######################################################## Simply Speaking...Selling Yourself & Your Ideas E-Zine Volume 5, No 4, April, 2002 Published by Lenny Laskowski Copyright LJL Seminars(tm), 2002 All RIghts Reserved ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 United States Of America (860) 666-4855 or Toll Free 1-800-606-4855 Fax: (305) 489-6481 Web page: ######################################################## Simply Speaking E-Zine Subscription links Sending mail to these addresses will automatically add or remove the sender's e-mail address from your list(s): Subscribe Address: Unsubscribe Address: You may also send subscription requests to: and we will help you. ######################################################## In this issue: 1. Please, God, Don't Let Me Be Boring 2. Our NEW Simply Speaking Discussion Board 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## 1. Please, God, Don't Let Me Be Boring from, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Chapter 3 - pages 58 - 60) Copyright, 2001 Philip Lief Group Inc & Lenny Laskowski -------------------------------------------------------- So far you've learned about audience surveys, how to greet the audience, and how to establish a relationship with your audience before your program begins. Now that you have them seated before you, you don't want to put them to sleep. Following are 10 tips and secrets to help you keep your audience awake and alert. 1. Use transitions effectively. Transitions are an effective part of a smooth-flowing presentation, yet many speakers forget to plan their transitions. The primary purpose of a transition is to lead your listener from one idea to another. Following are a few examples that work well. * Bridge words or phrases. These include "furthermore, meanwhile, however, in addition, finally, and so on." However, try not to overuse these phrases. * Point by point, "I've made three points to remember, The first one is..., the second one is ..., and the last one is ..." * Pause, Even a simple pause, when used effectively, can act as a transition. This allows the audience to think about what was said and gives them time to register that message before addressing something new. 2. Keep the audience involved with each other. Allow each participant the opportunity to be involved with your presentation by giving all participants things to do during the presentation, such as greeting the person next to them or asking another audience member a question. Here are a couple of other examples to keep your audience involved: * Ask a question, "How many of you ...?" * Flashback, "Do you remember what I said about ...?" 3. Move around. Don't stand in one spot when you speak. Move around and force the audience to follow you with their eyes. This keeps their attention focused on you. 4. Smile. This universal gesture is understood by everyone in the world. It works like a charm. 5. Establish good eye contact. Make an effort to establish eye contact with each member in your audience; just as it helps you build rapport, it also keeps your audience engaged. The intent is not to stare at them when you are speaking, but to look at them long enough to make a connection, usually about three to five seconds per person. 6. Involve your audience mentally. Ask thought-provoking questions. Forcing them to think about questions you ask engages their thought process and allows them to do more than just listen. 7. Involve your audience physically. Give your audience creative physical exercises to do, such as stretching their arms over their heads or dangling their arms at their sides. This gets their blood flowing and their bodies involved with your presentation. 8. Give your audience clear directions. Provide your audience with clear instructions on what you want them to do. If they are confused, some will tune you out or get bored. Confusion is a close cousin to boredom - and both are deadly to your presentation. 9. Conduct a verbal survey. Make sure the entire room is benefiting from your presentation by asking them periodically during the program if they have any questions or comments. Don't just wait until the end - it might be too late! Also take this opportunity to survey the audience to ask them about their comfort (too warm, too cold, need a break for a cold drink, and so on). 10. Interact with your audience. Audiences love it when a seminar leader or speaker takes the time to have a conversation with them. This also gives you the opportunity to learn more about your audience, such as their professional responsibilities, personal life, or hobbies. Next issue: I will begin a discussion on techniques you can use for remembering material. ------------------------------------------------------------------ In my book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" I provide an example of a preprogram survey and a customized survey. Why not order your copy today in time for the holidays by clicking on the link below: ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In next month's issue I will continue on this topic of audience analysis but will look at the types of information you might need for a customized program survey. Until next month... ######################################################## 2. Our NEW Simply Speaking Discussion Board !!! ######################################################## Do you have some public speaking questions you need answers for? Ask me directly and I will provide you with some sound advice and some immediate solutions. My website has added an on-line discussion board where you can participate and ask me or any of the other participants questions related to presentation skills, speaking, communication skills & related topics. You do this by "posting" your questions on discussion board and I or someone else will provide a response. You can, of course, e-mail me directly for any private questions. Below is the direct link to our new discussion board. ######################################################## 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## To subscribe to Simply Speaking visit http://www.ljlseminars.com or use the following links below: Subscribe Address: Unsubscribe Address: You may also send subscription requests to: and we will help you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 1-860-606-4855 In Continental US call Toll Free: 1-800-606-4855 Until next issue! - Lenny Laskowski :-)