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Public Speaking Indiana

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Join this group to learn about "speaker wanted" event information, request a speaker for an event, share marketing tips for speakers, and develop your speaker tools.

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Latest Activity: Mar 11

See Yourself as You Want Others to See You

See Yourself as You Want Others to See You

Earlier this week, one of my public speaking clients mentioned to me that she would like to work on her “presence” before the audience as well as her actual presentation. I probed a bit deeper, asking her to describe exactly what it was she wanted to project; how was it that she wanted others to see her? She took a few minutes to ponder my question and then said, “I want to project quiet confidence when I’m delivering my speech or sales pitch.”

I decided to stimulate my client’s thought process a bit as far as precisely what the term “quiet confidence” meant to her. Specifically, I asked my client to tell me who she thought most exemplified quiet confidence. She mulled this over and responded, “Michelle Obama.” When prompted to describe Mrs. Obama’s brand of quiet confidence, my client said it had mainly to do with how the First Lady holds herself; she pointed to Mrs. Obama’s posture of squared shoulders, frequent and appropriate eye contact, and slight, unforced smile as hallmarks of a confident woman.

Now that my client had this mental “image” of quiet confidence, I invited her to join in a little role play with me in order to help her sense her own quiet confidence.
We began with the following foundation: my client was to remain “in character” regardless of what I asked her to do, and she had to completely embrace the notion of being an expert vis-à-vis the role she was about to enter.

When I felt my client had repeated the “I am expert” mantra enough to own it, I told her this, “You are the expert on toast and I want you to talk to me about toast.” “Make me believe 100% that you not only are THE consummate expert on toast, but that you deserve this honor.”

Sound a little funny? Well, admittedly, this type of exercise can be humorous. But, it is also invaluable – perhaps even indispensible – in developing top-notch public speaking skills.

You see, oftentimes focusing on what you are saying, how you are saying it and how you appear while saying it can create intense stress. And, because you’re trying so hard to remember your content – the heart of your presentation – you may lose poise and confidence and leave the impression with your audience that you are anything but “expert.” Replacing your real content with something very simple, routine and familiar can actually help you avoid overthinking, which allows you to spend more time developing your style, your “presence.” This tactic is most helpful in the early stages of putting together your speech. As you feel your confidence take root, you can begin to switch to your actual content. The caveat, remember to repeat the following mantra: “I am the expert, I am the expert, I am the expert.”

Ultimately, your goal should be to possess and project whatever image it is that you wish to impart to your audience, be it quiet confidence or something else. You should see yourself as you want others to see you – as the source, the expert in your field or on your subject matter.

I am proud to say that my client did a great job with our little exercise on developing quiet confidence. Of course, it will take more than this one exercise to become the full image and master the presentation, but she’s on her way. Do you need help developing your own “presence” or public speaking style? Contact me today and schedule a consultation.

Discussion Forum

Is the medium really the message? 1 Reply

Started by Jean Palmer Heck. Last reply by Ellen Dunnigan Mar 1, 2010.

What is Your Pre-Speech Routine? 8 Replies

Started by Ellen Dunnigan. Last reply by Doug Vann Oct 6, 2009.

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Comment by Ladi Terry on February 3, 2013 at 8:36pm: Explore the connection between environment and performance; discover its impact on creativity and innovation. Using vignettes of stifled creativity and your own personal story, experience the power of Rewind and Replay to transform real life challenges. Visit http://bit.ly/127ruq2 for more information; http://bit.ly/XIlGMd to register.

Comment by Ladi Terry on January 29, 2013 at 9:48pm: I just joined and wanted to invite you to Embrace Possibility … Spark Innovation through my new "Creativity Workshops for Professionals" series at Ivy Tech Bloomington.

Discover how your own style of creativity and thinking preference can help solve challenges in business and make you a more effective and successful professional.

A new series titled “Creativity Workshops for Professionals” is being offered as part of Ivy Tech’s Corporate College arm. Classes begin Feb. 5th and run through May 2013. Workshops are $44 each.

February workshops include “The Right Environment for Creativity” and “Commit to Profitability and Success.” March workshops include “Create and Engaged Organization” and “Expand Thinking, Improve Performance” and April workshops include “Transform Polarization into Collaboration,” Master Your Problem Solving Toolbox and “Drive Change by Integrating Creative Thinking.”

Visit http://bit.ly/XIlGMd to register. http://bit.ly/127ruq2 for more information.

Classes meet at Liberty Crossing, 2088 S. Liberty Drive, Room M114, Bloomington, IN 47403

share about my passion for creativity and innovation7 workshops

Comment by Raymond Modglin on April 10, 2012 at 11:40am: Hello and Welcome,

I am a new member to the group and looking forward to gaining valuable insight, knowledge and education. Thanks in advance

Comment by Ellen Dunnigan on March 6, 2012 at 10:18am: Thanks, Jeff. Glad to pass along this request. Always glad to have speaker requests!

Comment by Jeff Emsweller on March 2, 2012 at 11:32am: I am accepting RFPs for a Women in Business Conference July 20, 2012 in Greensburg, IN. Email for info/consideration to: execdirector@greensburgchamber.com

Comment by Angela Phebus on August 15, 2011 at 4:48pm: I am scheduling sales, marketing or networking experts to speak at the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber Marketing Mixer (held monthly). A quick drive from Indy and a great opportunity to speak in front of enthused and engaged business owners and entrepreneurs. Send me a message for more info.

Comment by E. Jake Gamble on January 27, 2011 at 3:56pm: Don't miss this Indianapolis, IN. Workshop! February 10, 2011. Register today! http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1227063179

Comment by Gareth Evans on October 18, 2010 at 11:33am: Are you turning red and hyperventilating about your next presentation? We have a course on October 28th at 3pm. We’ll show you the tricks of the trade, teach you how to use your nervous energy for the good, and how to be an energetic speaker with impact! Call today 317-218-5114 or visit our website at www.AccentOnBusiness.net.

Comment by Ellen Dunnigan on September 16, 2010 at 4:08pm: thanks Erik!

Comment by Erik Deckers on September 16, 2010 at 3:34pm: I've got a couple tips:

1) I do Google searches for "Indianapolis conference 2010" or "Cincinnati conference 2011" (no quotes), and see who is planning on a conference in that city. If I can tie my topics into their conference, I submit a proposal.

2) I also look for the national associations where my topics on social media and personal branding will be a good fit, and submit there. However, it's harder to do national conferences that are out of state without a speaker's fee or travel. So I have a friend who is starting to book those for me.

Erik