Why is that?

Why are we so uncomfortable with public speaking?

I think it has something to do with the spotlight ... with being in the
spotlight. Think about it.

When you address someone on a one-on-one basis, it is like a
conversation. When you speak before two or more people, you have an audience. When you have an audience, you must stand in front of them which puts you in the spotlight.

"Yuck," you say. "What a horrible place to be in."

Well, it doesn't have to be this way.

A little preparation can go a long way in giving you the confidence to
stand up (and stand out) in front of any audience. Here is one way to become a better speaker:

Do some research. Always know as much as you can about your audience.
What is their makeup? Why are they gathered together? For example, you would have a different approach with a group of accountants than you would with a group of gardeners.

Your stories and supporting facts would obviously be different. What about gender? Addressing a group of men vs. a group of women vs. a mixed audience will require a different set of examples, stories and even, perhaps, topics.

Consider also the age spread of the group. Attempting to connect with
your audience by using the example of the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated will have mixed results. Baby boomers will be
able to tell you in great detail what they were doing that day. Yet to
younger people, JFK is just another name in their history books. So, speak to the level of your audience.

You will find that customizing your presentation to your audience will
give you greater assurance that your message will hit home.

Another way to prepare is to invest in some training. Below I have
listed my upcoming classes.

Check them out. Perhaps one will be of interest to you.

All the best,
Gail

Are you ready to add power to your presentations and charisma to your communication skills?

Your ability to persuade, inspire and sell to an audience depends on
your effectiveness as a speaker. Connecting with your audience is a powerful way to communicate your message. This seminar builds on the Presentation Basics class and helps you develop your own charismatic speaking style and voice. Exercises focus on:

• Projecting your personal power and credibility
• Eye connection
• handling questions from the audience
• Being "big" in front of the audience
• Gesturing effectively and moving with impact
  

This on-camera workshop is designed to fine-tune your existing
presentation skills and is a great preparatory class for those of you who will be giving seminars and workshops.

(This class is only given twice a year)

Would you like to put more "personality" into your presentations?

Learn the trick of promoting yourself on and off the camera. With the
use of scripts and exercises designed to bring out your natural style, you will add polish and authenticity to your presentation style. Through improvisational techniques, you will learn how to blend body movement, facial expressions, and voice into a passion that is projected believably to your audience. The class is fun, it's a stretch, it builds confidence, and it gets results!

Discover how to:

• Be "real" without acting
• Project your passion
• Play off and connect with audiences
  

Communication can make or break our careers.

Here&8217;s your chance to push your fears aside while boosting your presentation skills. Make that first impression a positive and lasting one.

This On-Camera Workshop will help you learn and experience:

• How to be sure your body says thesame thing your mouth does
• How to add drama and interest to your presentation
• Techniques to appeal to different types of audiences
• How to identify and eliminateproblem areas
  

For more information or to register for a class, please call Gail
Johnson of Lasting Impression at (925)284-9294.