your communication.

We’re living in a communication world now, where spontaneity and communicating authentically are the new normal.  

Reading a script word for word can affect your credibility.

In order to be persuasive you have to believe in what you’re saying! If you simply “read”it, you’re not able to project your real personality. It sounds too planned. It sounds too perfect.  If an audience senses at the outset, you’re not going to be truly present for most of your talk, they’ll tune out. 

Eye Contact - Another problem  

We’re  all aware that eye contact is essential for building trust.  When you’re tied to a script, you have to look down and you lose energy. The words lose impact because you’ve lost your connection with your audience.  

“The Eyes are the window to your soul”    
          - William Shakespeare

So, what can you do to make a scripted talk a satisfying experience for both the speaker and the audience? 

There’s a comprehensive method I developed to help people impose their personality on a script   based upon years of speaking, coaching and spokesperson engagements for various companies in the early days.   

What I can do here is give you a few good tips to set you off in the right direction. 

3 Quick Tips for bringing a script to life

1. Read it out loud and edit. 

With pen in hand, change any word that doesn’t sound like you. Make sure it reflects your natural way of speaking, without changing the meaning.   

In addition, add contractions. Instead of saying, We Can Not or I Will Not, just say We Can’t or I Won’t. 

It’s a small adjustment that makes you sound natural and human.

2. Rehearse  to Familiarize

(I know I’m repeating but this time it’s for a different reason.)  You want to read it out loud many times.  Each time you’ll catch another content adjustment or edit for yourself.

However, the real secret here is the more familiar you are with the material, the less you’ll have to look down at your script and maintain eye contact.   (read more here)

Many of my clients are resistant at first because they don’t have a lot of time. After stressing over and over how important it is to make the time, they’re amazed during a final rehearsal how easily it flows and how comfortable they are with the material. 

3. The third tip I can offer you in this post is Use Gestures.

“Suit the action to the word, the word to the action”
        - William Shakespeare

Reading a script from a podium requires more physical energy to overcome the barriers we’ve discussed and bring your material to life. 

Gestures are one of the ways we show our audience that what we’re talking about matters to us. 

It’s really easy to rest your hands on the podium and keep them there.  Particularly when you’re nervous.  (By the way, it’s okay to do so occasionally...) Instead, get your hands above your waist and use gestures the same way you would if you were speaking without a podium.  

Also, as I shared in a previous post, A Quick Podium Tip if you stand one foot back from the podium, you have enough room to use your hands comfortably and with confidence.

Those are a few tips to help you make your script more natural, access your personality and make it a better experience for your audience. 

"This above all: to thine ownself be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man."
          - William Shakespeare

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Copyright © 2018 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

To learn more about how you can work with Ivy to create a customized Public Speaking program for your company or work privately through the ‘Join The Ivy League’ coaching program, contact us here for a complimentary consultation today!
                                                                   

Lately I find an increased number of inquiries for custom designed coaching programs from people who are using public speaking as a vehicle to share their knowledge and position themselves as experts in their industries. 

From  professionals working within companies who are asked to speak at a company event or an industry conference, people who changed careers or formed their own business and are invited to share their wisdom as a guest on a podcast, to finance professionals required to articulate their value in high stakes investor presentations - the list goes on.          

Whatever the situation, there’s no question, there’s a whole lot of speaking going on!

The common concern is that in these new and unfamiliar settings, they want to become more articulate, engaging and comfortable. 

It’s critical to understand that if you want to put your best foot forward and demonstrate the value that you or your company provides, you must have solid public speaking Techniques at your disposal for getting your message across with confidence in different settings. 

For example, a media  interview requires short, concise and memorable answers. Whereas a company presentation/pitch requires a well-thought out structure that highlights who you are, who you work with and how the people you work with benefit from working with you. 

In all instances, there is a flow, a well-articulated story, crafted examples and a structure. And then of course, there’s The Delivery of The Message. 

Quick Delivery Tip:

So, here’s a  powerful Eye Contact technique I employ myself as a speaker and offer my clients with positive results. 

There are times when you may find yourself speaking with larger audiences. One of the first problems for presenters is where to focus. 

In normal one on one conversations, if the person you are speaking with averts their eyes or looks to the side of you, does that person instill a sense of honesty and trust? Most likely your answer is no.  In public speaking, being able to look someone straight in the eye and speak directly to them within a group setting, enhances one of your most important assets - credibility. 

However, the question I’m often asked in my programs is ‘How can I achieve eye contact with larger groups when I may not even be able to see them?’ 

The answer is:  The Z pattern.  

Break your audience into quadrants with your eyes, using a Z pattern. Which means, as you the presenter face the audience, start by speaking to the back section furthest away from you, to your left. (It will be to audience’s right). Then move to the quadrant furthest in the back section to your right.  Next rest your eyes in the center segment and then down to your left and over to your right.  
 

This serves several purposes.

1.  Individuals within each quadrant feel as though you are speaking directly to them.  Even though you may not be able to see them well enough to make individual eye-contact.

2.  You are forced to include all sections of the audience.  It’s easy to remain safe and speak to those closest to you. Unfortunately, when you favor one side, you leave out the whole rest of the room.

3.  You ground yourself and your audience at the same time. No matter how nervous you might feel, you’ll look confident.

4.  And finally, you give yourself a great advantage in the beginning of your talk, by consciously  choosing to start by speaking with people furthest away from you.  You automatically release some of  the public speaking nervous energy racing through your body that's responsible for a host of uncomfortable physical sensations.

I understand this feeling. I experience it myself and use this technique to my advantage particularly at the beginning of a talk. We’re most nervous at the beginning of any presentation. If we can find ways to release the energy and get it moving in the right direction out of the gate, your body settles down. 

To learn more about how you can work with Ivy to create a customized Public Speaking program for your company or work privately through the ‘Join The Ivy League’ coaching program, contact us here for a complimentary consultation today!

Copyright © 2018 Ivy Naistadt Creative Communications

Recently, I watched a few old movies on Turner Classic Movies.  One of them stands out because it’s a political campaign film and although it was made in 1947 still has relevance for any public speaker, 66 years later.

The movie is the  classic “The Farmer’s Daughter”, starring Loretta Young and Joseph Cotton. It’s about an independent minded Swedish farmer’s daughter who leaves the farm to go to the ‘big’ city and lands a domestic job at the home of a US Senator in Washington DC. Through a series of events, she speaks up at a rally for him. Captivating her audience with her charm and genuine, down to earth, direct speaking style she ends up with a nomination herself!

At one point, in preparation for her campaign, she is surrounded by policy consultants who have her read her speech over and over in a false, over the top oratory style. They actually play it back on a record player and if you’ve never seen one, here’s your chance! The Senator, who’s been eavesdropping on the session, pulls her aside and coaches her to improve her performance.

“Remember why you wanted to run in the first place. Don’t wave your arms and raise your voice. Don’t give an imitation of a bad speech-maker. Just be yourself. That’s why you were asked to run in the first place.”

Sound advice.

Whether you're presenting to your group of peers, speaking at a conference or delivering a webinar or podcast, you want to tap into your authentic voice because that’s what resonates with your listeners. 

I’ve watched so many speakers adopt a false speaking style based on someone they saw - maybe a Tony Robbins type speaker or any speaker who inspired them. The problem is, if you are adopting a persona, it won’t ring true for your audience. And it’s uncomfortable to watch.

What you want to do instead, is to develop your own Authentic Speaking Style based on who you really are. Not an imitation of someone you think you should be.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t observe excellent speakers and adopt some of their techniques or ways of engaging audiences. In fact, I encourage you to study the best of the best. Where you draw the line is imitating a style which doesn’t suit you. And like any good suit, it has to fit properly to allow you to be comfortable and project confidence and honesty. Also, if you're really being yourself, no one can copy you. 

When you are speaking from your truth, your confidence and integrity shine through and the audience gets the feeling that the presenter is comfortable in their own skin and is honestly conveying the essence of who he or she is. Your audience senses this and likes you for it. It’s all about how you come through your message.        

Here are few ideas to help you access your Authentic Speaking Style:

1. Speak about what you know.

2. Know your material inside out.

3. Think of having a conversation with your audience rather than giving a performance.  Practice by speaking as you  normally do.

4. Work on your physical delivery style, making adjustments to suit different venues while maintaining the essence of you.

And then add one more ingredient: Remember why you got into your business in the first place.

In other words, develop your Authentic Speaking Style and tap into your passion for your business and how you can help those you serve. That’s where your real strength lies.

Copyright © 2017 by Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

Do C-Suite executives really get nervous giving presentations?

The answer is a resounding Yes! 

You may be thinking how could that be?

How can successful people who have reached significant milestones in their professional careers, get nervous giving presentations? After all, they must be experienced and confident to have achieved their current status.  It doesn't seem plausible.

Surprisingly, or not surprising to me because I encounter this frequently, many of these talented, smart individuals experience a lot of nervous when it comes to public speaking.  

There are different reasons for it depending on the individual. Here are a few I encounter in my speech coaching practice:

1.      Expanded communication role                                                                 

Does this sound familiar?

Maybe you came into a company with a particular expertise. In finance, for example, or engineering, IT or other.  Because of your expertise, you were promoted.  Now you find yourself in a much broader communication role, and you just don't have the skills or experience to perform in unfamiliar and often rigorous settings.

These settings can range from delivering keynotes, moderating panels, boardroom or stockholder meetings of a dozen people or audiences of a thousand people. Whatever the venue, you find the current approach for delivering presentations that has worked so well for you in the past, doesn't meet your current requirements.

And often no one will tell you! After all, no one wants to be the one to tell the head honcho they're not so good at this.

The second reason I encounter is…

2.      Increased exposure to great speaking

This may sound counter-intuitive, but the increased exposure to high-quality speakers can be intimidating.   The fact that we have the ability, at our fingertips, to watch and learn from the best online is remarkable and a definite advantage.

However, while we're now able to view thousands of TED  talks, watch replays of conference presentations from business leaders like Steve Jobs, Sheryl Sandberg, Simon Sinek and other professional speakers, there's a downside.  People can become overwhelmed and discouraged realizing their skills pale in comparison.  

Studying someone online isn't the same as doing it yourself and frustration can set in when you don't understand how to get those results for yourself.

And the third most common reason is...

3.      They learned by doing

Believe it or not, this is the biggest reason I encounter.

Because people have learned by trial and error, there are often gaps in their approach or, missing pieces in their technique.

Many of my clients learned how to communicate in various settings because they had to. They were thrown into situations without training or coaching (or minimal at best) and developed a style and approach along the way that “gets them by”.

Again, it worked up until now, but no longer.

In a recent coaching session, I asked a successful client who always experienced tremendous nervousness, "Why did it take you so long to reach out for support?” His answer was,  "I didn't want to go through a lengthy overhaul and the process of failing and succeeding to become a good speaker at this stage in the game."

I understood his concerns.

But the reality was that as a senior level person in a financial institution for many years he was already pretty good at this!  Yes, there were a few missing pieces in his process of which he was unaware, and once those dots were connected and resolved, I knew he would regain his confidence - quickly.

I have a few thoughts to share with you to make this easier...

1.      Encourage honest feedback

Surround yourself with competent people whose opinions you value and give them permission to be honest with you. It's in your best interest.

You want to be selective of course and choose feedback givers wisely. If you have a person in your circle whom you respect in this area and is an experienced communicator themselves, ask for a private evaluation of how you did.

They must be experienced however if you want them to offer solutions.

Secondly,

2.      Go easy on yourself

As you study presenters and programs online, remember that many of the speakers you watch are trained, rehearsed and in some cases, professional speakers.  In other words, they speak publicly for a living.

In the case of TED talks, as you watch compelling messages delivered in an intimate conversational style be aware the presenters must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the quality and spirit these talks embody.  Scripting begins months in advance of the event and by the time the speaker presents their talk, they've been coached, rehearsed and given the talk in front of live audiences several times.       

As you evaluate the of risk, exposure and rigor of your own events, determine how much time you need to get up to speed. Give it the time it deserves for you to be successful.

And finally,

3.      Seek out professional help

I'm not talking about hiring a life coach or an executive coach. While there are significant benefits to both, I'm talking about hiring an executive speaking coach who has experience in the specific areas you want improvement.

It can make a tremendous difference and in a short period of time.

One of my clients is a dynamic female president of a company. When she started giving Keynote presentations at the annual conference, she realized she needed help. Presenting on a big stage the size of a football field both with and without a podium, required a level of public speaking expertise beyond her experience.

(By the way, anyone in this situation would be nervous!)

She understood her credibility was at stake and tackled the situation head on.  By seeking out the right kind of support for herself, her diligence paid off. 

She’s now able to speak eloquently, authentically and with confidence on large stages.

Keeping in mind your budget, location and whether you can meet in-person (in the beginning at least), you’ll be able to find the appropriate resource to satisfy your needs.

It's a new game. The stakes are high these days for everyone in most professions to communicate clearly, with confidence, authority, authenticity, and ease.  Make it one of your priorities, you'll be glad you did.

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Copyright © 2016 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

Today, most of us are renting and watching movies at home.  That’s why recently, I was pleasantly surprised to see a long line of about 60 people outside a small town local movie theater on a chilly Sunday afternoon.   And the thought occurred to me that what people are lining up to watch is . . . a story.  People will still stand in line to hear a great story!

The reason we tell stories is because storytelling is the currency of human contact.  Every day, people gather around their kitchen tables, their offices, on cell phones and share the large and small moments of their lives.  If it’s a compelling story or has a particular meaning in our life, we then share the story.

As I coach my clients to up their speaking game and enhance their presentations, one thing becomes very clear. A well-placed story can turn a flat presentation into a memorable one. People suddenly put down their devices, sit up and listen.

There are a few reasons why a well-placed story serves us well in a business setting.

First of all, they increase your memorability factor. Unfortunately, people forget 75 percent of what you tell them within 24 hours of a presentation.  But they will remember a well-crafted story example long after they leave.

Secondly, anecdotal pieces woven into your presentations enhance your delivery style. A formal or inhibited presenter will become animated and conversational as they retell a situation that happened to them.

And lastly and perhaps most important of all, you have an opportunity to reach people on an emotional level.  By reliving a situation that happened to you; describing what you heard, what you saw and what you did, you reach people on an emotional level.  That’s the sweet spot.

You always want to strive for creating a balance between data-driven information (statistics, factual evidence)  and anecdotal support (examples, personal stories, analogies)  to engage and convince your listeners to act upon what you’ve told them.

Although most of us don’t have academy award winning star -power at our disposal, we can, through our own carefully crafted stories, bring to life the circumstances of our lives and weave a narrative that keeps our audiences engaged and involved in our business presentations.  We have our own star power.

The question becomes how you can shape a story into an entertaining yet a meaningful anecdote and incorporate it into a business presentation.  If you’re just rambling on about something that happened to you, you’ll defeat the purpose. People will turn off, tune out and go back to checking their devices.

It all starts with a Solid Structure.

I offer several frameworks depending on the situation a presenter is dealing with. What works well for an Investor Pitch, for example, isn’t going to work for a Company Kickoff or Keynote event.

Here’s a tried and true classic structure for you to consider using in a pinch.  It’s been around as long as stories have and will serve to keep you on track.

Fairytale Structure

Once Upon a Time

Suddenly

Fortunately

Happily Ever After 

Good stories are built around conflicts. 

Everything is going along normally and the status quo is unexpectedly interrupted by a conflict.  Whether it’s a team effort to meet a deadline which dramatically gets bumped up early, and everyone has to go to great lengths to get ‘er done, or you’re conducting an offsite training program when suddenly the hotel fire alarm sounds and everyone has to clear out, there is a clear conflict that keeps your listeners wanting to know how you overcame the obstacle.

Once you share with your listeners the heroic, dramatic or perhaps humorous steps you took to overcome the conflict, you always want to let to them know how it turned out.  Following this simple four-part structure will take out the guesswork and bring your story to life.

One last critical tip. The story has to be relevant and support a point you're making.

                        Make a point

                        Support it with a story

                        Repeat the point

I like it because it’s easy to remember, to construct and easy for your listeners to follow.

Try it and let me know how it turns out!

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Copyright © 2016 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

I just witnessed an unfortunate situation during a presentation. A client asked me to sit in on a meeting to learn more about what they were trying to accomplish and understand how I might be able to support their efforts. 

The CEO of the company was speaking to a group of people outside the company.

When he came up to the front of the room, he had a very serious look on his face.  A colleague of his leaned over to me and said..”Uh oh. He’s ticked off.”   It was obvious something was wrong but as an audience member, I had no idea what it was about other than he looked angry. It was unsettling. 

The CEO continued his remarks and never lightened up on his tone. Do you think the audience focused on his message or his tone? 

Occasionally unexpected interactions or disruptions can cause all of us to become frazzled or thrown off our game before a speech or presentation. It could be a late plane, an emergency call from home or work about a problem you can do nothing about or as in this case, an unpleasant business interaction.

Whatever it was, he needed to shake it off before going up there because the vibe he was projecting was incongruent with his message.

The most compelling example of managing difficult emotions before a presentation happened a while ago yet still stays with me as a reminder today.

A speaker I know was scheduled to give a seminar on sales strategies a couple of days after the horrific events of 9/11. He did a wonderful job, according to everyone who attended. Nobody knew that his brother, a New York City firefighter, was counted among the missing in the fallen World Trade Center. Quite obviously he was upset about this, not knowing whether his brother would be found alive or dead, so I later asked him, how he was able to go on with the event under such devastating personal circumstances.

What he said to me was this: “When I fly somewhere, I don’t want to know whether the pilot’s having a bad day. His job is to get me there safely, and that’s all I care about. The same is true of me. I’m being paid to show up and help people do what they need to do better, and sharing my problems won’t help them do that.”

I was very moved by what he said. 

Hopefully, most of us won’t have to contend with this dire a situation.  Here’s a suggestion if you find yourself in a sticky situation that gets you ticked off or upset, go where you can be quiet for a few moments, take a deep breath and redirect your attention onto your audience.

When the presentation is over, you may find there's a positive result of refocusing your attention as well:  a calmer response to the original situation.

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Copyright © 2016 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved 

If you’re watching the debates during this election season, you are seeing candidates speaking from behind the podium.  In terms of their delivery and messaging some are good, some not so good.  

From a delivery standpoint, styles range from stiff and wooden to easy and conversational.  A lot of success comes from being prepared (really prepared) and then being equally comfortable on the stage. 

The problem with a podium is that it creates a barrier between you and your audience so you have to work harder physically to access your energy and natural style. 

This month a couple of speakers I’m coaching for events are required  to use a podium due to the nature of their talks and venue. Although it’s preferable not to use one, there are times when you may have to as well. 

If you ever find yourself in a situation in which you will be presenting from one, here’s a quick tip to keep in mind:

Stand one foot back from it most of the time.

This will give you enough room to gesture as you normally do.  And yes, it’s okay to occasionally rest your hands lightly on the podium. 

Keep it conversational and remember it’s intended to support your notes, not you!

Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of coaching a speaker for a TEDx presentation.

I now often hear people referring to TED talks when I work with people in companies. It’s become a common reference point for the overall quality of a presentation.  While the aspirational goal of delivering a great talk is positive, it’s important to remember a few things.

Most business presentations are not designed the same way. TED presenters must adhere to a strict time frame, weave a complex and beautifully crafted narrative while driving one idea home that will ‘change the world’.                                                      

However, there are a few key principles you can adapt and give a TED-like talk, upping your own presentation game.

1. Craft a clear and concise message.

Ted talks are based on one idea that will impact or make a difference in the world. You are either seeking to change perceptions; getting people to think differently about something or, you’re moving people take an action.

Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are” is a perfect example. Her original research into how you can change other people’s perceptions of you and how you feel about yourself through posture has convinced millions of people to strike the infamous “Power Pose”.

In Monica Lewinsky’s courageous talk titled, “The Price of Shame” she seeks to put an end to cyberbullying while reclaiming her personal narrative.

The premise of your talk is the concept or idea that the whole talk hangs on. If you don’t know what it is, you can’t be very convincing.  In day-to-day business presentations, many presenters flounder because they aren’t clear about what they’re trying to accomplish from the start.

Everything you include in your presentation flows from your one clear Premise or Objective.  If it doesn’t support your overall objective, eliminate it.

2. Cultivate a natural, conversational delivery style.

Due to the TED and TEDx talks garnering over a billion views and still going, we’re all getting used to a natural, easy delivery style.  The most captivating presenters are speaking with their audiences as though they are having a conversation with good friends.

However, there’s a caveat.

These presenters are rehearsed.  A lot... over a substantial period of time. To ensure the high quality we’ve come to associate with TED, professional speaking coaches often work with presenters so when they hit the stage, although they might be nervous, they’ve had ample time in front of discerning listeners.

Ted talks are often memorized.  Business presentations usually are not and don’t need to be memorized.  However, I strongly suggest knowing your opening, close and transitions. The first 30 seconds are critical in any talk.

As a strong advocate for rehearsal with my clients, I realize everyone is extremely busy and realistically may not have a lot of discretionary time on hand.  In that case, you wouldn’t give that TED talk. It requires commitment and time.

But if you’re heading into an important company presentation or delivering your expertise at a conference, rehearsal is a key to how comfortable you’re going to feel leading up to and on the day of the event.

It’s hard to be natural when you’re still thinking about what comes next.

My rule of thumb is to rehearse as much as you need to feel natural.  No one has to know but you.

3. Stories, stories, stories. Become a good storyteller.

Ted talks include a combination of anecdotal and data-driven support for your main ideas, which satisfies both right and left-brain processing. 

We make decisions with both our head and heart.  Stories tap into our heart and provide the powerful emotional element.

Business presentations need to do the same thing. While you might not be able to take people on a long narrative journey, you can benefit from one good well-placed story within your talk.

The more opportunities you create for yourself to test these principals in various speaking situations, the more proficient you will become. You will see the difference not only in how your audience responds to you and your ideas, but in your own enjoyment of the whole experience. 

Copyright © 2015 by Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

In a recent summer coaching session, I was helping a senior level person prepare for a series of company road show presentations.  Our initial intention was to enhance his overall delivery style. However, as he stumbled through the presentation, he realized that the overall communication strategy and scripting wasn’t clear. 

I shared a common refrain with him which harkens back to my theatrical background; “If it ain’t on the page it ain’t on the stage."  The theatrical adage refers to script writing in theater and film.  It means that whatever is on the stage is driven by a good script.  You can have a brilliant cast of talented actors but if it isn’t in the writing, it still doesn’t make an impact with the audience.

 The same is true for a presentation. You must have a well thought out strategy for developing your content in order to prevail.

 There are different degrees of scripting and approaches for different types of presentations based on your preferences. For example, some speakers like to write everything out and memorize the content. A TED Talk or Keynote are examples of types of presentations where that’s advisable. And you still might choose to leave breathing room for spontaneous remarks.

On the other hand, if you’re giving a presentation within your company, it’s not necessary to write out a talk word for word and memorize it. One of my clients uses an outline. Another simple notes with trigger words. However, you do want to know your opening (cold), know your close as well as your transitions.

Whatever method you choose, you want to have a thoughtful, logical approach to crafting your message; one that allows you to come across naturally and maintain your audience connection.  The biggest mistake you can make is to wing it.  While you may hit the mark here and there, more often you’ll miss it. A little scripting goes a long way.

I pointed out to my client  that once he resolved the messaging issues, we could move to strengthening his delivery style.  We tackled both and he was quite pleased with how much easier his communications flowed.

Whether you’re preparing for investor events, speaking at a conference or any important presentation for that matter, strive for crafting clear concise messages. You’ll not only help your audience understand and retain your ideas,  you’ll find it easier for audiences to engage with you. 

Copyright © 2015 by Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

“I’m an experienced business person; I’m not supposed to be nervous. There must be something wrong with me.” 

If you’ve said this to yourself, guess what - you are not alone! As a matter of fact, 90% of people I work with, including CEO’s, Presidents and VPs of companies tell me they feel nervous speaking in public at different times for different reasons.

 It’s a total myth that because you are a competent professional in your area of expertise, there’s something wrong with you if you get nervous before a presentation or speaking event.

 The question becomes is it a pesky yet manageable annoyance or does it interfere with your ability to speak and perform effectively?  Another question you might be asking yourself is - what can I do about it? 

A great place to begin is to identify your Nervousness Profile. Over the years, I discovered that people who get nervous speaking in front of groups fall into four general types categorized by when they start getting jittery. These profiles, explained in depth in “Speak without Fear”, came to light after working with thousands of people in my speaking programs as a speaking coach and also dealing with performance jitters myself as a professional actress.  As an actor, I struggled with bouts of performance anxiety. Although it didn’t interfere with getting jobs, it did interfere with my enjoyment of it. So I took a break from acting and went on a quest to learn how to manage the nerves associated with performance. Fortunately I overcame it and all that I discovered served me well both as an actress and again when public speaking became my new direction.

Later, when successful business professionals in my speaking programs who thought they weren’t supposed to be nervous and just “tough it out” displayed signs of the jitters, I encouraged them to explore the root cause of their fears and learn solid techniques to address them head on.  One of the pleasures of my business is the continuous feedback I receive from people who are breaking through fears and experiencing new found speaking confidence.

What’s Your Nervous Profile?

Here are the four types at a glance:

#1. The Avoider.    (When: At the mere suggestion of a public speaking situation)

Avoiders experience the highest degree of anxiety at the prospect of public speaking because they will move heaven and earth to stay out of the spotlight, no matter how this may damage them personally or professionally.

#2.  The Anticipator     (When: From the moment the speaking event is scheduled)

Otherwise known as the “worrier,” the Anticipator takes the Boy Scout motto of “Be Prepared” to a whole new level.  Whether their skill level is high or low, they are consumed with every aspect of their upcoming speaking engagement or presentation; this extends right up to, during, and sometimes even after the event itself.

#3.  The Adrenalizer     (When: Just before the event)                      

Sometimes referred to as the Flight or Flight Syndrome, this manifestation means it’s not necessarily that something is wrong with you, although it sure might look and feel like it, but that adrenaline is seizing control of you.  Like an athlete, gearing up for a race it’s common to feel extra energy as you build momentum towards an event.                          

 #4.  The Improviser     (When: During the actual event)

Improvisers like to “wing it” They tend to think, “Comedians do it.. So can I.”  Well, I can assure you professional comedians try out all of their material ahead of time.  Improvising, or winging it, foments an anxiety that keeps building the more you improvise until, in some cases, your nervousness type shifts from the Improviser column to the Avoider column.

Remedies for all types vary.

For example, Improvisers generally need to place more focus on preparation and rehearsal (a little goes a long way!) whereas Anticipators tend to over prepare and benefit from stepping back and trusting they will do a good job when it’s time.

Adrenalizers need to pace themselves or risk overshooting the mark prior to the event. Avoiders can turn things around by first addressing the underlying cause of their discomfort and learning the basics. Then start small and gradually increase group sizes.

In any case, we have dispelled the myth that you are not supposed to be nervous. As in life, if you know where to place your attention, you can take charge of the situation and command the stage!

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Copyright © 2015 by Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

In every public speaking situation, one third of your audience will instantly be predisposed to liking you.  Another third may not have an instantly favorable reaction to you for reasons totally beyond your control, such as your coincidental resemblance to a disliked relative.  The last third will be on the fence and can be swayed either way.  By establishing rapport, clearly indicating where you will be taking everybody and the value of going there with you, you can push that neutral third over to your side quickly.  Once you’ve got 66 percent in your corner, there’s a good chance the others will follow!

Copyright © 2015 by Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

If you are determined to set yourself apart and be successful in today’s demanding market place, it is critical you are a powerful and engaging presenter.

As an Executive Speaking Coach, working with dozens of speakers and presenters a year helping them prepare for specific events, the speaking canvas is varied.  Scenarios range from a President of a company speaking to 1000 people at their annual conference on a huge Las Vegas stage; a talented speaker on a global tour of 12 different venues presenting the findings of his company’s innovative research; to a prominent publisher charged with the critical fund-raising task, speaking in intimate living room settings.

While all of these scenarios are different and require nuanced techniques, there are significant similarities that apply to all.

By following these five principles great speakers and presenters employ to command an audience, you will stand out whether speaking to an audience of 1 or 1000.

The best speakers:

1. Create Compelling, Concise Messages

The most powerful and persuasive communicators use three highly effective tools to create communication that is clear, concise and impactful. They define their objective, specifying the result they desire or the action they want taken as a consequence of what they’re communicating.

They limit their message to 3 or 4 big ideas, keeping it simple and straightforward.

And they create a well-organized structure that is easy and logical to follow: A clear beginning that either asks a question, poses a challenge or an anecdote all of which tees up the topic, a middle balanced between data-driven information and anecdotal support, and a clean ending that gives the audience a clear direction of what to do next.

2. Develop Authentic Delivery Styles

The most commanding and engaging speakers are authentic. That is, they are their natural selves with more energy, not an imitation of someone else they think they should be. This is important because people trust someone who comes across as genuine. If you do not adopt an authentic speaking style, you run the risk of your audience sensing you slipped on an artificial persona for the occasion and turning off to you.  (see  "Keepin it Real..." 1/18/15)

 3. Tell Stories

Great speakers understand that telling stories engage listeners on a visceral level and that people remember a well-told story related to a point they are making for a long time.

You will command your audience by making a point, supporting it with a well-crafted story or example, repeating the point and then sharing what you learned, discovered or changed as a result of the experience.  Sometimes, you have a good story but it doesn’t serve the message. In that case, you need to find one that supports the point you’re making.

It takes some effort but learning the basic principles of good storytelling sets you apart and is well worth it.

4. Build in Rehearsal Time

It’s Murphy’s law. Whatever can go wrong will and at the worst possible time!

We all make mistakes but if you can’t recover, you risk damaging your credibility. One precaution you can take is to build in rehearsal time. Whether you are giving a speech or presentation, rehearse it out loud. Everything sounds great when you go over it silently in your head. It’s only when you speak the words out loud you realize your ideas are unclear and you need to replace distracting ums, er’s and more recently so’s with transitions or change it up for a better flow.

Even experienced presenters encounter technology problems. They take extra care to check all equipment, ahead of time.  I always encourage my coaching clients to schedule a rehearsal on the actual stage or in the room where the event is being held.

5. Embody a Spirit of Partnership

Great presenters adopt an attitude that communicates with their listeners, “I am here as a trusted resource you can rely on for the long haul.” Too often, presenters want to either dominate or push a product or idea in the short term for their own interests.

Remember, it’s not really about you. By telegraphing through words and demeanor, “I am here to serve you”; your clients will be saying to themselves, “This is someone I want to do business with.”

By applying and mastering these five key principles, you will command your audiences, connect with your listeners and set yourself apart from the pack by giving stand out presentations every time you speak.

Copyright © 2015 by Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

Forgetting a line or slipping up in a presentation isn’t the end of the world. As a matter of fact, it can be an opportunity to inject spontaneity and even some humor into your talk.  When you’re working from prepared remarks, your ad libs will be better.  And by keeping your response light hearted, you’ll endear yourself to your audiences. 

Stay calm. Don’t panic. Respond (or not)  and just pick up where you left off.  Remember this: If you don’t make a big deal out of it, no one else will either.

Copyright © 2015 by Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved

I just spoke with a potential customer who sought me out for help working with his company.  There was a significant eye-opener which came to light in our conversation, a principal I’ve been touting these days which affects our way of doing and engaging business in our fast changing world.

As I give you an inside peek into a candid conversation, I would like you to consider why you need to be the best possible presenter you can be in today’s marketplace.

The first part of the conversation addressed his company’s speaking requirements and went something like this:                              

Ivy: “So, you are in the business of connecting people on line and strengthening those relationships?”

Customer:  “Exactly.”

Ivy: “And I see by your website and press releases that your innovative approach is making a huge impact in the marketplace – and in a such short time!”

Customer: “Yes we are. What we do is connect people on line in a unique way and are one of the fastest growing businesses in this area.”  (I knew they were and he wasn’t exaggerating)

Ivy: “You stated earlier that you are interested in my helping your employees become better presenters.  Since your business is on line, can you tell me why this is so important?

Customer:  “Because although our entire business is on line, the way we get our business is face to face. We are constantly selling and presenting in person and our team is terrible! Great on line, but terrible in person and that’s where it counts!

And you know what, in my work as an executive speaking coach, I hear a lot of that lately. 

At an event for the financial services industry in NYC where I was the keynote speaker, there was no question that presenting face to face was on their minds.

Today, in all businesses, people who are unfamiliar with this terrain are being invited to speak at industry events, participate on panels, deliver keynote presentations at conferences and on and on.  It may be part of an overall strategy for branding yourself or positioning yourself as an expert or thought leader in your industry.

My thought for those of you in this competitive, fast paced world, is to take this aspect of your professional development seriously. Make sure that you are the best possible presenter or speaker you can be in your area of expertise. The landscape of how we sell, buy and live is changing at breakneck speed. But the power of people sharing a human experience in person, still matters.  Don’t wait until you are thrust into the limelight and risk losing an opportunity or find yourself unable to make the most of it.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself.

• Are you ready to step up should the occasion arise? 

• Have you found your voice? 

• And are you prepared now to give powerful presentations no matter what the setting?   

 The most successful presenters continually hone their speaking skills and they also seek out opportunities to speak often.  Assess your skills. To improve, work with someone in your company who is a strong speaker or consider hiring a professional speaking coach.  Strengthen yourself so when the time comes for you to take center stage, you will come face to face with your audiences and seize the moment!                          

Copyright © 2015 by Ivy Naistadt ‑ All rights reserved

Speed Kills!

One of the most common mistakes people make when communicating in public, particularly if they are nervous, is speaking too fast.  

In a recent Advanced ‘Join The Ivy League’ Coaching Program, there was a reserved elegant gentleman who was having a tough time.  To my surprise, every time he got up to speak, he spoke too quickly. Although he was very skilled at tailoring a concise message for his audience, his speedy delivery undermined all his good preparation. The clarity of his message was lost.

Unfortunately, what happens when you speak too quickly is you diminish your credibility. You look and sound like you want to get through it and get out of there as quickly as possible, which is not the best way to win over your audience.  Conversely, if you speak too slowly or pause too much, you risk coming across as stilted or even patronizing. 

There are a couple of possibilities as to what’s driving your speed.  Perhaps you’re nervous because you have a fear of being judged negatively and let’s face it, in many business presentations you are being judged! 

Or you may be an Adrenalizor (one of four profiles in chapter 2, “What’s Your Nervousness Profile?” from Speak Without Fear). The Adrenalizor is like an athlete gearing up for a race who feels a rush of adrenaline close to the event, and the symptoms can be difficult to manage. Or, maybe you just speak quickly. 

In any case, here are a few strategies to help you slow it down and still come across naturally.

1. Get off to a great start

Know your opening remarks inside out.

I know people who say “But Ivy I like to sound spontaneous. I like to wing it so I come across naturally.”  Not a good idea!  Remember, you are most nervous in the beginning of your talk. If you don’t know exactly what you are going to say in the first 3 - 5 minutes, you will be searching for words, adding more pressure to your situation.

I can’t stress this enough... Know your opening cold!  If you get off to a good start, chances are everything else will go smoothly.     

2. Understand what’s going on from your audience’s perspective

Your audiences have a tough time processing a lot of information.  It’s important to remember that although you may have communicated this message before, they are hearing it for the first time. Your goal should be to make a meaningful communication with your audience. 

Once you know what you are going to say, practice saying the opening part of your talk out loud making changes until it feels natural. Imagine you are talking to one person at a time, communicating for understanding and you will automatically slow down.

3. Speak your talk out loud

Here’s an exercise you can try when you practice to help you slow down:  Every time you come to the end of a sentence, pause and silently count 1, 2 then speak.  

This may sound mechanical and I agree it is. But the purpose of this exercise is to develop a habit and awareness before you get in front of an audience.  It’s not about slowing down within your sentences. In fact, you want to maintain an energized (but not too speedy)  pace. The natural pauses help the audience digest your message. 

Then when the moment arrives, forget the mechanics, concentrate on your presentation and being in the present moment engaging with your listeners. You will be pleased to see you have naturally retained much of what you practiced

4. Tape record yourself 

In addition, if you are delivering a webinar, podcast or any type of audio presentation, your voice is all  your listeners hear. They don’t have the advantage of seeing you. It’s critical to check your pace and know how you sound. 

To achieve your right pace, you must first get used to hearing your voice. Initially this may seem like a ridiculous statement (“Of course I know the sound my voice! I’ve been living with it for years!”), but the fact is we have a very different perception of how we sound, of how quickly or slowly we speak.

Here’s what you can do to get over the hump and find your own pace. Get out your voice recorder and recite your talk into it. Or record an actual live presentation in real time. Then play back the audio and listen - really listen. Familiarize yourself with your natural pace and note when you tend to speed up. Then repeat the exercise, do it again,  making adjustments accordingly until the voice you hear back is the voice you had always thought you heard; the one whose pace and overall personality is most naturally you.        

Copyright 2015 by Ivy Naistadt. All rights reserved. 

Fear of the Unknown

In public speaking situations, fear of the unknown translates to fear of losing control. In order to feel safe, we feel we must control every variable - human, environmental, technical. And yet, as life, this just isn't realistic. Controlling everything that's around the corner simply isn't possible.

As featured on  Notable Quotes II.com

– Reprinted from “Speak Without Fear” HarperCollins

Copyright © 2007 Ivy Naistadt - All rights reserved