• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

Audience Engagement

Channel this habit from rock stars to enhance your presentations
Channel this habit from rock stars to enhance your presentations 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

I’ve been a fan of Styx (and most rock and roll) ever since I can remember. The first notes of certain songs take me back to fun memories and special times, and those songs tend to be the ones I play on repeat.

I’m not the only one who has stories associated with songs. At a recent Styx concert, band members would introduce songs by telling stories about what inspired the songs or what was happening when the songs were written. Hearing those anecdotes made me feel closer to the band and its music. Rock legends Tom Petty and Bon Jovi did the same thing, and the stories added so much depth to the show.

Something to think about: How can you incorporate stories into your message to make it more memorable and meaningful?

 

 

Photo credit: Tricia Richards-Service

Aren’t we all speakers?
Aren’t we all speakers? 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

I Need A Speaker is on Clubhouse! Hosted by Tricia Richards-Service and Christopher Pahoski, the room was open for people who want to learn more about getting started in public speaking.

Some people have said, “I’m not a speaker. In fact, I’m rarely in front of an audience.” We responded that the size of the audience isn’t as relevant as the opportunity to deliver value to people.

When you make a presentation in your department meeting … you’re a speaker. When you make a toast at a special occasion … you’re a speaker. When you respond to questions in a job interview … you’re a speaker. If you have a message to share … you’re a speaker.

You get the idea.

Whether we are involved in a one-on-one conversation, a small group meeting, or a conference, we all have the opportunity to collect our thoughts, consider our audience, and deliver value.

 

We’d love to hear examples of how information was powerful because it was shared. Send your stories to info@ineedaspeaker.com.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Public speaking notes from Dale Carnegie
Public speaking notes from Dale Carnegie 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

“Thinking people want to be led, not driven. They want to have the facts presented and to draw their own conclusions. They like to be asked questions, not to have a ceaseless stream of direct statements poured at them.”

— Dale Carnegie, Public Speaking for Success

 

 

We want to lead, not drive. What topics do you want to read about in our blog? E-mail info@ineedaspeaker.com with your suggestions.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Gig worker. Cancel culture. Second gentleman. What do these phrases have in common?
Gig worker. Cancel culture. Second gentleman. What do these phrases have in common? 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Have you figured out what those phrases have in common? They were all among the 520 new terms that were added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in January 2021. (Read more of them by clicking here.)

Yes, you read that right. In one month, more than 500 new words were added to our constantly changing vocabulary.

With so much rapid change in the way we communicate, it’s more important than ever to define unfamiliar terms.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Wonder Woman and Batman do this before they go out. Do you?
Wonder Woman and Batman do this before they go out. Do you? 2560 1567 I Need A Speaker

Years ago, someone gifted me with a bold red blazer that I adored. Cherry red with shiny brass buttons, this double-breasted masterpiece was more than I could afford. I really, really wanted it. My desire went beyond the color. It was the feeling I had when I slid in one arm, then two. The blazer made me feel bolder and more confident, like I could do anything. I was delighted to receive it as a gift.

Aside from the dark hair and sassy attitude, choosing a power outfit for work is one more thing I have in common with Wonder Woman. Even Batman has a go-to outfit for fighting crime.

These outfits are more than clothing. They’re a form of non-verbal communication, making a statement about who you are. They’re a psychological boost – a reason to stand a little taller. They’re part of your personal brand.

Earlier this week, I overheard a conversation about the most appropriate clothing to wear when giving a presentation. Discussion followed about suits versus jeans, and there was debate about business casual being “in the middle.”

Had anyone asked me, I would say, “It depends.”

Consider the event/occasion and the audience. Think about how you want to present yourself: Authoritative. Approachable. Relaxed. And give thought to your topic. Yoga pants might be okay if you’re talking about how to meditate and demonstrating techniques. Creative disciplines may welcome flow dresses and jean jackets.

There is no right answer that will suit everyone (get the pun?), but I do recommend that you find your proverbial red blazer. Choose something that makes you feel confident and sends the right message.

 

Photo credit: DepositPhotos

Check. Check again. And check again.
Check. Check again. And check again. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Twice in the last week, I was in meetings where a speaker’s camera wasn’t working. Ouch. That makes it difficult to engage with audiences.

During the pandemic and the meteoric rise in video conferences, many people upgraded their home office equipment to include lighting, cameras, and microphones.

If you’re a speaker for an upcoming conference, class, or meeting, be sure to check your equipment in the space where you plan to use it.

  • Ensure that anything requiring power can be plugged into a power source.
  • Be certain that your settings are where you want them to be.
  • Remove virtual backgrounds that may not be appropriate for the event and audience.
  • Test microphones.

This sounds like common sense advice (and it is), but it always helps to reinforce these practices so your message will be heard as intended.

 

Photo credit: DepositPhotos

If someone yells “bingo,” no one wins.
If someone yells “bingo,” no one wins. 2560 1920 I Need A Speaker

Recently, I attended a high school graduation. Many of the graduates were giddy with anticipation about the speeches that were scheduled. The students weren’t excited about how wonderful the speeches might be. Rather, they were playing a secret bingo game.

The proverbial winner was the audience member who could mentally cross off enough buzzwords or overused terms during the presentations to win the game.

I was familiar with the concept, because I knew about “corporate buzzword bingo” games during my days in corporations. Employees would anticipate terms like “low-hanging fruit” and “having a dialogue” and “sense of urgency.” Sadly, we knew exactly what to expect when someone stepped up to the podium.

The graduation bingo game happened for the same reason. Students were expecting some speakers to include boring, predictable elements and terms that are often used in graduation speeches. Here are some examples of what students used for their virtual bingo card squares:

  • Reference to 2020 as “unprecedented” (this one was the center square)
  • A dictionary definition
  • Famous quotes
  • “It’s been a crazy year”
  • Reference to homework
  • Inside jokes
  • Reading a poem
  • The idea that “this is not the end, it’s the beginning”
  • Acknowledgement of “each and every one of you.”

Students would snicker and laugh silently whenever one of these elements popped up in a speech. While I Need A Speaker never advocates finding fault with speakers, the fact that the bingo game occurred should be considered a warning to anyone who has a speech to deliver.

The warning is this: Don’t be predictable. Don’t be boring. Don’t say what’s expected. Don’t say what every other speaker says.

Flip that to the positive side, and the lessons here are:

  • Be original.
  • Be engaging.
  • Be clever.
  • Be unique.
  • Be attention-grabbing.
  • Be dynamic.

In short … be effective.

 

 

 

Photo credit: DepositPhotos

Yes, we do recommend practicing with distractions
Yes, we do recommend practicing with distractions 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Most public presentation coaches will emphasize the need to practice before speaking in front of a live audience.

Some speakers will claim that it’s difficult for them to find a quiet place to practice their speech without interruption.

Surprise! You may be better suited to a space with distraction.

Why? Practicing amidst noise and movement may actually prepare you better for the live gigs. While you’re speaking at an event, there may be background noice during virtual presentations. At live talks, there may be cell phones ringing or doors opening and closing as people come and go.

Knowing how to stay focus amidst distraction will help when you’re speaking live. Try it.

 

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Booking an international speaker? Here’s what you need to know.
Booking an international speaker? Here’s what you need to know. 2560 1696 I Need A Speaker

We are thrilled to welcome international speakers to our directory!

If you’re considering booking someone from another country, keep these tips in mind:

  • Plan around the time difference. A great meeting time in the United States might mean your speaker joins the event at midnight in his or her home country. Choose a time that’s most convenient for everyone in attendance.
  • Realize there may be additional fees for currency exchange, depending on your payment method. Compensate accordingly.
  • Know and maintain cultural practices from the speaker’s home country.
  • Avoid using slang. People who speak a non-native language well may not know current slang terminology from other places.
  • Don’t reference stereotypes about the speaker’s home country. These stereotypes may be hurtful.
  • Use active listening to ensure the proper messages are heard.
  • If you have a bilingual or multilingual presentation, use interpreters as needed.
  • Help your speaker be as comfortable as possible. Ensure that he or she has a clear understanding of the event, the talk, the audience, and your expectations.
  • Enjoy the experience of getting to know someone from another part of the world!

 

Photo credit: Pexels

What do you want to know about public speaking or event planning?
What do you want to know about public speaking or event planning? 2560 1550 I Need A Speaker

I Need A Speaker is here to serve! We want you to have your best possible speaker event or make the stage your happy place.

Help us help you! Tell us what you want to know. E-mail info@ineedaspeaker.com with your questions or comments about

  • event planning
  • how to choose the right speaker for your event
  • engaging with audiences
  • how to get started in speaking
  • what to consider when setting your price
  • building confidence
  • public presentation training

or anything else you’d like to know! We are happy to answer your questions.

Thanks for being part of I Need A Speaker’s international community!

 

Photo credit: Pexels

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