Welcome Message
The holiday season is upon us, and you know what that means - New Years resolutions! As we start setting up our plans, goals and dreams for 2009, I'd like to suggest that you add one thing to your list: Speak more! Embrace opportunities to make presentations at work, at school, or to a volunteer organization. Say "yes!" when someone asks you to speak, and watch your reputation, your career, and your confidence soar. Take a public speaking course or join a local Toastmasters group for more opportunities to practice, get great feedback, and meet wonderful people along the way. Let 2009 be your year to shine!
With that, dear readers, I wish you all the best for a fulfilling and joyous holiday season and New Year. Laugh out loud, reconnect with friends and family, eat well, stay active, and speak your heart out!
Feel free to email me if you have any comments or feedback on this newsletter. I'd love to hear from you. |
News & Events
This month, Suzannah has been working on marketing writing projects for clients that include:

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Suzannah and Shelle Rose Charvet, CSP and President of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS), at the annual CAPS National Convention
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Cool Quote
"I was sitting there hoping they wouldn't call my name - because the idea of having to give a speech in front of everyone in the world is terrifying."
- Reese Witherspoon, on her anxiety before winning the Oscar for Best Actress for "Walk the Line" in 2006
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FEATURED SPEAKER - JANE GOODALL
Jane Goodall is perhaps best known as being the world's foremost authority on chimpanzees. And from this video, we can plainly see that she is a passionate, articulate, and persuasive speaker, who can capture an audience's attention from the moment she says her first word.
Let's look at what makes Jane's presentation so fabulous, shall we?
Introduction: - Jane warms up her audience by telling an amusing story in very vivid, descriptive language. She explains why her speech fits into the theme of the conference, then wraps up the intro with an actual chimpanzee mating call (you MUST check it out - around 3:30 in the video).
- She bypasses the typical "this is what I'm going to talk to you about" introduction by delivering the presentation in a conversational way. This is a unique skill that she pulls off very well.
Middle: - Jane shares some facts about new technology in working with chimps, and entertains with fascinating stories. - At 11:00 min., once she's got the audience in the palm of her hand with her warm and fuzzy stories, her tone turns serious. Powerful calls-to-action start to emerge. At around 14:30, she speeds up her speaking pace to dramatically emphasize her point. - At 19:00 min., she introduces another key item - one which, it seems, she was building up during the whole speech - her organization, Roots & Shoots. Her inspirational messages move the calls-to-action beyond simply "pick up my brochures."
Conclusion: - She ends on a positive note with some powerful calls-to-action on how we can change the world. - She goes over time (usually a big no-no), but I imagine that it's quite difficult to say "stop" to Jane Goodall. Watch this video, and you'll understand why.
Final notes:
- Throughout the presentation, Jane's got what I call the "smile in the eyes." Very open and engaged, even when speaking about serious issues. The mark of a truly experienced speaker.
- Jane does not move from behind her podium, proving that you do not always have to "work the stage" to get, and keep, your audience's undivided attention. She knows what speaking style works for her, and sticks to it.
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SUZANNAH JOINS CAPS AND IFFPS
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HAVE A QUESTION?
Do you have a question about public speaking, or about how to prepare for an upcoming presentation? Send me your question, and I'll answer it in a future issue of the Ideal Communicator. Email me your questions today! |
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
"Your class was highly rewarding for me. It definitely will be a reference point any time I stand before an audience to make a presentation. I have learned so much watching others present and also from the constructive criticism from you and the class." - Akinbode Adedeji, PhD Bioresource Engineering, McGill University
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ABOUT US
We give you the tools to communicate clearly, concisely and powerfully via public speaking training, presentation coaching and marketing writing services. Find out more...
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