Editor's Corner Excerpted from the December 2006 Newsletter Means to an End The first mistake most people make when they think about speaking is to see it as an end, rather than a means to an end. And too often that translates into the feeling that it could be the end of your career, or the permanent end of feeling good about yourself. It's more helpful (and effective) to look at the outcome in terms of response from the audience and what you may be able to accomplish instead of how well you're going to perform. Could the end result be to improve someone's quality of life? Or to save them some time or confusion? Are you providing them with something they can share with others, that will make it easier for them to make a decision, or giving them reassurance the company is on the right track? Speaking is just one tool you have for accomplishing your job, or sharing your gift. When you identify it as such you'll have better perspective, which translates into more effectively organized content and more effective delivery. First Person Catherine Barner, Director Of Park Projects, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy: "Many thanks for the wonderful training and coaching you gave me last month. It really really worked! "Last night I spoke to about 300 people in Faneuil Hall where I am pleased to say I was calm, poised, excited and able to deliver a clear message. "Two days before, the speaker from Chicago cancelled and didn't send a replacement, so my host asked if I could deliver another presentation on a different topic. So, using your formula, I created a second talk for the evening. "The response was fabulous. People really connected to my message. One man said I looked so natural and comfortable on the stage, and the TV news anchor, who was the MC, said I must do this all the time because I was so good. "You know how much I dreaded having to make this speech (when I first came into your class), so thanks for helping me get over myself." Great news: this is a real triumph, Cathie. Do You Always Need an Opening? "Often my speaking consists of giving an update or report. Is it always necessary to have an opening?" Here's how I'd make my decision: Are they primed to listen from your very first word? Remembering that the purpose of the opening and bridge is to make sure they're listening before you get to the meat of the subject should guide you to your answer. If it matters that they're listening and there's any chance they'll be distracted or have other things on their minds, start with something that catches their attention. If they're going to be focused no matter what, then don't. Quotes to Make You a Better Speaker “You can't base your life on other people's expectations.” “One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.” —Jack Penn “Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it's strengthened by use.” —Ruth Gordon “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.” —Beverly Sills “The manner in which it is given is worth more than the gift.” —Pierre Corneille “The fool tells me his reasons: the wise man persuades me with my own.” —Aristotle “To lose your patience is to lose the battle.” —Mohandas K. Gandhi For more great quotes, check out these websites: www.lifeshaper.org www.worldofquotes.com www.americanrhetoric.com/top100speechesall.html www.brainyquote.com www.mightyminds.com/quotes www.quotegarden.com

Our search for surprise successes I'm looking for stories about people who have used the principles from our book and seminars to conquer a limitation in some other area than speaking. If you, or someone you know fits this description, please send an e-mail that briefly describes the person and the accomplishment to Barbara@BarbaraRocha.com. Orders Think gifts. Someone you know is going to be giving more presentations soon. Give them a practical gift that will make those presentations easier and more effective. Learn more or Order Online. Book "Getting Over Yourself: A Guide to Painless Public Speaking...and More" by Barbara Rocha 208 pages, illustrated, cartoons $19.95 Audiotape or CD ROM The "Getting Over Yourself" book on audiotape read by the author ($17.95) or CD ROM ($19.95). Booklets by Barbara Rocha: $9.95 each (+$1.50 Shipping and Handling) "Pocket Guide for Presenters" 103 pages "60 Ways to Spark Your Speaking: Just in time answers to frequently asked questions" 154 pages "Love to Talk/Hate to Speak: Selected articles by Barbara Rocha" 121 pages Speeches on Tape: "From Bored Room to Board Room" $10.95 "Stand Up and Stand Out" $10.95 Video "Getting Over Yourself: A Guide to Painless Public Speaking" featuring Barbara Rocha in excerpts from her book, seminar classes and interactive coaching. VHS $99.95 Learn more Order Online Call (888) 800-2001 E-mail: BouldinHil@aol.com Write: Bouldin Hill Press at 17-555 Bubbling Wells Rd., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241 Seminars **How to Overcome the Stress of Public Speaking Pasadena: 3-day workshop October 29, 30, and 31, 2008. We have two public seminars each year: May and November (adjusted to October this year for the election). If you have several people who could use this training, contact us regarding an in-house seminar. As a refresher, workshop graduates (from any of our 3-day workshops) may attend for half price at any time. People tell us they get as much or more out of the workshop the second time around. Visit our seminars section for details or call (888)800-2001 For more information, contact: Barbara Rocha and Associates PO Box 60521, Pasadena, California 91116 (626) 792-8075 or toll free at (888) 800-2001