The last few weeks I've been traveling around delivering a series of in-person training sessions all over the world. And I noticed that when I'm delivering this training in major urban areas like Washington DC, Chicago, New York, and the like, inevitably, my client will turn on a Teams meeting or Zoom meeting as I'm setting up. In many of these cities, coming into the office is still somewhat optional. These poor meeting organizers are trying to include virtual team members in their training sessions as well.So, this week, I want to go back and review a few tips we came up with during the pandemic that help make instructor-led virtual training sessions more interactive and meaningful. Then, next week, I'll show you how to best organize a hybrid meeting where some people are in-person and some are virtual.Virtual, instructor-led training is here to stay. In the past few months, many instructors and trainers have had to adapt to a virtual world. Trainers who embrace virtual platforms and adapt the best have an advantage over those who don’t. So, I thought it might be a good idea to cover a few Virtual Instructor-Led training best practices. So in this session, I’m going to cover a few tools and tips for virtual instructor-led training. In addition, I’ll start with exactly what virtual instructor-led” training is and how it is different from other types of training.Virtual Instructor-Led Training Tools and Tips.In this episode, we cover a few tips and best practices for your virtual training sessions. The closer you stick to these guidelines, the better your training sessions will be.Just as an FYI, though… These are tools and tips for virtual training sessions. If you are organizing a virtual staff meeting or just need to “get your team on the same page,” you only need one tip. Keep the virtual meeting short. Virtual staff meetings should take 15 minutes to 30 minutes — tops. The moment you cross that 30-minute mark, retention, and morale both go down exponentially.With that being said, if you are teaching or training a group over Zoom or Teams, these tips can help you increase retention and morale.Show Notes: Best Practices and Tips for Virtual Instructor-Led Training

STEVE MULTER is a veteran corporate spokesman and trainer for more than 100global brands, including Cisco, Panasonic, Siemens, Fujifilm, HP, NTT Data, and Bayer. He is known as the chief storytelling officer for these and other brands. I wanted to have him on as a guest to give us a few tips on how to become better storytellers and use stories as a way to communicate more effectively and create more persuasive presentations.During the interview, Steve explains what a corporate story is. He also explains how the stories that we tell in presentations are almost identical to the marketing stories that big marketing companies develop for huge brands.You can visit https://corporatestorytelling.com/guide and enter code soldtold23 to download the publication, 5 Paths to Passionate Storytelling eGuide. You can also sign up for Steve's Tuesday Tips & Tricks.

On this episode, I'm going to cover a few of the biggest myths about public speaking. These are some of the things that well-meaning friends, family, and even coaches will suggest to us that are absolutely wrong. So, if you are doing any of these things, you may actually be causing yourself to be more nervous when you present.There are a number of myths about public speaking out there. Well, it’s time to set the record straight. ANYONE can be a fantastic, world-class speaker. It just takes a little bit of training, a little bit of coaching, and a little bit of practice. By the way, it doesn’t take years of study and practice. And it also doesn’t take thousands of dollars of investment.One of the hardest things to get across to new presenters is the immutable fact that just about everything that you have ever learned about public speaking and creating good business presentations is flat-out WRONG! I like to tell people to do the exact opposite of everyone else, and you’ll do a lot better as a presenter!So, in this episode, I debunk some of the biggest whoppers that are told about public speaking. Once you understand how wrong these public speaking myths are, it is much easier to reduce the fear of public speaking. You’ll also avoid terrible habits that actually increase public speaking fear.If you find yourself doing any of these things, make sure to stop. You might be increasing your presentation jitters.Show Notes: The 5 Most Common Myths About Public Speaking Debunked

On this episode, I'm going to cover the dreaded errs and uhms. Yup, those filler words that High School teachers and Toasting Clubs try to eliminate from the speeches of their students and members. However, I think you will be shocked to learn that just about everything that you have ever learned about those errs, uhhms, and other filler words is just flat-out wrong.So stick around, and I will share with you a few truths about this symptom of nervousness.Filler words are a natural part of everyday conversations. In fact, if they aren’t there, you’ll sound strange (or even fake) to the audience, so you don’t want to eliminate the filler words altogether. However, that doesn’t mean they have to be a major part of your speeches and presentations either. Overuse of filler words has the potential to detract from your message, so as you become more and more comfortable speaking in front of a group, it might be a good idea to fine-tune your message by reducing these distractions. The best speakers in the world have trained themselves, over time, to minimize their use of filler words. (Notice that I said minimize, not eliminate.) Excessive use frustrates the audience and makes the speaker less credible. With a bit of practice, you can also minimize filler words.Show Notes: How to Stop Saying Errs, Uhhms, and Other Filler Words in Speeches.

Have a team that needs to build communication skills as a group? Well, just as an FYI, business presentation training is quite different from university-level public speaking classes or what you might pick up at a tasting club. For instance, a good presentation that you deliver for your friends or coworkers may actually backfire if you deliver the presentation to senior executives.In this post, I’ll cover a few best practices for organizing fantastic business presentation skill training classes. Effective presentations don’t happen by accident. And, when you get a bunch of “Type A” personalities who all have experience leading presentations trying to work together to organize a single speech… Well… Let’s just say that the results can be a little frustrating.Different personalities have different strengths. So, when you organize corporate presentation training sessions, you want to make sure to help each participant maximize his or her strengths. But you also have to help your presenters create a clear message that is focused on the same outcome.Here is a checklist of a few of the best ways to deliver presentation skills training for a business team.Show Notes: Business Presentation Training for Your Group

This week, I'm going to give you my secret to delivering boring presentations. In fact, this secret is the absolute most important thing that you have to know to have every audience fall in love with you as a speaker.I'll give you a hint... There actually is no such thing as a boring speech or a boring topic. There are only boring speakers. But you don't have to be one of them.Enthusiasm and Energy is the absolute most-important skill in public speaking. If you take only one piece of advice about public speaking, make sure that it is this pearl of wisdom.If you focus on this one simple thing, the number of times you say “uhm” won’t matter. In addition, if you focus on this one thing, your gestures and not knowing what to do with your hands won’t matter. If you focus on this one thing, then the occasional loss of train of thought won’t matter. In fact, if you focus on this one simple thing, you can break just about every rule that public speakers are supposed to abide by, and you will still win over your audience.Enthusiasm and Energy Make a Boring Speech More Interesting.This one simple rule has transformed countless mediocre speakers into good speakers, scores of good speakers into great speakers, and numerous great speakers into world-class speakers.This simple rule that can make or break a speaker is… ENTHUSIASM.Show Notes: Make Boring Speeches More Interesting

This week, I'm going to give you a few simple ways to create some very effective presentation handouts. A couple are really easy and can be used effectively for internal presentations. The last one is the technique that I use when I create workshops and training programs. It takes a little more time but can elevate your presentations dramatically.One of the most often overlooked parts of a presentation is the presentation handouts. So, in this post, we’ll give you a few examples of presentation handouts that you can create very easily and add impact to your speech.Good speakers and lecturers usually give presentation handouts to accompany their speeches. As a result, a great presentation handout can make your speech more memorable. It gives your audience the freedom to listen to your presentation instead of frantically taking notes.The handouts you provide also help them remember the key points and highlights from your presentation, making your talk even more valuable. People are grateful for good handouts and will remember you long after the talk ends. Finally, your handout can be used as an exceptional marketing piece. If it is good enough, your audience members will both keep it and share it with others.To Download the Examples of Presentation Handouts Handout click here.

This is part two of a two-part series on Glossophobia -- the fear of public speaking. Last week, we talked about what this phobia is and what causes it. This week, I will give you a few of my best tips to overcome this fear -- even if you fall into the camp of having a full-blown phobia of public speaking.How to Overcome Glossophobia (An Irrational Fear of Public Speaking)1) Start Small.How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. If your fear is intense, there is no need to schedule a high-level presentation in front of 1000 people right away. Instead, start by speaking up more in staff meetings, at church, or join a social organization. Set a goal for each interaction. For instance, if you never speak up in staff-meeting, just set a goal to share a single idea with the group. Then, over time, increase the goal. Next week, add two ideas, etc.2) Look for Opportunities to Present, and then Be Courageous.You will never conquer any fear if you simply avoid the situations that cause the fear. Instead, look for opportunities to speak where the consequence of failure is pretty low. For instance, you can offer to speak at career day at your child’s school. (If you totally bomb this presentation, so what?) Then, be courageous. I talked in the article 7 Qualities of a Great Speaker about the difference between Self-Confidence and Poise. Self-confidence comes from having a series of successes doing something. Poise, however, is where a speaker is not confident but performs courageously anyway. The more of these courageous successes that you can string together, the more self-confident you will be.3) Document What You Did Well.The reason that our presentation skills classes work so well is that our instructors help each student document what they do well in each presentation. For instance, the instructor will teach the student a way to make part of his/her presentation easier, show the student how to do it, and then when the presenter succeeds, the instructor reinforces that success. You can do the same after each of your presentations as well. Immediately after presenting, make a list of some of the things that you did well in the speech. Turn off your internal critic for a while. (All of us are our own worst critic, so you will have to fight this.) Then, before your next presentation, refer to the items on your list. These lists will help you reduce the phobia and build confidence over time.4) Practice in a Controlled Environment.If you want a faster way to conquer glossophobia, join us in one of our fear of public speaking workshops. One of the great things about being in a controlled environment like a class or workshop is that the risk of failure is reduced to just about 0%. The only way to conquer glossophobia is to string together a series of successes that outweigh, in our minds, the causes that we talked about above. As each participant masters each part of a fantastic presentation, the fear is reduced exponentially. In fact, in many cases, the growth is so fast and so dramatic that the irrational fear is replaced by confidence. The process isn’t foolproof, and it isn’t easy. However, it works almost 100% of the time!Show Notes: How to Overcome Glossophobia (An Irrational Fear of Public Speaking)

Want to know how to overcome glossophobia? Does stage fright sometimes make you pass up opportunities in your career? Do you feel like you have an irrational fear of public speaking? You are not alone!Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is very common. I’ve been in the presentation skill industry for decades now. During that time, I realized that the statistics about this fear were confusing. Some studies say that as few as 7% of the population has glossophobia. Other surveys claim that over 95% of people experience this fear.However, the statistics depend on the definition of Glossophobia that you are using.Show Notes: How to Overcome Glossophobia 

This week we're getting back to how to reduce public speaking fear. And on this episode, I give you the four main causes of public speaking fear. Once you understand why you are feeling the way you are, it becomes a lot easier to reduce that nervousness.As I cover each of the four causes of nervousness, I'll give you my best techniques for eliminating that particular cause. Here Are Some of the Causes of the Fear of Public Speaking and How to Overcome These Fears.Once you understand the root cause of your anxiety, you’ll often immediately begin to experience less fear. A lot of the fear comes from imagining the worst-case scenario in our heads and then psyching ourselves out before we ever even get in front of a crowd. The major thing to remember, though, is that all of the most confident speakers in the world started out as nervous speakers. Many of them felt the same physical symptoms of nervousness that you are feeling. They overcome this fear. You can too!Here are the main causes of public speaking fear that we see most often. If you are experiencing any of these fears, click the link to access additional information about how to overcome that specific cause of performance anxiety.Lack of Experience Speaking in Front of a Formal Audience.A Concern that Others Are Judging You.Insufficient Preparation (Or Just Thinking that You Haven’t Prepared Enough.)Past Negative Experiences or a Prior Traumatic Experience.Full Show Notes: What Causes the Fear of Public Speaking?

A couple of weeks ago, I started a series on how to get paid to speak. I mentioned that a professional speaker is just a person who gets paid to give a presentation. So, teachers, trial attorneys, salespeople, and really any supervisor or manager who leads internal presentations are professional speakers. They all deliver information in presentations or briefings that their audiences need in order to solve a problem. But almost all of them give away this important information for free. So, in this series, I'll show you that the information that you have is very valuable. And by just changing a few things, you can build up your credibility as an expert to generate additional streams of income. Last week I gave you a five-step process to create good content to speak about. This week, I will back up a little and show you how to identify what to speak about if you want to get paid to speak.Show Notes: Get Paid to Speak: How to Make a Fortune Speaking for a Living (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-make-a-fortune-speaking-for-a-living/)

Last week I started a series on how to get paid to speak. And if you are a new listener to Fearless Presentations, you might be thinking, how can I get paid to speak if I'm scared to death to stand up in front of a group? If that is the case, just go back to some of the earlier episodes for tips on how to reduce nervousness. In this episode and the next couple, I'm going to show you how you can cash in on one of the highest-paid professions in the world.Last week, I mentioned that a professional speaker is just a person who gets paid to give a presentation. So, teachers, trial attorneys, salespeople, and really any supervisor or manager who leads internal presentations are professional speakers. They all deliver information in presentations or briefings that their audiences need in order to solve a problem. But almost all of them give away this important information for free. So, in this series, I'll show you that the information that you have is very valuable. And by just changing a few things, you can build up your credibility as an expert to generate additional streams of income. Today, I'll give you a five-step checklist to accomplish to get other people or groups to pay you to stand up and speak to them.By the way, if you are enjoying the episodes, I need a favor from you, please. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave me a review wherever you download the podcast. Your subscriptions, downloads, and review help us keep the content of the show free because it allows us to reach a bigger audience.Show Notes: How to Get Paid to Speak (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/want-a-career-as-a-public-speaker-ways-to-build-public-speaking-credentials/)

I'm starting a new series on how to get paid to speak this week. And I know that a lot of our regular listeners subscribe to the podcast for tips and tricks to reduce nervousness and become more comfortable in front of a group. However, public speaking is one of (if not THE) highest-paid professions in the world.In this episode, I'll dispel the myth about what a professional speaker is. Basically, a professional speaker is just a person who someone has paid to give a presentation. So, elementary school teachers are professional speakers. So are trial attorneys. So are salespeople, Realtors, and combat officers who give mission briefings. Each of these types of presenters delivers information in presentations or briefings that their audiences need in order to solve a problem. However, almost all of them give away this important information for free. So, in this series, I'll show you how you can generate an additional stream of income by speaking about your expertise.Next week, by the way, I'll give you a step-by-step process to help you refine your presentation to build up your credibility in the marketplace. This, in future episodes, I'll show you how to market yourself as a speaker.By the way, if you are enjoying the episodes, I need a favor from you, please. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave me a review wherever you download the podcast. Your subscriptions, downloads, and reviews help us keep the show's content free because it allows us to reach a bigger audience.Show Notes: How to Get Paid to Speak (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/want-a-career-as-a-public-speaker-ways-to-build-public-speaking-credentials/)

For the last couple of weeks, I've given you a series of presentation enhancers -- things that make good presentations better. This week, I'm going to cover a way that you can enhance persuasive speeches exponentially. If you are trying to win your audience to your way of thinking, then audience participation is a stellar way to do that. In essence, you can get your audience to convince themselves that your idea is sound.There are several different types of audience participation, though. So, I'm going to cover my top nine audience engagement ideas.Show Notes: How to Get Audience Participation in a Presentation (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/9-reliable-ways-to-add-audience-participation-to-your-presentation/)

Last week I started a two-part series on how to make a presentation more interesting. If you recall from the first episode, I mentioned that you can be the most charismatic and confident speaker on the planet. But if your presentation is boring or complicated or uninteresting, your skill as a speaker won't matter.So last week, I gave you the first three presentation enhancers. This week, I'll give you four more ways to make a speech more interesting.Just as a reminder, I know that most people who listen to or download the show are looking for ways to reduce nervousness and feel more confident when they speak. However, there is a HUGE part of the presentation process that often gets overlooked that is critical to help you communicate better and more confidently. You have to be saying something that your audience finds interesting.You can be the most charismatic and confident speaker on the planet. But if your presentation is boring or complicated or uninteresting, your skill as a speaker won't matter. So in the next couple of episodes, I'm going to reinforce a few things that we have covered in previous episodes that will help you design and deliver better presentations so that your nervousness drops dramatically. (This review is really short, though, and I will include links to those episodes in the show notes.) Enjoy seven ways to make your presentation more interesting.Show Notes: 7 Ways to Make Your Speech More Interesting (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-stellar-presentation-enhancers-that-add-impact-to-any-speech/)

I know that most people who listen to or download the show are looking for ways to reduce nervousness and feel more confident when they speak. However, there is a HUGE part of the presentation process that often gets overlooked that is critical to help you communicate better and more confidently. You have to be saying something that your audience finds interesting.You can be the most charismatic and confident speaker on the planet. But if your presentation is boring, or complicated, or uninteresting, your skill as a speaker won't matter. So in the next couple of episodes, I reinforce a few things that we have covered in previous episodes that will help you design and deliver better presentations so that your nervousness drops dramatically. (This review is really short, though, and I will include links to those episodes in the show notes.) Then, I  cover seven time-tested ways to make a good speech a fantastic speech. You can call these things ways to add impact, presentation enhancers, or just ways to make any speech more interesting. But these are a few of my favorite public speaking secrets that can really elevate your presentation.Show Notes: Make a Speech More Interesting (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-stellar-presentation-enhancers-that-add-impact-to-any-speech/) 

One of the biggest causes of public speaking fear and nervousness is having too much time in between each speech. I mentioned last week that if you only drove a car once a year, each time you got behind the wheel, you'd be nervous.If you are a comfortable driver, it is because you get behind the wheel pretty often. It is the same with public speaking. The more often you present, the more comfortable you will be each time. So last week, I began a two-part series on venues where you can practice speaking in front of a group. We started with a few virtual venues that were the least risky. Those were fantastic speaking venues to get started in. As your confidence grows, try presenting in the speaking venues we cover this week. The more you practice, the less nervous you will become when you present.By the way, if you are enjoying the episodes, I need a favor from you, please. Would you mind taking a few seconds and leaving me a great review on your podcast app? On Apple podcast, if you go to the show's main page, you can scroll down until you see the review section. Just leave a review letting folks know what you think of the show. The show and all the great content we put out every week is absolutely free, and your reviews help us keep it that way. This helps the show so much and allows us to reach more people. Thanks for the help.Show Notes: Venues Where You Can Practice Your Presentations (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-15-how-find-great-venues-practice-your-presentations/)

One of the biggest causes of public speaking fear and nervousness is having too much time in between each speech. For folks who only give a single presentation each month, once every few months, or once a year, there is a good chance that each time you stand up to present, you will be nervous.If you only drove a car once a year, each time you got behind the wheel, you'd be a nervous wreck (no pun intended.) If you are a comfortable driver, it is because you get behind the wheel pretty often. It is the same with public speaking. The more often you present, the more comfortable you will be each time. So, on this episode, I'm going to begin a two-part series on venues where you can practice speaking in front of a group. This week, I give you the least risky. These are fantastic speaking venues to get started in. As your confidence grows, try presenting in the latter speaking venues. The more you practice, the less nervous you will become when you present.By the way, if you are enjoying the episodes, I need a favor from you, please. Would you mind taking a few seconds and leaving me a great review on your podcast app? On Apple podcast, if you go to the show's main page, you can scroll down until you see the review section. Just leave a review letting folks know what you think of the show. The show and all the great content we put out every week is absolutely free, and your reviews help us keep it that way. This helps the show so much and allows us to reach more people. Thanks for the help.Show Notes: Low Risk Venues Where You Can Practice Your Presentations (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-15-how-find-great-venues-practice-your-presentations/)

We often hear the term "Know Your Audience," but what does that really mean? In this episode, I  take you through a step-by-step process to help you customize every speech to the needs of the specific audience you are presenting to.Basically there are four things you need to know about your audience to be able to design a presentation that they want to hear. I spend the first half or more of the episode taking you through this simple four-step process to help you know your audience better.However, there is another really big concept that most presenters disregard. It is the emotional motive that the audience member has for being there. Once you understand this concept, your audiences will love your presentations.By the way, if you are enjoying the episodes, please do me a favor. Would you mind taking a few seconds and leaving me a great review on your podcast app? On Apple podcast, if you go to the show's main page, you can scroll down until you see the review section. Just leave a review letting folks know what you think of the show. The show and all the great content we put out every week is absolutely free, and your reviews help us keep it that way. This helps the show so much and allows us to reach more people. Thanks for the help.Show Notes: Know Your Audience (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/know-your-audience-before-designing-your-sales-presentation/)

Want to calm down before a presentation? Even if you don’t regularly experience the fear of public speaking, just before you start a speech, it is easy to feel anxious. This initial nervous energy can cause a speaker to have a shaky voice, dry mouth, or sweaty palms just before a presentation. The good news is that this experience is very common. Most of the time, if you start your presentation well, the level of nervousness will drop very quickly.However, sometimes when people feel that stage fright, they panic. When you panic in front of an audience, you will most likely experience even more nervous feelings.So, what do you do to calm down before the presentation and calm those nerves? Below are 5 Simple Ways to Calm Your Nerves Before and During a Speech.Create a Simple Presentation with Just a Few Key Bullet Points and Practice It with a Person.Find a Quiet Place to Be Alone and Perform a Short Series of Exercises.Interact and Network with Your Audience to Calm Your Nerves Before a Presentation.Just Before You Start Your Presentation, Take a Steady and Deep Breath.Start Your Presentation with a Personal Story to Calm Your Nerves Almost Instantly.This episode covers each of these tips in more detail. For full show notes, visit How to Calm Down Before a Presentation(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-calm-down-before-a-presentation-5-simple-ways-to-calm-your-nerves/)

This week is part 2 of a 2-part series on public speaking fear. Last week, I showed you where this fear comes from. We also cover five things that people do to try to reduce the nervousness that actually causes more nervousness. This week, I first show you how to lower the risk of failure when you stand up to speak. Then, I'll cover a 4-step process to help you eliminate public speaking fear once and for all.By the way, if you are enjoying the episodes, I need a favor from you, please. Would you mind taking a few seconds and leaving me a great review on your podcast app? On Apple podcast, if you go to the show's main page, you can scroll down until you see the review section. Just leave a review letting folks know what you think of the show. The show and all the great content we put out every week are absolutely free, and your reviews help us keep it that way. This helps the show so much and allows us to reach more people. The Fastest Way to Overcome Stage Fright Is to Lower the Risk of Failure.How do you overcome the fear of public speaking? Public speaking fear is just like any other anxiety in that the more that is unknown or the bigger the threat, the greater the nervousness that we experience from it. So the best way to tackle this common fear is to lower the risk involved.When we lower the unknown factors, we lower the threat, and the fear diminishes. In fact, sometimes it even goes away entirely.Anytime you do something somewhat dangerous, your body will react. Your heart rate will increase. You may get sweaty palms or a queasy stomach. Things, like riding a bike, driving a car, flying in an airplane, or firing a handgun, are all somewhat dangerous for people without any experience doing these things.If you’ve ever seen a four or five-year-old kid riding a bike, you can typically see the tension in the kid’s face. It’s the same with a teenager with a driver’s permit. That very first time that your plane took off and you felt that tickle in your stomach, you likely grabbed the armrests a little tighter. And police officers practice day after day to get proficient at firing their handguns because they want to be extremely confident.The point is that fear is normal. However, if you practice in the right way, the fear will go away.Show Notes: Public Speaking Fear (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/fear-of-public-speaking/)

This week, I start a 2-part series on public speaking fear. In most of our episodes, we either cover ways to reduce nervousness or present more effectively so the nervousness is less distracting. In these two episodes, though, I'm going to cover what this nervousness is, where it comes from, why most training and coaching backfires and actually causes more nervousness, and how to reduce this fear once and for all.In fact, in this episode, I show you how public speaking fear is normal, and if you aren't feeling it, you may not be challenging yourself to grow.So, if you have ever felt public speaking fear, stage fright, or any other type of speech anxiety, listen closely. We cover ways to eliminate this fear once and for all.What Is Public Speaking Fear?Stage fright is still one of the most prevalent anxieties in the world. In fact, psychologists created a specific term for this particular social phobia. They call it glossophobia — which is a form of social anxiety disorder.Basically, this performance anxiety occurs when a person has to stand in front of a group and deliver a presentation. Since the symptoms of this fear are so common, presenters often have questions about why it’s there, where it came from, and how do you get rid of it?Most people feel like they are the only ones out there who experience butterflies in the stomach, a shaky voice, or shaky hands. However, just about every speaker has some sort of nervousness when presenting in front of groups. The person may have had a bad experience at a previous speaking engagement. Now, when he or she stands to speak n front of any number of people, the person may feel a lot of nervous energy. If the speech is in front of a large audience, he or she may experience a full-blown panic attack.As a result, a lot of people who feel that stage fright will avoid public speaking situations altogether. These people can miss out on big opportunities. If public speakers don’t do something about the anxiety, it can escalate and turn into a debilitating phobia. With all that being said, though, here is some really good news. As far as anxiety disorders go, this one is really easy to conquer.Show Notes: Public Speaking Fear (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/fear-of-public-speaking/)

We talk a lot in the podcast about ways to reduce nervousness and become a better presenter. However, one of the big parts of making a speech is the ability to create presentations that (1) the audience likes and wants to hear, and (2) are interesting and easy to understand.On this episode, I'm going to show you the "secret sauce" to designing fun and interesting presentations. This secret will add humor to your speech. It will also help you make technical content way easier for the audience to understand.Interestingly, the technique is only a secret because so few presenters use these items in their speeches. In fact, the processes are taught in every literature class in the world.Metaphors, Similes, and Analogies: The Special Sauce for Your Presentation MasterpieceMetaphors, Similes, and Analogies are your secret weapon when you create presentations. I like to think of myself as a pretty good speaker and writer. I always hated English class in high school and college, though. So, I always got confused between what was a metaphor, what was a simile, and what was an analogy. To me, these parts of speech were so similar that I didn’t really see a lot of difference in them. (Still don’t, by the way.)However, these often confused parts of speech are the special sauce to really great presentation burgers. If you use them just right, these items will be like adding the perfect piece of jewelry to a formal dress. They will take a speech that is already pretty good and make it exceptional.Show Notes: Metaphors, Similes, and Analogies: The Special Sauce for Your Presentation Masterpiece (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/metaphors-similes-and-analogies-the-special-sauce-for-your-presentation-masterpiece/)

This week, I explain the difference between the different formats of public speaking training in 2023. You can listen to podcasts like this one, gain incites from online presentation classes, watch videos on YouTube or Rumble, get a public speaking coach, or even attend a public speaking class. With all of these different options, which will give you the best result? In this episode, I explain the differences between all of these formats and let you know what you can expect from each. By the way, all of these formats can help. But some will give you a much better return on your time and effort.Show Notes: Different Types of Public Speaking Training in 2023. (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/public-speaking-training/)

My guest today is Tom Jackobs, an expert at helping companies and sales teams use success stories to attract customers and clients. And he shares with me how he used public speaking to take a start-up from zero customers to millions of dollars in revenue each year using public speaking as the main marketing apparatus. We also talk about how inserting stories into your presentations can reduce nervousness and increase the Know, like, and trust value that you have with your audience or clients.Tom spent his first career working in big a few big companies like BP and eventually transitioned to a medium-sized company where he worked his way up to the VP level. Then, after years of helping other people grow their businesses, he decided to go out on his own and built a fairly substantial business of his own in the fitness industry. Along the way, he began helping other entrepreneurs grow their businesses. So, in 2017, after he sold his fitness business, he became a full-time business coach helping business owners do what he did -- which is to grow their businesses by getting really good at sharing their stories with the world. So if you want to be a fantastic storyteller and captivate your audience, this episode can help a lot. Also, if you don't think you have a compelling story, you'll be surprised at the advice that Tom gives on the episode.To download the free storytelling workbook Tom mentions, click this link. (https://tomjackobs.com/storybook/)

For the last couple of weeks, we have been covering different types of persuasion speeches. A couple weeks ago, I gave you a three-step process to win audiences to your way of thinking. Last week, we covered how to put together a sales presentation. This week, we will show you how to present a proposal to management. For instance, if you have identified a problem or opportunity for your company, you may need to get approval. So, how do you present a proposal to management that will get approved? The process is actually pretty simple. The method of how to present a proposal to management that we use works about 100% of the time. Just follow the simple steps in the session, and your project will easily get funded.Show Notes: How to Present a Proposal to Management-And Get Approval (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-present-a-proposal-to-management/)

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you present a proposal to a client. Here is the scenario… You have done your homework. A team at your company painstakingly created the perfect sales proposal. In fact, the potential client was so impressed, that they moved you to their “shortlist.” Now, though, they want you to present a bid proposal to the purchasing committee.Your team is one of just six to eight other companies competing for this contract. How do you make sure that the committee picks your team? Well, not to brag, but over the years, groups that I have coached have received over 80% of these contracts. Just follow this simple sales presentation outline, and your team will have a better shot at winning as well.Don’t Get Hung Up on the Terms Proposal, Bid Proposal, Shortlist Presentation or Sales PresentationBy the way, don’t get hung up on the terms that I am using. People will often respond with something like, “We don’t present ‘bids’ to our potential clients.” In other cases, professional people may say, “But I’m not a salesperson. This isn’t a sales presentation.” My point is, don’t get hung up on the terms.The process that I’m covering will help anyone who is presenting a solution to a person or group who will exchange money for this solution. The terms “Bid” and “Proposal” are standard procurement terms, which is why we are using them here.I have heard this type of presentation called each of the following over the years.Bid ProposalRFP PresentationShortlist PresentationSales PresentationPresent a QuoteOpportunities to close really big deals via a presentation are pretty nerve racing. We all want every, single advantage that we can get when we walk into the room. So, if you want to ace your next short-list presentation or RFP presentation, one of our coaches can help. Complete the form below, and one of our instructors will contact you.Show Note: How to Create a Business Proposal Presentation (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/present-a-bid-proposal-great-sales-presentation-outline/)

This week, I'm going to cover a simple three-step process to help you design a persuasive presentation. Most persuasive speech techniques -- especially the ones that are taught in high school and often at the university level, actually make people want to play devil's advocate and even argue with the presenter. So in the session, I'm going to give you a time-tested technique that is much more effective. Whether you are selling a product or service to a customer or selling an idea to your boss, this technique will likely come in handy.One of the highest needs of human beings is to be heard and to be understood. So, when you are writing a persuasive presentation, it is important to remember that your audience wants you to understand them as much as you want to be understood.Most people think that a single fact is good, additional facts are better, and too many facts are just right. So, the more facts you can use to prove your point, the better chance you have of convincing the other person that you are right. The HUGE error in this logic, though, is that if you prove that you are right, you are also proving that the other person is wrong. People don’t like it when someone proves that they are wrong. So, we prove our point, the other person is likely to feel resentment. When resentment builds, it leads to anger. Once anger enters the equation, logic goes right out the window.In addition, when people use a “fact” or “Statistic” to prove a point, the audience has a natural reaction to take a contrary side of the argument. For instance, if I started a statement with, “I can prove to you beyond a doubt that…” before I even finish the statement, there is a good chance that you are already trying to think of a single instance where the statement is NOT true. This is a natural response. As a result, the thing that we need to realize about being persuasive is that the best way to persuade another person is to make the person want to agree with us. We do this by showing the audience how they can get what they want if they do what we want.Show Notes: How to Design a Persuasive Presentation in 3 Easy Steps (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/persuasive-speech-how-to-write-a-persuasive-speech/)

This week, I interview Kelsey Greenwood who is a professional speaker and consultant who just wrote a fascinating paper on five simple ways to overcome stage fright. If you are experiencing nervousness when you stand up to present, these tips can help you easily reduce that nervousness. The first couple are both mental things that you can do to prepare yourself before you speak, and the last three are things that you can physically do to combat stage fright.Want to overcome stage fright for good? Do you experience dry mouth, rapid breathing, and sweaty palms when you present in front of a crowd? If so, these five practical tips can help you lower that level of anxiety in less than a week.Whether or not it’s your first time preparing for a speech performance in front of an audience, it’s best not to “wing it.” People experience the most stage fright when they feel unprepared. You prepare for a speech to feel more comfortable with your content, stretch your leadership skills and give you a sense of ease for the day of the performance. Each tip below provides a bit of wisdom with an actionable tip to help you overcome stage fright and reduce performance anxiety.Full Show Notes: 5 Practical Tips to Help you Overcome Stage Fright (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/5-practical-tips-to-help-you-overcome-stage-fright-and-reduce-performance-anxiety/)

Imposter syndrome is a term used to describe the feeling of inadequacy, self-doubt, and lack of confidence that many people experience in their professional or personal lives. It is the feeling that you are a fraud, that you are not good enough, and that your accomplishments are simply the result of luck or circumstance rather than your own abilities.The good news is that while imposter syndrome is a common experience, it is not the only one. The opposite of imposter syndrome is a sense of confidence, self-assurance, and belief in oneself. In this blog post, we will explore the opposite of imposter syndrome, how it manifests itself, and how capable people can cultivate it in their lives.The opposite of imposter syndrome is a sense of self-assurance and self-confidence. It is also a belief in yourself. It is the knowledge that you are capable, competent, and deserving of the success you have achieved. Imposter syndrome is characterized by self-doubt and negative self-talk. The opposite of imposter syndrome is characterized by positive self-talk, self-awareness, and a sense of purpose.By the way, this doesn’t mean being arrogant or overconfident. It is not about being boastful or self-promoting. Instead, the process is about recognizing your own abilities and accomplishments. You also have to have the confidence to share them with others.Show Notes: The Opposite of Impostor Syndrome-Journey to Self Confidence (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-opposite-of-imposter-syndrome-a-journey-to-self-confidence-and-belief-in-yourself/)

Doug Staneart — President and CEO of The Leader’s Institute ® and Creator of the Fearless Presentations ® Public Speaking Training Programs.Last week I began a two-part series on the step-by-step process that I went through to overcome public speaking fear. I covered the first four life lessons that helped me get there.Most of the tips in the last session were things that I learned early in life that helped me have the right focus when I experienced that fear and that first failure in front of a group. This week, I'm going to give the top three things you can do if you have already made the decision to get better as a speaker. (Or get better at just about any skill that you struggle with.)Show Notes: How I Eliminated My Public Speaking Fear and Stage Fright (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-a-shy-trailer-park-kid-became-a-world-class-speaker-and-how-you-can-too/)

Doug Staneart — President and CEO of The Leader’s Institute ® and Creator of the Fearless Presentations ® Public Speaking Training Programs.My public speaking class members often ask me questions like, “Do you still get nervous when you speak?” “How did you become a professional speaker?” And the most common, “You were a nervous speaker… How did you overcome your public speaking fear?”The answer to the first question is, “Sure. When I deliver big presentations or do something new, yes, I still get nervous from time to time. But the nervousness isn’t anywhere close to the public speaking anxiety I had years ago.”The other two questions, though, have both a short answer and a long answer.So, I thought that I would back up this week and show you how I overcame my fear of public speaking. You could also call this post how an incredibly shy person beat the odds to become a confident speaker and presenter. My first formal presentation in the business world was such a failure that it cost me my first career.However, that failure was a turning point in my life. It was horrible when I experienced it. However, it allowed me to help over 100,000 people avoid making the same mistake.I hope that my story can help you overcome your public speaking fear as well! If a person like me can become a great speaker… ANYONE can become a great speaker. You will have to work. You will also have to embrace your fear when you speak in front of an audience. However, you will also experience great rewards when you do!Show Notes: How I Eliminated My Fear of Public Speaking (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-a-shy-trailer-park-kid-became-a-world-class-speaker-and-how-you-can-too/)

A few weeks ago, I gave you a few of my favorite ways to start a presentation. Then, for the last few weeks, we have covered several ways to make presentations more interesting. This week, I give you a few of my favorite ways to end your presentation with a bang. You want to make the last thing that you do or so in your presentation memorable so that the audience leaves the room seeing you as a qualified speaker and more likely to use the information that you gave them. I cover seven very effective ways to end a speech along with a few "show stoppers." The show stoppers are things that you want to avoid. The last thing that you want to do is design and deliver a great presentation and then end on a downer.Show Notes: How to End Your Speech (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-end-your-presentation-with-a-bang/)

Storytelling in Speeches-The Easiest Way to Reduce Nervousness During a SpeechFeel nervous about speaking in public? Tell a personal story in your speech (early), and you can reduce public speaking fear dramatically. One of the first public speaking secrets that we share in our public speaking training classes is that stories are your friend.When you tell a story, you reduce presentation jitters and build rapport with your audience. Don’t believe me? Watch any professional motivational speaker on YouTube. You will find that their entire speech is composed of a series of individual stories that they link together. In this post, we will cover some of the major benefits of telling stories as well as the best way to do it.In this episode, we comer the ins and out of why you should insert stories into your presentations. We also cover how, when you do this, your nervousness will drop dramatically.Show Notes: Storytelling in Speeches (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/tell-a-story-in-your-speech-and-reduce-public-speaking-fear/)

The 5 Steps of Storytelling During a Presentation. Follow these Tips to Become a Better Storyteller.In this episode, we cover the Five Steps of Storytelling that we have identified in our presentation skills class. These best practices will help you organize your stories better. Remember that audience members have a short attention span. Good storytelling, though, can help you capture and hold the attention of your audience. In fact, inserting better stories is a simple way to improve your presentations dramatically.The tips on this episode can help you improve your story structure,. However, the best way to deliver a story in your presentation is to just play the video in your head. Then just tell the audience what you are seeing. Great storytelling is really just sharing your own experience with your audience. So if following these steps is a little out of your comfort zone, start by just inserting a single personal story from your own experience into your next presentation. Then try each of these tips, one at a time, in future presentations.This final tip isn’t really one of the steps of storytelling, but it is an important part of how to tell a story. It is a good idea to practice different versions of your story. I got this from my friend Ton Antion when I interviewed him about building a personal brand. He suggested having a 30-second version, a one-minute version, and a two-minute version of every story.By the way, I’m not saying to have three different kinds of stories. I’m suggesting that you get good at telling your stories in different ways, so the timing of your story is the right length, whether you have three minutes to speak, 30 minutes to speak, or three hours to speak. The best storytellers can condense the whole story down in time if they absolutely have to do so.Although I had been teaching students how to tell a great story for years, I never really taught this. I’d say, “If time is short, just condense your story down.” After Tom mentioned this tip, though, I began to pay attention to the look on my student’s faces when I said this. I’d sometimes see a little confusion. So we actually started practicing this in class. It has been a big help. In fact, we sometimes find that a well-worded 30-second story can be more impactful than a longer one. Try it yourself and see!Show Notes: How to Tell a Good Story in a Presentation in 5 Simple Steps (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-5-steps-of-storytelling-how-to-tell-a-great-story/)

Looking for how to write a speech in a few simple steps? Over the last 20 years, our instructors have dissected thousands of speeches. In that time, we’ve been able to identify simple things that can easily make or break a presentation. We’ve assembled a simple, step-by-step process that explains how to write a speech quickly and easily.In fact, once you understand the concepts below, you can use our Online Speech Writer to organize and print your presentation. A little warning, though, the process is very simple if you follow every step. If you skip a step, you can get bogged down, and the process can take a lot of time. However, if you follow the steps, you can write an effective speech in just a few minutes (versus hours or days)!Show Notes: How to Design an Entire Speech in 3 Simple Steps (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-write-a-speech-just-few-simple-steps/)

One of the more challenging parts of any presentation is the very first part. If you are wondering how to introduce yourself before starting your presentation, you are in good company. For most of us, once we get the first few sentences out, our nervousness will diminish pretty significantly. So, this initial self-introduction is really important. If we struggle here, our nervousness will increase. In addition, the old adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” is very true.In this post, we are going to cover the best way, a very simple three-step process that will help you introduce yourself in a presentation. A summary of the steps is below.Start with your name and company (or organization or school).Tell your audience what problem you can solve for them.Share some type of proof (social proof works best) that you can solve this problem.I will break down each step into a simple-to-follow process. Show Notes: How to Introduce Yourself Before a Speech (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-before-starting-any-presentation/)

This is part two of a two-part episode on how to start a presentation.Looking for a few ways to start a presentation that are dynamic? The opening is really the most important part of your presentation. You want to make a good first impression. In addition, you also want the audience to see you as a subject matter expert.Last week, we covered three ways to start a presentation to help your audience retain the content of the presentation better. This week, I give you five ways to capture the attention of even the most stoic audience right away!If you stick around for the last six minutes, I will give you my very best tip for starting a presentation. It is a bonus tip. It doesn't always work, but when it does, it is a show-stopper. So, stick around for it!Show Notes: How to Start a Presentation (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-start-a-presentation/)

Looking for a few ways to start a presentation that are dynamic? The opening is really the most important part of your presentation. You want to make a good first impression. In addition, you also want the audience to see you as a subject matter expert.Of course, we’ve all been there as a speaker. First, we design a powerful presentation. Then, we nervously walk out onto a stage or into the front of the room. The audience stares with skepticism written all over their faces. This stoic crowd has no patience for speakers who waste their time. And their demeanor is showing that fact right now. In a timid voice, we start with a simple, “Good morning.” We get no response from the audience — no warm welcome at all. As a result, our nervousness increases dramatically.The good news is that your speech doesn’t have to start this way. Your first words will create first impressions.So, in this session, I’m going to give you the best way to start a successful presentation so you can win over the audience members. Below are a few of my favorite ways to start a speech that will help you capture the attention of your audience and get even the most stoic crowd to want more from you.Show Notes: Best Ways to Start a Presentation (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-start-a-presentation/)

In this session, I’m going to cover 10 simple ways to overcome the fear of public speaking. This is a continuation of the 3-step process to eliminate public speaking fear. In that episode, I showed you the process that a nervous speaker should go through to reduce speech anxiety.As a review, the first step is to find out where the fear of public speaking comes from. Then, do a few simple things to reduce the risk of failure in those instances. (We will cover 10 of these tips in this episode.) Finally, you want to string together a series of successes speaking in front of a group of people. Basically, you want to get lots of practice so you can develop good presentation skills.This is the process that we use in our public speaking classes. Your local toastmasters' club and your local speech coach might use this process as well. So, presentation tips can help you eliminate presentation fear symptoms. However, to permanently reduce nervousness, you have to follow the process over and over. Every time you use one of these key tips and have success, your confidence will grow.That is why a good public speaking class or coach can help you move through this process more quickly. If you only give a single presentation once a year or a couple of times a year, you will find it difficult to string together this series of successes. You will become a much better speaker if you speak more often.Remember, stage fright is a common form of anxiety. And public speaking is a learned skill. No one comes out of the womb as a great public speaker. So a good coach or class can speed up the process exponentially.Show Notes: 10 Ways to Get Rid of the Fear of Public Speaking (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/10-simple-ways-to-get-over-the-fear-of-public-speaking/)

Happy Thanksgiving. And for those of you outside of the United States, happy third week of November. I wanted to take a break from the normal public speaking tips and share with you this week one of Abraham Lincoln's least quoted speeches but the one that has a significant impact on US citizens every November, his Thanksgiving proclamation that created the holiday.Where did the Thanksgiving Holiday come from? Yes, the pilgrim created the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth. And yes, President George Washington made the first Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789. But it was actually Abe Lincoln who created the national holiday. Ole’ Abe reinstituted the holiday that Washington created during his presidency.This episode covers the words of the Thanksgiving proclamation. I also add a little commentary to show you how you can incorporate some of Lincoln’s techniques into your own speeches as well!Show Notes: Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/president-abraham-lincolns-thanksgiving-proclamation-oct-3-1863-with-commentary/)

When folks ask me what I do for a living, I answer, “I help people eliminate public speaking fear.” It is always fun to watch the looks on their faces when they process what I said. Inevitably, I will typically get a response like, “You do what?” or “How do you do that?”The process is really simple. In fact, anyone can reduce public speaking anxiety if they follow this process. Over the last 20 years, our great public speaking class instructors have perfected the best ways to reduce anxiety symptoms. And we have organized the process into three simple steps. The process works every single time!In this session, we explain this simple process. However, if you looking for public speaking tips, see 10 Ways to Eliminate the Fear of Public Speaking. In that episode, we show you how to lower your heart rate, take deep breaths, and eight other ways to calm speech anxiety. This session is a little different, though. We are not going to give you a bunch of tips about how to reduce stage fright. Instead, we will show you how to become a good public speaker, so the nervousness goes away altogether.Show Notes: Eliminate Public Speaking Fear in 3 Easy Steps (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/eliminate-public-speaking-fear-in-three-easy-steps)

This week, I'm going to cover how to make that mental shift to where you begin to see yourself as the expert when you present. Just so you know, one of the major sources of nervousness and fear comes from people standing up to speak and fearing that the audience is going to figure out that they are not the real expert or that they are not as much of an expert as their boss or coworkers or other people who do what they do. Once you realize that if you are the person speaking, it is because you have information that the audience needs to know it helps boost confidence immensely.You Are the Undisputed Expert. So, Now Prove ItRegardless of what industry you are in or what expertise you have, you are the expert. The knowledge that you have is valuable to someone.When I was 14 years old, my dad owned a home remodeling company. Every winter, I crawled under houses helping him repair frozen pipes that had burst. After a couple of winters, I had so much experience doing this that I could do it in my sleep. So as a teenager, I was an expert at repairing ruptured PVC pipes.After I graduated from college, my first real job was working for an oil company doing title work for mineral rights. Before long, I had not only gotten pretty good at it, but I had also trained a number of new people.In my third year in the training industry, I generated a half-million dollars worth of sales for the first time. That same year, I also received a couple of awards for outstanding instruction.It took me five years as an entrepreneur to attain my first million dollars. However, it only took about eight more months to generate my second million.With each of these accomplishments, I became an expert at that thing. I had information that the general public didn’t have (even when my expertise was just repairing frozen pipes).Don’t underestimate your knowledge. Your experience has made you the expert.One of my friends in college was going to school to be an elementary school teacher, and she absolutely hated math. However, once she graduated, she found out that in the State of Texas, Math and Science teachers got paid an extra fee. This was because teachers with this expertise were in high demand. So, she decided to be a fourth-grade math teacher.Those of us who knew her pretty well were laughing when we asked her about her career choice. For the three or four years that we had known her, she complained over and over about her math classes. These classes were her nemesis. After a little teasing from us, she replied by saying, “In order to teach fourth-grade math, I just have to be an expert at fifth-grade math.” That day, I learned a prophetic life lesson…In order to be an expert at something, you just need to have a little more knowledge than your audience.For instance, let’s say that you are a restaurant manager who turned around a struggling location. How many other managers are there in the world who would want to hear how you did it? You’d be the expert at restaurant turnarounds (especially if you were able to do it a second or third time). Or, if you are a dentist who is really good at getting your patients to show up for every sixth-month check-up, then other dentists would pay dearly to figure out how you do it. Whatever you do on a day-to-day basis makes you the expert at that activity.Show Notes: You Are the Undisputed Expert (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/you-are-the-undisputed-expert-so-now-prove-it/)

I was shocked at the huge list of dumb exercises to improve presentation skills on the internet. When I say “dumb,” I mean don’t try those tips. They will not work. In fact, they will likely make you even more nervous. So in this episode, I’m going to dispel some of the worst exercises and give you a few really simple things that you can do to become a better public speaker. So get rid of the tongue twisters and vocal warm-ups. Stay tuned for a few way more effective ways to become a good public speaker!Before I begin, though, there is an important point that you really have to understand. Developing public speaking skills takes time. If you have a presentation tomorrow morning and you are just now looking for exercises to improve public speaking skills, guess what? You are probably too late.Someone called our 800 number last week looking for help with an upcoming presentation. I asked him, “How long have you known about this fear?”He replied, “Well, I guess all my life.”So he knew he needed help a long time ago but waited until just a few weeks before his biggest presentation to try to do something about it. That would be like a teenager just starting to learn to drive a week before taking the driver’s test. You can probably do it. However, the teen would do much better if he or she practices an hour or two every week for an entire year. If you practice the public speaking tips below a little at a time on a regular basis, you will slowly become a great public speaker. If you try to do it in a week, you probably won’t improve a lot.Show Notes: Exercises to Improve Presentation Skills

Want to calm down before a presentation? Even if you don’t regularly experience the fear of public speaking, just before you start a speech, it is easy to feel anxious. This initial nervous energy can cause a speaker to have a shaky voice, dry mouth, or sweaty palms just before a presentation. The good news is that this experience is very common. Most of the time, if you start your presentation well, the level of nervousness will drop very quickly.However, sometimes when people feel that stage fright, they panic. When you panic in front of an audience, you will most likely experience even more nervous feelings.So, what do you do to calm down before the presentation and calm those nerves? Below are 5 Simple Ways to Calm Your Nerves Before and During a Speech.Create a Simple Presentation with Just a Few Key Bullet Points and Practice It with a Person.Find a Quiet Place to Be Alone and Perform a Short Series of Exercises.Interact and Network with Your Audience to Calm Your Nerves Before a Presentation.Just Before Your Start Your Presentation, Take a Steady and Deep Breath.Start Your Presentation with a Personal Story to Calm Your Nerves Almost Instantly.This episode covers each of these tips in more detail. For full show notes, visit How to Calm Down Before a Presentationhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-calm-down-before-a-presentation-5-simple-ways-to-calm-your-nerves/

Are you a nervous public speaker? A majority of the population has some type of fear of public speaking. Ironically, a great deal of this nervousness or anxiety comes from well-meaning friends or coworkers who are just trying to help.When we see a friend struggling, we naturally want to help. So, we might offer a little constructive criticism as a way to help a new presenter improve his/her public speaking. However, these “helpful” pieces of advice can actually have an extremely negative effect.This session shows how constructive criticism can actually cause public speaking fear. We’ll also cover a few ways to reduce this nervousness when we coach or mentor a nervous speaker.Public Speaking Fear is Normal.Public speaking is not unlike any other new skill we try to develop. When we try to speak in front of a group for the first time, every one of us will be nervous. The first time you rode a bicycle, you probably felt a little anxiety. You probably were also a little timid when you operated a computer for the first time. Remember the first time you drove a car on the freeway? You probably felt very nervous.Each of these experiences has a risk of danger. So, the first time that we try them, we experience fear. Speaking in front of a group is no different. The first time that we do it, there is a risk of failure or embarrassment. The good news, though, is that with experience and a series of successes, your nervousness in each of these areas went down. Your fear of public speaking will also decrease if you follow the guide below.Show Notes: How to Scare the Gooey Out of a Nervous Public Speaker (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-scare-the-gooey-out-of-a-new-public-speaker/)

This week, I'm going to show you how you can make your audiences pay attention to your entire speech. If you use this strategy, you'll get the audience on your side right away and avoid situations where the audience tries to test you or put you on the spot. The strategy will also save you a TON of time and make delivering your presentation much easier as well.Make Your Presentation Audience FocusedFace it, most people hate meetings. They don’t want to sit through boring presentations, either. The best way to get your audience to listen and care about what you’re saying is to focus on them. You have to make your presentation “Audience Focused.” Focus on what the audience wants to hear, not what you want to tell them.Designing your presentations with the audience in mind engages them and draws a more concentrated focus on your presentation as a whole. Using an audience-focused approach is like proactive market research. Thinking from your diverse audience’s point of view to drive your design.I call this strategy the “Breadcrumb Approach.” Basically, we are throwing out a breadcrumb one at a time to try to get the audience to move toward us. Most presenters use a “Push” strategy. They push their ideas and content onto the audicne (whether the audience wants it or not.)Show Notes: Make Your Presentations Really Audience Focused – Get People to Want to Listen to Your Presentation (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-make-presentation-audience-focused/)

This week, I'm going to show you how you can begin to develop your public speaking skills in low-risk public speaking venues. These are the tips I give to people after they come through my presentation classes if they want more practice. As I give you these venues, though, I have organized them in a step-by-step process. For instance, last week, I gave you a list of online venues that I ordered from least risky to most challenging. If you go through the earlier virtual venues first, you'll be able to build your skill and confidence without having severe negative consequences. This week,  we'll cover venues where actual people are meeting in person and how you can be asked to speak in these venues to get practice and gain skill in public speaking. Like last week, I start with the least risky and end with the most challenging. So, save the last ideas until you have built up your confidence.Show Notes: How to Find Great Public Speaking Venues to Practice Your Presentations. https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-15-how-find-great-venues-practice-your-presentations/

I often get a common question after people attend our 2-day presentation class. “Now that I feel more confident, where do I go to practice to continue to get better as a speaker?” “How can I continue to grow as a great speaker?”The best way to continue to grow is with continued and consistent use of your presentation skills. If you take a public speaking class and then don’t present again for a year, your new skills wither away.In fact, one of the reasons why people come to a public speaking class is to get practice very quickly. A class lets them develop these presentation skills in a controlled environment. In a small group setting like this, presenters get instant feedback and direction from a public speaking expert.With all the positives, though, it would be impractical to go to a presentation class two or three times a year. So, where do you go to get additional practice? In this session, I share a few ways to find speaking venues that are always looking for good speakers. We’ll also cover how to build a solid reputation as a good speaker, so your reputation grows. (That way, you have meeting organizers reaching out to you to be a speaker at their meeting as well!)*** Before a get started, though, here is a quick word of caution. Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes permanent. So, make sure that you develop a good presentation first. Then, also work on your poise and confidence when you present. Do these two things before you start to practice. If you practice a poor presentation, you’ll get really good at delivering a terrible presentation. Also, if you practice bad habits over and over, you will have more difficulty later correcting these habits. ***Show Notes: Find Great Venues to Practice Your Presentations (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-15-how-find-great-venues-practice-your-presentations/)

Congratulations! You’ve been invited to give a TED talk. This non-profit talk series is the gold standard of speeches, so you should be honored to be on the event’s roster. Not to mention how great it will look on your resume and website. You’ve undoubtedly been chosen because you’re an expert in your field, be it medicine, literature, pop culture, gerontology, or careers, but it’s not the topic that will have your audience hanging onto your every word. No, it’s more than that. Attendees will be there to learn, but they will remember you for your stage presence and personality. Think about your favorite TED talk speakers. They may speak on a variety of subjects, but they all have something in common. Each speaker has an amazing stage presence.The most powerful talks all use similar tactics to engage their audience and present well. Today, we discuss five strategies for creating Ted talks to help you create that stage presence and make your Ted talk go viral!Show Notes: 5 Strategies for Creating TED Talks (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/make-your-ted-talk-go-viral/)

It is a great honor for me to have Grant Baldwin of The Speaker Lab on the show today. Grant helps people break into the professional speaking industry and shows them how to find clients and get paid when they speak.Grant founded The Speaker Lab years ago and is also the host of The Speaker Lab podcast. His specialty is helping presenters create speeches that help their audiences solve problems. In the interview, he actually throws me for a loop a little. Since he has a hit podcast, I assumed that hosting a podcast might be a good way to generate new clients.His answer, though, will likely surprise you. Grant gives five things that you can do as a speaker that will help you generate revenue more quickly. His goal is to help speakers find customers in a more active way. The episode is full of great tips whether you want to be a professional speaker or not, though. Grant's incite will help you create better presentations that solve problems for your audience. For more details about Grant and his team, the Speaker Lab Website is at https://thespeakerlab.com/.You can also find Grant's book on Amazon at The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform. (https://amzn.to/3B6vD2p)Full Show Notes at How to Find Public Speaking Gigs and Get Paid to Speak (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-find-public-speaking-gigs-and-get-paid-to-speak-with-grant-baldwin/)

This special holiday episode is a continuation of our holiday series on great speeches in American history. What better way to honor and celebrate the holiday than by critiquing one of the greatest, well-known speeches? Before we begin analyzing The Gettsyburg Address, let’s dive into the history and math to put it into context.David Wills invited Abraham Lincoln to give this speech as a way to honor and memorialize those who had fallen during the Battle of Gettysburg. Why were Americans fighting? Well, if you recall, November of 1863 was the middle of our nation’s biggest divide.The Civil War took place in reaction to rising tensions between the north and south in large over slavery and state’s rights. The battle of Gettysburg, in particular, increased northerners’ morale and prevented the south from gaining more momentum. Gettysburg is the bloodiest, singular battle of the Civil War.Lincoln didn’t want to ignore the actions and sacrifices the soldiers made by fighting and spoke to commemorate them in what is titled “The Gettysburg Address.”“But, wait, you mentioned math…” Yes, I did because part of analyzing anything is making sure the language and wording used makes sense and are understood.Show Notes: One of the Greatest Speeches in American History (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/greatest-speech-gettysburg-address/)

In this episode, we will cover a few of the common situations that occur that lead to experiencing public speaking fear. As I cover each one, I will also give you a few simple things that you can do to counteract each of these causes.So if you ever feel nervous when you stand up and speak in front of a group, these tips can really help.The Causes of the Fear of Public Speaking and How to Overcome ThemYou’re an expert in your field, and you know what you’re talking about. After all, you’ve worked in your field for years. You’ve done your research and received critical acclaim and possibly even some awards. But when you’re asked to speak in front of a crowd, which you often are, you break out into a cold sweat. Why does this happen? After all, nobody knows the topic quite as well as you. You’re not alone.The fear of public speaking is actually one of the most common fears in America.Public speaking anxiety has common symptoms, and fortunately, there are ways to remedy them. You don’t have to live with it or suffer through it. The key lies in understanding the causes of the fear of public speaking and dealing with those individual issues. Possible reasons for anxiety during public speaking situations have fairly common causes and have simple fixes.Here is your guide to some of the causes of the fear of public speaking and how to overcome those fears.Show Notes:  The Causes of the Fear of Public Speaking and How to Overcome Them(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-causes-of-the-fear-of-public-speaking-and-how-to-overcome-them/)

In this episode, I share with you my presentation skills checklist that you can use when you are being asked to deliver a speech. It is kind of like a checklist that pilots use in order to lower the risk of failure. You can use it the same way. Make sure you do each of these simple tasks before you speak, and your risk of flubbing a speech shrinks, and your opportunity to perform well in front of the group increases dramatically.This presentation skills checklist can make designing and delivering a presentation easier and less risky. When folks go through our presentation skills classes, they are often surprised at how simple public speaking really is. That is if you have a great structure and follow a simple checklist.Before pilots take a plane off the ground, they always follow a written checklist. They don’t follow this process by memory. Instead, they check off each task one by one.There is a reason why every pilot does this. The process takes a tremendous amount of risk out of the equation. The checklist also takes something very complex and makes it very simple.Great presenters do the same thing. If you follow a simple presentation checklist, you make delivering the presentation less risky.Show Notes: The Presentation Skills Checklist (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/checklist-presentation-skills/)

We just finished a five-part series about How to Start a Public Speaking Career. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to that series, it will help you understand the concepts that we talk about here much more clearly.5 Ways to Promote Yourself as a Professional SpeakerIn this session, we are going to cover how to promote yourself as a professional public speaker. In the earlier sessions, we talked about how to get experience speaking within your current industry. Some of the ideas were to start out as a trainer in your current industry and to speak to associations within your industry. This helps you practice your craft, but, more importantly, it helps you get a video of yourself in front of actual audiences. In the last session, we talked about how to create content like blog posts, videos, and books that you will be able to use to market yourself as a professional speaker.Last week, I covered steps one through three. This week, I focus on the final two ways to promote yourself as a professional public speaker.For full show notes, visit 5 Ways to Promote Yourself as a Professional Speakerhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-promote-yourself-as-a-professional-speaker/

We just finished a five-part series about How to Start a Public Speaking Career. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to that series, it will help you understand the concepts that we talk about here much more clearly.5 Ways to Promote Yourself as a Professional SpeakerIn this session, we are going to cover how to promote yourself as a professional public speaker. In the earlier sessions, we talked about how to get experience speaking within your current industry. Some of the ideas were to start out as a trainer in your current industry and to speak to associations within your industry. This helps you practice your craft, but, more importantly, it helps you get a video of yourself in front of actual audiences. In the last session, we talked about how to create content like blog posts, videos, and books that you will be able to use to market yourself as a professional speaker.For full show notes, visit 5 Ways to Promote Yourself as a Professional Speakerhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-promote-yourself-as-a-professional-speaker/

This is part five of a five-part series about how to start a public speaking career. In the past episodes, we focused on how to use public speaking within your current career, both as an income stream and as marketing.We also covered a session on how to become a professional speaker for an established speaking company. In this episode, I cover a few step-by-step items that will help you create your own presentation company or speaking career from scratch. If you want to be a professional public speaker, these practical tips can help you get started.Show Notes: Start Your Own Public Speaking Company from Scratchhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/start-your-own-public-speaking-company-from-scratch/

We are continuing our series on How to Start a Public Speaking Career, and in this session, we will show a shortcut by working for an organization that is already established. While the first episode mentioned a wide variety of approaches, one of the advantages of working with an established company is that the company the speaker is representing has already done the hard work. They have already created the content, vetted the content, and created a customer base. The downside is that the speaker can’t create or promote his/her own content as easily. In addition, if the speaker quits working for the company, he/she will likely have to start from scratch to create their own content and customer base.In this episode, I’ll cover the pros and cons in more detail. I will also give a step-by-step process that you can go through if you want to become a speaker for one of these companies.Show Notes: Become a Certified Speaker for an Established Presentation Companyhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/become-a-certified-speaker-for-an-established-presentation-company/

One of the easiest ways to become a professional public speaker is by speaking to groups within your current industry. In this article, we will show you several ways to get paid as a professional speaker without having to change careers. This episode continues our previous episode, How to Start a Public Speaking Career. Although this is just one of the three routes we will cover in detail, this route is one of the most common (and perhaps the most lucrative). So, we will spend a little more time on this one.One of the most important steps in beginning is just that, to start. Otherwise, there’s no change. Just starting out gives you practice and room to improve. Improvement might be necessary because while you might have a friendly face, your body language could portray something else. While speaking, you may not connect with your audience enough, and you might need to practice making more eye contact. So start off by speaking at low-stress meetings or community centers. Don’t start out your career by jumping into corporate events- they’re likely to have a large crowd. The best thing to do is to start where you’re comfortable. In this episode, I show you a few ways to get practice as a professional speaker and generate income by speaking within your current industry.Show Notes: Become a Professional Public Speaker by Speaking within Your Current Industry

For the last couple of episodes, I talked about how lucrative a professional speaker career is. Last week, I gave you a few things that have to be in place before you will have a lot of success speaking for a fee. This week, I'm going to pull back the curtain and show you a step-by-step process of how to start a professional speaking career. By the way, if you don't think of yourself as a professional speaker but you have a following or a way of doing something better, the ideas in this episode will help you develop additional streams of income.Being a professional speaker is a very lucrative and rewarding profession. But, if you have never actually made money from speaking before, you may be looking into how to start a public speaking career. Just as an FYI, the way that I did it is not the ideal way to become a professional speaker. In fact, when I give advice to new speakers, I tell them to do the opposite of what I did. I’ve now trained over 100 professional speakers over the past 20 years. Many of these presenters are at the top of their industries. Below are a few ideas that may help.The ideas I share today can help you make public speaking an additional stream of income for you!Show Notes: How to Start a Public Speaking Careerhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-start-a-public-speaking-career/

This is part two of our two-part series on How to Become a Professional Speaker. Last week, I explained a few different types of professional speakers. This week, I give you five attributes that pretty much have to be in place to get people or organizations to pay you to speak.Hone Your Craft Before Dabbling in Professional Speaking -- Basically, get good at something else first. No one is going to pay you to speak if you haven't first been successful at something.Create a Magnetic Personality -- Professional speakers are larger than life.Become an Expert in Your Industry (or Niche.)Don't Rely on Speaking Gigs Alone. Create Multiple Streams of Income.Develop a Tough Skin.If you don't yet have these things in place, make sure to keep listening. The next few episodes can help you develop these traits.Show Notes: So You Want to Be a PAID and Successful Speaker. Here Are Five Things You Will Need to Become a Professional Speaker.https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/want-a-career-as-a-public-speaker-ways-to-build-public-speaking-credentials/ 

It’s easy to develop a career as a public speaker if you’re already a celebrity. If your last name is Trump or Schwarzenegger, you will have no problem getting people to pay you to speak. However, that is not the only way to become a professional speaker. In this post, I will share with you a few tips about how to become a professional speaker.By the way, if you have a famous last name, it may not matter what you speak about. (People just want to say that they saw you in person.) You will also likely have a speech writer working on something inspirational for you anyway. But what if you don’t have a famous last name to back you up? What if you didn’t win an Olympic gold medal? What if people don’t know you from another face on the street?Since 99.9% of us are in this situation, how can we increase our fame to become professional speakers? Before we explore these tips, let’s explore the types of professional speakers.SHOW NOTES: How to Become a Professional Speakerhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/want-a-career-as-a-public-speaker-ways-to-build-public-speaking-credentials/

Sometimes when I'm teaching classes, participants really love how with a few simple modifications, even the most boring or technical presentation can become a fantastic persuasive message. In fact, last week, we covered some of these simple modifications. The big quest that comes up, though, is "What happens if you have to deliver a negative message?"In the past few months, inflation has skyrocketed, gas prices are so high that the cost of everything is going up, and since the pandemic months are still very close behind in the rearview mirror, many presenters are being put into situations where they have to deliver news about layoffs, or cutbacks, or other negative topics. If you find yourself in situations like this from time to time, then this episode is going to be very helpful.For full show notes, see How a Presenter Can Deliver Bad News with Poise and Controlhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-presenters-can-deliver-bad-news-with-poise/

The persuasion technique in this episode will help you create an amazing persuasive speech outline. In fact, these sales presentation examples can be used in a number of different ways.“Wait… sales presentation? Oh, I’m not a professional salesperson. This may not work for me.”Whether you are a salesperson or just trying to persuade coworkers to accept your ideas, this process is important to success. By the way, this technique works both in written format and in a speech. The best way to prepare for them is by treating them the same way. Start by creating a speech outline. Obviously, when you create persuasive speeches, you don’t want them to be scripted. A quick outline will typically work much better.For the full show notes, visit Creating a Persuasive Speech or Sales Presentation (with a Few Examples)https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/amazing-persuasive-speech-outline-with-sales-presentation-examples/

In this episode, I'm going to explain the pros and cons of public speaking coaching. Sometimes, when I suggest to people that presentation coaching may not help them, they are a little taken back. "Wait Doug, aren't you a public speaking coach?" Yes, I am, but I very rarely work one-on-one with a single person in a coaching session. In this episode, I'm going to explain why. Also, if you have been listening to the podcast as a way to reduce nervousness, I'll also explain why that may not be the best way to conquer fear.Do I need to get a presentation skills coach? Well, unfortunately, the answer is probably… It depends. A public speaking coach can be very helpful in certain situations. However, in many cases, a public speaking coach can also be a complete waste of time and money. (The process may actually make you more nervous as well.)In this post, I’m going to cover the pros and cons of public speaking coaching. I give you a few circumstances where hiring a good public speaking coach can be very helpful. We will also cover the situations where a presentation coach can be detrimental. Next, I’ll give you a few ways to find a high-quality speech coach. Then finally, I will share with you a list of skills where presentation and executive coaching are most helpful.For Full Show Notes, Visit Presentation Coaching-Do I Ned a Public Speaking Coach?

This is part 2 of a two-part series on Glossophobia (an irrational fear of public speaking.) In this episode, we cover a few simple tips to help you overcome glossophobia.1) Start Small.How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. If your fear is intense, there is no need to schedule a high-level presentation in front of 1000 people right away. Instead, start by speaking up more in staff meetings, at church, or join a social organization. Set a goal for each interaction. For instance, if you never speak up in staff-meeting, just set a goal to share a single idea with the group. Then, over time, increase the goal. Next week, add two ideas, etc.2) Look for Opportunities to Present, and then Be Courageous.You will never conquer any fear if you simply avoid the situations that cause the fear. Instead, look for opportunities to speak where the consequence of failure is pretty low. For instance, you can offer to speak at career day at your child’s school. (If you totally bomb this presentation, so what?) Then, be courageous. I talked in the article 7 Qualities of a Great Speaker about the difference between Self-Confidence and Poise. Self-confidence comes from having a series of successes doing something. Poise, however, is where a speaker is not confident but performs courageously anyway. The more of these courageous successes that you can string together, the more self-confident you will be.3) Document What You Did Well.The reason that our presentation skills classes work so well is that our instructors help each student document what they do well in each presentation. For instance, the instructor will teach the student a way to make part of his/her presentation easier, show the student how to do it, and then when the presenter succeeds, the instructor reinforces that success. You can do the same after each of your presentations as well. Immediately after presenting, make a list of some of the things that you did well in the speech. Turn off your internal critic for a while. (All of us are our own worst critic, so you will have to fight this.) Then, before your next presentation, refer to the items on your list. These lists will help you reduce the phobia and build confidence over time.4) Practice in a Controlled Environment.If you want a faster way to conquer glossophobia, join us in one of our fear of public speaking workshops. One of the great things about being in a controlled environment like a class or workshop is that the risk of failure is reduced to just about 0%. The only way to conquer glossophobia is to string together a series of successes that outweigh, in our minds, the causes that we talked about above. As each participant masters each part of a fantastic presentation, the fear is reduced exponentially. In fact, in many cases, the growth is so fast and so dramatic that the irrational fear is replaced by confidence. The process isn’t foolproof and it isn’t easy. However, it works almost 100% of the time!For full show notes, visit A Few Simple Tips to Help You Eliminate Glossophobiahttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-overcome-glossophobia-an-irrational-fear-of-public-speaking/#few-simple-tips-to-overcome-glossophobia

Want to know how to overcome glossophobia? Does stage fright sometimes make you pass up opportunities in your career? Do you feel like you have an irrational fear of public speaking? You are not alone!Glossophobia or the fear of public speaking is very common. I’ve been in the presentation skill industry for decades, now. In that time, I’ve come to realize that the statistics about this fear are confusing. Some studies say that as few as 7% of the population has glossophobia. Other surveys claim that over 95% of people experience this fear.However, the statistics depend on the definition of Glossophobia that you are using.You can see the actual public speaking fear statistics here.What is the True Definition of Glossophobia? Check out the podcast episode to find out!For the full show notes, visit What Is Glossophobia?

In today's digital world, there are so many ways to come by great public speaking types and presentation training. Here on Fearless Presentations, we have over 200 podcast episodes, and over 400 YouTube videos on our YouTube channel, and we have also published HUNDREDS of free presentation skill articles on our blog at Fearlesspresentations.com. These resources are all free to the public. However, some people prefer a more structured approach like an online public speaking training course. If you are a self-starter and want a few public speaking tips, these online courses can be very helpful. (They are also very cost-effective!)A third option is to get a presentation coach or attend an in-person presentation skill class. Public speaking classes are the absolute best way to eliminate the fear of public speaking. They work better because participants get a chance to practice and develop their presentation skills in front of real people. If you really want to get rid of presentation nervousness, then an in-person public speaking class is your best resource!Professional speakers can spend years mastering their presentation style. If you have years as well, then any of these options will work. However, if your next high-stakes presentation is coming up quickly, then your options are more limited. You will get the best results if you follow a reliable model for developing good public speaking skills. The Fearless Presentations ® system is the best process ever developed. We can help you become an effective communicator!For full show notes see Public Speaking Training. https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/public-speaking-training/

This is part 4 of a four-part series covering the 101 best public speaking tips. We are going to the last 25 today. In this episode, I will continue with a list of some of the best places to practice your public speaking skills. (As we progress further down the list, the locations will become more lucrative for you when you speak to these audiences.)Then, I will cover a few best practices for group presentations (especially group sales presentations.) The last major section of presentation tips will be about question and answer sessions (Q&A).Finally, just for fun, I end with the 7 Deadly Sins of Presenters.For full show notes and lots of additional details about many of the tips, visit 101 Public Speaking Tipshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/

This is part 3 of a four-part series covering the 101 best public speaking tips. We are going to zoom through another 25 or so tips today.In this episode, I'm going to continue our series on 101 public speaking tips that you can use as a roadmap to improve your presentation skills. I have to go through them at lightning speed. though.So, if you want more information about any of these tips or you want to see all of them visually, just click the link in the show notes.Last week, I finished with tip #50 which was to add in at least one impact idea to add more content to the presentation outline we talked about earlier. The tips this week begin with three more ways to better organize your speech along with my best PowerPoint tips.To see all the show notes and for additional information and reading about any of the tips, visit 101 of the Best Public Speaking Tipshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/

In honor of our 201st episode last week, I started a four-part series covering the 101 best public speaking tips. So if you missed last week, make sure to catch up before listening to this episode. We will zoom through another 25 or so tips today.These are public speaking tips 25-50. I cover a few ways to use stories to reduce public speaking fear. Then, I cover 20 or so of the best ways to add impact to a great presentation including audience participation tips and ways to add showmanship.For the full show notes, visit The 101 Best Public Speaking Tipshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/

This is the 201st episode, so for fun a couple of years ago on my 101st episode, I started a series of 101 public speaking tips. So, in the 201st episode, I'm going to deliver those 101 tips a second time. (My humor knows no bounds.)So for those of you who listen to the podcast and say, just give me the tips without all the fluff, these are the episodes for you!This episode covers public speaking tips #1 - #24 and is part 1 of a 4 part series. To see all the tips along with additional details for each, visit the full show notes at 101 Public Speaking Tipshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/

You have identified a problem or opportunity for your company. Now you need to get approval. So, how do you present a proposal to management that will get approved? The process is actually pretty simple. The method of how to present a proposal to management that we use works about 100% of the time. Just follow the simple steps below, and your project will easily get funded.By the way, if you are presenting a proposal to a customer or potential client, see this post. The technique below is mainly for elevator speech types of presentations (short and to the point.) If you are presenting a proposal to someone outside of your own company, you want to be more detailed.For full show notes, see  How to Present a Proposal to Management in Three Simple Stepshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-present-a-proposal-to-management/

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you present a proposal to a client. Here is the scenario… You have done your homework. A team at your company painstakingly created the perfect sales proposal. In fact, the potential client was so impressed, that they moved you to their “shortlist.” Now, though, they want you to present a bid proposal to the purchasing committee.Your team is one of just six to eight other companies competing for this contract. How do you make sure that the committee picks your team? Well, not to brag, but over the years, groups that I have coached have received over 80% of these contracts. Just follow this simple sales presentation outline, and your team will have a better shot at winning as well.Don’t Get Hung Up on the Terms Proposal, Bid Proposal, Shortlist Presentation or Sales PresentationBy the way, don’t get hung up on the terms that I am using. People will often respond with something like, “We don’t present ‘bids’ to our potential clients.” In other cases, professional people may say, “But I’m not a salesperson. This isn’t a sales presentation.” My point is, don’t get hung up on the terms.The process that I’m covering will help anyone who is presenting a solution to a person or group who will exchange money for this solution. The terms “Bid” and “Proposal” are standard procurement terms, which is why we are using them here.I have heard this type of presentation called each of the following over the years.Bid ProposalRFP PresentationShortlist PresentationSales PresentationPresent a QuoteRegardless of what your industry calls this speech, the process will still work.For full show notes, visit How to Present a Proposalhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/present-a-bid-proposal-great-sales-presentation-outline/

In this episode, Doug Staneart of Fearless Presentations walks us through a simple three-step process to persuade others.Want to learn how to write a persuasive speech? Want to make sure that you persuade your audience without raising resentment? Well, if you use the techniques that you likely learned in school, you will often fail at both of these goals. In high school, you most likely learned that to write a good persuasive presentation, you have to do research, list the pros and cons, and then use lots of data to win over your audience. This technique is a terrible way to persuade people.Most often, it actually causes the other person to want to play “Devil’s advocate” and argue with you. In this article, we are going to show you a simple way to win people to your way of thinking without raising resentment. If you use this technique, your audience will actually WANT to agree with you! The process starts with putting yourself in the shoes of your listener and looking at things from their point of view.For full show notes visit How to Write an Effective Persuasive Speechhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/persuasive-speech-how-to-write-a-persuasive-speech/

This “remember stories from your life” post is part three of a three-part series about how to tell stories in your speech. In the first two posts, we talked about the value of stories. If you recall, statistics and data are forgotten quickly and lead your audience to play “Devil’s advocate.” However, stories build rapport with your audience and reduce public speaking fear. They also make the data you are delivering more memorable.Once you understand the value of inserting stories into your presentation, many people want to know how to do it. So, we also covered a few specific steps in storytelling to make the process easier.My audience members will often come up to me after a presentation asking, “How do you remember all your stories?” Actually remembering stories from your life is pretty easy. It’s keeping track of all of them and being able to recall the perfect story at the perfect time. That is the hard part. In this post, I’ll give you a few of my secrets. I’ll give you a few simple ways to remember great stories as well as how to recognize when a success will make a great story.For the full show notes, visit Remember Stories from Your Life to Insert into Presentationshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/remember-stories-from-your-life-to-insert-into-presentations/

Feel nervous about speaking in public? Tell a personal story in your speech (early), and you can reduce public speaking fear dramatically. One of the first public speaking secrets that we share in our public speaking training classes is that stories are your friend.When you tell a story, you reduce presentation jitters and build rapport with your audience. Don’t believe me? Watch any professional motivational speaker on YouTube. You will find that their entire speech is composed of a series of individual stories that they link together. In this post, we will cover some of the major benefits of telling stories as well as the best way to do it.Major Benefits of Telling Stories in a PresentationThey say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, when you tell a story in your speech, you are presenting a series of pictures. These pictures magically appear in the minds of the audience. This is where true communication occurs. The human mind thinks in pictures. So, when a speaker is able to create this series of images in the audience’s mind that is similar to the picture in the presenter’s head, the speaker has communicated effectively. Stories are a powerful tool to capture and hold the audience’s attention.Storytelling skills are easy to master as well. After you identify the important concepts you want to cover in your speech, recall instances from your own experiences where that concept was true. Just play the mental movie in your head of that memory. To tell the story to your audience, just describe this movie in enough detail that your movie also plays for the audience as well.For full show notes, visit Storytelling in Speeches-How to Reduce Presentation Fear Quicklyhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/tell-a-story-in-your-speech-and-reduce-public-speaking-fear/

Great speakers know how to tell a great story. This post will give you the five key steps of storytelling that these great speakers know. This is a continuation of the post about how inserting stories into your presentations reduces public speaking fear. I mentioned a recent class member who told me that he just wasn’t a good storyteller. If you feel the same way, then these steps of storytelling can be very helpful for you. Just between you and I, though… Whether you follow these steps exactly or not, just the fact that you are inserting stories into your speeches is a big advantage. Most presenters in the business world give very BORING speeches. A well-placed story is a powerful tool that makes your message much more interesting and entertaining.Want to Know How to Tell a Great Story in a Presentation? The Steps of Storytelling Are Not as Important as the Story Itself.Storytelling in our personal lives is very normal. When we get together with friends or family, we build rapport by sharing good stories about ourselves. I went to my High School reunion a few years ago. I was visiting with friends that I haven’t seen for a long time. One of the funniest things, though, was that I expected that it would be a bunch of old people reminiscing about stories from our teenage years. However, the opposite occurred. It was really interesting to hear about what my friends had done since High School. We spent hours catching up. And the way that we caught up was by telling great stories to each other about our experiences. Many of my friends had accomplished some pretty impressive things. However, none of them sounded like they were bragging.The biggest public speaking secret that I know is that you can do the exact same thing in your speeches. When you share stories of your successes, your audience lives vicariously through your stories. I remember growing up hearing the phrase, “Experience is the best teacher.” After being a business owner for 20 plus years now, I realize how dumb that statement is. Experience is NOT the best teacher. Someone else’s experience is the best teacher. When I hear a story about how someone else accomplished a goal that I want to accomplish, I can learn from it. I don’t have to experience all the turmoil that he or she went through.So, follow the steps of storytelling below. However, just realize that the steps, in and of themselves, are not as important as the actual stories. Pick a good story to tell, the steps don’t matter.For the full show notes, visit How to Tell a Great Story in a Presentationhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-5-steps-of-storytelling-how-to-tell-a-great-story/

The Train-the-Trainer Model is very common in the business world. However, many Train-the-Trainer programs have big flaws. A good analogy of what happens during this process is the old “telephone game.”Put ten people in a room. Whisper a phrase with more than 10 words into the ear of the first person. The second person then relays the message to the third person. This process continues over and over until the phrase reaches the final person. When you compare the first message with the last message, they will be totally different.This is what often happens when organizations try to implement a train-the-trainer model of employee development.However, this doesn’t have to occur. If you put the right steps and processes in place, your employee development can be phenomenal. (It is also the best way to cut your training costs dramatically as well.)For full show notes, visit How to Create a Train-the-Trainer Coursehttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/train-the-trainer-model-how-to-create-a-train-the-trainer-course/

One of the more challenging parts of any presentation is the very first part. If you are wondering how to introduce yourself before starting your presentation, you are in good company. For most of us, once we get the first few sentences out, our nervousness will diminish pretty significantly. So, this initial self-introduction is really important. If we struggle here, our nervousness will increase. In addition, the old adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is very true.In this post, we are going to cover the best way, a very simple three-step process that will help you introduce yourself in a presentation. A summary of the steps is below.Start with your name and company (or organization or school).Tell your audience what problem you can solve for them.Share some type of proof (social proof works best) that you can solve this problem.I will break down each step into a simple-to-follow process. By the way, if you are designing an introduction for a school speech, make sure to view the show notes for a very simple way to do this!For full show notes and a fill-in-the-blank introduction creator, go to How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation (with Examples)https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-before-starting-any-presentation/

For the last couple of weeks, I covered how to start a presentation and also how to design a great presentation. This week, I'm going to show you a few ways that you can end your presentation with a bang.We start with a few "show stoppers." These are things to absolutely avoid when you end your presentation. Then, we cover seven very effective ways to end a presentation.By the way, I also designed a handout for this session since there are so many options. Just follow the link below to access the free handout or just type "How to End Your Presentation with a Bang" into Google and look for the post on fearlesspresentations.com. For full show notes and the free download, visit 7 Ways to End Your Presentationhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-end-your-presentation-with-a-bang/

Welcome back to the Fearless Presentations podcast. When most of you first started listening to this podcast, it was because you wanted to feel less nervous when you have to stand up and speak before a group. So, most people start listening to try to create a different feeling. An important thing that we often overlook, though, is that the way that we design a speech will either add to your nervousness or reduce your nervousness. For instance, if you try to write out your presentation word-for-word and memorize it when you stand up to deliver that speech, you will be nervous. The way you prepared for the presentation and the way you created the presentation caused you to be more nervous. So, on this episode, I'm going to cover an unbelievable simple process to go through to create a presentation from scratch that will reduce your nervousness and cause you to be seen as an exceptional presenter. I'm going to give you the steps in a cursory fashion, so you can use them right away. But if you want more details on any o the steps, I will put a link in the show notes to a blog post that will cover more details. By the way, Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a session. Also, make sure to leave a comment or review if you like the podcast.For full show notes, see How to Write a Speech in 3 Simple Stepshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-write-a-speech-just-few-simple-steps/

Looking for a few ways to start a presentation that are dynamic? We’ve all been there as a speaker. You walk out onto a stage or into the front of the room. The audience is staring at you with skepticism written all over their faces. This stoic crowd has no patience for speakers who waste their time. And their demeanor is showing that fact right now.You need the best way to start your presentation so that you win over the audience members.I’ve been there myself. Below are a few of my favorite ways to start a speech that will help you capture the attention of your audience from your audience and get even the most stoic crowd to want more from you.Here is the list of presentation openers.7 Dynamic Ways to Start a PresentationGive Your Presentation Summary and Conclusion First.Start the Presentation with a Compelling Story.Use a Startling Statistic to Start a Presentation.A Funny or Motivational Quote or One-Liner.Start with an Opinion Asking Question.Make a Powerful or Shocking Statement to Start a Speech.Arouse Curiosity with a Hook.A Bonus Way to Start a Presentation Is to Add Showmanship.I added additional information and examples for each of these presentation openers in the show notes at 7 Dynamic Ways to Start a Presentationhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-start-a-presentation/#summary-conclusion

Are your Zoom meetings kind of… well… blah? Want to make them more fun, engaging, and interactive? Below are seven of our best tips to help you jazz up your next online meeting. Keep in mind that anytime a conversation is one-sided, it will be boring for the listener. A good conversation is a dialogue — not a monologue.On this episode, we cover 7 simple things you can do to make your Zoom meetings more engaging. For full show notes along with all the links mentioned in the episode, go to https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-fun-ways-to-make-zoom-meetings-more-interesting-and-interactive/

I was shocked at the huge list of dumb exercises to improve presentation skills on the internet. When I say “dumb,” I mean don’t try those tips. They will not work. In fact, they will likely make you even more nervous. So in this episode, I’m going to dispel some of the worst exercises and give you a few really simple things that you can do to become a better public speaker. So get rid of the tongue twisters and vocal warm-ups. Stay tuned for a few way more effective ways to become a good public speaker!So, in this episode, I'm going to share a few exercises that you can practice to become a better public speaker. Remember that public speaking is a skill. So the more you practice, the better you will get. The ideas I share in this episode will help you create habits that lead to presentation confidence.For full show notes, visit Exercises to Improve Presentation Skillshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/exercises-to-improve-presentation-skills-become-a-better-public-speaker/

On this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. This week we cover one of the most challenging public speaking skills for most people which is how to speak off the cuff on an impromptu basis and still look poised and confident. If you have ever been in one of those situations where someone puts you on the spot and panic sat in, then this session is for you.By the way, I have created a free downloadable guide for you. Just go to https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide to access it. Impromptu speaking occurs when someone ask you to speak on a topic or give an answer to a question where you haven’t had a chance to prepare ahead of time. Often this occurs during a speech when someone stops you to ask a question. Or, it may occur when a boss or coworker asks you to give a spontaneous report during a staff meeting. When situations like this pop up, the nervousness that we feel can increase, so you want to have as many advantages on your side as possible. This session on impromptu speaking can help!

In this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. This week we take that presentation skeleton that you created a couple of weeks ago and show you 10 ways to add impact to it. Last week, we covered 5 of the items. This week, we finish up with the final 5 impact ideas.By the way, I have created a free downloadable guide for you. Just go to https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guideAfter you create the basic structure of your talk to inform,  you can add additional zing to your speech by adding some of these impact ideas.   Typically, if you design a great outline using the ideas in the previous chapter, you will create a good presentation skeleton. In this chapter, we will put a little meat on the bones of the skeleton. Remember, we are presenting our case to the jury. So these ideas just add a little more evidence to prove that each bullet point is true. Most often, just one or two of these ideas added to each bullet will create fantastic content that your audience will both enjoy and believe. Proceed with a little caution, though.  These impact ideas will make good presentations great presentations. However, if you have a poorly designed presentation and add in these enhancers, you will likely make the presentation worse. If you have a good presentation centered around just a few key bullet points, then adding a couple of enhancers under each bullet for reinforcement will work well. If you have 50 slides already prepared and add in additional content, you’ll likely make the presentation worse.

In this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. This week we take that presentation skeleton that you created last week and show you 10 ways to add impact to it. If you recall last week, I mentioned that you want to only give a max of five key concepts per sitting. And for that reason as well as just for time sake, we will break this session into two parts. So we will cover a few items on this episode and the remainder next week to make the content easier to remember.By the way, I have created a free downloadable guide for you. Just go to https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guideAfter you create the basic structure of your talk to inform,  you can add additional zing to your speech by adding some of these impact ideas.   Typically, if you design a great outline using the ideas in the previous chapter, you will create a good presentation skeleton. In this chapter, we will put a little meat on the bones of the skeleton. Remember, we are presenting our case to the jury. So these ideas just add a little more evidence to prove that each bullet point is true. Most often, just one or two of these ideas added to each bullet will create fantastic content that your audience will both enjoy and believe. Proceed with a little caution, though.  These impact ideas will make good presentations great presentations. However, if you have a poorly designed presentation and add in these enhancers, you will likely make the presentation worse. If you have a good presentation centered around just a few key bullet points, then adding a couple of enhancers under each bullet for reinforcement will work well. If you have 50 slides already prepared and add in additional content, you’ll likely make the presentation worse.

In this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. This is week 2 of a two-part series on how to design a talk to inform your audience. Here, I cover how to design an entire presentation. Last week, we covered how many bullet points should you create for your presentation. The answer by the way is that it depends on the type of speech. So this episode is very important if you want to understand how great presenters create great speeches.To Be More Concise, Limit Your Content to Just the Absolute  Most-Important Points.So, unless you can hone your talk into just a few points, your audience will have a tough time retaining your information.  It’s okay to give additional information, but the more information outside of the scope of the main points, the more diluted your entire message will be.  So How Many Points are Ideal in a Presentation? Well, it depends on the purpose of the presentation. I suggest between a single bullet point (rare but effective in certain speeches) up to a max of about five bullet points. When you want to design a presentation, picture the structure like a put-together storage cabinet unit. (Picture one of those stand-alone units with double doors and adjustable shelves on the inside.) The cabinet itself is the presentation. The shelves inside the unit represent the main items (or bullet points) that you’ll cover. The interesting things that you will put on the shelves are what we call “impact items.” These are presentation enhancers that use to reinforce each bullet point (we will cover these in the next chapter.) These put-together storage cabinets come with several adjustable shelves. Technically you could cram a lot of shelves into the cabinet. However, every time you add a new shelf, the storage space per shelf gets smaller. The problem that a lot of presenters make is that they think that people buy a cabinet to look at the shelves. “If I have a lot of bullet points, then my presentation is going to be better.” That is like saying, “The more shelves that I have, the better the cabinet. Who cares if I can’t actually store anything in it.” The “Presentation Cabinet” that we teach in Fearless Presentations ® is called “The Three-Point Talk.” It is a flexible structure that can easily be adjusted based on the purpose of the presentation. In the class, we focus on designing a presentation around three important points (bullets.) The reason why is that three points provide the most balance between solid content and entertainment. If you have too many bullet points, your presentation will be boring and hard to deliver. On the other hand, if you design presentations with too few points, the content will seem fluffy (vague.)To access the show notes, go to the Online Presentation Guidehttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide/

This is part seven of the presentation skills master class. In this session, we talk about how to create a Talk to Inform (a speech designed just to get information across to your audience.) This session is broken into two parts and this is part one of the two-part series.Sometimes, we just need to get information across to our audience in a poised and confident way. The Talk to Inform format is a simple way to do this.Start with a Great Title to Quickly Capture the Attention of the Audience. To Be More Concise, Limit Your Content to Just the Absolute Most-Important Points. Develop Compelling Support for Each Point to Make Your Presentation Believable.  In this episode, we will cover how to create a great title and begin to discover the appropriate number of bullet points based on the purpose of the speech. For instance, if you create a lecture, you will create more bullet points than if you create a motivational speech.Next week will finish creating a speech outline and show you how to turn the outline into a fantastic presentation.To access the show notes, go to the Online Presentation Guidehttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide/

In this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. This week, I cover how to use your movement and gestures to reduce nervousness and create a more poised and confident appearance in front of a group.By the way, I have created a free downloadable guide for you. Just go to fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide to access it.Gestures and Movement When You Deliver PresentationsThe best rule of thumb for gestures and movement while public speaking is simple—move when you need to. For instance, if you explain to your audience that there was a HUGE drop in revenue, but your body language doesn’t change, your delivery will be confusing. Your audience will likely think, “He said huge, but I guess it wasn’t a big deal.” This happens because your words and your movement are incongruent. A more appropriate gesture might be to hold your hand at about your eye level as you start the sentence. Then, as you get to the word “HUGE,” drop your hand down to your waist. Gestures Are Natural… Unless You Are Nervous When You SpeakBy the way, these movements and gestures are actually quite natural. (This is especially true when you tell stories.) That is unless you are worried about using appropriate gestures.If you haven't yet subscribed to the podcast, make sure to do that. Also, rate the podcast and leave a review for me.Also, we have a number of in-person classes coming up in the next month or so. We have classes in Dallas, Philadelphia, Miami, and Atlanta. Most of those classes have at least a couple of seats available, but if you want a seat, make sure to register right away. Because we are only offering the classes in a few cities, they are selling out very early.To get a ticket, go to www.fearlesspresentations.com.

In this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. This week, I cover how to be more persuasive when you present to audiences. I cover how to anticipate an audience's reaction based on human nature and also how to use that reaction to win people to your way of thinking.The common persuasion technique that speakers use in business is (1) offer an opinion that the speaker believes to be true. Then, (2) offer facts and data to verify the veracity of the opinion. This technique sounds logical. However, it rarely works.Listen to this episode where I reveal my secret to using human nature to become a more persuasive speaker and presenter!By the way, I have created a free downloadable guide for you. Just go to https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide/ to access it. Each week, as we cover new sessions of the masterclass, I will also add more to the guide. So make sure to go back to that link each week to access the new tips.

In this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. This week, I cover how to be a great storyteller and why stories should be the backbone of any presentation. Stories do five fantastic things in a presentation that every speaker (and every audience for that matter) wants. They also help you reduce public speaking fear dramatically.By the way, I have created a free downloadable guide for you. Just go to https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide/ to access it. Each week, as we cover new sessions of the masterclass, I will also add more to the guide. So make sure to go back to that link each week to access the new tips.

This is part three of our Fearless Presentations Master Class.In this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. In this master class, we are going to help you reduce nervousness, increase your enthusiasm and energy, help you become a great storyteller, become more persuasive, and help you design speeches in half the time. So don't miss an episode. This week, I cover how to organize a good speech. Specifically, I give you a couple of tried and true presentation openings and a couple of fool-proof conclusions as well.Download the free Fearless Presentations Master Class Participant Guide by clicking here. https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide/

The Secret to Great Presentations -- Enthusiasm and Energy!This is part two of our Fearless Presentations Master Class. In this episode, we continue our master class about presentation skills. In this master class, we are going to help you reduce nervousness, increase your enthusiasm and energy, help you become a great storyteller, become more persuasive, and help you design speeches in half the time. So don't miss an episode. This week, I cover the absolute best secret to being a fantastic presenter... it is the skill that once you master it, you will elevate your presentation skills exponentially. It is enthusiasm and energy. An enthusiastic speaker is a popular speaker.Download the free Fearless Presentations Master Class Participant Guide by clicking here. https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide/

On this episode, I'm starting a master class about presentation skills. In this master class, we are going to help you reduce nervousness, increase your enthusiasm and energy, help you become a great storyteller, become more persuasive, and help you design speeches in half the time. This week, I cover nervousness and give you a step-by-step guide to help apply the skills from the masterclass as we go. Don't miss an episode!By the way, I have created a free downloadable guide for you. Just go to fearlesspresentations.com/audio-guide to access it. Each week, as we cover new sessions of the masterclass, I will also add more to the guide. So make sure to go back to that link each week to access the new tips.If you haven't yet subscribed to the podcast, make sure to do that. Also, rate the podcast and leave a review for me.For show notes, visit https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/10-simple-ways-to-get-over-the-fear-of-public-speaking/

You can learn a lot about history from the public speeches that shaped this great nation. Whether it is Dr. King encouraging the civil rights movement or President Kennedy inspiring the nation to reach to the moon, public speaking is an important part of the American experience. We will go in-depth from the fiery speech that started the revolution to President Reagan standing at the Berlin Wall taunting the Soviet Union. These speeches span from the birth of a new nation, through a civil war, a great depression, and into an era of a “new birth of freedom.”In this episode, I cover the Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech by Patrick Henry (March 23, 1775).In March of 1775, the citizens of the 13 Colonies were divided. They were British citizens and many were patriotic to the Crown. However, in the five years prior to this famous speech by Patrick Henry, the colonies were in turmoil.The British military spent vast amounts of gold defending the Colonies from other nations, pirates, and Indians. Since the French and Indian war ended in 1763, the British army had set up forts to protect the colonies from incursions from the frontier. King George decided that the Colonists should be responsible for funding these military campaigns. So, he instituted a series of ever-increasing taxes on the Colonists.Angry townspeople debated in pubs throughout the 13 Colonies. However, the biggest thorn in the side of King George was Massachusetts. The Boston Massacre (1770) and the BostonTea Party (1773.) were a couple of the more famous incidents. A few months before Henry’s famous speech, the First Continental Congress sent a letter of grievances to the King. They were still awaiting a reply.Then, a few weeks before the speech, the British military marched on Concord to confiscate a cache of weapons from suspected rebels. For the first time, the British military had marched on British citizens in the Colonies. The Second Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia. The delegates were debating whether or not to join the revolution.Meanwhile, in Richmond, Virginia, local delegates also debated about which side Virginia would back. Would they support the war effort in Massachusetts or would they support the Crown?Patrick Henry Delivers “Give Me Liberty or Give Death” Speech to Virginia Convention.Delegates at the Virginia Convention debated both the pros and the cons of the revolution. Some favored British rule. Others favored independence. That is until local attorney Patrick Henry stood to deliver one of the great American speeches of all time. In the assembly were future presidents George Washington and John Adams.The first written documentation of the full speech took place 41 years later by William Wirt. Wirt created the text based on memories of men who were in the assembly. So it is had to say how accurate the text that we have today actually is. What is a fact though is that after this famous speech, the Virginia delegation because staunch supporters of the American Revolution.Along with the “shot heard ’round the world” just a few weeks prior, the famous line from this speech became known as the start of the revolution.For full show notes, visit The Greatest Speeches in American History https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-greatest-speeches-in-american-history-from-revolution-to-leaders-of-the-free-world/

Short anecdotes for speeches are a fantastic way to end a presentation with a bang. These stories can be fiction, actual incidents from history, or even just funny stories from your own personal life. When you deliver them well, though, they have a lasting impact. I often use these short anecdotes for speeches when I’m trying to teach something meaningful to the audience. So, in most instances, speakers use these anecdotes in training sessions or motivational speeches.When You Use an Anecdote in a Speech, Tie the Story to the Greater Meaning of Your Presentation.The anecdotes themselves add entertainment and humor to a speech. But when you use the story to relay a greater message, they almost have a magic quality. When you tell an anecdote in a speech, spend time at the end tying the incident back to the main point of your presentation.When my daughter graduated from High School, a local pastor delivered her commencement address. He used a well-known anecdote in a masterful way as the start of the commencement speech. Since he was a pastor, he told the story of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus. Being a professional speaker myself, I wondered exactly how he would tie that story to a graduation ceremony.He went on to explain how many Christians might see a “Baptism” as the ending point. However, Jesus started his public ministry at his baptism. The pastor then shared with the graduating class that many of them are likely seeing the ceremony as the end of their schooling. In reality, though, commencement means the beginning. The speaker used the anecdote really well and inspired the graduating class with the short story.So, I thought that it might be fun to just jot down a few of the most inspirational (or just funny) short anecdotes for speeches that I have come across in my career. Perhaps you can use them in your next presentation.For full show notes and text of each of the parables and anecdotes, visit Short Anecdotes and Parables for Speeches and Presentationshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/short-anecdotes-for-speeches-and-parables-to-amaze-your-audience/

Want to eliminate the fear of public speaking? Two decades ago, we created the Fearless Presentations ® class to help people eliminate public speaking fear.After training over 20,000 class members, our instructors have discovered a few simple truths about stage fright and speech anxiety. Once you understand these secrets, you too really reduce this fear.Below are a few facts about public speaking fear that can help.What Is Public Speaking Fear?Stage fright is still one of the most prevalent anxieties in the world. In fact, psychologists created a specific term for this particular social phobia. They call it glossophobia — which is a form of social anxiety disorder.Basically, this performance anxiety occurs when a person has to stand in front of a group and deliver a presentation. Since the symptoms of this fear are so common, presenters often have questions about why it’s there, where it came from, and how do you get rid of it?Most people feel like they are the only ones out there who experience butterflies in the stomach, a shaky voice, or shaky hands. However, just about every speaker has some sort of nervousness when presenting in front of groups. The person may have had a bad experience at a previous speaking engagement. Now, when he or she stands to speak n front of any number of people, the person may feel a lot of nervous energy. If the speech is in front of a large audience, he or she may experience a full-blown panic attack.As a result, a lot of people who feel that stage fright will avoid public speaking situations altogether. These people can miss out on big opportunities. If public speakers don’t do something about the anxiety, it can escalate and turn into a debilitating phobia. With all that being said, though, here is some really good news. As far as anxiety disorders go, this one is really easy to conquer.For more information visit our website Overcome Public Speakinghttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/fear-of-public-speaking/

Want to eliminate the fear of public speaking? Two decades ago, we created the Fearless Presentations ® class to help people eliminate public speaking fear.After training over 20,000 class members, our instructors have discovered a few simple truths about stage fright and speech anxiety. Once you understand these secrets, you too really reduce this fear.Below are a few facts about public speaking fear that can help.What Is Public Speaking Fear?Stage fright is still one of the most prevalent anxieties in the world. In fact, psychologists created a specific term for this particular social phobia. They call it glossophobia — which is a form of social anxiety disorder.Basically, this performance anxiety occurs when a person has to stand in front of a group and deliver a presentation. Since the symptoms of this fear are so common, presenters often have questions about why it’s there, where it came from, and how do you get rid of it?Most people feel like they are the only ones out there who experience butterflies in the stomach, a shaky voice, or shaky hands. However, just about every speaker has some sort of nervousness when presenting in front of groups. The person may have had a bad experience at a previous speaking engagement. Now, when he or she stands to speak n front of any number of people, the person may feel a lot of nervous energy. If the speech is in front of a large audience, he or she may experience a full-blown panic attack.As a result, a lot of people who feel that stage fright will avoid public speaking situations altogether. These people can miss out on big opportunities. If public speakers don’t do something about the anxiety, it can escalate and turn into a debilitating phobia. With all that being said, though, here is some really good news. As far as anxiety disorders go, this one is really easy to conquer.For full show notes go to: Overcoming Public Speaking Fearhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/fear-of-public-speaking/

When people ask me how many slides should I use in my presentation, I typically reply very cautiously. Most people make a huge mistake when designing a speech or presentation. They start by designing their slideshow. Then, later, they figure out what they want to say. This technique is backward.Instead, you want to figure out what you want to say first. Then, after you have designed a great presentation, go back and figure out what visual aids you will need to better make your key points. The main rule of thumb is to provide only the number of slides that you absolutely need and absolutely no more than that.So in this session, I’m going to cover a few examples for the right number of slides needed in short presentations, the long presentation, the best way to give corporate presentations.For full show notes, visit How Many PowerPoint Slides Should You Use in a Presentation?https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-many-powerpoint-slides-should-you-use-in-a-presentation/

The absolute best way to reduce the fear of public speaking is to just improve your presentation skills. Think about it. Anytime you get really good at doing something, your confidence in that area will soar. When we teach the Fearless Presentations course, we spend the first couple of hours helping the audience members get comfortable. Then, the remaining three-fourths of the class focuses on improving public speaking skills.Over the last 20 years, we have seen thousands of different ways to practice public speaking. So, in this episode, I thought I would summarize the absolute best tips to improve your presentation skills. Focus on these things, and you will gain confidence in a very short time.7 Simple Ways to Improve Presentation SkillsThere are thousands of ways to reduce stage fright and get better at public speaking. The seven simple tips below, though, will give you the most bang for your buck.Narrow Down Your Presentation Topic to a Single Result that Interests Your Audience.Organize Your Presentation into Just a Few Main Points.Gain the Audience’s Attention by Focusing on What They Want.Improve Presentation Skills by Improving Your Visual Aids. (Do This and You Will Not Have to Memorize Anything.Make Stories and Examples the Backbone of Your Next Presentation.Use Some Subtle Audience Participation to Make Your Speech More Enjoyable (for You and Them.)Practice Your Presentation with a Partner or Family Member.We will cover each in a little more detail. However, before we do, let’s cover a few things about public speaking fear. If you are new to speaking in front of an audience, you may feel a little anxious. That is normal. Just before you stand to speak, take a couple of deep breaths. This will calm your heart rate down and relieve some of the symptoms. The faster you get into a story, the less nervous you will be. (More on this later.)For full show notes, visit https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-best-tips-to-improve-presentation-skills-and-practice-public-speaking/

This week, I've got a guest interview with Elsewine Rietveld who is an expert on reducing nervousness when creating video recordings. Just so you folks know, I had been a professional speaker for over 20 years before I started this podcast. Even with that kind of experience, the first few recordings were nerve-racking. I wished I had known Elsewine back then.By the way, she just released her book on Amazon the same day that this episode is being released, so today. If you want to purchase her book, here is a link to it https://amzn.to/2QIR7PJIf you haven't yet subscribed to the podcast, make sure to do that. Also, if you want to leave be a review, I would appreciate that as well. Also, the Fearless Presentations YouTube channel is churning out presentation tip videos a few times each week. Make sure to subscribe there as well. (https://www.youtube.com/c/FearlessPresentationsOnline/)Enjoy the interview!

Your host, Doug Staneart of Fearless Presentations explains what it means to Know Your Audience.Listen to any speaking coach, go to any Toastmasters, attend any presentation seminar, you will hear a single phrase over and over. “Know your audience.” Sounds really good too. When we hear the phrase, we think, “Well, of course. That makes sense.” But what exactly does “know your audience mean?” Is there a formula to help a speaker know his or her audience better?Well, yes, there is. In fact, every presenter should use this formula before creating any speech or any PowerPoint slide. Because the answers that you get from following the formula will greatly change what content you cover in your presentation. The answers will also allow you to change your delivery so that your audience is more likely to agree with you. (Buy what you are selling.)The concept of “know your audience” can be confusing. When a lot of presenters hear this, they think of it in the context of what not to say versus presentation design. For instance, I shouldn’t tell the off-color joke in church. Or, this is a very technical audience, so I need to cover lots of details. Or, this audience of executives just wants an overview.All of those alterations are superficial and miss the point of the concept. Basically, to really know your audience, there are four things that you want to uncover.First, Know the Primary Problem that Your Audience Is Trying to Solve.Next, Identify the Non-Negotiable Items that Your Audience (Buyer) Requires.Then, Try to Identify Any Additional Items the Audience May Want, But Won’t Make or Break the Agreement.Finally, Find Out the Emotional Motive that Would Cause the Audience to Take Action.When we start designing a presentation, we often don’t have thorough answers to all of these questions. So often, we have to alter and adjust on the fly as we discover more about our audience. However, if you ask the right questions to the right people ahead of time, you will have fewer of these adjustments.For full show notes, visit Know Your Audience before Designing Your Presentationhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/know-your-audience-before-designing-your-sales-presentation/

In this episode, host Doug Staneart interviews J. T. Compeau, CEO of The Content Interpreter.  J.T. works with thought leaders, C-suite members, and entrepreneurs as a speechwriter and presentation consultant. Across industries, skill sets, and stories, he works with clients to extract their greatness and infuse it into their content.In the interview, Doug and J.T. discuss J.T.'s background in marketing and how that experience led him to help business owners be able to create both a personal brand as well as brand their companies using a narrative. J.T. gives a few tips to help businesspeople create better (more interesting) speeches and presentations.He also mentions giving away free access to three of his most popular videos on the subject. You can find his videos at https://contentinterpreter.com/free-guide

Make Your Presentation Handouts Look Professional without a Graphic DesignerLast week was part one of How to Create the Perfect Presentation Handout. In that article and podcast, I gave you three easy ways to create helpful handouts to accompany your in-person presentations. This week, I’m going to show you how to style your presentation handouts so that they look really professional. The good news is that you don’t need any special graphic design skills, and you don’t need any special software. You can make everything that we are going to talk about today with just an internet browser.For full show notes, visit Make Your Presentation Handouts Look Professionalhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/make-your-presentation-handouts-look-professional-without-a-graphic-designer/

Have you ever wondered how to create the perfect presentation handout? You’ve been asked to give a speech, and you’re excited to give the best presentation possible. You put all kinds of preparation into putting together an amazing presentation and finding the perfect examples to prove your points. Your presentation is infused with memorable anecdotes, terrific insights, great visuals, and even a wry joke here or there. You’ve covered every possible angle – or have you?Have you thought about what handouts you’ll be providing to your audience? If you haven’t, then you haven’t covered all the must-haves of a great presentation. Good speakers and lecturers usually give handouts to accompany their speeches. As a result, a great handout can make your presentation more memorable. It gives your audience the freedom to listen to your presentation instead of frantically taking notes. The handouts you provide also help them remember the key points and highlights from your presentation, making your talk even more valuable. People are grateful for good handouts and will remember you long after the talk ended. Finally, your handout can be used as an exceptional marketing piece. If it is good enough, your audience members will both keep it and share it with others.Host Doug Staneart of Fearless PresentationsFor full show notes and to download the How to Create a Handout... Handout, click here.https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-create-the-perfect-presentation-handout/

A Step-by-Step Process to Help You Answer Job Interview Questions When Under Pressure.The best way to answer a job interview question is to answer quickly, then give an example from your experience. Remember, you are the expert on yourself. In addition, the interviewer wants to see if you have the experience to help his or her team solve problems. So, each of your interview answers shows how you have solved problems in the past, you will show that you are qualified.In this session, I cover a simple three-step process to help you answer interview questions professionally. Host Doug Staneart, CEO of The Leaders Institute.Full show notes at https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/ace-the-job-interview-conversation-skills-that-help-you-wow-interviewers/

Want to establish solid trust and rapport during a job interview. Prospective employers will first weed through a lot of resumes. Then comes the hard part. Because next, they want to see if the candidate is a good fit within their team. The job interview is the main way they determine this. In this session, I’m going to show you ways to relax and take charge of the interview. In fact, I’ll also show you how to take the pressure off of the interviewer. When you make the interviewer’s job easier, you build even more trust and rapport.We are going to tackle this subject in three parts.How to Reduce Nervousness During a Job Interview.Research Your Prospective Company and the Job Interviewer to Anticipate Questions.A Step-by-Step Process to Help You Answer Job Interview Questions When Under Pressure.For full show notes visit Ace the Job Interviewhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/ace-the-job-interview-conversation-skills-that-help-you-wow-interviewers/

One of the more challenging parts of any presentation is the very first part. If you are wondering how to introduce yourself before starting your presentation, you are in good company. For most of us, once we get the first few sentences out, our nervousness will diminish pretty significantly. So, this initial self-introduction is really important. If we struggle here, our nervousness will increase. In addition, the old adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is very true.In this post, we are going to cover a very simple three-step process that will help you introduce yourself before starting any presentation. A summary of the steps is below.Start with your name and company (or organization).Tell your audience what problem that you can solve for them.Share some type of proof (social proof works best) that you can solve this problem.I will break down each step into a simple to follow process. But first… a little background.For full show notes and an interactive Introduction Creator, visit How to Introduce Yourself Before Starting any Presentationhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-before-starting-any-presentation/

This is part 2 of a 2-part series on how to use presentations and speaking to find new customers and clients.I know what some of you are thinking… “You said we would get new clients by speaking. However, very little of what you have covered so far has ANYTHING to do with speaking. What gives?”The often overlooked part of being a great speaker is to master your craft first. You can be a great speaker, but if what you are saying is gobbledygook, you won’t build a lot of followers. I get dozens of people every month wanting to be a guest on my podcasts. The first thing I do is Google them. Specifically, I look for recordings of the speaker. It usually takes less than five minutes of watching or listening to determine if he or she is an expert.If you can’t easily tell an audience two or three really tangible tips, then when you speak the audience will think you are wasting their time. The audience will be confused. So, everything we have talked about so far is critical to being a good speaker. Now that you have done the hard work, let’s have some fun getting new clients for your company!For full show notes, visit Ways to Get Clients for Your Business by Speaking to Groupshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/ways-to-get-clients-for-your-business-by-speaking-to-groups/

Ways to Get Clients for Your Business by Speaking to GroupsIf you happen to be a great speaker, you have a number of ways to get clients for your business by speaking. (By the way, if you aren’t a great speaker yet, keep tuning in, because we can help with that.) The most important thing to keep in mind is that your goal is to build your authority on a specific topic. Once you do that, you will create an endless supply of speaking opportunities and clients.Your authority depends on a few things. First, when people do a Google search for your name (or your company name,) what do they find? Most everyone is going to do this simple due diligence as a first step. If you are applying for a job, the interviewer will Google you. When you want to connect with someone on LinkedIn, the connection will likely Google you. This is also true with potential clients or customers. When someone hears about you (or your company) for the first time, they will do an internet search for you.The things that they find will either build your authority or diminish it. The good news is that you have total control over what potential clients find about you.Use Writing and Speaking to Increase Your “Internet Authority” to Build Trust with Potential New Clients.Before I go into how to use speaking and presenting to find new clients, let’s start will increasing authority. I had a student a couple of years ago who wanted to help inner-city kids make better decisions. This sounded like a worthy goal. After chatting with him a little, I realized that he had no experience working with kids. In fact, he currently worked as a mechanical engineer. Throughout his entire career, he never supervised or coached anyone either.He had decided to venture into an arena in which he had absolutely no experience. This was not a goal, it was a pipe-dream. My point is that before you set off to be a speaker or writer, take time to develop your expertise. This engineer would have been a fantastic speaker on “How to Cut Energy Costs in Summer Months.” He was an expert at that.On the other hand, I have a friend who was attending an accounting conference years ago. He sat through a breakout session because a friend of his was the guest speaker. During the question-and-answer part, someone in the audience asked a question about a specific software package. The speaker had never used this software, but he knew that our mutual friend had. So, the speaker asked my friend to answer the question. 20 minutes later, my friend and the speaker were still answering questions together. Now, my friend travels the world as a guest lecturer himself.So, write and speak on topics where you know the content inside and out, and you will do very well. If you don’t feel like you are there yet, study and train a little more to build your expertise.For full Show Notes, visit Ways to Get Clients for Your Business by Speaking to Groupshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/ways-to-get-clients-for-your-business-by-speaking-to-groups/

This is a fun interview with Dr. Benjamin Ritter who started an entire consulting business from scratch using just seminars that were open to the public. If you want to learn how to use speaking and/or creating seminars to build your authority in your industry, make sure to listen to this episode!Connect with Dr. Ritter on his website at https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/

This is part 2 of a 2-part series on Train-the-Trainer programs. In the first episode, we talk about how to uncover the quality of a train-the-trainer process before investing in it. On this session, we talk about the steps involved in training your trainers using the process.Train Your Trainers Using the Train-the-Trainer Model.That last story leads us into the next part of the train-the-trainer model — the actual training process.Good Presentation Skills are Essential to the Train-the-Trainer Model.Once you have a great course designed, now you will want to spend time actually training your trainers. Step one is to help them develop good public speaking skills. Remember that being a great public speaker is not a natural gift. It is a skill. This skill takes time to develop. When help companies create or revitalize a train-the-trainer process, we almost always start here. If the Subject Matter Experts are confident and if they communicate well, the programs are always more effective. If the SME’s are poor communicators, the process will fail almost 100% of the time.For details about the specific skills to focus on, refer to 7 Qualities of a Great Public Speaker.Develop Your Subject Matter Experts.When you institute the train-the-trainer model within your organization, start small. Use the “fast food” model that I mentioned above. Have Subject Matter Experts-in-Training explain part of the process to a newer team member.“Docendo Discimus (by teaching, we learn).” — SenecaOver time, as your team members become more knowledgeable and skilled, increase their opportunity to teach. The technique that I use with my instructors is to have them start by watching me (or another instructor) teach a session. Next, give them a fun activity to lead while co-teaching with another instructor. Little by little, I increase their face-time in front of the group. In most cases, after they have developed good presentation skills, this learning happens fast.Audit Both the SME’s and the Results of the Train-the-Trainer Model.A big mistake that I made early on was not auditing my trainer’s classes. I assumed that since they spent over a year developing the train-the-trainer skill, the skill would be permanent. If you recall the telephone game that I described in the first part of this session, that is what can happen. I call divergence the “anomaly/snowball effect.”An anomaly occurs. Most of the time, it is something really small. It is out of the ordinary and may never happen again. However, the trainer sees this anomaly as a problem with the way that the training session has occurred. As a result, he/she changes something slightly. The change then causes another challenge. Another adjustment is made. Every time a change is made that is outside of the original procedure, the divergence gets bigger and bigger. Over time, the SME isn’t following the outlined procedure from step one at all.Before making changes to the process, it is a good idea to audit the train-the-trainer programs to make sure the process is being properly taught to the next generation.For full show notes, visit The Train-the-Trainer Model on our website.https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/train-the-trainer-model-how-to-create-a-train-the-trainer-course/

The Train-the-Trainer Model is very common in the business world. However, many Train-the-Trainer programs have big flaws. A good analogy of what happens during this process is the old “telephone game.” Put ten people in a room. Whisper a phrase with more than 10 words into the ear of the first person. The second person then relays the message to the third person. This process continues over and over until the phrase reaches the final person. When you compare the first message with the last message, they will be totally different. This is what often happens when organizations try to implement a train-the-trainer model of employee development.However, this doesn’t have to occur. If you put the right steps and processes in place, your employee development can be phenomenal. (It can also cut your training costs dramatically as well.)This is a two-part series about how to create a good train-the-trainer process. I also show you how to judge if a process that is being promoted to you is worthwhile. For full show notes, go to How to Create a Train-the-Trainer Processhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/train-the-trainer-model-how-to-create-a-train-the-trainer-course/

Amazing Persuasive Speech OutlineIn the post, How to Design a Speech Quickly, we gave a few tips to create a quick presentation outline. In this session, we add a little more detail about how to make your presentation more persuasive. This simple, three-step process will help you persuade event the toughest audiences.Change from Feature/Benefit to Problem Solver.Identify the Three Most Important Problems that Your Product or Idea Solves.Prove to Your Audience that You Can Solve These Problems.The secret to being persuasive is to show your audience how they can get what they want. It is amazing how so many people will try to be persuasive by being self-centered. For instance, many salespeople will start their sales presentations talking about their product or their company. “My company has 20 years of experience in this industry,” or “This product has a number of different features.” This three-step process will help you think like your audience. When you think like your audience, your audience will more likely agree with your conclusions.For full show notes, go to Amazing Persuasive Speech Outline with Sales Presentation Exampleshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/amazing-persuasive-speech-outline-with-sales-presentation-examples/

On this episode, I interview Cody Lowry who is a best-selling author and the founder of a successful advertising agency. However, Cody is actually more famous for being able to talk his way into meetings that are typically pretty hard to get.For instance, he tells us how he had a couple of extra days in New York, so he decided to audition for Saturday Night Live. He actually got the audition less than 48 hours from the time he reached out to the producer. He also got meetings with a President of the United States, got to carry the torch in an Olympics, and a few other really interesting situations that came about just by being able to "Schmooze" the right people.Cody's book is on Amazon at Schmooze: What They Should Teach in Harvard Business School.https://amzn.to/2NiiCxP

“I don’t present very often, so how do I prepare for a presentation?” That is, by far, one of the most common questions that we get as presentation skills coaches. In fact, most public speaking fear comes from situations where presenters just don’t speak very often. They have a hard time building up momentum. For instance, if you only drive a car once every couple of years, you will likely be nervous every time you slip behind the wheel. However, if you drive every day, the process becomes second nature.The same is true when you deliver presentations. If you don’t speak very often, your nervousness will be higher. In these situations, the way that you prepare for a presentation will determine if you are more nervous or less nervous when you speak. Below, I’m going to give you five time-tested ways to prepare for a presentation that will help you speed up the process. This process will also help you reduce the nervousness a little as well.For full show notes, visit5 Ironclad Ways to Prepare for a Presentation, Cut Prep Time, and Reduce Nervousness.https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/5-ironclad-ways-to-prepare-for-a-presentation-cut-prep-time-by-137/

6 Years to a Million Dollars & 6 Months to $2 MillionIn this episode, I’m going to pull back the curtain and show you a few of the key things that happened in the early years of my company. It took me six years of training and learning before I felt comfortable enough to start my own company. Then, my new team and I spent another six years building a million-dollar per year income. However, we hit our second million dollars in just six more months. This is how we did it.Here Are the Lessons Learned So You Don’t Have to Make the Same Mistakes that I Did.First, God Is in Control — If you are building a business, you will experience challenges. Each of those challenges will be a subtle push to change what you are doing. These pushes will someday make sense way down the road. (At the time they occur, though, they really suck!)Perfect Your Skill — No one wants to work for someone who just does a mediocre version of what someone else is doing. The team that joined The Leaders Institute ® early one did so because we were unique.The Secret to Success in Business Is Teaching Others Your Secret Sauce — Once I perfected my skill, I had just created a job for myself. That is until I brought Rick on. That is when I created wealth.Don’t Bring on New Team Members Until You Can Support Them — You need employees to grow your business, but if you just hire without a need, you will go bankrupt.Focus on Building Your Company Infrastructure — Your company will plateau at times based on your infrastructure. If you stall at the same income level for more than two years, you probably need to invest in a part of your company that is lacking. For example, marketing, finance, human resources, an executive team, etc.The most important lesson, though is that anyone can build a big business in America. It will not be easy, and you will get knocked down. There will be times that you will feel like you have to give up. Most people will. (I almost did.) However, that moment of truth is often the time that everything will turn around for the better if you work hard and have faith.For full show notes visit  The Journey to Build a Multimillion-Dollar Companyhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-journey-to-build-a-multimillion-dollar-company/

How do I build a million-dollar company? Better yet, how can someone build a multimillion-dollar public speaking company? Well, although I have done both of those things, I wouldn’t suggest anyone try to do what I did. I made every mistake in the book. In fact, every mistake showed me what “not to do.” Then, I’d use that lesson to get me closer to what “to do.”By the way, the reason that I am not the best role model for building a business is that I’m pretty hard-headed. It is both a blessing and a curse. Hopefully, if you are a business owner and you are looking to grow, you can use my example to help save you time and effort. I spent 12 years putting everything back into my business before I crossed the million-dollar per year threshold. However, I was able to generate the second million dollars in less than six months after that.Hopefully, a few of these lessons-learned can help you in your journey.Learn from Experts Who Already Have “Fruit on the Tree.”I was teaching a class in Boston long ago and was staying in a hotel out by Logan Airport. There were no restaurants in or around the hotel. However, the airport shuttle dropped me off in a little village that had three eating choices. One of the three was a barbeque place. Being from Texas, I’m pretty picky about my BBQ, but the line was out the door. While waiting to get a table, I began to read the press-clippings posted in the lobby.It turns out that the owner of the BBQ joint was a Korean Doctor who came to the US to practice medicine. Shortly after he arrived, he attended a meeting where the caterers served barbeque. He loved it. A few years later, he was traveling to a different state and saw a BBQ place. Hoping to get a similar meal, he stopped in. However, he was shocked that although he had ordered the same type of meat, it tasted fantastic but totally different from what he remembered. This started a 10-year quest to travel the US collecting BBQ recipes. He experimented with Texas brisket and Tennesse pulled-pork. Then he perfected the St. Louis baby-back ribs.When I was finally seated at a table, I ordered the brisket. I loved every mouthful. In fact, I felt like the food critic in the movie Rattatoui. The meal made me think of home. The point is that this Korean doctor didn’t invent Texas BBQ brisket. He just traveled to Texas and learned how to do it properly from someone who was already an expert.That is what I did as well.You Must Invest Time and Resources into Your Craft to Become the Expert.For those of you who don’t know, my college degree is in the Oil & Gas industry. My first big break was with Atlantic Richfield as an intern. However, at the end of the summer, I had to give a presentation and I totally bombed it. I hated public speaking and knew I needed help. So I read books, attended Toastmaster, and took presentation classes. Nothing really seemed to work, though. That is until I came across an expert in the industry.Eventually, I found a professional speaker named Mary Ann Smith who was offering classes to the general public. The fee that she was charging for a seat in her class was about what I made in a month. I was desperate, though. I had already tried so many things and nothing worked. But this coach had built a company that was generating about a half-million dollars in income in a city of about 89,000 people.For full show notes, visit How I Built a Multimillion-Dollar Speaking Businesshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-i-built-a-multimillion-dollar-speaking-company/

This is part 2 of a multipart series. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway — From Timid to Fearless in One YearCoach Dykes kept his word. I got an excellent education… And I had to pay for it myself. My college days often looked something like this…4:30 AM in the gym lifting weights and running.8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Class. Since I was paying for my school on my own (I was still really poor), I took as many classes as I could each semester. I figured that the bulk of my expenses while at school was for room and board, so if I could graduate early, I’d save tens of thousands of dollars.2:00 PM – 3:00 PM I’d head to the field house to watch film.3:00 PM – 6:30 PM was football practice.7:00 PM – 9:00 PM I’d do odd jobs. Basically, anything I could do to make a little money.9:00 PM – Midnight, I’d do homework and study.During the summer, I’d work full-time, pay off my credit cards, and save up as much money as I could. Then, I’d use whatever I had left to take me through the next year.Life Lesson #4: A Strong Work Ethic Overcomes Most DeficienciesThe next summer, Atlantic Richfield offered me one of only 12 internships offered to students that year. At the end of the summer, though, I had to travel to Dallas to give a presentation to my boss, my boss’ boss, the 11 other interns, their bosses, and some of the corporate vice presidents who flew in from Bakersfield, CA.The Incident that Set the Stage for My Speaking Career Was a Huge Failure.When I walked into the room, I realized that I was the only person in the room not wearing a jacket. (I didn’t even own a jacket at the time.)The first intern got up to speak and had everyone laughing within a few sentences. (I didn’t have any jokes in my presentation.)The next speaker had a number of colored slides that she used as visual aids. Keep in mind that this was in the overhead projector days, so colored slides were rare. (I didn’t prepare ANY visuals.)The panic was increasing. When I was called to speak, my palms were sweating profusely. I speak pretty fast anyway, but when I get nervous, I speak REALLY fast. My entire 15-minute speech lasted less than four minmutes. (By the way, I said every word.) I also didn’t have a great ending, so I just finished the last sentence and quickly sat down. The ending was so abrupt, that the person leading the meeting wasn’t sure what to do, so she just called a break.As everyone went to the bathroom and got coffee refills, I sat in my seat with my head hung low. I had blown my big opportunity.It was as if I was once again the shy skinny kid, and the bully was punching me in the face. When the interviewers came in the spring to recruit their next interns, I put my name on the list. My advisor later told me that they had chosen to not even interview me, though. I was crushed.Although that time in my life was very low, today I realize how much of a blessing the whole incident was. That presentation fiasco was the first step down a road that changed my whole life for the positive.Life Lesson #5: The Toughest Challenges in Your Life are Often Your Biggest Opportunities for Improvement“When Life knocks you down, try to land on your back because if you can look up, you can GET UP!” – Les BrownFor full show notes visit: How a Shy, Trailer Park Kid Overcame Fear (And How You Can Too!)https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-a-shy-trailer-park-kid-became-a-world-class-speaker-and-how-you-can-too/

Doug Staneart — President and CEO of The Leader’s Institute ® and Creator of the Fearless Presentations ® Public Speaking Training Programs.This is my story of triumph over public speaking fear. I overcame being an incredibly shy kid who got beat up and bullied in grade school to become an NCAA football player. My first formal presentation in the business world was such a failure that it cost me my first career.However, that failure allowed me to help over 100,000 people conquer the same challenge. In fact, each obstacle taught lessons that allowed me to create one of the most successful training companies in the world.I hope that my story can help you overcome your challenges as well! My point is that if I can become a great speaker… ANYONE can become a great speaker. You will have to work. You will also have to embrace your fear. However, you will experience great rewards when you do!Full Show Notes at How I Overcame Public Speaking Fear https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-a-shy-trailer-park-kid-became-a-world-class-speaker-and-how-you-can-too/

Doug interviews Mike Acker author of the book Speak with No Fear. In the interview, Mike covers a few of his 7 strategies from the book. These strategies will give you a new perspective, they will prepare you, and they will give you actions to practice. As you implement these strategies, your fear will begin to fade. It can easily seem like everyone is a gifted speaker when you watch TED talks or compare yourself to skilled co-workers giving presentations. Don't get caught up in the costly comparison trap. Instead, take action to improve your ability and to overcome your fear.If you struggle in speaking, then first realize that you are not alone. Public Speaking is the #1 fear in America. You are not alone.Millions of people are terrified at the prospect of going up on stage and addressing a crowd even more than they’re afraid of death. Moreover, it’s an unavoidable experience if you want to succeed in this world.  Maybe it’s a business presentation for your career path, a speech in school, or a toast at your best friend’s wedding. Fear of speaking grips you. However, it doesn’t have to. Not anymore. To purchase Mike's book on Amazon, visit https://www.amazon.com/Speak-Fear-nauseated-energized-passionate/dp/1733980008 or go to his website at 

Doug Staneart has a fun interview with Jacqueline Wales who is the author of the book The Fearless Factor at Work. She offers a number of ideas on where fear comes from and how to deal with it. One of the most interesting things that come up in the interview is how there are many people out there, probably quite a few listening right now, who feel nervous or intimidated when you speak in front of a boss or other leader because you feel like they are going to look down on you or realize that you aren't as talented as they want you to be. She gives some great advice if you are in that position.Visit her website at https://thefearlessfactoratwork.com/

In the past few months, many instructors and trainers have had to adapt to a virtual world. Trainers who embrace virtual platforms and adapt the best have an advantage over those who don't. So, I thought it might be a good idea to cover a few Virtual Instructor-Led training best practices. So in this session, I'm going to cover a few tools and tips for virtual instructor-led training. In addition, I'll start with exactly what virtual instructor-led" training is and how it is different from other types of training.What Is Virtual Instructor-Led Training?To some of you, this definition may seem pretty obvious. However, there is a little confusion because people use different words and phrases to describe various online training types. Here are a few of these types of training along with synonyms that people use to describe them.Virtual Instructor-Led Training: These are training sessions that are delivered live via a virtual meeting platform like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or GoTo Meeting.Online Training: Online training sessions are typically prerecorded sessions that can be accessed on-demand.Live Webinars: Webinars can be live and they can also be instructor-led. However, they are typically a one-sided delivery. Most often, when you view a webinar, the audience isn't really a part of the process. As a result, they are kind of a hybrid between the first two delivery types.By the way, the tools and tips that I will cover can also work well for online training and webinar training as well. However, the focus here is on the live training that is interactive with the audience.Virtual Instructor-Led Training Best PracticesBefore you start to design your training session, you have to understand the difference between the different delivery methods. For instance, if a viewer can watch the video replay of your live session and get the same results, you may be missing out on some of the main value of the live session. The key difference is the interaction with the audience. So, if you are delivering a monologue to your live audience, you may want to make a few adjustments.For full show notes, visit Virtual Instructor-Led Training Best Practiceshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/virtual-instructor-led-training-best-practices-and-tips/

Visual Aid Examples for Virtual Meetings.Your PowerPoint Slides Should Have More Images and Action than a Typical Slideshow.People tend to have a shorter attention span on virtual meetings. Because of this, I tend to use more images and change them more frequently. This causes the audience to be engaged more.For instance, when I am presenting in person, my slide might have three key bullet points and a single image. However, if I deliver a similar presentation through a Zoom meeting or webinar, I will likely use three images -- one for each piece of text. In addition, I will often hide my bullets or text until the image appears.Some of you may be wondering, "Why not use multiple images in the in-person meeting as well?" Well, you could do that. However, when you are in the same room with your audience, you can use your voice, gestures, and movement to keep the audience engaged. These tools are way more powerful than the visual aids, so if you are in the same room, use your gestures and voice.No need to overdo it, by the way. The key is to add some movement every one or two minutes. If you watch a good YouTube video, the producer will use slight zooms in and out and change video angles. They do this to keep the viewer engaged.If you are using a single webcam for your online meetings, though, you lose a lot of your tools. So adding additional images and visual aids can make up for some of this loss.Videos or Animations without Sound Can Make Very Interactive Visual Aids.PowerPoint and Prezi both have great animations that you can use as one of these "eye-catching" movements. So, instead of changing or adding images, you can make the images bigger as you reference them. Or, you can move them slightly or "shake" them up as you reference them. Prezi's original "zoom" function is great for this.However, recently, Prezi has created an entirely new platform called Prezi Video that is pretty cool. Basically, the slideshow or visuals are integrated into the speaker's screen. So instead of sharing your screen and showing a slideshow, the visual aids appear to the side of the speaker.For full show notes, click here: Virtual Meeting Visual Aid Exampleshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/visual-aid-examples-for-both-in-person-and-virtual-presentations/

So you have designed a great presentation. Now you want a few visual aid examples to make your presentation more memorable or interactive. If that is the case, you have done well, Grasshopper. You have begun to look at your visuals in the correct order. As a presenter, you always want to design your presentation first. Then, design your visual aids.Contrarily, if you are starting your presentation design here, well, you may want to organize your thoughts first. Then, come back.In this session, I'm going to give you a few visual aid examples. The examples include those for both in-person meetings where everyone is in the same room and virtual delivery. These mediums are actually fairly different. So, if you are using the same types of visual aids for both, this session may help you connect better with your given audience.Visual Aid Examples for In-Person Meetings and Training Sessions.Let's start with a few visual aid examples for in-person meetings.PowerPoint and Digital Visual Aids.Often today, presenters think of PowerPoint as their only visual. It is still a very important part of the presentation, so I will spend more time on this medium in the next couple of weeks.PowerPoint has been around since the 1990s. Until recently, though, the software hadn't changed a whole lot in that 20+ years. Prior to laptop computers, presenters used to have an ancient visual medium called the "slide projector." It was similar to an old-timey film projector. However, this version was filled with a series of tiny photographs printed on tiny clear squares called slides.Years later, the "overhead projector" was invented. This allowed the presenter to place paper-sized transparency onto the projector to present. Now presenters could interchange photos and/or bullet-pointed text. In addition, the presenter could write on the transparency.So when PowerPoint came around, it was a digital version of both the slide projector and overhead projector. Presenters would digitally create "slides" with bullet points and images as examples of visual aids.All of that changed when Prezi came on the scene. For a few years, the online software Prezi began to exert itself into the visual aid market. The concept was simple. Make the visual aid... well... visual. It uses images and a Zoom function. So instead of slides and bullet points, Prezi used a canvas and images to create visuals for the presentation. Then the software Zoomed in on the image while the presenter provided the "text."PowerPoint finally caught on. It now has a Zoom function which is pretty cool. Below are a few examples of what this Zoom function can do.For the Full Zoom Notes, Visit Visual Aid Examples for In-Person Meetings and Seminarshttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/visual-aid-examples-for-both-in-person-and-virtual-presentations/

Looking for a few fun Zoom icebreakers for trainers or facilitators. These seven activities can be used very easily to help you start your Zoom meetings on the right foot.I was leading a virtual training session via Zoom this week. Of course, the entire group was commenting at the end about how different the session was from the typical Zoom meeting. After all of the pleasantries, I said bye to everyone and ended the meeting. Within seconds, my phone was ringing. It was the Learning and Development Manager from the company who had also attended the training.He thanked me again and asked, "Is there any way you could create a series of icebreakers like the one that you used at the beginning of the meeting?" I have to admit, I was a little surprised. In addition, I was unsure of exactly what he was asking. I guess he sensed my hesitation, so he clarified."Over the last few months, we have had to switch our entire learning curriculum over to virtual sessions. Some of these sessions are fairly interactive. However, most are pretty one-sided. I watched how you got everyone involved in your session so quickly. Do you think you can create a series of 'starter' activities to help my trainers make some of the less interactive sessions more interesting?"That discussion planted the idea for this session. Below you will find a few Zoom Icebreakers for your virtual sessions. (By the way, if you want more, give me a call or connect with me on LinkedIn. I have dozens more.)A Few Fun Zoom Icebreakers for Trainers Doing Virtual TrainingBefore I introduce the icebreakers, let me cover a few ideas that will help make virtual training more interesting. Idea number one is that the more you, the trainer, talk, the less interesting the training will be. The more you get the group to talk, the more they will like it.Second, individuals are more likely to participate or talk if they are in a smaller group. As a result, I will often start discussions by using the Zoom Breakout Rooms. Give the big group an assignment and then divide them into smaller breakout rooms. After a short time, bring them back and ask them what was discussed in their group.Finally, if you can incorporate a friendly competition, you can add some additional fun to the meeting.Each of these icebreakers tries to use each of these concepts.For complete show notes, visit Fun Zoom Icebreakers for Trainers and Team Leaders or https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/a-few-fun-zoom-icebreakers-for-trainers-doing-virtual-training/

It's time to set the record straight. ANYONE can be a fantastic, world-class speaker with a little bit of training, a little bit of coaching, and a little bit of practice. It doesn't take years of study and practice. It also doesn't require thousands of dollars of investment. In fact, one of the things that I tell my clients early in our coaching sessions is, "Just about everything that you have ever learned about public speaking is wrong."In this session, I'm going to debunk a few of the biggest myths about public speaking. Perhaps by identifying a few of these myths, you can reduce some presentation nervousness.For full show notes, visit:The Top Five (5) Biggest Myths about Public Speaking Fear and Stage Fright Debunkedhttps://www.fearlesspresentations.com/top-5-myths-about-public-speaking-fear/

This is part two of my interview with Tamara Glick who is a personal brand consultant. In this episode, she gives us a number of really cool tips on how to make a temporary (or permanent) home office space look more professional. If you want to look and sound good on your next Zoom meeting or virtual meeting, Tamara's tips can be very helpful.She also covers details on how to match the items staged around you within the frame of a Zoom call can add to your personal brand.Good stuff.She created a free handout with 15 video call spoilers and how to fix them. You can get this handout by going to www.tamaraglick.com/fearlesspresentationspodcast

This is a really fun interview with Tamara Glick, a Personal Brand Strategist. She specializes in helping clients create a professional appearance in the boardroom and on virtual calls. On this episode, we talk about how, for a short time, the casual business casual (sweat pants) was accepted as people were learning how to work from home. However, the grace period has now gone away.She covers a few simple ways to stand out from your competition in your appearance on Zoom callsI was really excited to get Tamara on the podcast because her expertise is something that is vital to success as a speaker. However, our appearance -- the way that we dress for a presentation and the scenery around us in an online meeting -- is something that many of us have never been trained in.She gives lots of fabulous tips. Enjoy.

Are your Zoom meetings kind of... well... blah? Want to make them more fun, interesting, and interactive? Below are seven of our best tips to help you jazz up your next online meeting. Keep in mind that anytime a conversation is one-sided, it will be boring for the listener. A good conversation is a dialogue -- not a monologue.Give Your Team Clear Instructions Ahead of the Meeting.Create an Agenda And Assign Roles Ahead of Time.Can You Give Me An Example?Use Zoom Breakout Rooms to Get Participants to Interact More.Use Collaborative Cloud Apps to Make the Meeting More Interactive.Open the Zoom Whiteboard from Time to Time.Add a Game to Make the Meeting More Fun.For full show notes, visit 7 Fun Ways to Make Zoom Meetings More Interesting and Interactive

One of the most common questions that participants in our 2-day presentation class ask us after completing the class is, "Now that I feel more confident, where do I go to practice to continue to get better as a speaker?" In this session, Doug shares a few ways to find speaking venues who are always looking for good speakers, and how to build a solid reputation as a good speaker so your reputation grows.How to Find Great Venues to Practice Your PresentationsIf you are looking for someplace to practice your public speaking skills, Doug has a few suggestions that can both help you improve your skill and become more esteemed by your peers. He starts the podcast by explaining that once you gain new confidence as a speaker, you will actually notice a lot of opportunities to speak that you may have overlooked in the past. He said its like the Yellow Volkswagen theory. You never see these cars on the road until you buy one, but once you do, you see them everywhere. Speaking opportunities are the same way. Once you start looking for them, you will find them EVERYWHERE!For a list of all of these venues, see the full show notes atHow to Find Great Venues to Practice Public Speaking

The Importance of Self-Confidence People will judge our COMPETENCE by the CONFIDENCE that we show. For example, let's say that you are going in for surgery, and just before you go under, the surgeon walks into your room. His posture is slouching, as he speaks, he stumbles over his words somewhat, and when you look at his hands, they are trembling a little. Now, it doesn't matter how good of a surgeon he is, you'll probably want a second opinion (maybe even a third opinion) -- Fast! Well, it's the same in just about any industry. People judge how good we are at what we do by how confident we are when we communicate with them. If we speak with poise and confidence, they will automatically make the assumption that we are competent at what we do until we prove ourselves otherwise. The opposite is true as well. When we speak with nervousness or fear, the audience will automatically assume that we don't know what we are doing until we prove ourselves otherwise.On this episode we talk about why it is so important to look and appear confident when you speak or lead others.

Narrating PowerPoint Presentations designed by someone else can be very challenging. In fact, one of the fastest ways to increase public speaking fear and make your PowerPoint presentations sound canned and… well boring, is to try to deliver a PowerPoint slideshow that someone else designed for you.This doesn’t mean that you can’t deliver PowerPoint slide decks that someone else created. It just means that when you do, you’ll probably be more nervous. You will have less of a natural flow than what you’d normally have when you stand up and deliver a speech. Remember that a presentation or a speech is just a conversation with your audience. So if you create the speech, you’ll be speaking in your own words. When someone else creates a speech for you, you will feel more uncomfortable and the public speaking nervousness will increase.For full show notes, visit https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-deliver-powerpoint-presentations-designed-by-someone-else/

When folks are having challenges with public speaking, they will often contact us with questions. Since all of our consultants are both professional presenters and public speaking coaches, we thought it might be a good idea to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions. Perhaps the answer here could help you when you deliver your next speech or presentation. If you have additional questions, complete the form at the bottom of the page. We do our best to reply with an answer!Public Speaking and Presentation Skills FAQ - Frequently Asked QuestionsDo public speaking courses work?So, do public speaking classes really work? The answer is both "yes" and "no." Yes, public speaking classes are the absolute best way to develop public speaking confidence and skill. But, it really depends on the class that you take and the instructor who is teaching the class.Public speaking is a skill. Skills take time and practice to develop. However, if you use the trial and error method to learn a skill, it can take a lot of time. Attending a good public speaking class taught by a professional speaker can shorten your learning curve exponentially.The Type of School Is Important to Increasing Your Chance of Success.For instance, if you want to have a lucrative career as an attorney, you have a few choices. On one extreme, you could study law at home, in your spare time. After years of study, you can try to pass the Bar in your state. The odds of you succeeding this way are pretty low, though. If you do get your license, it will be much harder to develop a thriving law practice.Alternatively, you could attend Harvard Law School. If you get your degree, the odds of passing the Bar is much higher. In fact, even if you finish in the bottom of the class, your odds of establishing a lucrative law career are much higher.So, if the study-at-home person is successful, does that mean that law schools don't work? Also, if a person graduates from Harvard Law but can't pass the bar exam is it because the class didn't work? Of course not. The type of class that you attend is important to increasing the chance of success.Public speaking skills are very similar. Yes, you can learn them on your own, but it is more challenging. If you attend a lower quality school, it will likely be better than no school. However, the high the quality of training that you receive, the more likely you will be to succeed in developing the new skill.For full show-notes visit https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/frequently-asked-questions-about-public-speaking-and-presentations/

This is part 2 of a two-part interview with public speaking coach and author Ivan Ruiz. I interview Ivan Ruiz, a public speaking coach in Canada. He quickly turns the tables on me and ends up interviewing me, somehow. If you ever wanted to know what professional public speaking coaches talk about when they are just chatting with each other, here is your chance. The interview is fun and lighthearted. Ivan tells how he transitions from a government worker in Canada to a professional speaker via Salsa Dancing. (I don't suggest anyone actually take this route, but the story is hilarious.)The interview took over an hour, so we decided to give you the uncut version.  Enjoy.By the way, Ivan's course and book can be found at Book: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/387199Coupon code is EG27G (not case-sensitive). They enter the code prior to completing their checkout.Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/communication-strategies-virtual-age

I interview Ivan Ruiz, a public speaking coach in Canada. He quickly turns the tables on me and ends up interviewing me, somehow. If you ever wanted to know what professional public speaking coaches talk about when they are just chatting with each other, here is your chance. The interview is fun and lighthearted. Ivan tells how he transitions from a government worker in Canada to a professional speaker via Salsa Dancing. (I don't suggest anyone actually take this route, but the story is hilarious.)The interview took over an hour, so we decided to give you the uncut version. We will finish in part 2 next week. Enjoy.By the way, Ivan's course and book can be found at Book: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/387199Coupon code is EG27G (not case-sensitive). They enter the code prior to completing their checkout.Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/communication-strategies-virtual-age

One of the most terrifying moments as a speaker is when you are sitting in a meeting, minding your own business, and someone asks you to stand up and give an impromptu speech. Surveys show that public speaking, in general, causes a lot of fear and nervousness. This nervousness can increase dramatically when the speaker has to create and deliver the speech off-the-cuff. In this session, we going to cover a few impromptu speech tips that you can use in these pressure situations. In addition, we will give you a few ways to improve your impromptu speaking skills as well.Impromptu Speaking TipsRealize that Many Impromptu Speaking Situations Aren't Impromptu at All.Keep in mind that most situations where someone asks you to speak off-the-cuff rarely come without some warning. For instance, if you attend a business card exchange, you should expect that you will likely stand up and introduce yourself to the group. The introduction shouldn't be an impromptu speech. Since you know it is coming, you should prepare it and practice it.I was covering impromptu speaking in class years ago. One of the participants, said, "Thank God! That is what I have a lot of trouble with." Curious, I asked him to elaborate. "Every Tuesday, we have a staff meeting. My boss always goes around the table asking us to give a report on our projects. It terrifies me."There was an awkward silence in the room. The woman sitting next to him raised her eyebrows and said, "Uhm, if it happened last Tuesday, and the Tuesday before, and the Tuesday before, doesn't it stand to reason it will happen this Tuesday as well?"Situations like this aren't impromptu speeches. You have an opportunity to prepare for them and practice your delivery.For full show notes visit Impromptu Speech Tips and How to Speak Confidently Off the Cuff

Looking for an easy way to create killer content for your blog? Or, are you trying to design a motivational speech for your team? In this post, I cover a simple way to create content that your audience will love. The technique works equally well if whether you are delivering in verbally (in a speech) or writing it.The Keys to Good Communication Are Similar Whether You Are Writing or Speaking.Way back in 2000, I partnered up with a speaker in Dallas who had acquired a big contract to do leadership training for a national trade association. It was a big break for me, because, although I had done pretty well in my first few years as a speaker, clients were still hard to come by, back then. When he and I first talked, he mentioned that he had written a public speaking book that was in the final stages of editing.Since my specialty was designing class content, I built an entire presentation class to compliment the book. From time to time, I'd ask him about the book, and he'd always respond by telling me, "It's almost ready."Two years later, it was still... almost ready. I finally realized that the book was likely never going to be finished. In desperation, I decided that if I were going to have a good, well-written textbook for my class, I'd have to write it myself.I Learned to Write Out of Necessity.At that point, I'd never written anything except term papers in school. But, I figured, whether you are communicating via the spoken word or via written text, the goal is still the same. You want to communicate important ideas in such a way that your audience (or readers) can retain the information, and you also have to make that communication somewhat entertaining so that your listeners (or readers) continue to pay attention.So, out of necessity, I sat down at my computer, and I wrote the book Fearless Presentations. The whole process from start to finish took me less than three weeks. (And the only reason that it took me that long was that I type really slow.)This episode will explain the step-by-step process that I went through, and how you can use the same process to create unlimited content for motivational speeches, keynotes, and blog posts.Full Podcast Notes at How to Create Killer Content for Your Blog or Motivational Speech

Continuing in our three-part webinar series, in this episode/post, we'll cover how to create webinar content to help you maximize audience retention. In the last episode, we covered 7 Important Things that You Should Know about Online Meetings before you start. Next week, we'll cover a few of the technical aspects of how to deliver online meetings and webinars.How to Create Webinar Content to Maximize Audience Retention.Step #1: Keep the Content Short and the Focus Narrow."A good orator is pointed and impassioned." -- Marcus T. CiceroAttention spans on a webinar are very short. You have to keep the meeting length under one hour to keep your audience engaged. In fact, 30 minutes is often better than one hour. Remember that you don't have to cover everything at once. The major benefit of online meetings and webinars is that they can deliver information in bite-sized-pieces. The analogy I like to use is that an online meeting should be more like sipping a glass of wine versus drinking from a fire hose.Step #2: Make the Content "Audience Focused".Before you start designing, ask yourself, "What information can I deliver that will have the absolute most impact for this audience -- right now?" Whatever the answer to that question is should be the foundation of the meeting or training session.Step #3: Put Some Meat on the Bones."If it is a 10-minute speech, it takes me all of two weeks to prepare it; if it is a half-hour speech, it takes me a week; if I can talk as long as I want to, it requires no preparation at all. I am ready now." -- Woodrow WilsonSpend at about five to ten minutes in your online meeting developing each item from your list. I often find that it can take me up to 30 minutes of preparation to pull together five minutes of content. It may take longer, though.Step #4: Make Sure You Have a Clear Idea of What You Want to Say Before Creating Your Visual Aids.Just like in an in-person presentation, figure out what you are going to say first, then design your visuals. The process is similar to designing a movie or a cartoon. You start with an idea. Then create a storyboard for the idea (the outline of the main points). Next, you design a script. Then finally, you create your visuals at the end.Step #5: Spend More Time and Effort on Your Webinar Visuals."Create your own visual style... let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others." Orson WellesIf you haven't yet read or listened to my podcast on creating create handouts, I covered a lot of tips about how to Create Professional Handouts without a Graphic Designer. In that episode, I spent a lot of time talking about two tools that can make this process so easy. They are Canva and Shutterstock. You can purchase royalty-free photos from Shutterstock for very small fees. You can also use Canva to take the photos, and create great graphics with them.For Full Podcast Notes, visit https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-create-webinar-content-to-maximize-audience-retention/.

The Covid-19 virus has significantly altered the way that people communicate and interact with each other. These changes may be temporary. However, many of these changes are likely to cause a significant change in the way we do business. One of the main changes is in the training and development programs for employees.In the past, businesses thrived when they created a single new product or idea and brought it to market. Today, though, businesses thrive by adapting to and adopting best practices that are constantly evolving and changing. One thing is for certain, if you stay still or rest on your laurels, you will fail.The world of training and employee development is also evolving. If you are training and developing your employees the same way that you did 20 years ago, 10 years ago, heck, even just a couple of months ago, you are likely falling behind many of your competitors. In this episode, we are going to delve into some modern examples of training and development programs for employees. We could call this 2020 Training and Development Models, and the title would be quite descriptive.2020 Training and Development ModelsYears ago, my instructors and I created a series of videos for our website that would help people reduce public speaking fear. One of these videos focused on the different ways of acquiring presentation skills along with the pros and cons of each. Originally, this video has examples such as in-person seminars, books, audio files, videos, etc. That first video was relevant for a couple of years.Eventually, we had to update it to include podcasts, webinars, and online courses. Last year, we had to update it again, because technology had changed so much, that even that video was outdated. In the last few months, though, Zoom has created one of the most revolutionary changes to skill development. This advancement has created a fundamental shift in the way that virtual meetings and online training sessions can occur.Before I cover this advancement, though, let's talk about a few basics of best training practices.In-Person Training with a Professional Coach is Still the Best Method to Develop SkillsIf you want your employees to learn a new skill or strengthen a current skill, in-person training is still the best method. I realize that this method is not necessarily "modern", but it is still the best method in 2020 to develop a skill. Keep in mind that gathering information and developing skills are two totally different concepts.For instance, if I just need to know what my budget is this quarter, I can read that in a document. However, if I need to learn how to use the new budgeting software, and I have no experience using software like this, I will learn it faster if someone shows me how to do it.As a trainer, the main question that you need to ask is the following. "If I just tell my team how to do this thing, how confident will they be right away?" When the answer is "very," a document or a quick overview delivered in a meeting is fine. If you know they will feel very nervous, then some type of personal training will be more helpful.Training and Development Programs for Employees Have to be InteractiveLecture style education programs have a very low success record. People learn by doing, not by sitting and hearing. For instance, in the Fearless Presentations ® we teach class members a step-by-step process that is easy to apply. We make the process even easier by teaching a single component or idea, have the class members practice and develop confidence in that concept, and begin to master that single component.See full podcast notes at https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/modern-examples-of-training-and-development-programs-for-employees-2020/

We have spent a lot of time focusing on using a speech or presentation to sell a product or service. Let's back up a little and talk about how to write copy that sells. For instance, how to write an article that sells a product or service. The techniques will help you craft better text on your webpages, emails, presentation slideshows, and social media posts.Before You Write Ad Copy or Marketing Pieces, You Have to Understand the Reader.Back in 1994, I was a new graduate from college. My dad had invited me to meet him in Fort Worth for a huge business conference. I was amazed when I walked into the convention center. There were about 10,000 people in the audience, and the agenda was packed with professional speakers. At the time, I had no idea that anyone could make a living speaking for a living. So, this was a whole new world for me.One of the speakers was Bob Burg, and he had just released his new book (at the time) Endless Referrals. He was mesmerizing. One of the trademark phrases that he said over and over from the stage has become a standard in the business world over the last couple of decades. In fact, if you understand and design your written text and verbal content based on these words, your audience will love you. “All things being equal, people will do business with and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.” - Bob Burg Remember that when people see something that you write for the first time or hear you speak for the first time, they don't know you, they don't like you, and they certainly don't trust you. In fact, because of all of the online gimmicks out there, you can assume that you are starting at a significant level of distrust.For complete show notes go to  How to Write Words that Sell a Product or Service

You've designed a great presentation. Now you need a great ending to drive your points home. In this session, we cover a few presentation endings that you want to avoid at all costs. (One of these is question & answer periods, by the way.) We also give you a little bonus tip to help you properly set up your speech ending so you get a better response. Then, we end with seven (7) different types of presentation closes that give you a number of different options.To make choosing a good ending even easier, we have created a guide in the form of a free handout that you can download at https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-end-your-presentation-with-a-bang/

In this session, we are going to show you a few simple ways to use public speaking to promote or market your product or service. In fact, using a speech to promote a product or service is a fantastic way to conduct a marketing campaign.Using a Speech to Promote a Product or ServiceThere are a number of different ways to use a presentation or speech to promote a product or service. We will cover each of these briefly in this post.Promoting a Product or Service in Personal Meetings and Sales Calls.In-Person Marketing Meetings and Seminars.Webinars to Both Educate the Public and Promote Your Product or Service.Paid or Guest Spots on Webinars or Podcasts.Use Videos to Promote Your Product or Service.Below are a few ideas for each of these categories.Promoting a Product or Service in Personal Meetings and Sales Calls.The most common type of speech to market a product or service is a sales call or sales presentation. Although this one has been around since commerce began, it is quickly becoming a lost art. As a result, those who can do this well, are now, highly sought-after in the business world.Salespeople get a bad rap. Movies typically depict salespeople as dishonest and immoral. However, if a salesperson is dishonest, he or she may survive for a little while. Good salespeople, though, are trusted, confidants. They are problem-solvers and educators. So if you are using presentations to individuals or small groups as a way to promote your product, the goal is to educate your audience. Help them solve a problem, and they will buy the solution. Your speech shouldn't be about you or your product. It should be about the problem(s) your audience is experiencing and how to solve these problems.In decades past, if you needed a new suit, you went down to the local department store. The salesperson in the store was an expert on suits. The salesperson would be able to educate the prospective buyer on the qualities of each style of suit, what was currently in fashion, and how to care and accessorize each suit. That role in stores is now gone (for the most part). For big-ticket items like electronics, cars, houses, etc. in times past, we relied on highly educated sales professionals to educate the buyer and to help buyers solve problems. Today, we rely on Google, social media, and YouTube to educate us.You are Your Best MarketingIn today's world, there are a tremendous number of ways to share your expertise with others to market your product or service. These are just a few. But always realize, that you are your best marketing. A fancy proposal, a flash ad, or an expensive business card will not do nearly as much to promote your product or service as you sharing your expertise with a potential customer!To access the full show notes, go to Using a Speech to Promote a Product or Service-Use Public Speaking as Marketing

From time to time, I hear people say things like, "She is a natural speaker." On the other hand, I also hear things like, "I've always been a terrible speaker." Both of these statements may be somewhat true. But they are also both absolutely false as well. No one comes out of the womb a fantastic orator. In addition, everyone has the talent to speak. Many people just fail to develop their natural talent.Your personality strengths and weaknesses will often lead you to think one way or the other. Every personality temperament has some strengths when they communicate. Of course, each of them have some weaknesses as well. So, if you understand your personal personality strengths and weaknesses, you can maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. As a side benefit, this process is also helpful to reduce public speaking fear.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/Personality-Strengths-and-Weaknesses-that-Lead-to-Public-Speaking-Fear

This technique will help you create an amazing persuasive speech outline. In fact, these sales presentation examples can be used in a number of different ways. "Wait... sales presentation? Oh, I'm not a professional salesperson. This may not work for me." Whether you are a salesperson or just trying to persuade coworkers to accept your ideas, this process is important to success. Obviously, when you create a persuasive speech, you don't want it to be scripted. A quick outline will typically work much better.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/amazing-persuasive-speech-outline-with-sales-presentation-examples

Want to add humor to your speech? Quite often, when we are designing speeches and presentations for a professional audience, we discount the value of entertainment and humor. However, a good presentation should be both informative and entertaining. You have to have both. If you aren’t providing the audience with good information, then you’re wasting their time. If you aren’t providing some type of entertainment, though, you will likely bore your audience. As a result, they will lose interest. So, by adding a little humor to your speech, you keep your audience engaged throughout your presentation.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-add-humor-your-speech-without-being-clown

Technology changes every year. As a result, a good presenter needs to change as technology changes as well. In this episode, we cover seven of the best PowerPoint tips and tricks for 2020. If you want to avoid Death by PowerPoint, this episode can be a great help.Just as an FYI, though, these seven tips are best-practices for in-person, live presentations. If you happen to be delivering a webinar or video, stay tuned for the next post. The design process for webinars is quite different than in-person speeches. In fact, some of the tips I give here will actually be exactly opposite of tips for webinars.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-best-powerpoint-tips-and-trick-for-2020

When folks ask me what I do for a living, I answer, “I help people eliminate public speaking fear.” It is always fun to watch the looks on their faces when they process what I said. Inevitably, I will typically get a response like, “You do what?” or “How do you do that?” The process is really simple. In fact, anyone can reduce public speaking fear if they follow this process. Over the last 20 years, our great public speaking class instructors have perfected this three-step process. It works every-single-time!By the way, if you want details about the technical process that we use to reduce public speaking fear, click here.In this session, we explain this simple process.Identify Where the Public Speaking Fear is Coming From. If you know where the fear is coming from, you can mitigate the chances of it appearing.Minimize the Risk of Failure.. Once you know where the fear comes from, look for ways to minimize the risk when those situations occur.Stack Up a Series of Successes. When you practice the skill and have a success, your confidence will grow. So, the faster you can have a series of success, the faster your confidence will grow.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/eliminate-public-speaking-fear-in-three-easy-steps

There is an obvious reason why people come to the Fearless Presentations ® website and classes. They want to get over the fear of public speaking once-and-for-all. I have personally taught over 2000 public speaking classes in my career. (Yup... I'm old.) Although every class (and every class member) is a unique experience, all had a single thing in common. The people took time out of their schedule to find a way to eliminate public speaking fear.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/10-simple-ways-to-get-over-the-fear-of-public-speaking/

Catchy presentation titles are important when you begin to design a great presentation. Your audience will determine whether your presentation is worthy of their time almost instantly. In most cases, they make that determination based entirely on the title of the speech. In this session, I'm going to show you a quick and easy way to come up with a great title for your presentation. If you do this well, it will actually make your audience want to pay attention to your speech. I always say in class, "If you start with a great title, the presentation almost writes itself."SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/catchy-presentation-titles-are-the-start-of-a-great-presentation

Want to know how to design presentations, from start to finish, in minutes versus hours or days? There are different types of presentations. Each different style has a different purpose. So the correct number of bullet points to cover and the correct amount of content to include is very important. The key rule is to cover as many bullet points as you need and absolutely no more. Secondly, add content to prove each bullet point until you're sure that your audience agrees with you, and then move on.In this session, I cover how to determine what content (and how many bullet points) are needed for each type of presentation. If you follow this format, you can design your entire presentation very quickly and easily.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-design-presentations-quickly/

This week, I was looking back over the 100 plus blog posts and podcast episodes that we have released. One of the things that hit me was that there is a very important part of the presentation that I have totally overlooked. In fact, this is one of the first things that I train my instructors on when I train new trainers. This important part of the presentation is the room setup. Proper room set up for a presentation can actually improve your performance in front of a group. The downside is true as well. Improper room set up can actually make you more nervous and make delivering the presentation more difficult.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/proper-room-set-up-for-a-presentation-can-help-you-present-better/

I was teaching the best public speaking course ever last month. Early in the program, I asked the class members, “What physically happens to people when they get nervous in front of a group?” One of the first answers was, “They lose eye contact with the audience.” My response to the class member was, “Yes, eye contact in presentation skills is important, but keeping great eye contact isn’t as hard as what you might think.” Lack of eye contact is a symptom of presentation nervousness. So, when you reduce nervousness, the symptom almost always automatically go away.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/eye-contact-in-presentation-skills-is-important-but-not-as-hard-as-you-think/

What happens when someone forces you to deliver a bad presentation? You didn’t design the speech. You didn’t even create the endless slideshow. However, you are the one who has to stand in front of the group and deliver this gem. So, how do you deliver a bad presentation? Are there things that you can do to make a lousy presentation better? Of course. In this episode, I’ll show you some things that you can do to improve any presentation.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-deliver-a-bad-presentation/

The Real Shark - How to Be a Professional Presenter with Guest Brian Burkhart

Once you have a great course designed, now you will want to spend time actually training your trainers. Step one is to help them develop good public speaking skills. Public Speaking is a Skill Remember that being a great public speaker is not a natural gift. It is a skill. This skill takes time to develop. When help companies create or revitalize a train-the-trainer process, we almost always start here. If the Subject Matter Experts are confident and if they communicate well, the programs are always more effective. If the SME’s are poor communicators, the process will fail almost 100% of the time.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/train-the-trainer-model-how-to-create-a-train-the-trainer-course/

The Train-the-Trainer Model is very common in the business world. However, many Train-the-Trainer programs have big flaws. A good analogy of what happens during this process is the old “telephone game.” Put ten people in a room. Whisper a phrase with more than 10 words into the ear of the first person. The second person then relays the message to the third person. This process continues over and over until the phrase reaches the final person. When you compare the first message with the last message, they will be totally different. This is what often happens when organizations try to implement a train-the-trainer model of employee development.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/train-the-trainer-model-how-to-create-a-train-the-trainer-course/

How, exactly do we collect feedback on a presentation? Are there ways to solicit feedback that will help us grow as speakers? The answer is, absolutely, YES! However, the way that you typically ask for feedback may not be the best way to gain confidence as a speaker. In fact, many traditional feedback techniques can actually make you more nervous. In addition, speakers will sometimes make adjustments to their delivery based on anecdotal issues. This can start a snowball effect that leads to terrible presentation skills.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/How-to-Collect-Feedback-on-a-Presentation/

This is part 4 of a five-part series of 101 Public Speaking Tips. In this episode, we cover 15 places that you can practice your presentation skills. Many of these venues are ones where organizers are constantly looking for presenters. They are also pretty low pressure. (most people who deliver in these venues are not that good. So, if you are, even just an okay speaker, these audiences will likely love you.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/

This is part 3 of a five-part series of 101 Public Speaking Tips. In this episode, we cover ways to add showmanship to your presentation. We also give a few tips about organizing your presentations better. We finish with a bunch of PowerPoint Tips. So, if you have to create or deliver PowerPoint presentations, this episode will be great for you.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/

This is part 2 of a five-part series offering 101 Public Speaking Tips. In this episode, we cover a number of tips that will help you add content and impact to a presentation. The first few tips cover how to be a better storyteller when you speak. We also cover a number of ways to get your audience to participate in your presentation. We end with some of Doug’s favorite Impact Ideas for presentations.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/

In honor of our 101st episode, we have decided to violate a few public speaking rules and cover 101 Public Speaking Tips. This is part one of a five-part episode where we give 101 public speaking tips. Each of the five episodes is divided into sections. In part one, we cover four ways to create a great presentation outline. In addition, this episode has nine ways to reduce public speaking nervousness. We end with a number of ways to increase enthusiasm and energy.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/101-public-speaking-tips/

This is episode 100, A Revolutionary Way to Eliminate Public Speaking Fear. This is our centennial podcast, and for those of you who have been listening for a while, you’ll know that I have been promoting this episode for a while. Today, we are going to reveal our new process that is going to revolutionize the way that people reduce public speaking fear. We have been working on this content for the better part of an entire year. It started with the redesign of the 2-Day Fearless Presentations ® class that we released in February of this year. Next, we spent almost six months redesigning the online version of our training course. For the last few months, we have been working on ways to combine in-person training and coaching with digital training programs to reinforce content and speed up the learning process. By the way, if you listen to the entire podcast today, I’m going to give you a $600 gift at the end, so hang in there, I’m going to reveal a ton a fantastic content to you today.So make sure to listen to the entire podcast and share it with your friends!

Body language in public speaking is the nonverbal queues that your movements make during communication. Presenters often focus on what they are going to say and their visual aids. However, we often overlook an important part of the speech -- body language. In public speaking, if you look poised and confident, your audience will believe you are poised and confident.In this session, we'll cover a few simple public speaking ideas that will help you stand and move better. First, we show how important nonverbal communication is during your presentation. Next, I'll give you a few, simple tips to look more confident (even if you're nervous). Finally, I'll share a presentation secret that, once you understand it, will change the way you present.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/body-language-in-public-speaking/

If you deliver presentations at the office, you'll often look for ways to create better PowerPoint presentations. Let's face it. Most meetings are pretty boring. They are also repetitive. So, if you are a speaker, and you deliver PowerPoint slideshows, they can be a challenge. As the speaker, we want to do something a little different. Also, your audience will want you to do things a little different every once in a while. So, below are a few simple ways to create better PowerPoint presentations without a lot of additional effort.I'm embarrassed to say that, just this past week, I delivered a terrible PowerPoint speech to my office. Keep in mind, I've been teaching public speaking skills for over 20 years. I also deliver two to four classes, workshops, or speeches every week. So, if I can fall into this trap, anyone can fall into this trap.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/three-simple-ways-to-create-better-powerpoint-presentations

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you present a bid proposal. Here is the scenario... You have done your homework. A team at your company painstakingly created the perfect sales proposal. In fact, the potential client was so impressed, that they moved you to their "shortlist." Now, though, they want you to present a bid proposal to the purchasing committee. Your team is one of just six to eight other companies competing for this contract. How do you make sure that the committee picks your team? Well, not to brag, but over the years, groups that I have coached have received over 80% of these contracts. Just follow this simple sales presentation outline, and your team will have a better shot at winning as well.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/present-a-bid-proposal-great-sales-presentation-outline/

You have identified a problem or opportunity for your company. Now you need to get approval. So, how do you present a proposal to management that will get approved? The process is actually pretty simple. In fact, the method of how to present a proposal to management that we use works about 100% of the time. Just follow the simple steps below, and your project will easily get funded.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-present-a-proposal-to-management/

As we approach the 100th podcast episode, I'm amazed at how my company and training program have changed. I'm actually shocked at how important continuous improvement methodologies have been to this process. By the way, if you are looking for a long series of academic continuous improvement methodologies, this isn't it. However, if you can see what happened to me, The Leader's Institute ®, and Fearless Presentations ® over the last year, I hope you can gather some great tips to improve your own success!SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/continuous-improvement-methodologies-improve-success/

Do you need a business presentation coach? Well... It depends... Last week, I gave a number of different reasons why presentation skills are important to business success. Great presentation skills can create opportunities for advancement and increase income. How exactly do you improve your presentation skills, though? In this post, we are going to cover the pros and cons of hiring a business presentation coach. In addition, we'll cover how to choose a good coach.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/business-presentation-coaching-should-you-get-a-presentation-coach/

I was reminded this week about the importance of presentation skills in the workplace. Three participants in my presentation skills class in Detroit taught job placement skills. I noticed a couple of interesting things as the class went on. First, these participants offered tips in their class presentations similar to what I teach. These three class members also developed their presentation skills very quickly. Basically, they had well-developed communication skills that helped them be more successful in business. They developed presentation skills quickly because they already had great communication skills. The opposite is true as well. Presentation skills help you communicate better in the business world. (That is the importance of presentation skills in the workplace!)SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-importance-of-presentation-skills-in-the-workplace/

Okay, so we know that stories are fantastic pieces of evidence during the formal presentation. In addition, stories are as fantastic as answers to tough questions during question and answer sessions. But when we are under a deadline or currently in front of a tough audience, why are stories hard to remember? Three challenges occur when we are asked a tough question from the audience or we are otherwise put on the spot. First, panic sets in. When we panic, it is very difficult to think clearly. Second, negative self-talk can make us feel even more uncomfortable when already feeling anxious. Finally, and most devastating, we second-guess ourselves constantly during the process.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/remember-stories-from-your-life-to-insert-into-presentations/

Great speakers know how to tell a great story. This podcast will give you the five key steps of storytelling that these great speakers know. This is a continuation of the podcast on how inserting stories into your presentations reduces public speaking fear. In that podcast, I mentioned a recent class member who told me that he just wasn't good at storytelling. If you feel the same way, then these steps of storytelling can be very helpful for you. Just between you and me, though... Whether you follow these steps exactly or not, just the fact that you are inserting stories into your speeches is a big advantage. Most presenters in the business world give very BORING speeches. A well-placed story makes your message much more interesting and entertaining.Want to Know How to Tell a Great Story, the Steps of Storytelling Are Not as Important as the Story Itself.Storytelling in our personal lives is very normal. When we get together with friends or family, we build rapport by sharing stories about ourselves. I went to my High School reunion a few years ago. I was visiting with friends that I haven't seen for decades. What was funny, though, was that I expected that it would be a bunch of old people reminiscing about stories from our teenage years. However, the opposite occurred. It was really interesting to hear about what my friends had done since High School. We spent hours catching up. And the way that we caught up was by telling great stories to each other about our experiences. Many of my friends had accomplished some pretty impressive things. However, none of them sounded like they were bragging.The biggest public speaking secret that I know is that you can do the exact same thing in your speeches. When you share stories of your successes, your audience lives vicariously through your stories. I remember growing up hearing the phrase, "Experience is the best teacher." After being a business owner for 20 plus years now, I realize how dumb that statement is. Experience is NOT the best teacher. Someone else's experience is the best teacher. When I hear a story about how someone else accomplished a goal that I want to accomplish, I can learn from it. I don't have to experience all the turmoil that he or she went through.So, follow the steps of storytelling below. However, just realize that the steps, in and of themselves, are not as important as the actual stories. Pick a good story to tell, the steps don't matter.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-5-steps-of-storytelling-how-to-tell-a-great-story/

Feel nervous about speaking in public? Tell a story in your speech (early), and you can reduce public speaking fear dramatically. One of the first public speaking secrets that we share in our public speaking training classes is that stories are your friend. When you tell a story, you reduce presentation jitters and build rapport with your audience. Don't believe me? Watch any professional motivational speaker on YouTube. You will find that their entire speech is composed of a series of individual stories that they link together. In this post, we will cover some of the major benefits of telling stories as well as some tips on how to do it.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/tell-a-story-in-your-speech-and-reduce-public-speaking-fear/

Looking for an elevator speech template? In this podcast, I'm going to explain how to create a 30-second commercial (elevator pitch) for yourself. (Or for your company.) This elevator speech can be used to introduce yourself to a new contact, help you get an interview, or help you sell an idea to a decision-maker. This type of presentation is critical when you have to grab a person's attention in a positive way and time is short. In this podcast, we will cover a brief history of the concept, an elevator speech template, and a few examples.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/elevator-speech-template-how-to-create-a-30-second-commercial-for-yourself/

Whatever your vocation, you’ll likely find yourself in front of a crowd at some point. And whether you’re a spokesperson, a motivational speaker, an athlete, an entrepreneur, a CEO, or simply a student, you’re a busy person, with more things to do than to sit there and memorize the lines for a speech or presentation. Take heart! The best speeches aren’t memorized line by line, but learned. Most people can tell when you’re reciting a speech from memory, rather than speaking about a subject you know thoroughly. That’s because when you deliver a speech you know inside and out, you sound more interested. There are inflections in your voice, and you’re not staring at your notes, so you’re freed up to make eye contact with your audience. You’d be a far better speaker than someone who is rattling off lines they’ve committed to memory.We’ve got some great tips about how to memorize your speech on a tight timeline.1) Don’t Memorize a Speech – Learn an OutlineInstead of learning eight pages of notes, which is impossible for most people in such a short period of time, commit to learning your speech’s outline.Write down points that you absolutely have to cover, in the order that you cover them, and commit that to memory instead. A common outline is introduction – supporting point 1—supporting point 2—conclusion. For business presentations, the common outline is: identifying the problem—presenting the solution—benefit 1—benefit 2—call to action.This is where knowing your subject comes in. You can talk around the points you have to cover, filling in the gaps and bridging the subjects with anecdotes, examples, and related stories. It’s far more natural-sounding this way.2) Assign Mental Pictures for Each Point You Write DownThis is a great technique if your short-term memory isn’t that good, or you keep forgetting a specific part of your speech.Dissect the section of the speech you’re stuck in, and imagine a scene or object that somewhat resembles it. For instance, if you’re speaking about animal health, and you want to talk about dogs, and then cats, don’t remember the words – try picturing a dog standing next to a cat. Why? It’s easier to remember images than words.Next time you’re reciting the speech, you might get stuck in the same topic again. What do you think will happen when you try to recall what’s next? You’ll probably see images of cats and dogs in your head, and that’s when your brain will start connecting the dots.3) Map it Out in Your Memory PalaceThis is the same principle used when memorizing a deck of cards. Basically, you picture a room then associate each item in that room with a particular card, to help you recall them.Now, pick a location you can easily remember in great detail. It could be your bedroom, kitchen, or even your closet. Then create a logical ‘route,’ based on which objects you see first. For example, what are the objects you’ll see on the walk from your bedroom door to your bed?After deciding on a route, imagine taking that route and focusing on the items AND the order you see them. Using the bedroom example, when you open the door, you enter and see your desk and laptop in front, and on the left side you see a bedside table and a lamp. Next to the bedside table is your bed.Now you can use the outline of your presentation to make visual associations with items in your memory palace. Don’t worry if the associations are weird, or outlandish, as that will actually help you recall them faster. The important thing is that the object and topic associations are in the same chronological order as the items you see using your chosen route.Keep Picturing until it SticksLet yourself get comfortable with your speech’s outline and image associations. Now, when you get up on stage, you won’t be struggling to remember words on a page. All you have to do is picture those objects, which represent your ideas and points, inside that room. Only thing you have to do now is imagine yourself opening 

So you did it! You graduated at the top of your class. Now you have to write your Valedictorian Speech. However, since this is the first (and only) time you will ever do it, you may not know exactly how to write a valedictorian speech. You are not alone. Just about every Valedictorian or Salutatorian has gone through this. You work very hard to get to the top, and now you have five minutes to educate, entertain, and inspire your classmates. And, of course, the task is so much easier because your classmates are so accepting and non-judgmental. (Yeah, right!)Well, this podcast can show you step-by-step on how to write a Valedictorian Speech (or Salutatorian Speech). This is the final part of our five-part series on How to Design a Presentation. In the previous podcasts, we have covered how to persuade an audience, best practices for a commencement speech, and wedding toast tips. So, check out any of the other podcasts for additional details.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/valedictorian-speech-how-to-write-a-valedictorian-speech/

Have you been asked to deliver a commencement speech? Or have you worked your butt off to become valedictorian or salutatorian, and now you have to deliver a graduation speech? In this session, we will cover one of the more challenging types of presentation creation: How to Write a Graduation Speech. (By the way, I have also included a few popular graduation speech examples as a guide for you.)This post is a continuation of our How to Create a Presentation series. We are going to break this session down into three parts, though. We will show you how to create a commencement speech in this session. Next week, I'll show you how to write a valedictorian speech and how to deliver a salutatorian speech. Each of these graduation speeches has a slightly different purpose, but all of them need to be inspirational and funny.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-write-a-graduation-speech-graduation-speech-examples/

Want to learn how to write a persuasive speech? Want to make sure that you persuade your audience without raising resentment? Well, if you use the techniques that you likely learned in school, you will often fail at both of these goals. In high school, you most likely learned that to write a good persuasive speech, you have to do research, list the pros and cons, and then use lots of data to win over your audience. This technique is a terrible way to persuade people. Most often, it actually causes the other person to want to play "Devil's advocate" and argue with you. In this article, we are going to show you a simple way to win people to your way of thinking without raising resentment. If you use this technique, your audience will actually WANT to agree with you!SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/persuasive-speech-how-to-write-a-persuasive-speech/

Continuing in our series on how to design a presentation, in this episode, we will show you how to write a wedding toast. Over the years, I've had a few people come through our entire presentation training classes just to be able to not be terrified when they give a best man toast or father of the bride toast. Even though this is typically a very short speech, there is always a lot of pressure involved. Anytime we are being honored with an important role in a wedding, we want to do well. This article can give you a few tips to make your words the absolute best wedding toast, ever. (By the way, even if you aren't participating in a wedding, this guide can help you deliver any short toast or speech.)SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/wedding-toast-how-to-write-a-wedding-toast/

Looking for how to write a speech in a few simple steps? Over the last 20 years, our instructors have dissected thousands of speeches. In that time, we've been able to identify simple things that can easily make or break a presentation. We've assembled a simple, step-by-step process that explains how to write a speech quickly and easily. Once you understand the concepts below, you can use our Online Speech Creator to organize and print your presentation. A little warning, though, the process is straightforward if you follow every step. If you skip a step, you can get bogged down, and the process can take a lot of time. However, if you follow the steps, you can write any speech in just a few minutes (versus hours or days)!This podcast is the first in a series designed to help people create their presentations from scratch. Last year, I wrote a post about writing a eulogy. In this series, we will cover a few other types of speeches that are common such as a wedding toast, a school book report, a persuasive speech, and a graduation speech.A Few Concepts You Need to Know Before Writing a Speech Remember that, in a speech, less is more. Short is better than long. No one ever said, "That meeting was so good, I wish everyone would have spoken longer." So, a few concepts (bullet points) covered really well is much better than a bunch of stuff covered in a cursory way. Another great tip is that writing a presentation word-for-word and then trying to memorize your entire speech is hard. Instead, create a presentation outline and use literary devices to add "meat to the content." For instance, examples and stories are fantastic reinforcement for your points or concepts. You can also use analogies, quotes, and visual aids to prove your points.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-write-a-speech-just-few-simple-steps/

Want to know how to overcome glossophobia? Does stage fright sometimes make you pass up opportunities in your career? Do you feel like you have an irrational fear of public speaking? You are not alone! Glossophobia or the fear of public speaking is very common. After being in the presentation skill industry for decades, now, though, I've come to realize that the statistics about this fear are really confusing. I've seen public speaking fear statistics as low as 7% of the population and as high as 95%. What I have come to realize is that the statistics really depend on the definition of Glossophobia that you are using.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-overcome-glossophobia-an-irrational-fear-of-public-speaking/

Short anecdotes for speeches are a fantastic way to end a presentation with a bang. These stories can be fiction, actual incidents from history, or even just funny stories from your own personal life. When you deliver them well, though, they have a lasting impact. I often use these short anecdotes for speeches where I am training to teach something meaningful to the audience. So, in most instances, these stories are used in training sessions or motivational speeches. The anecdotes themselves are often entertaining, some are even funny, but when you use the story to relay a greater message, they have a magic quality. The important part of the process is to spend time, in the end, tying the incident back to the main point of your presentation.My daughter graduated from High School last weekend, and the keynote speaker was a local pastor in the area. He used a well-known anecdote in a masterful way as the start of the commencement speech (is that redundant?). Since he was a pastor, he told the story of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus. Being a professional speaker, I was wondering exactly how he was going to tie that story to a graduation ceremony. He went on to explain how many Christians might see a "Baptism" as the ending point. In Jesus' case, though, that was the start of his public ministry. The pastor then shared with the graduating class that many of them are likely seeing the ceremony at the end of their schooling. In reality, though, commencement means the beginning. It was really well done and very inspirational to the graduating class.So, I thought that it might be fun to just jot down a few of the most inspirational (or just funny) short anecdotes for speeches that I have come across in my career. Perhaps you can use them in your next presentation.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/short-anecdotes-for-speeches-and-parables-to-amaze-your-audience/

Looking for a quick and easy way to memorize an entire presentation quickly? Well, the solution to how to memorize a speech in minutes will likely surprise you. In this article, we will cover a few important points. First, we will cover the big mistakes that most people make when they design a presentation that makes memorizing the presentation much harder. Next, we cover a few memory techniques that are common among professional speakers. (These tips are fantastic, and they work really well.) However, in the third part, I will show you how to actually design your entire presentation where you won't have to memorize ANYTHING! If you use this technique, your audience will see you as being absolutely brilliant, and your speech will also be fantastically easier to deliver.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/in-a-hurry-heres-how-to-memorize-your-speech-in-less-than-60-minutes/

One of the most important aspects of many speeches is the ability to be persuasive. There is an art to creating a persuasive speech, but there is also a lot of communication skills that are important to the process as well. In this session, we will help you develop and strengthen communication skills that will help you use your words to gain enthusiastic cooperation from your audience.This is part five of our series on Improving Communication Skills. In part one, we talked about how a great communication coach can help you improve your communication skills more quickly. Next, we showed you a few simple things that you can do to shut down a heckler or someone who is peppering you with negative questions. In part three, we gave a number of ways to build trust and rapport with your audience. Then, finally, last week, we covered a few conflict resolution tips.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-gain-enthusiastic-cooperation-from-your-audience/

Eventually, if you present often, you will be required to deliver content that the audience either isn't in agreement with or, about which, your audience will be argumentative. It takes a skilled presenter to be able to deliver content like this in a way that doesn't create a conflict with the audience. We are continuing our series on Improving Communication Skills, and this week, we will cover a few ideas that will help you avoid disagreement and resolve conflicts. Before I cover these tips, however, keep in mind that if you follow the guidelines that we teach in our blogs, podcasts, and in our classes, you will be able to design presentations that are "audience-focused." These types of presentations are less likely to create conflicts with your audience. So, if you find that you have to create a presentation that you know your audience is going to disagree with, be sure to go through some of our earlier sessions like How to Design a Presentation and Making Your Presentation Title Audience Focused.This is part four of our series on Improving Communication Skills. In part one, we talked about how a great communication coach can help you improve your communication skills more quickly. Next, we showed you a few simple things that you can do to shut down a heckler or someone who is peppering you with negative questions. In part three, we gave a number of ways to build trust and rapport with your audience. In the final sessions, we will show you how to use your words to gain enthusiastic cooperation from your audience.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/a-few-simple-ways-to-avoid-conflicts-when-presenting-your-ideas-to-groups/

When you stand up to speak in front of a group, you want to appear confident. However, of equal importance is the ability to build trust and rapport with your audience. Your audience will not believe you unless they first trust you. In this session, we are going to give you a few, simple communication skills that will help you build solid trust with your audience. Incidentally, these same skills will help you build trust and rapport within any relationship.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/building-trust-with-a-group-using-good-communication-skills/

If you practice great presentation skills and focus on designing your presentations on what your audience needs and wants, you will likely not have much trouble with hecklers. However, it only takes a single mad-at-the-world heckler to quickly turn your presentation masterpiece into modern art. So, when you are rudely interrupted, you will want to have a strategy that calms the heckler and makes you continue to look like the expert in the room. One of the more recent occurrences in social media is the birth of "internet trolls." While internet trolls and hecklers have a couple of things in common, such as mean and offensive language, internet trolls are able to hide their real identities in fake online accounts. The majority of them aren’t really mean in real life. Hecklers, on the other hand, are braver in a way that they’re confident in attracting negative attention to themselves without masking their identity. Online trolls can be ignored. Ignoring a heckler while giving a speech is not so easy, though, and can cause you to lose credibility in front of your audience.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/4-strategies-for-handling-hecklers-while-giving-a-speech/

A good communications coach (formal or informal) can help you identify communication strengths and weaknesses. Years ago, I was having coffee with a colleague. He mentioned that he had just had a session with his "personal coach." During the session, this coach helped him the layout, in pretty good detail, so strategic goals that he should be focusing on. Between you and me, the whole discussion seemed weird to me. Honestly, I thought that this "coach" was, most likely, a con-artist. I had heard about these people who had never really accomplished anything in their lives, but who paid for some weekend certification to get a certificate to become a certified life coach. After he mentioned his session, I, in my sarcastic way, told him, "Man, I could have told you that for free."It's funny, because, I guess I'm a skeptic by nature. So, if you are trying to sell me on the value of something new to me, you'd better have some solid proof. Interestingly, just six years prior to that conversation, my communications coach had helped me increase my financial success by almost double. I just didn't realize that she was a "communications coach." I had been working for an oil company. At the time, the price of oil was at rock bottom, so chances of advancement were slim. In fact, my company had just started laying off people, and I was one of the last guys hired. I had spent four years getting a university degree that was specific to the oil industry, so I was terrified about what I was going to do for a living. Out of desperation, I ended up taking a three-month leadership development course. The instructor for this course was not a fly-by-night teacher who gained her experience from a seminar. Instead, she was a highly successful business person who had also trained with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the area. She was able to shave years off of my learning curve.In fact, less than a year after finishing her leadership class, I changed careers and quickly been promoted into management. I was making more money in my monthly bonus checks than I had made at the oil company. The funniest part about that conversation I had with my colleague was that, if I had never met this leadership coach, I would not have ever been at that table, having coffee in the first place.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/a-good-communication-coach-can-help-shore-up-communication-weaknesses/

So how do you create an online training course that people don't hate? Six months ago, we set out to recreate the online version of The Fearless Presentations ® Course. To be blunt, when we started, I just assumed that we would just update the videos of the old version, make it look prettier, and be done. However, the more we updated the more opportunities that we noticed. I think my biggest obstacle at the beginning was my preconceived notions about online training.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/online-training-best-practices-that-supports-your-in-person-training-sessions/

The world is constantly changing. In the past, businesses thrived when they created a single new product or idea and brought it to market. Today, though, businesses thrive by adapting to and adopting best practices that are constantly evolving and changing. One thing is for certain, if you stay still or rest on your laurels, you will fail. The world of training and employee development is also evolving. If you are training and developing your employees the same way that you did 20 years ago, 10 years ago, heck, even just a couple years ago, you are likely falling behind many of your competitors. In this episode, we are going to delve into some modern examples of training and development programs for employees. We could call this 2019 Training and Development Models, and the title would be quite descriptive.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/modern-examples-of-training-and-development-programs-for-employees-2019/

What are the most important qualities of a good public speaker? What makes a great presenter? What are the qualities that allow one orator to get up in front of an audience and memorize the crowd while another fails? Well, science may offer the answer to these questions. When I first started teaching the Fearless Presentations® classes, I did so because I knew from my own experience that the more self-confident a presenter appears to an audience, the more respect that the audience will have for that presenter. In addition, chapter one of my first book was about enthusiasm, because I knew that out of all of the characteristics of a good speaker, enthusiasm was the absolute, most important. Over the years, though, our instructors have worked with over 20,000 presenters. Some had a natural presence in front of groups. Others, however, had to develop a public speaking skill in order to be perceived as being a great public speaker. Below are the seven qualities of a good public speaker that we have identified as the most important. In addition to our observations as public speaking coaches, we have also added the scientific proof that we also uncovered along the way.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-qualities-of-a-good-public-speaker-that-every-presenter-should-know-and-emulate/

I was teaching a presentation skills class in Houston this week, and I had two separate participants pull me aside at two separate breaks and ask the same exact question... "Why do I still get nervous when I speak in public?" This question is very common (both during a presentation class, and sometimes, even afterward). When you understand the answer to this question, though, you have a much better chance of eliminating your public speaking fear for good. The answer has three parts.First, many of the things that we do to reduce public speaking nervousness will actually cause the nervousness. Second, fear, of any kind, can be conquered if you both reduce the risk of failure and have a series of successes in a short period of time. Finally, the way that the Fearless Presentations® class works is that, as we cover new stages of delivering presentations, the stages get more complicated. So, the process is designed to make participants continually experience higher levels of nervousness but also allows them to experience success at each stage. Let's cover each of these three areas in a little more detail.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/why-do-i-still-get-nervous-when-i-speak-in-public/

We just finished a five-part series about How to Start a Public Speaking Career. If you haven't had a chance to read (or listen to) that series, it will help you understand the concepts that we talk about here, much more clearly. In this session, we are going to cover how to promote yourself as a professional speaker. In the earlier sessions, we talked about how to get experience speaking within your current industry. Some of the ideas were to start out as a trainer in your current industry and to speak to associations within your industry. This helps you practice your craft, but, more importantly, it helps you get a video of yourself in front of actual audiences. In the last session, we talked about how to create content like blog posts, videos, and books that you will be able to use to market yourself as a professional speaker.So, we are going to assume, at this point, that you have followed the guidelines in the previous session, and you have at least 20 blog posts, 20 podcast episodes, 40-50 two-minute to five-minute videos, and you have self-published a book comprised of 10 of your best blog posts. (If you don't have these yet, make sure to follow the guidelines in Start Your Own Public Speaking Company from Scratch.) Keep in mind that you don't have to have ALL of these things, but the more content that you have, the more professional you will appear to a potential client/customer. We are also going to assume that the content that you have created is in a specific niche within a defined market and that this particular market needs your content.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-promote-yourself-as-a-professional-speaker/

This is part five of a five-part series about how to start a public speaking career. In the past posts, we focused on how to use public speaking within your current career, both as an income stream and as marketing. We also covered a session on how to become a professional speaker for an established speaking company. In this session, we will cover a few step-by-step items that will help you create your own presentation company. If you want to be a professional public speaker, these tips can help you get started.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/start-your-own-public-speaking-company-from-scratch/

We are continuing our series on How to Start a Public Speaking Career, and in this session, we will show a shortcut by working for an organization that is already established. Just as a recap of what I discussed in the first post, the advantages of this route is that the company the speaker is representing has already done the hard work. They have already created the content, vetted the content, and created a customer base. The downside is that the speaker can't create or promote his/her own content as easily. In addition, if the speaker quits working for the company, he/she will likely have to start from scratch to create their own content and customer base.In this episode, I'll cover the pros and cons in more detail. I will also give a step-by-step process that you can go through if you want to become a speaker for one of these companies.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/become-a-certified-speaker-for-an-established-presentation-company/

This is part three of our sessions on How to Start a Public Speaking Career. In the last session, we talked about the easiest way to begin as a professional speaker — by Speaking within Your Current Industry. In this session, we are going to show you a few simple ways to use public speaking to promote or market your product or service. In fact, using a speech to promote a product or service is a fantastic way to conduct a marketing campaign.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/using-a-speech-to-promote-a-product-or-service-use-public-speaking-as-marketing/

One of the easiest ways to become a professional public speaker is by speaking to groups within your current industry. In this article, we will show you a number of ways to get paid as a professional speaker without having to change careers. This article is a continuation of our previous article, How to Start a Public Speaking Career. Although this is just one of the three routes that we will cover in details, this route is one of the most common (and perhaps the most lucrative as well). So, we will spend a little more time on this one.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/become-a-professional-public-speaker-by-speaking-within-your-current-industry/

Being a professional speaker is a very lucrative and rewarding profession. But, if you have never actually made money from speaking before, you may be looking for how to start a public speaking career. Just as an FYI, the way that I did it is not the ideal way to become a professional speaker. In fact, when I give advice to new speakers, I tell them to do the opposite of what I did. However, over the past 20 years, I’ve trained over 100 professional speakers, and many of these presenters are at the top of their industries. Below are a few ideas that may help.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-start-a-public-speaking-career

One of the more challenging parts of any presentation is the very first part. If you are wondering how to introduce yourself before starting your presentation, you are in good company. For most of us, once we get the first few sentences out, our nervousness will diminish pretty significantly. So, this initial self-introduction is really important. If we struggle here, our nervousness will increase. In addition, the old adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” is very true.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-introduce-yourself-before-starting-any-presentation/

Want to know what not to do during a presentation? (I know it isn't grammatically correct, but that is what people are typing into search engines.) Well, here are 10 of the biggest public speaking mistakes that presenters make. This is a list of what we call the 10 deadly sins that turn off audiences. Use it as a checklist for yourself. If you find that you sometimes do one or two of these items, then the list will help you identify what to work on.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/10-biggest-public-speaking-mistakes-what-not-to-do-during-a-presentation/

I was doing article research this week, and I came across a statement by a world-renowned public speaking coach that made me stop dead in my tracks. This coach was answering the question, "If I’ve only got five minutes for a speech, how do I get my key points across in an interesting way?" The speaker answered by saying, "Five minutes is too short a time to persuade an audience of anything complicated, sophisticated, or controversial." I was dumbfounded. That is one of the most ridiculous statements I have ever heard. In fact, it is right up there with..."Read my lips... No new taxes.""I did not have sexual relations with that woman...""Saddam has weapons of mass destruction.""If you like your plan you can keep your plan."So, I guess that the statement is not the most ridiculous statement that I've ever heard, but it is in the top five.The way that I know that this statement is ridiculous, though, is two-fold. First, because I am a married man. If this statement were true, then I and about 95% of all men would never, ever get married. (Most proposals take way less than five minutes.)Second, for the last 20 years, students in the Fearless Presentations ® public speaking classes have put together thousands (cumulatively) of persuasive speeches that all lasted about five minutes or less. In fact, we create these presentations dozens of times each week. Here is the process that we use.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-persuade-your-audience-in-five-minutes-or-less/

I spent years (the better part of a decade) studying everything I could about presentation skills and how to deliver powerful speeches. Years later, I became a presentation coach. I had been coaching speakers for a few years before I got an interesting call from a prospective client. “We have a group of five presenters who are competing for a $300 million project. This contract is vital to the growth of our company. Can you make sure they are delivering the best possible group presentation for us?” That single request started me down a road that has been a fantastic accomplishment for hundreds of presentation teams over the last couple of decades. Just as an FYI, the group that I coached in that first session didn’t get the big contract. However, from that experience, we learned and adapted. Over the next three years, the group closed over 80% of the contracts that they competed for. Whether you are presenting group sales presentations, or you are presenting a group presentation in school, the following tips can be very helpful.In this group presentation guide, I will share with you some of the alterations and best practices that we found.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/group-presentation-guide-how-to-get-your-team-on-the-same-page-for-a-group-presentation/

Okay, so you may not want to be a motivational speaker (and live in a van down by the river). However, all of us, at one time or another, will want to be a more inspirational speaker. Sometimes, we just want to motivate our team. In other situations, we may be asked to speak at an annual meeting and want the audience to see us as being an inspirational leader. Whatever the case, there are times when the purpose of our speech is not necessary to inform or persuade but to motivate and inspire. These are a few tips that will help you be a more inspirational speaker and presenter.So what is the point? If you look at some of the most inspirational speakers of the last 60 years, you will notice a few important things. Each and every one of these speakers designed their inspirational talks around either a single concept or a few simple steps. Almost all relied heavily on powerful stories to build rapport with the audience and insert humor. However, each of these speakers adapted to the media of the time.For instance, Nightingale designed his speeches to fit a single side of a phonograph record. Why? Well, for those of you who are old enough to have ever played one, the good stuff was always on “Side 1” of the record. Side 2 was the filler. So, Nightingale, a radio guy, was creating a message that fit his media.MLK wasn’t concerned about recordings. He was more concerned about inspiring crowds in-person. So, his repetition and cadence made it easier for the crowds to remember his words and act upon them.Most of Zig, Les Brown, and Brian Tracey were most popular in the era of cassette tapes. Most of these tapes could hold 60 minutes of content. I have no research to back this up, but I believe that this is probably why most keynote speeches are still 60 minutes long today. (Although 60 minutes is just about a perfect time to keep people from having to leave the room when nature calls.)Anthony Robbins was one of the first speakers to create comprehensive box sets of inspirational speeches. He made a bunch of money selling CD-Rom sets on QVC. So, he began to create a series of shorter, bite-sized presentations that people could digest over a longer period of time. So, the Story, three-point-talk, story technique was perfect for him.Although Ted Talk seminars have been around for decades, they have become incredibly popular in the YouTube age. Ted’s normal time frame is about 20 minutes per speech. So, interestingly, many of the most-watched Ted Talks follow Earl Nightingale’s technique. So, it appears that we have come full circle.In the near future, I’m going to do a similar post about YouTube. I will do a similarly in-depth view of what people are looking for, today, from professional speakers on YouTube. I will give you a hint, though, most professional speakers aren’t yet giving this new market what they really want. Stay tuned!

Filler words are a natural part of everyday conversations, and in fact, if they aren’t there, you’ll actually sound strange (or even fake) to the audience, so you don’t want to eliminate the filler words altogether. However, that doesn’t mean they have to be a major part of your speeches and presentations either. Overuse of the filler words has the potential to detract from your message, so as you become more and more comfortable speaking in front of a group, it might be a good idea to fine-tune your message by reducing these distractions. The best speakers in the world have trained themselves, over time, to minimize their use of filler words. (Notice that I said minimize, not eliminate.) Excessive use frustrates the audience and makes the speaker less credible. With a bit of practice, though, you can minimize filler words as well.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-stop-using-er-um-and-other-filler-words-in-speeches/

I received a comment from a website visitor last week thanking me for the blog and asking if I would cover tips for ESL presenters (English as a Second Language). I was actually shocked to realize that in the last four years, we haven't written anything about this topic. We actually have a step-by-step way to help ESL presenters deliver confident presentations in English. English as a Second Language presentation challenges are very common in today's business world. In fact, I'm often hired to conduct public speaking classes in Europe and South America, because many business people in countries outside of the US realize that the better that a person can deliver English business presentations, the more doors of opportunity can be opened.Show Notes: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/a-step-by-step-way-to-help-esl-presenters-give-confident-presentations-in-english/

Have you ever heard a great speaker end an amazing talk with a lousy “Thank you,” or worse, “That’s all folks, any questions?” Such endings are anti-climactic. You went through all that effort to deliver a good presentation and that’s how you end it? That is a real shame when it happens. To your audience, it’s like a great fairy-tale with a sad ending. A dud, a runner who had cramps a couple of steps before the finish line. So near, yet so far. Below are a few tips that will help you end your presentation with a bang so that you will finish your race as you run it.Eliminate these Things from Your Presentation ConclusionQuestion & Answer Periods.Avoid these Presentation Show Stoppers One of the things that drives me up the wall is ending a fantastic presentation with a Q&A session that is, quite often, lackluster. I remember my Jr. High School football coach talking about passing the ball. He'd say, “Only three things can happen when you pass the ball, and two of them are bad.” I kind of feel the same way about Question & Answer periods. If your audience asks you great questions, you can end your presentation on a high note. However, if your audience asks you odd or uninteresting questions, you can end on a low note. Worse, you may not get any questions, and the ending will just seem odd. When I present, I encourage people to ask questions DURING my presentation. That way, I can use one of the above ideas to end my presentation with a bang.Thanking the Audience for Their Time.When you stand up to speak, you should have the attitude that your audience is there to hear from you because you have important information that they need. When you thank your audience for their time, you are conceding that their time is more important than your time.An Abrupt Ending with No Conclusion.When I was in college, I had an internship with Atlantic Richfield. At the end of the internship, I had to give a presentation in Dallas to a room of executives. I bombed the speech. The thing that really put an exclamation point on my failure was that once I ran out of content, I just abruptly stopped and sat down. There was dead silence in the room. The woman who had introduced me just minutes prior slowly stood up and said, “Well, I guess this is a good time for a break.” Everything that happened after my abrupt ending just made the whole thing more awkward. So, spend time preparing your conclusion. Practice it a few times, and you will end on a high note.The Danger of Not Announcing an Imminent CloseOur brains are wired to look for structure in things. That’s why people get frustrated with cliffhangers in movies. Only in movies, there’s a sequel. In speeches and presentations, the end is the end.Give a few hints a couple of slides or paragraphs before the ending. Make it clear that you’re about to wrap things up by saying, “So let me review what we’ve discussed”, “As I wrap up this presentation” or “In conclusion” or “As I conclude this speech, allow me to…”Signaling the close politely prepares your audience for the ending. Plus, those who are starting to lose interest will start paying more attention. Ironically, announcing the ending also makes it more memorable.But how do you make an ending memorable? If saying “Thank you” or “Any questions” is not advisable, what can you do?To view full podcast notes, visit How to End Your Presentation with a Bang.

Quite often, when we are nervous speaking in front of a group, we do innocent-sounding things to help us be less nervous. However, many of the things that people do to reduce public speaking fear actually CAUSE PUBLIC SPEAKING FEAR. Below are seven of the biggest things that people do to reduce stage fright that is actually more likely to make you nervous. If you feel nervous when you deliver presentations, make sure that you are not doing these things. In fact, if you eliminate these “crutches”, you will likely feel more comfortable right away.1) Writing Your Presentation Word-for-Word2) Designing Your PowerPoint Slideshow First3) Relying on Notes4) Asking for Critiques from Friends/Coworkers5) Practicing Alone6) Videoing Your Presentation and Reviewing It Alone7) Cognitive DissonanceFor full podcast notes, visit 7 Presentation Habits that Cause You to Become a More Nervous Speaker

This part five of a five-part series on the four main presentation styles. Last week, we covered the Authoritative Presentation Style which has the opposite strengths and weaknesses of this style. In the prior two weeks, we covered the Energetic Presentation Styleand the Analytical Presentation Style (Technical Presentations).This week, we will cover the strengths and weaknesses of the Empathetic Presentation Style. (Psychologists call this style of presenter a Sanguine.) This is the style of presenter that is more “indirect” and “emotional”. Just as a review, by indirect, we mean that this style of presenter will often be more cautious and slower to act. By emotion, we mean that this style will focus more on the feelings of others than facts and data. You will find this style of presentation more frequently in certain industries such as the teaching, philanthropic organizations, and service industries.For full podcast notes, visit Empathetic Presentation Style Great for Teaching and Emotional ContentSHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/empathetic-presentation-style-great-for-teaching-and-emotional-content/

A few weeks back, I gave an overview of the four main presentation styles. Last week, we covered the Energetic Presentation Style. The week before, we covered the Analytical Presentation Style (Technical Presentations). You’ll remember from the last two sessions that the Analytical Presenter and Energetic Presenter are polar opposites in the way that they like to present. The Energetic has high energy and tends to like to create presentations that are general and broad. The Analytical likes details and is much more sedate in his or her delivery.This week, we will cover the strengths and weaknesses of the Authoritative Presentation Style. This is the style of presenter that is more “direct” and “logical”. Just as a review, by direct, we mean that this style of presenter will often be more spontaneous and quick to act. By logical, we mean that this style will focus more on facts and data versus people’s feelings. You will find this style of presentation more frequently in certain industries such as the military, construction, manufacturing, and sales.We will cover the last style, Empathetic, next week. You will find that the Authoritative Presenter and Empathetic Presenter are also polar opposites just like the previous two presentation styles.Show notes can be found at Authoritative Presentation Style Great at Informative and Decision Making PresentationsSHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/authoritative-presentation-style-great-at-informative-and-decision-making-presentations/

A couple of weeks ago, I gave an overview of the four main presentation styles. Last week, we covered the Analytical Presentation Style (Technical Presentations). This week, we will cover the strengths and weaknesses of the Energetic Presentation Style. This is the style of presenter that is more “direct” and “emotional”. Just as a review, by direct, we mean that this style of presenter will often be more spontaneous and quick to act. By emotion, we mean that this style will focus more on connecting with people and their feelings. You will find the style of presentation more frequently in certain industries. If you work in a creative industry or one where persuasion is important, you will see this style of delivery quite frequently. Strengths of the Energetic Presentation StyleENERGY: The absolute biggest strength of the Energetic Presentation Style is energy and enthusiasm. Out of all of the presentation styles, people who have this as their natural delivery style are often seen by others as “natural speakers”. This presenter will deliver quick and fast-paced speeches that will keep the audience engaged.FUN: Since presenters with this natural style are often creative, they use that creativity to make their delivery fun and interesting. They will often create interesting props or visuals. In addition, they have a flair for the dramatic, so they will often try to add content that is unique. They want to be different from every other speaker.INTERACTIVE: The energetic speaker loves to get the audience involved in the presentation. They will often prefer a discussion to a lecture. As a result, they love to ask questions to the audience. This speaker is also fond of interesting activities that reinforce the content that they are delivering.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/energetic-presentation-style-great-at-motivational-and-inspirational-talks

Last week, I gave an overview of the four main presentation styles. This week, we will cover the strengths and weaknesses of the Analytical Presentation Style. This is the style of presenter that is more “indirect” and “logical”. Just as a review, by indirect, we mean that this style of presenter will often be more detailed and thorough. By logical, we mean that this style will focus more on facts and data. You will find the style of presentation more frequently in certain industries. If you work in a scientific or technical industry, you will see this style of delivery quite frequently.We will cover the other three styles, Energetic, Authoritative, and Empathetic, in a future session.Strengths of the Analytical Presentation StyleDETAILS: As we mentioned in the last session, the real strengths of this style are the details of the delivery. Natural Analytical styled presenters will be extremely thorough. As a result, the presentation will have a nice, orderly flow. It will also cover details and data that will explain the content in-depth. In many cases, the Analytical presenter will feel a tremendous need to explain to the audience everything that he or she knows about the topic. So, it is always a good idea for the Analytical presenter to spend narrowing down the topic ahead of time.CONTENT: Out of all of the presentation styles, the Analytical is most likely to have way more content to deliver than he or she could ever cover in the assigned time period. As a result, they will often have handouts, charts, and graphs to accompany their presentations.HUMOR: Many of the most famous comedians are Analytical presenters. This style of presenter has a natural and dry sense of humor that can be very entertaining. Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Newhart, and Bob Hope were all Analytical presenters. Each of these comedians were so good at their craft, that they were popular among a number of different generations and popular for decades.In fact, Bob Newhart described the analytical presenter well when he said, “Comedians are innately programmed to pick up oddities like mispronounced words, upside-down books on a shelf, and generally undetectable mistakes in everyday life.”SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/analytical-presentation-style-great-at-technical-presentations-and-scientific-talks/

Ask most presentation skill experts what the ideal presentation style is, and you will likely get a variety of answers. Am I supposed to start with a story? Am I supposed to tell jokes? Are visual aids more critical to performance or is the content itself more important? Do I have to warm the audience up, or should I just get right to the point? The answers to these and other presentation technique questions are... yes. And, well...no. The truth is that we all have specific strengths and equal and opposite weaknesses when we present. What works for some presenters can backfire on others. So, if you understand your specific strengths as a presenter, you can play on those strengths. If you know your weaknesses, you can shore those up as well.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/presentation-styles-identify-your-strengths-as-a-presenter-to-impress-your-audience/

I wrote an article back in 2013 called Increase Security and Income with Presentation Skills Training. I wrote it to tout the value of investing in yourself. For the last couple of decades, we have seen thousands of people increase their income and job security by investing in professional development classes. So, when I originally wrote the article, I researched how much a Master's degree cost to achieve, and I compared that cost with the additional potential revenue that you could make by receiving the degree. I then compared that result with the much lower cost of professional development training and the return on investment that it provided. What I found was that professionals receive a much higher return on investment from professional development classes than from higher education degrees.Recently, I’ve watched news outlets report about the higher cost of a Bachelors degree as well. As a business owner, I communicate consistently with peers who are also executives in companies. I started asking them years ago, “Is a college degree worth it anymore?” More and more often, the reply back is, all-be-it reluctantly, “I don’t think so.”So, in this podcast, I revisit the topic o the value of professional development classes. I also research the value of a college degree in 2018. Is a college degree worth it today? Listen up, and see for yourself.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/increase-security-and-income-with-presentation-skills-training/

Many of you know my background. I didn't set out to be a presentation skills coach. I was just a guy who had a challenge with public speaking. I studied and practiced for years, and I figured out a few secrets that make presenting much easier. I spent the first 10 years of my career learning everything I could about public speaking. I spent the next five years training thousands of people in the skill. Eventually, though, I got to a point where I didn't have any more time. So, I began to train other trainers. In fact, for the last decade or so, I've done very few public speaking classes myself. I've spent those years doing train-the-trainer presentation skills sessions.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/train-the-trainer-presentations-skills/

Many of you know my background. I didn’t set out to be a presentation skills coach. I was just a guy who had a challenge with public speaking. I studied and practiced for years, and I figured out a few secrets that make presenting much easier. I spent the first 10 years of my career learning everything I could about public speaking. I spent the next five years training thousands of people in the skill. Eventually, though, I got to a point where I didn’t have any more time. So, I began to train other trainers. In fact, for the last decade or so, I’ve done very few public speaking classes myself. I’ve spent those years doing train-the-trainer presentation skills sessions.These are a few things that I’ve learned along the way that may help if you are wanting to be a public speaking coach or if you are training others to be teachers.For full show notes, visit https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/train-the-trainer-presentations-skills/

This part three of a three-part series on webinars. In this episode, I’ll show you a few of the technical secrets about how I deliver the actual webinars. I’m going to cover which of the paid-for webinar services that I recommend, how to deliver webinars for free, and which platforms are trending right now.If you missed either of the first two sessions, you can access them by clicking these links. The first session was 7 Important Things that You Need to Know about Webinars. I told you types of content that work really well in webinars and types of content that can be very bad. Last week, we covered How to Create Webinar Content to Maximize Audience Retention. In that episode, I shared with you a step-by-step process that you can use to design webinar content so that your audience will pay attention.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/nuts-and-bolts-about-how-to-deliver-webinars/

Continuing in our three-part webinar series, in this episode, we cover how to create webinar content to help you maximize audience retention. In the last episode, we covered 7 Important Things that You Should Know about Webinars before you start. Next week, we’ll cover a few of the technical aspects of how to deliver webinars.These are some of the most useful ways that I have found to create webinar content and maximize audience retention. Start by determining if a webinar is the best medium for your presentation. Keep your content short. Make it audience focused. Next, put some meat on the bones to add value for your attendees. Then finally practice your presentation and add in your visual aids.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-create-webinar-content-to-maximize-audience-retention/

One of the most common questions that we receive in our public speaking classes is, "Do the things that you are teaching us about in-person presentations change when you are on a webinar?" The answer to that question is both "Yes" and "No". The way that we teach people to design presentations is based on (1) focusing on the audience and what the audience wants and needs to know, and (2) make your content concise and entertaining. So, in those respects, yes, webinar creation is pretty much the same as an in-person presentation. However, there are seven important things that you need to know about webinars that make them dramatically different from other presentations. If you understand these key things, you can create powerful webinars that leverage your time and your reach.This is article and podcast is part one of a three-part series. Part two will be about how to customize your content for a webinar delivery, and part three is about the technical aspects of conducting a webinar. In part three, I'll show you the software that I use and why I use it.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-important-things-that-you-need-to-know-about-webinars/

Last week was part one of How to Create the Perfect Presentation Handout. In that article and podcast, I gave you three easy ways to create helpful handouts to accompany your in-person presentations. This week, I’m going to show you how to style your presentation handouts so that they look really professional. The good news is that you don’t need any special graphic design skills, and you don’t need any special software. You can make everything that we are going to talk about today with just an internet browser.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/make-your-presentation-handouts-look-professional-without-a-graphic-designer/

Have you ever wondered how to create the perfect presentation handout? You’ve been asked to give a speech, and you’re excited to give the best presentation possible. You put all kinds of preparation into putting together an amazing presentation and finding the perfect examples to prove your points. Your presentation is infused with memorable anecdotes, terrific insights, great visuals and even a wry joke here or there. You’ve covered every possible angle – or have you?Have you thought about what handouts you’ll be providing to your audience? If you haven’t, then you haven’t covered all the must-haves of a great presentation. Good speakers and lecturers usually give handouts to accompany their speeches. As a result, great handout can make your presentation more memorable. It gives your audience the freedom to listen to your presentation instead of frantically taking notes. The handouts you provide also help them remember the key points and highlights from your presentation, making your talk even more valuable. People are grateful for good handouts and will remember you long after the talk ended. Finally, your handout can be used as an exceptional marketing piece. If it is good enough, your audience members will both keep it and share it with others.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-create-the-perfect-presentation-handout/

Whether you are brand new to speaking or you have been presenting for years, you will want to look confident when you stand up to speak. This can be a challenge though if you are really nervous. We are always afraid that the nervousness that we feel will be obvious to the audience. So, how do you look poised and confident in front of a group, even if you don’t actually feel confident yet?SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/presentation-gestures-and-movement/

It happens to all of us sooner or later. We prepare well. We practice over and over. But then, something happens that is totally out of our control, and we bomb. So, how do you recover after giving a terrible speech and bombing on stage? Whether the challenge occurs as a result of nervousness or presentation anxiety, or if nuclear reaction came from improper preparation, it happens. Even public speaking pros can bomb a speech every now and then. These are a few things that you can do to recover.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-recover-from-a-terrible-speech-bombing-on-stage/

I like to think of myself as a pretty good speaker and writer. I always hated English class in high school and college, though. So, I always got confused between what was a metaphor, what was a simile, and what was an analogy. To me, these parts of speech were so similar, that I didn’t really see a lot of difference in them. (Still don’t, by the way.) However, these often confusing parts of speech are the special sauce to really great presentation burgers. If you use them just right, these items will be like adding the perfect piece of jewelry to a formal dress. They will take a speech that is already pretty good, and make it exceptional.Five Ways to Use Similes, Metaphors, and Analogies to Add Flavor to Your Presentations.1) Attention-Getting Titles (and Bullets).2) Add Humor to Dry Presentations.3) A Single Comparison Developed Throughout the Presentation.4) Use them with Other Evidence to Clarify Content.5) Make Technical Content More Easily Understood.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/metaphors-similes-and-analogies-the-special-sauce-for-your-presentation-masterpiece/

So you have written a great presentation, but now you want to make it phenomenal. These 9 stellar presentation enhancers will add impact to any speech. In this series of podcasts, Doug Staneart breaks down his public speaking “Impact Ideas” that can be inserted into any speech to really make them come alive. Below is a list of all nine items. Each item links to more details below as well! Anecdotes: A funny story or a story that makes a point is often more memorable than just a bullet point. Demonstration: When you show your audience what you are trying to tell them, they will often have more clarity. Quote: A testimonial from an expert or client at the right time can add credibility. Sample: Something that your audience can see, touch, and feel have more impact than just a description of the item. Name Drop: If you don’t have a quote, you can name drop others who agree with you. Non-PowerPoint Visual Aid: A spontaneous flip-chart drawing, a poster, or board will often have a greater impact on the audience than an image on a slideshow that is more temporary. Showmanship: Never underestimate the entertainment value of your presentation.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-stellar-presentation-enhancers-that-add-impact-to-any-speech/

Audience Participation is one of the most effective ways to make a good presentation into a stellar presentation. However, it also has a lot of danger. A good, thought-provoking, open-ended question to the audience can help you persuade even the toughest audience. However, if the audience believes that your question is being used to manipulate them they may respond negatively or shut down entirely.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/9-reliable-ways-to-add-audience-participation-to-your-presentation/

The word complacent may just be the biggest enemy of success. In fact, I’ve noticed that, if you look at history as well as the current business climate, you’ll find that past success almost always limit future successes. That is unless you are constantly looking for new ways to improve yourself and your organization. I have to admit, I have been both the beneficiary of capitalizing on others' complacency as well as being the dupe who became complacent and missed out on opportunities. Perhaps you’ll be able to learn from both my successes and failures so that you can identify the opportunities in your own industry. 

The Importance of Self-Confidence People will judge our COMPETENCE by the CONFIDENCE that we show. For example, let’s say that you are going in for surgery, and just before you go under, the surgeon walks into your room. His posture is slouching, as he speaks, he stumbles over his words somewhat, and when you look at his hands, they are trembling a little. Now, it doesn’t matter how good of a surgeon he is, you’ll probably want a second opinion (maybe even a third opinion) — Fast! Well, it’s the same in just about any industry. People judge how good we are at what we do by how confident we are when we communicate with them. If we speak with poise and confidence, they will automatically make the assumption that we are competent at what we do until we prove ourselves otherwise. The opposite is true as well. When we speak with nervousness or fear, the audience will automatically assume that we don’t know what we are doing until we prove ourselves otherwise.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/people-judge-your-competence-by-confidence-that-you-show/

We’ve all been there as a speaker. You walk out onto a stage or into the front of the room, and the audience is staring at you with skepticism written all over their faces. This stoic crown has no patience for speakers who waste their time, and their demeanor is showing that fact right now. You need a foolproof way to start your presentation so that you win over this audience. I’ve been there myself. Below are a few of my favorite ways to start a speech that will help you capture positive attention from your audience and get even the most stoic crowd to want more from you.Podcast Notes at https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-start-a-presentation/

This is part 2 of a 2 part inspirational story about Doug Staneart — President and CEO of The Leader’s Institute ® and Creator of the Fearless Presentations ® Public Speaking Training Programs. This is my inspirational story of triumph over public speaking fear that allowed me to create one of the most successful training companies in the world!

Doug Staneart — President and CEO of The Leader’s Institute ® and Creator of the Fearless Presentations ® Public Speaking Training Programs. This is my inspirational story of triumph over public speaking fear that allowed me to create one of the most successful training companies in the world! I overcame being an incredibly shy kid who got beat up and bullied in grade school to become an NCAA football player. My first formal presentation in the business world was such a failure that it cost me my first career, but that failure allowed me to help over 100,000 people conquer the same challenge. In fact, each of these obstacles taught me truths about life that have allowed me to create one of the most successful training companies in the world.

Want to actually make money from speaking? Doug Staneart shares some incites from his 20+ years as a professional speaker and trainer about how you can make a fortune as a professional speaker.Show notes at How to Make a Fortune Speaking for a Living

Use This Step-by-Step Process to Create Content (Blog posts, motivational speeches, keynotes, etc.) Start by determining what your audience wants and needs by using five simple techniques from the podcast. Next, you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Instead, do some research and determine what other experts are saying. Add in some examples and stories to give the content flavor, and then use the secret sauce developed by great speakers like Les Brown and Paul Harvey.

It's time to set the record straight. ANYONE can be a fantastic, world-class speaker with a little bit of training, a little bit of coaching, and a little bit of practice. It doesn't take years of study and practice, and it doesn't take thousands of dollars of investment. One of the hardest things to get across to new presenters is the immutable fact that just about everything that you have ever learned about public speaking and creating good business presentations is flat out WRONG! The following are some of the biggest myths about stage fright and public speaking training. For Podcast notes, visit https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/30

Are you a nervous public speaker? A majority of the population has some type of fear of public speaking. Ironically, a great deal of this nervousness or anxiety comes from well-meaning friends or coworkers who are just trying to help. When we see a friend struggling, we naturally want to help. So, we might offer a little constructive criticism as a way to help a new presenter improve his/her public speaking. However, these "helpful" pieces of advice can actually have an extreme negative effect. This session shows how constructive criticism can actually cause public speaking fear. We'll also cover a few ways to reduce this nervousness when we coach or mentor a nervous speaker.

Podcast 28 The Secret to Great Presentations: ENTHUSIASMIf you take only one piece of advice about public speaking, make sure that it is this pearl of wisdom. If you focus on this one simple thing, the number of times you say “uhm” won’t matter. If you focus on this one thing, your gestures and not knowing what to do with your hands won’t matter. If you focus on this one thing, then the occasional loss of train of thought won’t matter. In fact, if you focus on this one simple thing, you can break just about every rule that public speakers are supposed to abide by, and you will still win over your audience.TechFind: Add Short Funny Anecdotes to Your PresentationsI have been plugging the virtues of Readers Digest as a source for funny anecdotes for presentations for years (really decades). However, their website at https://www.rd.com, has hundreds of funny anecdotes sorted by topic. So if you are stuck for a way to add some humor into your presentation, start there. Just so you know, I typically don’t use the stories themselves in my presentations, but every once in a while, I find a gem that I can’t resist. I find that reading the stories,though, help me remember funny incidents from my own life. Self-deprecating humor typically works better than trying to tell someone else’s story or joke.Enthusiasm and Energy is the Secret of Great PresentersThis one simple rule has transformed countless mediocre speakers into good speakers, scores of good speakers into great speakers, and numerous great speakers into world-class speakers.This simple rule that can make or break a speaker is… ENTHUSIASM.That’s right, if you have a little excitement in your talk and a spring in your step, people pay attention. Your audience will have just about as much excitement about your talk as you do, and no more. So, if you want to win over your audience, add a sparkle of enthusiasm.One of my mentors told me that there are two rules to live by in the world of professional speakers. She said, “Rule number one is to never speak on a topic that you yourself are not enthusiastic about, and rule number two is that if you ever violate rule number one, fake it ’til you make it.”Frank Bettger in his book How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling said it a different way. He said, “If you act enthusiastic, then you’ll be enthusiastic.”For those of us who get nervous in front of groups, it’s even easier. In the previous chapter I pointed out that 90% of our nervousness doesn’t even show. Let’s look at the other 10%. When we are nervous, we often cut out preambles and get right to the point, our rate of speech typically speeds up, we tend to move around a lot more, and we may move our hands around more than normal. Well, when we are excited about something, we do the exact same things.Years ago, when I was a sales manager, I was often amazed at the number of times that a brand new sales person without a lot of product knowledge and absolutely no experience, could close sale after sale while my more seasoned people were struggling. The more times I went on sales calls with these new people, the more I started to notice a pattern. New salespeople are often nervous, so when they walk into an office on a sales call, they tend to cut right to the chase. They also generally talk faster because they are afraid they’ll forget something. They have a tough time sitting still because of the nervousness, so they move around a lot.I noticed that these symptoms of nervousness worked to the advantage of these new salespeople, because their prospects looked across the table at salespeople who appeared to be extremely enthusiastic about what they were selling. I would imagine that these potential buyers were saying things to themselves like, “if this person believes so much in this product, it must be good.”We as speakers can also use our nervousness to our advantage. When we turn that pent up nervousness into energy and enthusiasm, our audience

A few days ago, I started watching a Netflix documentary on how fractal mathematics helped start Pixar. (Yes, I watch really boring stuff on Netflix, but in my defense, I was watching it in bed, at night, trying to go to sleep. It worked.) We have always had a fantastic success teaching people how to design presentations that are based on just a few (three to five) main points. However, the documentary explained how the structure of this type of presentation works and why it works so well. So, in this episode, we’ll show how the techniques that we cover in our classes work… mathematically. We also have a Techfind that will help you add local humor to your presentations.TechFind: Use Google to Add Humor to Any PresentationWhen I first started speaking and writing, I was always looking for ways to add humor to my presentations. At the time, Dr. Phil was a regular on the Prah Winfrey show, and eventually, he got his own daytime TV show. Whenever he made an appearance on Oprah, he always got a lot of laughs because he added a lot of Texas idioms to his speech. (In fact, Dr. Phil was the first person to ever use the phrase “Open up a can of whoop-ass” on national television.) So, I figured that since I am also from Texas, if I added some uniquely Texas sayings into my presentations, my speeches might get even funnier. It worked.The great news, now, is that Google (or any other search engine) can makes finding the perfect idiom for your speech pretty easy. Just type your region into the search engine and add the word Idiom. When I typed up Texas Idiom, I got a bunch of funny saying such as…If you cut your own firewood, it’ll warm you twice.He can strut sitting down.She’d charge hell with a bucket of ice water.Busy as a stump-tailed bull in fly season.Okay, this technique doesn’t work for every state or region, but you’d be surprised by how funny regional humor can be. For instance, when I typed in “Alaskan Idioms”, I got…You know you’re in Alaska when your snowblower gets stuck on the roof.You know you’re in Alaska when you know that bear insurance is being with someone that you know you can outrun.You know you’re in Alaska when you have more miles on your snowblower than you do your car.Just for fun, let’s try Midwest Idioms.That makes as much sense as government cheese.Slow as molasses in January.He’s got a hollow tail. (Is angry.)The point is that these are a fun way to add just a spark of humor to your presentation.A Great Presentation has a Fractal StructureAs I mentioned in the introduction above, I came across the term Fractal Mathematics from a Netflix documentary. (Which documentary doesn’t really matter.) The more that the host explained about this division of math, though, the more sense the three-point talk makes. Without going into all of the boring explanations Fractals are infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales. An example of a natural fractal is a mountain range. When you look at a mountain from a distance, it is very difficult to judge how far away from the mountain you are. In fact, if you take a close up photograph of a bolder, it will be very difficult to judge whether the bolder is one foot tall or thousands of feet tall.Another example of a fractal is a triangle. Try this. Draw a triangle. Then put a dot in the exact middle of each side of the triangle. Now connect the three dots. You will create four new triangles that all look exactly like the first one, but on a smaller scale. You can do the process again and again, and you will always end up with smaller versions of the original shape.Pixar Realized that this Mathematical Theory had Other ApplicationsIn 1980, Loren Carpenter was working for Boeing in their computer graphics department. The executives at Boeing wanted their marketing posters to have realistic mountains in the background, so Carpenter wanted to try to make the mountain ranges using computer graphics. The problem was, tho

In the podcast this week, I interview Cody Smith who is the author of the book Stage Fight — How to Punch Public Speaking Fears in the Face. It is a hilarious interview where Cody tells about all of the trials and tribulations that he experienced trying to overcome public speaking fear. Have fun listening to and learning from Cody Smith.Cody Smith is a young entrepreneur who realized very early in his academic career that public speaking fear has the ability to hold people back. His new book, Stage Fight, How to Punch Public Speaking Fears in the Face is a very funny and informative outline of all of the steps that Cody took to eliminate his nervousness.Early in the conversation, I asked Cody about his background, and he surprisingly told me that he didn’t write the book to become a professional speaker. Instead, he wrote it because he noticed that a number of his colleagues, who were technically exceptional in their jobs, were getting passed over for promotion by less technical people who could present well. He wrote the book as a way to pass along the tips that he uncovered in his journey to confidence so that other people his age could benefit as well.Public Speaking Failure is Just an Opportunity to Grow and LearnCody spent a lot of time telling us how when he was a nervous speaker, he saw himself as a victim. It wasn’t his fault he was nervous. The fault was someone else’s. So the first step that he had to take in eliminating the nervousness was to stop hiding behind the “victim shield”. He started to look back on those “failures” to see what he could of done to eliminate the bad results. Once he started to see his past failures as opportunities for improvement, he grew much more quickly.How Long Does It Take to Eliminate Public Speaking Fear?After Cody changed his mental state, he needed practice. So, he set out to speak at least one time per week for 90 days. He said that it worked like a charm. By the end of his 90th day, his confidence was soaring. However, he mentioned that if you follow the step-by-step plan in his book, you can cut that time to just 30 days. He mentioned that unlike what he did, when he coaches people now, he has them practice that presentation each week with a couple of peers. In addition, he also has them go speak on an impromptu basis at least once per week. This increased practice speeds up the process dramatically.To download Cody’s book on Kindle, just click this link: Stage Fight Kindle Version.

Last week, I got invited to deliver a presentation for a convention in Orlando, Florida. The session that they had me design was about how to help their attendees communicate in a more persuasive way when making recommendations to patients and customers. I decided to recap the content of that presentation in this podcast.

Last month, I helped a client re-design their medical training sessions so that they were more interesting and more interactive. As with many training sessions in medicine, it was important for the presenters to cover all of the steps because the safety of the patient was involved. However, when we deliver many, many steps in a single class, participants are likely to forget important parts or become confused. So, we helped this client develop training sessions that increased attendee retention and made it easier for the presenter to deliver as well. So, this podcast covers what we did. In addition, we have a new Techfind that is a great playlist of TedTalks that can help you design and deliver better presentations as well.

We have a great TechFind that is an Online Speech Creator. It is very helpful if you are trying to design a speech or presentation. On this episode, we step away from the how to present effectively and focus more on the why. Presentation training and communication skills are essential in today's business world. This episode explains why that is.

A couple of months ago, my father passed away. Even though I'm the middle child, I'm the only sibling who is a professional speaker. So, my brother and sister turned to me to deliver the eulogy. Being a professional speaker, you'd think it would be very easy to design a 10-minute speech about my dad. However, I have to confess that, not only was the speech fairly difficult to create, but I was also really nervous when I stood up to speak. So, I thought it would be a great idea to let you know what I did. That way, you may be able to have fewer challenges if you are ever in a similar situation.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-write-a-eulogy

Face it, most people hate meetings. Most people don't want to sit through boring presentations either. So, if you want to get your audience to want to listen to your presentation, you have to make it "Audience Focused". Focus on what the audience wants to hear, not what you want to tell them.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-make-presention-audience-focused

In the last few weeks, I had a number of clients come to me asking that we create truly customized workshops and seminars. This happens quite often, but each of these situations had a similar thread that might be beneficial to our podcast listeners as well. In today's business world, we offices and team members are often remote. So, getting everyone together, in a single location, for an extended period of time, for training just isn't that feasible anymore. How do we get the most bang for our training dollar? The answer is to design better and more efficient training sessions that maximize the application of the training content in the real-world.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-create-workshops-seminars-audiences-want-attend

Quite often, when we are designing speeches and presentations for a professional audience, we discount the value of entertainment and humor. In reality, though, a good presentation is both informative and entertaining. Your speech has to be both. If you aren’t providing the audience with information that they didn’t already know, then you are wasting their time. If you aren’t providing some type of entertainment along the way, though, you will likely bore your audience so much that they will lose interest. So adding an appropriate amount of humor to your speech is very valuable to keep your audience engaged throughout your presentation.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-how-add-humor-your-speech-without-being-clown

If you have to give technical presentations in your career, one of the most difficult challenges is to deliver the technical presentation to a non-technical audience. In this session, I offer a few shills that will help. These presentation skills also help non-technical people deliver better technical presentations as well.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-designing-technical-presentation-for-non-technical-audience

In past episodes, we've talked about how to better design presentations, and how if you design your presentations a little differently, you can reduce public speaking fear. However, what do you do if someone just gives you a slide deck and says, "Okay, go deliver this." This episode gives you a few tips that can help you deliver a more "canned" presentation or a presentation that someone else designs for you.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-confidently-deliver-presentations-someone-else-designed-you

In the last podcast, we spoke about venues where you can practice your public speaking skills. In this episode, I show you a few ways to use your public speaking confidence to market yourself or to market your products or services to the public. Some of these venues are ones where you can market yourself or your company so that you can be perceived as an expert in your industry. Other venues are ones where groups will actually pay you to speak to them.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-use-public-speaking-way-market-yourself-your-company

One of the most common questions that participants in our 2-day presentation class ask us after completing the class is, “Now that I feel more confident, where do I go to practice to continue to get better as a speaker?” In this session, I share a few ways to find speaking venues who are always looking for good speakers, and how to build a solid reputation as a good speaker so your reputation grows.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-15-how-find-great-venues-practice-your-presentations/

Impromptu speaking or speaking off the cuff is one of the most challenging types of presentations for most speakers. This episode gives a number of tips that you can use when speaking on an impromptu basis that will help you clarify your thoughts and persuade your audience.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-14-impromptu-speaking-and-how-speak-confidently-off-cuff

In this episode, I share a few public speaking secrets that I use as a presentation coach to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a presenter so that he/she can improve as a public speaker. I also uncover a few hidden secrets about personality temperaments as well.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-13-assessing-your-strengths-and-weaknesses-as-presenter

Podcast interview with Susan Schoenfeld who explains a few of her public speaking secrets for attorneys and other professional business people (accountants, engineers, doctors, architects, etc.)SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-12-presentation-secrets-attorneys-and-other-professional-business-people

Podcast interview with Tom Antion where he talks about how to design professional keynote speeches, how to create an additional revenue stream from speaking to groups, and how to use public speaking as a platform to increase your personal brand.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-11-tom-antion-interview-build-your-personal-brand-using-public-speaking

In this podcast, we add a little more detail about how to make your presentation more persuasive. Although we focus a lot on how to design sales presentations, this process works well whether you are selling a product or service, or if you are an executive trying to sell an idea.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-10-design-sales-presentations-that-persuade-even-the-toughest-audiences

We back up a little in this podcast to explain exactly where public speaking fear comes from and how to eliminate that stage fright in just three simple steps.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-9-eliminate-public-speaking-fear-in-three-easy-steps

This week, we interview Eric Molin of PresentationExpert.net who is an international expert in presentation design. He specializes in coaching presenters when they are creating presentations to international audiences. Eric offers a number of great tips that will help if you are delivering presentations to audiences with diverse nationalities or who have English as a second (or third) language. We also have a new TechFind this week that helps meeting organizers update presentation timing on the fly during a meeting.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-8-presenting-to-international-audience-with-eric-molin

Great presenters know that stories are the backbone of any speech. This episode reveals a few public speaking storytelling techniques that will help you better engage with your audience, make your presentations easier to deliver, and more interesting for your audience. We also cover a handy TechFind that helps you organize your presentation and remember stories for your presentations.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-7-public-speaking-storytelling-techniques-engage-your-audience-reduce-stage-fright

If you want to avoid Death by PowerPoint, make sure and listen to the Presentation Bullet Point Design podcast by Fearless Presentations. In this session, I give a number of tips to help you design better bullet points so that you are using your slides as effective visual aids for your audience. These tips help you make your speeches audience-focused so that your listeners will enjoy your presentation and better retain the information that you provide. We also cover a new TechFind that will help you insert inspirational quotes into your presentations.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-6-presentation-bullet-point-design-avoid-death-by-powerpoint

This session covers a way to professionally print any presentation handout and have it delivered to your presentation by 8 AM the following morning. We also interview Mike Vayda, founder of Presentable U who gives 7 Silver Bullet (Points) that make PowerPoint slides that people actually want to read.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/podcast-5-powerpoint-make-slides-worth-seeing

In this podcast, we cover the importance of starting your presentation design with a great title. If you start with a narrow and "audience-focused" title, the entire presentation will practically write itself. The title also helps the presenter focus the content on just the most important things that the audience needs to know. This week, we have two new TechFinds which allow you to reduce the presentation peripherals and make delivering your slideshows more convenient. SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/catchy-presentation-titles-are-the-start-of-a-great-presentation

This session explains how to design entire presentations from start to finish in minutes versus hours or days. I'll explain the different types of presentations and how to determine what content (and how many bullet points) are needed for each type of presentation. If you follow this format, you can design your entire presentation very quickly and easily. We also have a new TechFind this week which helps you design fantastic visuals without having to hire a graphic designer.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/how-to-design-presentations-quickly/

Both skills, the presentation tips, and the memory technique are invaluable to a speaker because a poised and confident speaker who can easily remember what he/she wants to say is very rare in the business world.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/10-ways-to-reduce-public-speaking-fear-online-seminar/

One of the fears of public speaking that comes up the most is, "I'm afraid I will lose my train of thought," or "I'm afraid I will forget what I'm going to say." So in the first session of Fearless Presentations®, our instructors combine the teaching aspect of delivering the 10 tips with a memory skill that helps people improve their memory dramatically in just a few minutes. When participants first experience this skill, they are often amazed at the "magic" that they have just witnessed, but in reality, the memory technique that we teach has been around for over 1000 years. It's just been lost in our modern society. With technology at our fingertips, we don't challenge our brains the way that our ancestors did. The potential is still there inside all of us, but it takes a little practice to tap into this hidden potential. However, when I say "a little practice," that is exactly what I mean. Most class members are able to improve their memory dramatically in less than ten minutes. So, it is an easy skill to master very quickly.SHOW NOTES: https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/10-ways-to-reduce-public-speaking-fear-online-seminar/