Say a few Words by John Williams - HTML preview

Introduction

This Guide is not just for people that want to become professional speakers and want tips about increasing the impact of their presentations or how to increase their bookings.

It’s also a primer to help anyone that might have to say a few words or make a formal presentation, to promote themselves, their business or a group or cause that they support.

You get the tips and shortcuts that I learned as a magician and workshop presenter.

Even if you are not an experienced public speaker, don’t have the time or desire to learn to be one and perhaps have the irrational fear that many people share about “saying a few words”, this guide will goof-proof you as far as is humanly possible.

Every speaker has problems at times and they may be caused by their own mistakes or other people. I’ll tell you about handling those occasions too.

This book helps you to answer the casual inquiry and will also help you if you do a formal speech, promotional address, recitation (yes, a few people still do them) or an appeal for funds.

You might not do it for money but, these days, any of us could get an inquiry from the media and the future of our business or group might depend on the way we handle that.

People admire anyone who can speak well. Professional speakers and magicians undergo a long period of training. They all make their share of mistakes, learning by experience the best ways to keep other people's interest.

Most people are glad that it's not them up there on the platform, in the center of the spotlight. It's probably being in the spotlight, however small, that is the main drawback for most of us.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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If you are involved in business or community activities, you need to be able to tell people about that on social or other occasions. Many of us are asked, "What do you do?" or "What is your company doing?" on social occasions or at business functions.

There are many more questions such as:

"Does this organization use the donations that I give it wisely?"

"Why should I join (or help) your organization?"

We need to answer them in a way that leaves a positive impression and doesn't sound like something we've learned parrot-fashion from a glossy brochure.

How do you answer that without losing your audience, even if it is just one person? You probably haven't got the spare time to learn the right methods and short-cuts in a formal class and it could be costly to learn by trial and error.

Remember that all of us speak and interact successfully with strangers every day.

This book helps you to prepare for most occasions when you might need to “go public”, even those where you have little or no advance knowledge.

You have all the talent that you will ever have and that’s about the same amount as many well-paid, successful speakers and presenters. They improve those natural abilities with years of rehearsal and experience.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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This is your guide to speaking when:

Your Group or Club needs more funds

You apply for a new job

You promote your business or product.

Writers should be able to talk briefly about their book in an interesting way to people that don’t have a great interest in the book’s topic and also have no interest in buying it.

If you have a small business, you need to be able to do the same about your main product line or service.

If you are an employee, you have to be able to tell people about your job without pressuring or boring them.

Most of us are Members of at least one community group; sporting, social or service club. You may be asked to present a talk to Members about your work or to other people about how they might help the organization.

This guide will help to make it more enjoyable for everyone concerned.

It should take you only about one hour to absorb most of it! That little bit of preparation will remove some of the nervous tension you feel about having to speak to any group.

Then you can use this ebook as a handy reference in the years ahead.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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It will help you to finish any talk, comfortable with the knowledge that you are ready to do another one and, most importantly, that most of your audience are willing, even eager, to listen to that too.

I don't guarantee that everyone of you will get great results your next time out. That's partly dependent on you doing the required W O R K.

The methods are simple and effective and most are easy.

The content of this ebook will help you if you add the magic ingredient – ACTION. You might be surprised that many people buy a book or even several, glance through them and store them away.

All the tips and short-cuts will not spring to your mind in unexpected and perhaps critically important situations unless you have absorbed them in to your subconscious by practicing them whenever the opportunity happens.

Let's start!

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Impromptu and Prepared Speaking

Did you know that most speakers and other presenters prepare their impromptu talks and off-the-cuff remarks as carefully and thoroughly as their set pieces.

I hope that you will too. That guards against the chance of dissipating or even destroying the good impression that you create with your prepared material by a rash remark that is overheard and spread by audience members or media after the event.

Another point –you are a representative of your business or organization all the time you are in public, not just when you are actively working for it.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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The Reason

You can do it for money, recognition, to promote your company or your cause but there is just one prime reason for anyone speaking to other human beings: You want to move them to action.

Get Action

What do you want your audience to do as a result of your talk?

Answer this question before anything else. Then build everything else from that base.

This will be especially helpful while you are gaining valuable experience with your first presentations - it focuses your mind on something important that is outside of yourself.

I believe that much anxiety that you might cloud your mind with, will reduce when you focus on the goal of your presentation.

Start with a clear page in your notepad or a new file in your word processor.

Set down what you want. Your might want them to:

Give funds to your organization

Hire you for a new job

Stop doing something they have been doing (one of the most difficult goals).

Now comes the critical question; what’s in it for them?

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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What’s In It For Them?

Everyone is more interested in themselves than anything else.

Yes, everybody!

Some people may seem to want no personal benefit from the effort that they put in a project. That is hardly ever the case. Most of these apparently selfless people are satisfying a need they have for appreciation and recognition of their contribution.

Everyone listens to one radio station more than all others combined; W.I.I.F.M. – What’s In It For Me?

If you want their attention, their action and their money – give them something first.

Think of any salesperson – they never say, “Buy this because I need to get some new shoes.” They focus their presentation on what you’ll get from buying their product.

Everyone you speak to is listening to W.I.I.F.M. all the time that you are talking to them.

Some are just less obvious about it than others.

You have to tune in to their wavelength. Your appeal must be in line with the desires, not just yours or those of your organization.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Get Them Listening and Acting

Some types of audiences (and an audience may consist of just one person) are more difficult to get interest and action from than others.

When you are just starting off, you probably won’t get some of the really difficult audiences that professional speakers have to learn to deal with such as people at some corporate functions that are required by their bosses to be there but demonstrate with body language, and sometimes words as well, that they have absolutely no interest in the subject or the speaker.

They are what I call an “Easter Island audience”!

Local Meetings

Your first audiences are likely to be from the area where you live and to share some of your interests and local knowledge.

Even people that disagree with your view of the topic you speak about can be reached by pointing out areas of common agreement and giving them an opportunity to ask reasonable and short questions at the finish of your presentation.

Media

You may be approached for comment about your activities, your business or something about a group that you are part of.

A little preparation will save you from stumbling over your answers and give readers or listeners the best possible impression of you and the organization or business.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Opportunity for Publicity

Local media may, at times, seem to be full of International and National reports with a smattering of local material provided by local Government and major advertisers.

But there is sometimes an opportunity for you to promote your business or organization that you may not realize exists.

Local media are always looking for a local angle on national stories.

If you have something that is novel, or at least unusual, and can be tied in to a hot topic, get in touch with them (after you’ve finished this ebook, of course). If they don’t show any interest, thank them politely, record the name of the relevant person or people at that media organization and try again another time. It probably wouldn’t hurt to offer your contact details to them for any time they need information or a comment about your particular topic but don’t take up a lot of their time unnecessarily and don’t push.

Never let any negativity show in your dealings with people - media or otherwise, but especially media. It’s bad manners but also remember that a local reporter that you snarl at today may be a force at some national organization when you could really use a friendly journalistic ear.

One snarl might close that ear to you and your activities forever.

You will, at some time, get some questions that you don’t know the answer to or even some that you might not want to answer.

If you don’t know, tell them straight. You will make a better impression than if you bluster.

If you don’t want to answer the specifics of the question, try to reply with something relevant but never lie.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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If they ask to interview you, go out of your way to accommodate their requirements but don’t get too sticky. In most cases, the reporter or reporter/camera person team will have a schedule to keep and several possible stories to record in a shrinking amount of time.

Tell them if you have not done interviews before – I found, when I started, that people from all organizations were willing to help me present at my best since I was as flexible as possible and recognized their own pressures and requirements.

Don’t offer them anything that might be seen as an inducement! However innocent that your offer really is intended to be – many will get very uncomfortable and even be suspicious. Also, most organizations have strict rules with forms and such that reporters have to fill in, probably on their own time.

Listen to any advice they offer and remember it. People pay big money for coaching about how to present well when interviewed and you often get the information free right from the cutting edge!

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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The Basics

This section has advice about the side-issues that can profoundly affect the success of your talk.

Be a good audience

You should listen to as many speakers, professional and amateur, that you can afford the time and money to.

If their subject is not relevant or appealing to you, study their techniques and think how you might use or even improve on their methods.

If the speaker produces a bad reaction in you, don’t let it show – everyone can have an off-day. Give them the same support that you hope to get if ever it happens when you speak.

If you meet them at another time, be careful with your feedback. Many people ask for constructive criticism when they just want their own opinion of their presentation re-enforced!

Be subtle and suggest that they might be interested in this book - tell them your

EbookWholesaler Member’s site. That could help the speaker without offending them and you’ll have my gratitude as well.

Breaking the “rules”

You may see some experienced speakers get good results while doing or saying things that I advise you against in this ebook.

That doesn’t mean that their way or my advice is wrong. They might have developed their presentation through hundreds of performances and found that their personality and Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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approach lets them get great response from actions or words that could be dangerous if used by an inexperienced presenter.

With this book, I’ll opt for the safest techniques that offer the most potential.

When you have some experience, you’ll have learned things that no book can teach. Bob Hope, the legendary comedian, said that he was saddened that there were less venues where inexperienced performers could be bad while learning to be good – experience is the best teacher.

Start by following this proven path – you’ll know when you are ready to divert to your own course.

Smash the mirror

Even the most inexperienced speaker can get off to a good start by focusing on the audience rather than themselves.

Anyone that concentrates on the butterflies in their stomach, the problems in their workplace or family, or other issues cannot give their best to their audience.

They might as well be speaking to their own reflection in a mirror instead of trying to connect to the audience.

This also greatly increases the effect of the “butterflies” and outside factors.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Learn by Doing … Something Else!

Many speakers use experiences from their own lives as material for talks and presentations.

That shows your audience that you are a human being with a real life, not just a presenter, and that we have experience related to the subject we are talking about.

But everything from your “real” life should be related in your talk to the main topic. Be kind to your audience – keep on track and on time.

You may not realize that some of your other activities can help to improve your presentations, especially when you are starting out.

When I started learning magic, I overcame shyness (that didn't last long!) and low self-confidence this way. I had good teachers and learned that I always got a good response if I showed respect for my audiences by preparing my tricks and routines to the point that they were almost second nature, so I could focus on the spectators having a good time.

That included thinking up and rehearsing comments that would seem to be off-the-cuff during my presentations. That's right - like almost everyone else, I rehearse my ad-lib comments! This tactic gives you confidence and ensures that your jokes get maximum response from your audience every time. It's no use being able to think up brilliant and appropriate comments if you stumble over the punch-line!

Your daily work, meeting people and helping them, is valuable because your audiences will probably reflect the same mix of people that you encounter every day.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Add to Your People Skills

The traditional method is to join a formal speech improvement group such as ToastMasters International or to attend a workshop like mine on "Simple Steps to Successful Speaking".

I recommended the ToastMasters International program; it is a carefully graded series of talks and related activities that you are guided through by more experienced speakers in a non-threatening, friendly atmosphere.

Other clubs, such as Jaycees, also conduct workshops and programs that cover making talks and presentations. I also found the Jaycee program helpful.

Consider joining an amateur drama group or attending a drama workshop. Most groups have experienced performers and directors that will to help you to improve your presentation skills.

All these groups have a strong social program that are also fun and beneficial.

You can also improve your inter-personal skills by less orthodox means.

I operated market stalls at various venues, from organized venues like the famous Salamanca Market in Hobart, Tasmania to one-off country markets and even school fairs.

You get to mix and deal with an amazing variety of people up close. The more that you improve your people skills - the more money that you are likely to make!

If you don’t want to have your own market stall, put your hand up to help with any fair or yard-sale run by a group that you are a Member of or some worthwhile local organization.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Why not have a garage sale! That's like a miniature market. You interact with different types of people but with the garage sale’s unique advantage; you are on your home turf.

It’s a good way to start and get any shyness out of your system especially if you are not involved in sales with your regular work.

Your partner and family will also be glad to help you get rid of some of the clutter we all seem to gather and often keep far too long.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Role Models

We all benefit from critically watching successful speakers and can even learn from others who do not present very well!

But never skip a chance to see an accomplished speaker at work.

Try to keep some of your focus on their style and techniques, not just what they say. This will probably be very difficult as they spend years learning to focus your interest on their presentation, not the nuts and bolts underneath.

Don’t confine yourself to those whose viewpoints are in accord with yours or the sort of presentation and the subjects that interest you.

You could learn a lot by watching analytically, presentations that don’t hit your personal hot buttons.

You can learn, too, from recorded presentations but there are some things that you will only learn and appreciate by watching live human beings in action.

Copycats don’t have nine lives

…. and they can end up very miserable in this one if they copy a more successful speaker.

It’s usually a funny story that gets “borrowed” and dropped in without much thought when the copyist has a talk to give.

Where the original speaker had carefully worked on the material, maybe for years, so that it became a shining jewel in their presentation, the copyist will usually sling it at the audience, perhaps with pale copies of the gestures and emphasis that the originator had used.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Oops!

Not only does the stolen material not add brightness to the other speaker’s presentation, it tends to destroy any continuity that they had before.

There is only one original. If you fill your talk with second or fifth-hand stories, you’ll only get a second or fifth hand response. Successful speakers occasionally use joke book material in moderation but they put something of their own into everything they do and they never put it in until without polishing it first.

If you ever use someone else’s story, give them credit right there in your talk. You might be surprised who members of your audience may be in contact with through the Internet and, anyway, it’s simply the right way to do it.

Apart from that, people that are interested in the subject that you speak about may well have read the story in its original form. If you credit the source, they respect you more. If you don’t, they will certainly give you less respect.

Imitation is not flattery

I understand someone being so impressed with a speaker’s mode of presentation that they might be tempted to “clone” it. You probably realize the problem – an imitation will never get the response or the rewards, financial and otherwise, that the originator does and probably also reduce their chance to get the most benefit from their own potential.

Our best option is to examine our own qualities and experience and build on the best of those.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Record only Yourself

Don’t record anyone else’s professional presentation unless you have specific prior permission from everyone involved – the speaker, organization and even the venue may have their own strict rules (usually total prohibition).

There are good reasons for this. The speaker may use some of the presentation to produce commercial recordings or the organization that pays the presenter may have secured the rights for that presentation for its exclusive use.

Venues also have their own policies about recordings – audio, video and photography on their premises. Even semi-public areas such as shopping centers may have restrictions on this. They may not always enforce them but it’s wise to check so that you save any embarrassment and possible hassle.

Your voice may shock you!

The first time that you hear your own recorded voice, you will probably be very surprised. Now you realize just how much those close to you really love you if they put up with that!

Yes, I’m joking.

Most people tend to neglect things they get at no cost – their feet, teeth and voice are three examples.

The condition of all three can probably be improved with most people but the voice usually requires the least money.

We’ll concentrate on it because it is the most relevant to our subject.

Copyright  2004 John Williams

http://www.ezymagic.com/

“Say A Few Words” by John Williams

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Common problems with our voice stem from “lazy” jaws and reckless attempts to change our natural register. If you have a higher than average tone range, don’t try to keep it artificially low. The strain will tend to make it sound even worse!

If you, like many people, tend to keep your mouth closed while you speak to people, you’ll have to work on removing that habit.

Both faults may improve rapidly if you are prepared to do some, preferably private, exercise.

The results will be well worth the effort and also benefit other areas of your life, not just any speaking that you may do.

The exercises that I recommend are facial stretches and humming – nothing hard or particularly dangerous but I don’t accept any responsibility for the outcome, especially if you get too enthusiastic with the stretching too quickly.

Stretching;