######################################################## Simply Speaking...Selling Yourself & Your Ideas E-Zine Volume 4, No 4, November, 2001 Published by Lenny Laskowski Copyright LJL Seminars(tm), 2001 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. Speaking Anxiety: The Doctor Is In 2. Our NEW Simply Speaking Discussion Board 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## 1. Speaking Anxiety: The Doctor is In (Part II) from, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Chapter 1 - pages 15 - 18) Copyright, 2001 Philip Lief Group Inc & Lenny Laskowski -------------------------------------------------------- Positive Self-Talk Positive self-talk is the process of associating a situation with positive results. Imagine people applauding you, not running away, as you walk on stage. Imagine your audience listening to every word you say, not snoring so loudly that even you can't hear yourself. The power of the mind is truly amazing, and those who have a positive outlook experience success, which in turn builds confidence. Don't worry if you have trouble at first. The breathing and visualization techniques I talked about last month take some practice and become easier the more frequently you practice. Try all these techniques to discover which technique or combination of techniques works best for you. Warm-up Routines I, as well as many other professional speakers, all have "warm-up" routines. For me, it's arriving early and walking around the room where I will be speak. As I said earlier, I walk to the podium or stage and even walk around the room where the audience will be sitting so I can get a feel for the room. Then I find a quiet location, out of sight from the audience, where I practice deep breathing exercises while visualizing the speaking environment. I also visualize the people looking at me as my introduction is being given. As I start my speech, I like to smile at the audience and focus on my opening lines. I use this warm-up routine before each speaking engagement. It has the greatest positive effect on me - I not only relax, but I find I actually have more energy. Find a warm-up routine that works for you and begin using it regularly. Quick Techniques for Handling Nervousness You may not realize it, but a major portion of speech anxiety comes from nervousness. There are a variety of techniques you can start using immediately to help you deal with nervousness. Here are some that I teach clients during workshops. I have broken them into two categories: physical and mental. Physical Techniques for Handling Nervousness You can use these techniques to physically warm up your body. 1. Take a brisk walk before you speak. This will help loosen up your entire body and get your blood circulating. If you are speaking in a large hotel, as I often do, take a walk around the hotel and walk off some of this nervous energy. Just don't get lost, and keep your eye on the time. 2. Don't sit with your legs crossed. Stand up well in advance of being introduced and walk around so your legs will not cramp as they often do when you first stand. 3. Before you speak, while sitting in you seat, let your arms dangle at your sides and let the blood flow to the tips of your fingers. When the blood flow is directed away from your skin, fingers, and toes, you often feel a tingling sensation, and your skin may begin to look pale and feel cold. Sometimes people experience tingling or numbness because the blood flow travels to the larger muscles such as the thighs and biceps. Letting your hands dangle at your sides helps reestablish blood flow to your hands and fingertips. During this process you will start to feel better and more relaxed. You may need to stand up and walk around to get the blood flowing to your legs for the same reason. 4. Also, while sitting, turn your wrists and shake your fingers to force the blood to flow to your hands and fingers. 5. Wriggle your jaw back and forth gently to help loosen up your facial muscles. 6. Scrunch your toes, but be careful not to scrunch so tightly that you get a cramp. Your toes are a key part in helping you have good balance. 7. Yawn (politely, of course) 8. Use deep breathing exercises. Mental Techniques for Handling Nervousness Here are several mental techniques you can include as part of your warm-up routine. 1. Prepare and rehearse. This is the single most important thing you can do. 2. Think "success" using the visualization techniques. 3. Be natural but enthusiastic. 4. Visualize the audience applauding you when you are done. 5. Think conversational, and include some personal stories during your talk. 6. Focus on your message and not on your nervousness. These tips along with many others are available in my new book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking." Why not order your copy today by clicking on the link below: Also, this book would make a great gift for the holidays! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ In next month's issue I will talk more about how to get started with organizing your presentation. 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 :-)