Sandra Schrift

Do you Fear Speaking to New People?

Sandra Schrift — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:55:50 +0000

Do you fear meeting new people? Do you fear speaking to others? You are not alone. I am not sure why so many dread speaking in public, more than dying or paying their taxes. Some of the best professional speakers Im represented have admitted to feeling some anxiety before they speak to an audience. The pros know they need to breathe deeply and get over those beginning jitters so they can succeed on the platform. And they do! They want to be the best they can be. So they find speakers to be their role models. They listen to their speeches, watch their body language and observe their behaviors and their delivery style. Maybe adopt some of their techniques until they refine their own. They observe the audience reaction to the speaker’s content and delivery. What works and what does not. I urge my clients who are new to the speaking business to go out and practice in front of service clubs who typically book
speakers weekly for no fee. Find a safe, supportive environment, like Toastmasters.org who will help you get over any of your speaking fears. Over the years, many of my clients joined Toastmasters. Hire a coach, focus on your speaking intentions and then take action. Be persistent and patient. In time . . .if you want the success badly enough, it will happen.

The Coach sez . . . Nike said it best – “Just do it!”

Are you a Visual Storyteller?

Sandra Schrift — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:49:27 +0000

Motivational speaker?

Have you been watching some of the YouTube TED-style presentations?http://www.ted.com/ Catch some top notch speakers on interesting/timely topics. Many of the speakers use visuals to amplify meaning through simplification. A nice way to cut back on too many details. Most of us delineate our thoughts visually – we started in kindergarten with “show and tell.” Remember? Use lots of visuals and make sure they are big and bold! I cringe when I watch a presenter flash some small details on a screen that no one in the second row can see.

The Coach asks . . . are you willing to become a visual storyteller in your presentations?

Are you a Story?

Sandra Schrift — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:42:35 +0000

Everyone is a story. When a speaker tells his/her story it helps us tap into our own wisdom because in some way these stories are about us, too. Our deepest lessons are learned through life experiences. We don’t take much time to hear each others stories anymore because we are busy texting and/or watching the unreal stories portrayed in the movies and on television.

The Coach asks . . . do you know your own story? (who you are, not your achievements) And can you tell it?

ON LETTING GO

Sandra Schrift — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:29:57 +0000

This is a good time of year to do a “baggage check.” What do you own that is dated and useless? What do you hang on to that is hurtful and defeating? Do you worry about future events that have or may no happen? Do you agonize over losses? Do you keep reliving past hurts and traumas? Dr. Lloyd Thomas suggests that to “let go” takes love. To “let go” is to acknowledge that which I cannot change, and pursue that which I can. To “let go” is not to care for, but to are about. To “let go” is not to fix, but to be supportive. To“let go” is not to deny, but to accept.

The Coach sez . . . join me in fearing less and loving more in 2012.

WHAT MAKES YOU AN EXTRAORDINARY SPEAKER?

Sandra Schrift — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 03:26:15 +0000

Here are a few things, in no random order, that every extraordinary speaker demonstrates:

Their presentation is great – they create a connection and experience for their audience.
They have technical competence
They return phone calls.
They keep their promises.
They sacrifice their time and effort . . . to go the extra mile.
They use a person’s name often.
They have the courage to take risks which often leads to making more money.
AND they have a sense of humor and lightness.

The Coach asks . . . what are you doing to create a terrific perception?

ARE YOU A BOLD SPEAKER?

Sandra Schrift — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 04:26:44 +0000

I have been booking and coaching professional speakers since 1982. And here is what I have observed:

The best speakers do not fill the air with a lot of words-they make the space for their audienxce to tell them what they need to know.
The best speakers ask, “What do you need to really hear from me to give you what you came to hear?”
The best speakers are brief and clear and make the most of a short period of time.
The best speakers focus on observations, feelings, needs AND clear requests of their audience.
The best speakers demonstrate exuberance for their topic and engage their audience with that exuberance.
The best speakers have great insight and wit and use deprecating humor where appropriate.
The best speakers are great storytellers – highly entertaining and inspiring

The Coach believes . . . that the best speakers inspire their audiences to make some change . . . if they do, things will probably get better.

ARE YOU A GOOD STORYTELLER?

Sandra Schrift — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 05:06:12 +0000

Over the years, while listening to professional speakers, I noticed that the best story tellers deliver a speech with several stories that are accented by their points. They understand that it isn’t just providing content that impacts their audience, but their story. A way to inspire, motivate and get people to take some action, think differently. To make the emotional connection with your audience, try Pareto’s Principle: 80% story and 20% content. You must reach their hearts and their souls.

The Coach sez . . . people need to know as well as feel to be inspired to make a change.

How Well Do You Listen?

Sandra Schrift — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:19:16 +0000

Think about someone you don’t know, don’t like, or whose manner of living is a mystery to you. What would it take to begin a conversation? I usually find that great healing is available when I listen to the other and also feel heard. No matter what I have experienced in life, when I tell my story to someone who listens, I find it easier to deal with my circumstances. Listening creates our relationship. Listening moves us closer. Even crabby, self-indulged Lucy, from the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip knew the importance of listening. She started the famous ‘Psychiatry Booth’ where any and all could come and be heard. After all . . . listening is such a simple act.

The Coach asks . . . are you willing to listen?

ON CLOSING A SPEECH

Sandra Schrift — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:57:16 +0000

Most professional speakers will end a speech with some call to action from their audience. Here are a few great and memorable closers from US leaders.

• “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” –John F. Kennedy
• “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “Only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain.” –Richard Nixon, “Au Revoir” speech

The Coach believes . . . Nothing is learned until it is used. What do you ask people to do at the conclusion of your speech? (call to action)

ARE YOU LISTENING TO YOUR AUDIENCE?

Sandra Schrift — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 05:32:34 +0000

Listening to your Audience

I have been working with professional speakers since 1982. I notice that the best speakers listen to their audience as well as help their audience to listen to them. Here are a few tips on
how to listen to your audience:
• Begin with a personal story to create credibility and connection
• Know what is important to that particular audience and show them that you understand where they are coming from
• Then provide a solution(s) to their problem/challenge with ideas that meet their needs (benefits)
• Back up your recommendation(s) with actual case studies
• Give ‘em homework. What action step can they take now!

The Coach recommends the WIIFM factor . . . “What’s in it for me?”