• Connecting Speakers with Audiences™

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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

Enjoy our chat on the TrillMBA podcast

Enjoy our chat on the TrillMBA podcast 2560 1440 I Need A Speaker

Recently, the founder of I Need A Speaker was asked to be a guest on the Trill MBA podcast. Tricia Richards-Service was thrilled to talk with host Felicia Ann Rose Enuha about I Need A Speaker and the power of public speaking.

Click here to listen and learn.

 

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

Check the link. An error can lock out your audience.

Check the link. An error can lock out your audience. 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

Dafna Gold Melchior – one of our wonderful speakers – recently posted this on LinkedIn. With her permission we’re sharing this message:

“Check the link. Double check the link. Otherwise you could discover that your esteemed guests were sent somewhere else…

I delivered a workshop last night, on behalf of an organization. 150 people signed up via a production company, which sent them an invite with a link. I was in the Zoom room early, checked sound and share screen with the helpful tech person.

At a few minutes to the hour, we started wondering why no one was joining… Turned out the production company had mistakenly sent the wrong link…

By the time I too was sent the (wrong) link my audience had received, there were 8 people left (5 with cameras off). So three lucky people received my workshop, and I assure you I gave them my all, as I would have with 150 participants.

I’m sharing this to spare you the same frustrating experience. I beg you, have those who handle logistics on your behalf check and re-check the link.”

Follow her advice.

 

Photo credit: Pexels

Speakers and event planners: What’s on your holiday wish list?

Speakers and event planners: What’s on your holiday wish list? 2560 1647 I Need A Speaker

Holiday sales offer money-saving opportunities to get the supplies you need to do your job well. As you prepare for the holidays, consider adding these work-from-home products to your wish list:

  • Standing desk
  • Ergonomic chair
  • Carpeting or an area rug to absorb noise
  • Headphones or wireless earbuds
  • Microphone for better sound quality
  • High-quality, stand-alone webcam
  • Laptop stand so your webcam is at eye level
  • Wireless keyboard
  • Phone tripod if you connect by phone
  • Ring light or other video lighting
  • Video or audio editing software
  • Appropriate art work and decor for your setting
  • 2021 planner (if you’re old school)
  • Surge protectors
  • Power bank
  • Mobile hotspot
  • Houseplants (studies say you’ll be more productive!)
  • Fire- and water-resistant safe for important documents
  • Shredder
  • Healthy snacks
  • Water bottle
  • Desk organizer (you’re on camera; keep it neat!).

Check online reviews for recommendations, and always check for promo codes before you purchase. Many speakers and planners will continue to work from home (or work from anywhere). Let’s do it comfortably!

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