Tag Archives: presentation

Ready to bust through fear?

Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:

  • What to do when fear creeps up
  • The one thing that is holding you back
  • How to let go of fear so you can move forward

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People often ask me how to overcome their fear of public speak, so I want to share my number one tip.

Let Go of Perfection

I recently took part in an online video course. Each day we were assigned a topic to talk about on video. Over the two-week program I found I was relaxed and the process was easy and comfortable.

Why was this so much easier than recording my weekly video blog?

During the video course, I realized I wasn’t worried about having everything perfect. It didn’t matter whether or not I had perfect lighting, background or set-up.

The best way to overcome fear is to let go of perfection.

Start where you are and remember…

Done is better than perfect.

Now I want to hear from you. How do you get through fear? Post your thoughts in the comments below.

 

What is the Message You are Here to Share?

“What is my story? I have so much to say, how can I narrow it down to one key message?”

 

I hear this question often in my conversations with entrepreneurs. Simplifying your message is a challenge especially if you have 15-20 years of experience to share.

 

In the video below I share an exercise to help you get clear on your message. Watch the video and then share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

 

 

Now I want to hear from you. What is your favorite story? What is the story you are here to share? Post your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

How to Deliver a Virtual Talk Your Audience Will Love

(Note: This Q&A series features questions from our readers. Submit your questions to support [at] reginadalesio [dot] com and we may feature it in an upcoming post.)

Question: I’m hosting a free teleclass for my community and am a bit nervous. Any advice on how I can prepare for this so I can keep my audience engaged? Sarah, New York City

Answer: Sarah, congratulations on hosting this event for your community! Virtual events like webinars, teleconferences and online classes are a great way to expand your reach to new audiences and build your list. One of the biggest advantages of virtual events is that you can reach an unlimited number of people because you are not restricted by location or seat capacity.

The downside to virtual events is that you cannot see how the audience is reacting.

Are they asleep?

Are they watching cat videos on YouTube?

Are they filing their taxes?

It’s difficult to know how your message is being received when you can’t see the audience.

Fear not. There are several ways to make your virtual event a success:

Prepare as if it is an in-person presentation

Virtual event has many moving parts including conference call technology, slides, fielding questions and, of course, the presentation. By learning and rehearing the material, you firm up one piece of the puzzle so you can be focused on delivering an amazing talk.

Don’t read your script

Reading aloud should be reserved for bedtime stories with your children. Your audience members are smart and they can tell when you are reading from a script. Prepare notes or an outline of your talking points if you need to have a guide.
Bonus tip – print out your notes and/or slides. Technology is great when it’s working, but it can, and often does fail. Have a back up copy so you don’t have to rely on reading off of your computer screen.

Change up the format

If you’re concerned about losing your audience during your presentation, invite guest speakers to join the conversation. The guests can include a former of current client to share their experience or a colleague who is an expert in the topic you’re discussing. Mixing up the format and making it a dialogue will keep the conversation lively.

Stand Up

When you sit at a desk or in front of a computer you tend to slouch forward, reducing your energy and inhibiting your breath. Standing instantly opens your breathing capacity and raise your energy which will be reflected in the tone of your voice. If you are enthusiastic and energetic, your audience can’t help but be engaged.

Smile

When I was in college I worked as a reporter and newscaster for a local radio station. A coworker recommended smiling “on-air” because, as he said, the audience can hear the energy in your voice. I felt silly at first, but the more I smiled while reporting the news, the more I realized how the energy increased in my voice. In fact, many retailers train their employees to smile when speaking with customers over the phone and resolving customer service issues.

Now I want to hear from you. Do you host virtual events? Share your best tip for virtual presentations in the comments below.

5 Strategies to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

Today topic is a hot button issue for many: FEAR of public speaking.

Are your palms sweating yet? Just the thought of speaking in front of a group can make some people shake in their shoes.

It’s totally natural to feel that way. Most people do. It’s been said that public speaking is the number one fear.

I’ve been there. The first time I spoke in front of a crowd, my voice was shaky, my hands were sweaty and I couldn’t wait to get off the stage. But, with practice, it got easier and I grew to enjoy being in front of a microphone.

After many years of standing in front of a crowd, I’ve found there are 5 keys that are essential to overcoming your fear.

And that’s exactly what I’m sharing with you in today’s video.

Now I want to hear from you. Which of the 5 tips will you put into practice today? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

What I Learned About Storytelling From John Hughes

When John Hughes passed away a few years ago, I watched an interview with several members of the “brat pack.” They were gathered together to celebrate John Hughes, his life and to share stories about what it was like to work with the director. A reporter asked Molly Ringwald how she was cast as Samantha in Sixteen Candles. She said she never auditioned for the role. Instead, John Hughes had pulled her photo from a stack of casting head shots. He posted her photo above his desk and began to write the script. He wrote the story for the girl in the photo – this teenage girl. She became his muse. He began to imagine what life was like for her. He thought about her daily routine, her friends, her interests and concerns. So began the story of Samantha Baker.

Finding a muse, and getting to know your audience, is the key to powerful storytelling. Like John Hughes, you have to get inside the character, or your potential client. Find out their top concerns, what keeps them up at night, how they spend their time and what solutions would put them at ease.

There are several ways you can gather this research. Send out a survey to your current and past clients. Review your frequently asked questions or customer service requests. Post a question to your followers on Facebook or Twitter.

Once you have this information, you can then create your own muse. Give her a name, write a brief profile of her, print out a picture and hang it in front of your computer. The next time you write a blog post, craft a marketing email or draft a speech, you’ll know exactly who you are writing to. Tailoring your message to your muse will resonate and create a big impact.

Now it’s your turn…..Have you created a muse? How has this helped you connect with your audience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.