John DiPietro
You Appearance Speaks Louder Than Your Words!
09/02/2009 09:21 AM
When you enter a room, regardless of your purpose, you are judged INSTANTLY by your appearance. It is not possible for another person to remain neutral in their opinion of you after they see you. This can work to your advantage or to your disadvantage. Its all up to you.
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Taking the Fear Out of Public Speaking-Setting The Right Tone and Wearing the Right Clothes
07/28/2009 01:00 PM
Regardless of how great the content of your message is, audience members can be swayed on what you are wearing in an instant and by what you say in the opening thirty seconds of your presentation. So, you can see, that it is vital to get off on the right foot(wear) with your audience.
Let’s look at how you look to the audience before you say your first word. Keep in mind that your topic can contain award-winning material, but if you have alienated your audience by your appearance, then your content is meaningless. Here are some tips for dressing for success on stage.
1. Remove your name badge. This is a gigantic distraction to the audience. First of all, it takes all of the attention of the audience member away from your face, from where your emotions should be flowing, to the glare filled and sometimes crooked name badge. This is not what you want to have happen before you say your first words. Taking your name badge off also “separates” you from the audience and gives you the authority that you will need on the stage.
2. Make sure your footwear (as referenced above) doesn't have any holes in the soles. (Have seen this on numerous occasions.) This screams “pauper.” Also, for ladies, no open toe shoes and ultra high heels should be worn. A bad combo is a great suit and shabby footwear. It devalues your look and your message. Be sure you shoes are tied and all buckles are securely fastened.
3. Keep your sport coat buttoned, especially if you are equipped with wireless microphone gear. Why let the gear become a distraction?
4. Dress one level above the attire of the audience. If you are underdressed, you do not exude authority. If you find you are overdressed, you can loosen your tie.
The big mistake that so many speakers make is to make reference to those that are late or not coming to the event in their opening sentences.
Never refer to those that are not there since it diminishes the value of those that are in the audience and did show up on time. Do not begin by saying something similar to, “Well, lets get started now and for those that come in late, I will go over the material they miss.” Never start that way. The only people that are important to you are those that are there right then. The person who is not there is not able to provide any useful activity to you after the event. In fact, don’t even give evidence to the fact that the room is not full. Just begin your talk as if you were speaking to a full house of attentive listeners.
Remember that your start determines your finish!
John DiPietro speaks to audiences all across the USA. He can be reached at john@Johndipietro.com. He is the author of “You Don’t Have to be Perfect to be Great” and is featured in a newest edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inside Basketball.
Taking the Fear out of Public Speaking-Excitement is the Key!
06/30/2009 03:18 PM
We continue our series on TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF PUBLIC SPEAKING. In our last issue, we looked at the overall benefits of becoming a great public speaker. In this issue, we want to look at two of the main points in becoming the person that you would like to be when it comes to your public speaking ability.
That’s right, call it passion, excitement or enthusiasm, but either way, it means that when you speak with conviction, you are setting yourself apart from most of the other speakers that audiences hear. I cannot even count the number of immediately forgettable speakers that parade themselves in front of an audience and begin to instantly have the crowd hope that the session ends very soon! These folks just go up and recite facts and figures that the audience is already aware of. When you take the microphone, your first job is to let the audience know that you are excited to be there and want to take them on a memorable journey. Do it with a smile, an appropriate joke or a timely story of interest to all. Even, the capability to move from side to side on the stage shows motion and excitement. Changing the tone of your voice offers the same opportunity. Speak loudly during dramatic parts of the talk, and quietly during somber moments. So before your next trip to the stage, figure out what you can do to add life, passion and excitement to your message.
Point two: FEAR is common.
Studies still show that the number one fear that people have is the fear of getting in front of an audience and delivering a speech. Many fear death less than public speaking! If you fall into that category, you are certainly not alone. You can master your fear by going directly at the issues that scare you. You have to approach that stage with the attitude “this audience is going to love me.” Also, it helps to alleviate fear with the knowledge that the audience wants you to do well. After all, they have to sit through your presentation. So, fear will never be totally eliminated from your preparation. A little fear is good, since it makes you aware of your potential for great success while delivering a great presentation or great failure if you deliver a shoddy performance.
Next month, we will discuss how to never start your program and how you can dress for success from the stage!
John DiPietro speaks to audiences all across the USA. He can be reached at john@Johndipietro.com. He is the author of “You Don’t Have to be Perfect to be Great” and is featured in a newest edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inside Basketball.
Taking the Fear Out of Public Speaking
06/01/2009 09:32 PM
Have you ever thought that you would rather jump off a bridge than to get up and deliver a verbal presentation in front of your peers? If that thought ever entered your mind, relax. You are not alone. Studies show that the fear of public speaking ranks right up there!
The other studies show that the person who has the capability to deliver an effective verbal presentation will earn more money, advance faster and be highly recognized in the business field. Read More...
ABC/D's of Business: Marketing...The Most Misunderstood Word in Business
05/01/2009 03:59 PM
Marketing...The Most Misunderstood Word in Business!
In this crazy business climate we are currently experiencing, business owners need to look beyond traditional methodologies and right into the mirror to see how they can win more business and just as importantly, keep the business they have already worked so hard for. So often, when you mention the word " marketing" to a businessperson the first thoughts that come to mind are... Read More...