CML International

Many people use the words lectern and podium interchangeably. There actually is a difference. A lectern is most commonly defined as a slanted stand that serves as a support for a speaker’s notes. It often has a microphone and a light attached.

5 Quick Tips for Executive Women When Speaking in Public

1. Do stand with two feet on the ground. Move with purpose and to shift energy. To present yourself powerfully, don’t wrap your legs around each other, cock a hip, or fold your arms at your waist.
2. Ensure that your facial expressions, body language and gestures relate to, and enhance your verbal message.
3. When you increase the volume of your voice, don’t raise the pitch.
4. If you need to bring the group to order, use music at an increased volume, or a chime.
5. Make sure that no jewelry or fashion accessories interfere with your microphone, or create a noise or hint at discomfort or over-accessorizing.

For more information: Contact Catherine

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

When watching a speaker present, how well do you listen?

Do you…

1) Tune out people with whom you don’t agree, thereby being prejudicial?

2) Form a rebuttal in your head, while the presenter is still speaking?

3) Give the appearance of listening when you aren’t? e.g texting, emailing.

4) Daydream during the talk?

5) Mentally criticize or condemn the speaker’s clothes, jewelry, shoes, hair, glasses?

6) Allow yourself to be distracted by something going on in another part of the room, or outside?

7) Jump to conclusions without hearing the presenter out?

Allow emotions or nerves overtake your enjoyment of the message?

Do you do some, or all of these things, occasionally, often, most of the time? Hmm…it may be time to re-evaluate your listening skills, which can positively impact your communication skills.

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

Speak Your Way To Success ~ Part I

Formality is the key. Do not use first names unless invited to do so. When you introduce your self, –Karen Williams, you will be called Frau Williams (or they may just Americanize it to make you feel comfortable). People will introduce themselves to you, just using their last names. So you may shake hands with a man who says “Schmidt”, with a brief nod. You would address him as Herr Schmidt. This will occur even when people are your age or younger. If you are introduced to Herr Schmidt, you may say, Karen Williams, or just Williams, as you shake hands.

They may prefer to be introduced or presented to you, rather than you introducing yourself, as we do in America. Germans are more formal there with introductions. It reminds me of finishing school or cotillion introductions. Younger or “lesser” ranks are introduced first, or their names are given first.

Women older than 18 or so, are referred to as Frau, whether or not they are married. If someone has a title, such as Doktor. Then you refer to them as Frau Doktor Lorenz, or Herr Doktor Kühn, or just Herr Doktor. Someone else may be Herr Doktor Professor so on. Titles and professional designations are important.

Shake hands (firmly, but briefly) with everyone you meet, (when saying hello and goodbye) to avoid slighting someone.

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

Does the thought of speaking at a national sales meeting, or presenting to a new client company fill you with anxiety? From sensitive board room discussions to the basic sales spiel, the power of speech propels the world of commerce. In today’s competitive business environment, the executive who can deliver a polished, effective presentation, gains a distinct edge.

To studiously organize every aspect of your talk, yet to be remiss in handling the fear barrier, is simply, negligent. Fear is merely energy that needs to be managed. The experienced speaker uses it as an advantage, whereas the amateur can be thrown by it.

While the fear of public speaking vies closely with the fear of dying and snake phobias, there are certain tools you can use to assist in conquering your nervousness.

1) Practice, practice, practice.
Know your material thoroughly. Some professional speakers recommend being so familiar with the beginning of your speech, that if you were abruptly awakened in the middle of the night, you would be able to deliver the first few lines of your talk flawlessly.
Never, ever, wing it. Nothing can substitute for rehearsals and this will be evident in your professional delivery.
Rehearse your talk in front of a mirror. Record yourself. Practice in front of a friendly audience.

2) Be prepared.
Know your audience’s needs and decide what you want them to come away with.
On the day of your presentation, arrive early. Running late will only increase your anxiety.
Don’t rely solely on your PowerPoint or visuals to carry your talk. What if the equipment has a glitch? Have backup notes.
Check the set up of the room, your computer and the microphone.
When you are introduced, stride confidently to the lectern and watch your step!

3) Think positively about yourself.
In the days and hours leading up to your speaking date, invoke all five senses in frequent visualization exercises and envision yourself as a polished presenter. See what you are wearing and how great you look. Hear the applause and the roars of laughter (at the appropriate time, of course!). Feel the thrill of performing at your peak.
Tell yourself how wonderful you are, –repeatedly. What you give your attention to, you will attract.
Admit and understand the source of your fear. Don’t deny it.
Realize that your trepidation doesn’t have to show and that some apprehension is normal. Tap into the energy that fear is, –use it to your advantage and to raise your own energy.
Rhythmic breathing, stretching, as well as, alternately tensing and relaxing your muscles also helps.

4) Make eye contact with individuals in the audience.
When speaking, make eye contact with individuals for several seconds, rather than casting your eyes like machine gun spray over their heads. See the audience as your ally and focus on its needs.

5) Honor your time parameters.
Practice combined with preparedness conquers nerves and commands those butterflies to fly in formation.

© CatherineLorenz.com

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?