|
Welcome Message
This month I'm taking on one of my biggest evaluation challenges yet - the larger-than-life Tony Robbins! I've been a fan of Tony's ever since I read his book Awaken the Giant Within back in the early 90's, at the tender young age of...well...younger than I am today. Let's just say it was back in the days when he used to be known as "Anthony." It was the first self-help book I ever read, I absolutely loved it, and as a result, I tend to have a bit of a soft spot for his teachings. I have always admired his energy, his presence, and his total command of the stage. So let's see how this TED speech measures up!
In other fun newsletter features, my favorite question to date has finally come across my desk -- if you're a nervous speaker, will it make you feel better to picture your audience naked? See, there ARE always ways to make public speaking sexier!
Finally, you'll see a reminder to check out past newsletter issues to see if there's anything you missed. And please come see me present the "Easy Steps to Public Speaking Excellence" workshop at the Toastmasters District 61 Conference, Nov. 13-15 in Bromont, QC. It's a great learning opportunity for a relatively small price.
As always, I'd love to hear what you think of the newsletter, so feel free to email me! |
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
"EASY STEPS TO PUBLIC SPEAKING EXCELLENCE"
November 13-15, 2009 (I'll be speaking on Nov. 15 at 11:45am)
|
"The presentation content was very valuable, and was given in a very clear, professional, and entertaining way. The evaluations were all extremely positive - many of the attendees felt empowered to put your public speaking process, tips and techniques into immediate action."
- Tracey Greenberg, Employability Trainer, Agence Ometz
|
Calling all Smart People!
 Enjoy an informal, eclectic weekend gathering of tech and non-tech people sharing cool information. The format is participatory: if you attend, you have to present. A guaranteed good time, and you'll probably learn something too! I hope to attend this great event, on October 30-November 1. Find out more. |
|
FREE 30-minute consultation!
Contact me for details on a no-charge, no-committment public speaking consultation!
|
|
Cool Quote
"I never get rejection, just people who don't appreciate quality."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HE IGNITES, HE INSPIRES, HE TEASES AL GORE
 Let's be clear right from the start. I really like Tony Robbins. I like his speaking style, the way he owns the stage, the way he presents everything he talks about with undeniable enthusiasm. For a man who can fill stadiums and get his audiences on their feet cheering, laughing, and hugging complete strangers, it seems pretty obvious that his speaking technique is established, tested, and perfected. So what's left to say about him?
If you have ever been in one of my audiences when I taught a public speaking course or workshop, you would have heard me suggest that one way to really improve as a speaker is to watch the great speakers in action and then analyze WHAT makes them so great. For example: How do they deliver their presentation? How do they connect with the audience? How does their body move? How do they use their voice? How do they effectively use humour? Then, take these techniques and try to integrate it into your presentations, but ONLY if it fits within your speaking style and feels comfortable to you.
So with that in mind, let's point out some of the core strengths that Tony exhibits in this 22-minute video:
- He's the "good kind" of fast talker. Fast talking can cause problems for some speakers in that they speak so fast that an audience can't follow them. It can also be a sign that the speaker is nervous. When you watch Tony speak at such a quick pace, however, I can't help but notice that the audience is at the edge of their seats, following his every word. He manages the fine line between a fast talker who is enthusiastic about the topic - and as a result, his audience is enthusiastic about the topic - and a fast talker who's just nervous.
- He's conversational. It seems like he's just having a conversation with his audience, doesn't it? It's as if you can be sitting across a table, chatting with him one-on-one about this topic. And yet, he's having this conversation with a few hundred people, getting his point across and in full control of the conversation.
- He has fun with audience. Well, couldn't we all have fun if Al Gore was sitting in the front row of our presentation! (be sure to check out this funny moment at 5:15 in the video). Tony actually jumps off the stage and into the audience to give Gore a high-five.
- He's got a defined speech structure: Let's not forget that behind all the bells and whistles of every speech lies a very solid speech structure. From the very beginning until minute 2:30, he delineates very clearly the purpose of his speech, what he's going to talk about, and what he hopes his audience will get out of it. Then he talks about it -- using theories, examples, personal stories, and other people's stories. His conclusion (starting at around 18:10) is exceptionally effective. He begins with a gripping, emotional story about giving a seminar the day after 9/11, then realizes that he's out of time and starts moving to leave the stage, at which point the audience literally begs him to complete the story.
Come on, did he do ANYTHING wrong?
It is certainly a challenge to suggest improvements to one of the most successful professional speakers of all time...but my work is not complete until I find something, right? Sure, he puts his hand in his pocket; but that works for him and his 'constantly-moving' style, so it didn't distract from his presentation. But the swearing? You never know who's watching, who sees you as the ultimate role model, or who might be offended. I prefer when professional speakers keep it clean.
Tony Robbins has a very unique style that works beautifully for him. It is certainly one to be watched and learned from.
And on a personal note: Tony Robbins came to speak in Montreal in 2006. I missed it, and have regretted it every since. Come back, Tony!
What did YOU think of his speech? Is there anything in particular that you liked that I didn't cover? Let me know!
|
|
WHERE WAS I LAST MONTH?
In the spirit of a Tony Robbins quote, borrowed by Eleanor Roosevelt, "Do one thing every day that scares you." I'm not a great fan of flying, but how can one refuse an opportunity to fly over the Grand Canyon in a helicopter? Fear, anxiety, sweaty palms -- but everything worked out and it was fabulous! Kind of reminds me of another activity that scares people...
|
|
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
 "I've been told that picturing the audience naked will help alleviate my nerves when I have to speak in public. Does that technique really work for some people?
- Ryan, Burlington VT
Dear Ryan,
I love this question! This is one of the great theories of public speaking, and is common advice given to new speakers as they are about to face their first public speaking challenge. You ask if this really works for some people, and I have to tell you...I don't know. If any of my readers find it helpful to picture their audience naked, I'd love to hear from you!
In my opinion, this is a complete and total myth. Speakers have enough to worry about with the content and delivery of their presentation, engaging with their audience, making sure the technology works, and making sure that their trembling hands aren't obvious. Now we have to make the extra effort to picture the audience naked too?? Of course, if we were speaking to a room of supermodels and Chippendale dancers, we would be excused for making the effort. Sadly, this is usually not the case. So regardless of how good [or bad] your audience might look naked, I would recommend that you turn your focus onto giving a great presentation.
Your presentation should be about informing, engaging, and persuading your audience. It's about THEM. It's not about the tricks you need to fool yourself to be less nervous. Remember, your audience is probably filled with people just like you -- a nice, friendly person who hopes to get something valuable and worthwhile from the presentation. With practice and preparation, you'll be able to face your [fully-clothed] audience with confidence!
"Ready to show us the financial projections?
Let's be transparent and lay it all out on the table."
|
|
|
|
|
