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 Truly powerful speaking starts from a place of conviction,
confidence and generosity. And those all start with getting over
yourself. It’s not so much using "power words" as it is being clear on the
idea you want to convey and then saying it in words that paint
pictures for that particular audience. Power words tend to be
vivid and active. It’s not so much movement, as it is purposeful movement,
whether it’s your hands, face, or feet. And, it’s not so much pausing, as it is being comfortable with
silence and using it to support yourself as well as your audience. Your speaking takes on an incredible dimension when you’re at
ease with silence: 1. Use it to collect your thoughts before or
during your presentation, 2. Let it highlight an idea, a number, a
concept, and 3. Take advantage of silence in those split-
moments before you start speaking to connect with your
audience. And then again, use silence after your last words to
allow your final words to sink in for you and for the audience. That last one is so important, I’m going to repeat it. The most
powerful thing you can do is not to start until your brain is in
gear. It gives you that moment to be sure you’re focused, know
what you’re body is doing, and know where you’re starting.
That alone will ensure that you’re more likely to be in control of
your message and your delivery. And pausing after your last words is so much more powerful
than, "thank you," or "are there any questions," or rushing back
to your seat. Let the audience catch up and take your message to
heart. That’s powerful. Suresh Radhakrishnan, SPHR, Human Resources Program
Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: "I
appreciated your advice regarding the need for care when asking
questions as an opening to a presentation. Very good. I really
enjoy your newsletters and the tidbits of immediately usable
information and pointers. "Two things I use frequently from our session with you are to be
prepared and to calm myself down. Also, being brief and telling
stories. "Thanks for sharing your wisdom in your newsletters. Very
helpful." From a participant: “I have a hard time believing the audience
isn’t judging me; that’s what I always do.” My thoughts: I’m willing to accept this is true (that people
sometimes judge speakers), but I’m not willing to give up and
turn myself over to the mercy of the audience. (That would
remove all control from me and minimize any effectiveness I
might have.) Which leads me to an explanation that works for
me. I cannot control the audience’s thinking, I can only control
mine. And, there are some people who may never move away
from judging, so I can ignore them. I figure I’ve got to go for invisible here on the chance that will
bring most of the audience into focusing on the message and off
paying attention to me. That mind set makes it more likely we’ll
both get what we need from the presentation. I do know that there are a minuscule number of people in the
world who really care about the results of their judgment of us.
They’re mostly just focused on making themselves feel better.
As for everyone else? I’ve got a really good shot at bringing
them into the fold. “He is able who thinks he is able.” —Buddha “Write the bad things that are done to you in sand, but write the good things that happen to you on a piece of marble.” —Arabic parable “Discretion is being able to raise your eyebrow instead of your voice.” —Anonymous “It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself.” —Eleanor Roosevelt “The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going.” —Anonymous “We can try to avoid making choices by doing nothing, but even that is a decision.” —Gary Collins “If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” —Seneca “Every problem has a gift for you in its hands.” —Richard Bach “In this age, which believes that there is a short cut to everything, the greatest lesson to be learned is that the most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest.” —Henry Miller “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” —Anonymous For more great quotes, check out these websites: 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. 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 Audiotape or CD ROM Booklets by Barbara Rocha: Speeches on Tape: Video Learn more **How to Overcome the Stress of Public Speaking 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 |
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