Banner
 Services   |   Workshops   |   Resources   |   Success Stories   |   About Us   |   Speaking Tips Blog
Communication Matters Newsletter
Greetings!
Mr. Canon says

 

As Canon camera part of our two-day intensive speaking skills workshop (Powerful, Persuasive Speaking), all of the participants' speaking efforts (usually five) are captured on video.  At the end of Day One, they are asked to view their videos and make certain observations about their (own) speaking:

  • What did you do well?
  • What surprised you?
  • What didn't you like?
  • What would you like to improve?

The responses are telling:

  • I had no idea I don't smile
  • I NEVER stop moving
  • Wow - I look fat! (the camera adds ten pounds!!)
  • I looked 'doubtful'
  • I'm shocked to see how little I look at my audience.

Many students are seeing for the first time what audiences ALWAYS see.  Most - if not all - do not enjoy the experience.  The video - captured by what we affectionately call, "Mr. Canon" - is VERY motivational.  And a critical component for improvement.

While we've always made the effort to use video in our instruction, it used to be merely provided, and optional to view.  We discovered less than half the participants ever bothered to go back and watch the video!  Many said, "Are you crazy?  I have no desire to see myself.  I was terrible that day."  And they missed out on the most important aspect of changing such habits - the ability to see what truly happened.  It's now required - and one of the most powerful aspects of the workshop.

But it's not just for people learning the skills.  It is an incredible refresher.  Last week I had a speaking engagement at one of my clients - a repeat engagement in fact.  The easy course of action is to repeat exactly what I did before - after all, I was invited back! But as part of my preparation, I pulled out the recording (I voice recorderjust had audio, which is also quite telling, and easier to pull off since most cell phones can double as an audio recorder) from my previous engagement on that topic.  I did NOT like what I heard.  In particular, it took WAY too long to get to the core of the message, I wasn't pausing nearly enough when the audience laughed, and my voice inflections were FAR from compelling in emotional moments.  I lost some sleep and made some key changes.  I practiced my stories again and again.  I wasn't completely sure that I had nailed it (you cannot be sure on your own assessment.  You need to know what Mr. Canon, or the client, says).

The result?  When I finished, one audience member who has seen me a lot reported, "That was your best yet!"  While such acknowledgement is affirming and nice to receive, I know it can be better still.  Because...I recorded this effort as well (as I attempt to do for ALL my speaking engagements), and have a whole new set of action points for improvement.

For speakers aspiring to REALLY be great, reviewing recordings cannot be optional.  The ONLY way you can truly get the visceral and objective feedback you need to change behavior is to watch and listen to yourself speak.  We are terrible evaluators of ourselves.

Make a commitment to record - and listen to! -- your next speaking engagement.  Meeting, keynote, presentation, phone conversation - it doesn't matter.


Diamonds for MillsWyck Logo
On the Blog
 

It's more than what you say;

it's more than how you say it


Dilbert once again takes aim at corporate communicators, humorously making us realize that our impact is more than a show.

 

Delivery skills (such as the charismatic tone of a deep, confident voice!) are VITALLY important.  They create impressions (good or bad).  They make it easy (or hard) to listen and put emphasis on the important points.  They manage time and space and draw the audience to attention (or bore them to tears).

But a great voice alone isn't enough.  Read more.....

    

 


Diamonds for MillsWyck Logo
Speaking Workshop at NC State University

Join us at NC State for three days that combine our two most popular workshops: Powerful, Persuasive Speaking and Creating Powerful, Persuasive Presentation Content

Speaking the Language of Leadership:
How to Communicate with Power and Persuasion
May 7-9, 2013
McKimmon Conference & Training Center, NC State University, Raleigh, NC
May 2013
In this issue
Mr. Canon says
On the Blog
NC State Workshop
Upcoming presentations
Upcoming Workshops
Connect with us

Follow us on TwitterVisit our blogView our profile on LinkedIn
Like us on FacebookView our videos on YouTube

Upcoming Presentations

Colonial JobSeekers
May 6
Topic:  The Question(s): Answering Standard Networking Queries to Drive Connection

Join Alan as he talks to this group about important communication topics related to job seeking and effective networking. Everyone welcome.
See meeting details at jobseekers.colonial.org

NCPMI
May 20
Topic:  Championship Communication -- How to Win with Your Message 
For more details, visit

Step Up Ministry
May 25
Alan will be giving a Speaking with Confidence workshop to alumni of the Step Up program in Raleigh to train participants in the program's new Speakers Bureau.  Learn more about the Step Up Ministry.

Upcoming Workshops

May 30
 
Alan will be giving a three hour workshop on Speaking with Confidence for the NC Public Relations Society of America. Members and nonmembers alike are invited to attend.  Go to NCPRSA.org
for details and to register.

June 17, 18

Two days that will change your life!  This highly interactive, hands-on workshop gives you the skills to face an audience and deliver content in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.  Close that deal, give that career-changing presentation, or motivate your audience to action.  Speak with confidence, power, and ease. 

Join Our Mailing List
Share this newsletter



Visit our Website
 
Find out more about our public workshops, corporate training, private coaching, and keynote speaking at www.millswyck.com. 
MillsWyck Communications
Communication  matters.  What  are  YOU saying?
  
Alan Hoffler, Philorator (Teacher & Lover of Speaking)
(919) 386-9238 

Alan Hoffler is the Executive Director and Principal Trainer at MillsWyck Communications.  He is a Trainer, Speaker, Consultant, and Coach who passionately moves others to effective and engaging communication.