Many years ago I got one of Louis Nizer's books on speaking in public. Nizer was a major New York City lawyer who was at homeon the lectern and in the courtroom. One of his books was on techniques of cross examination and it was really interesting from a variety of perspectives. He had another book about introducing speakers. He was Emcee at many events and had opportunities to introduce the most powerful people in the city and the nation.
In the same time period I was active in TOASTMASTERS and working hard to improve my own public speaking skills. I would pay a great deal of attention to the TOASTMASTER MAGAZINE and lots of other books and articles on public speaking.
One of those articles had to do with Speaker Introductions. I extracted from that article and today I teach a formula for effective speaker introductions that I call T-I-S-E. We pronounce that Tease, which is what a magazine cover does, a promo for a television program, trailers for movies, do to grab attention. I think a good introduction teases the audience and builds audience expectations for the speaker.
The T-I-S-E formula can mix some of the elements to continue building interest but none of the elements should be forgotten.
Topic = T. An introducer needs to give the audience a good idea of what the speaker is going to be discussing in the presentation. How does the introducer find out what the speaker is going to be discussing? The easy answer is ASK.
Interest = I
This is the tricky element for many people. The idea of interest is sometimes difficult to understand. The introducer has to know the audience so he can tell them why they are going to find the topic of interest. The introducer has to focused on telling the audience what will be in it for them to pay attention to the talk. When we discuss interest we are talking about why the audience should be interested.
Speaker = S
One of the major mistakes made by introducers is that instead of creating an introduction they read the bio sent by the speaker or the speaker's office. The introducer should understand the key things the speaker is doing that make the speaker the person who should be talking about this subject. Most of the time, only a very small part of the speaker's bio relates to the subject at hand. For instance, I one time taught elementary school but if I am talking to an audience about public speaking that is probably not all that relevant.
Enthusiasm = E
The major job of an introducer is to build a bridge between the audience and the speaker and the speaker and the audience. The major building block for this bridge is enthusiasm and the introducer can set that tone. That means doing a great job of instilling an enthusiasm in the audience for the speaker and an enthusiasm in the speaker for the audience.
Most of the time I teach that introductions should be short -- 30 to 45 seconds. The book Louis Nizer wrote was about a different time; a time when introduers could take up to three minutes to set the stage for a speaker. In today's impatient society I think the introducer should leave the speaker as many minutes as possble.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Relational Presence is an interesting goal for public speakers
Lee Glickstein is a public speaking trainer and author we have discussed previously in this blog and I really enjoy his concept of "Speaking Circles." He is a master in this art and his books and articles are worth spending time with for those who want to communicate messages.
As part of his email marketing campaign, I received a newsletter from Speaking Circles today and I thought the opening article worth sharing. There is no question in my mind that speakers have to GRAB attention in the opening moments of a presentation. Lee Glickstein is a bit less violent than I might be in his description but his ideas about "Opening and Structuring a Masterful Talk" are well crafted.
Here is what he says to open this line of discussion in his newsletter:
Open and Structure a Masterful Talk
by Lee Glickstein, founder, Speaking Circles International
"Once your priority in front of any group is to be with your listeners in Relational Presence, specific content gets much easier to plan. Here's an article about how to open and structure a masterful talk. Below I expand on the all-important first 30 seconds, the ideal opportunity to establish a sustainable relationship with your audience.
After being introduced, the first mistake most speakers make is to start to talk the moment the applause ends. The second mistake is to open with a joke, a provocative statement, or a social nicety.
Establishing a sustainable relationship calls for at least one full breath (no less than 10 seconds) of silence after the applause ends, to honor the moment, the occasion, and your listeners. (Not the technique of a "pregnant pause," but an authentically transparent receptivity that allows everyone in the room to arrive, including you.)
Then, an opening line most likely to bring the room to rapt attention is a sentence that sets up a one-minute story of an "aha!" turning point moment from your life. That sentence wants to be delivered conversationally, clearly, not dramatized, with precisely enough information to allow your listeners to visualize a scene (as in a movie) where the action is just about to start.
Then another full breath (yes, another 10 seconds) that signals everyone (including yourself) to make the pilgrimage to that moment. This 3-part "hello" (breath, sentence, breath) determines your first impression. When you master this 30-second dance, your capacity for what is called "public speaking" will fall into place beyond your wildest dreams.
Do read the article linked above for the rest of the opening sequence and structure of an effective talk. Here is an example of the real world power of such an opening. Twenty-five years ago I was at a networking meeting where the featured 10-minute speaker, a CPA, opened like this:
"[Full breath] When I was a child, most nights I would hear my parents arguing loudly well into the night. [Full breath] I would calm myself by counting sheep, imagining numbers on their sides. The numbers would go into the thousands, so I grew up with a sense of relaxation around large numbers. Eventually I became an accountant, and I love to relax my clients around their numbers."
I was not the only one in the room attracted to work with this man who was far from dynamic, but transparently real. He became my accountant for 15 years, then my financial adviser when he shifted careers.
So what's your story?"
I recommend your reading the entire article that can probably be found at Speaking Circles. The links I copied did not work for this blog today.
As part of his email marketing campaign, I received a newsletter from Speaking Circles today and I thought the opening article worth sharing. There is no question in my mind that speakers have to GRAB attention in the opening moments of a presentation. Lee Glickstein is a bit less violent than I might be in his description but his ideas about "Opening and Structuring a Masterful Talk" are well crafted.
Here is what he says to open this line of discussion in his newsletter:
Open and Structure a Masterful Talk
by Lee Glickstein, founder, Speaking Circles International
"Once your priority in front of any group is to be with your listeners in Relational Presence, specific content gets much easier to plan. Here's an article about how to open and structure a masterful talk. Below I expand on the all-important first 30 seconds, the ideal opportunity to establish a sustainable relationship with your audience.
After being introduced, the first mistake most speakers make is to start to talk the moment the applause ends. The second mistake is to open with a joke, a provocative statement, or a social nicety.
Establishing a sustainable relationship calls for at least one full breath (no less than 10 seconds) of silence after the applause ends, to honor the moment, the occasion, and your listeners. (Not the technique of a "pregnant pause," but an authentically transparent receptivity that allows everyone in the room to arrive, including you.)
Then, an opening line most likely to bring the room to rapt attention is a sentence that sets up a one-minute story of an "aha!" turning point moment from your life. That sentence wants to be delivered conversationally, clearly, not dramatized, with precisely enough information to allow your listeners to visualize a scene (as in a movie) where the action is just about to start.
Then another full breath (yes, another 10 seconds) that signals everyone (including yourself) to make the pilgrimage to that moment. This 3-part "hello" (breath, sentence, breath) determines your first impression. When you master this 30-second dance, your capacity for what is called "public speaking" will fall into place beyond your wildest dreams.
Do read the article linked above for the rest of the opening sequence and structure of an effective talk. Here is an example of the real world power of such an opening. Twenty-five years ago I was at a networking meeting where the featured 10-minute speaker, a CPA, opened like this:
"[Full breath] When I was a child, most nights I would hear my parents arguing loudly well into the night. [Full breath] I would calm myself by counting sheep, imagining numbers on their sides. The numbers would go into the thousands, so I grew up with a sense of relaxation around large numbers. Eventually I became an accountant, and I love to relax my clients around their numbers."
I was not the only one in the room attracted to work with this man who was far from dynamic, but transparently real. He became my accountant for 15 years, then my financial adviser when he shifted careers.
So what's your story?"
I recommend your reading the entire article that can probably be found at Speaking Circles. The links I copied did not work for this blog today.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Public Speaking books provide good information
I try to read two to five books a year on the concepts of public speaking. These books let me know if I am continuing on track in the classes that I teach at Coker College on this crucial skill. One of the books I have just completed is 101 Tips for more effective speaking and controlling fear.
I listened to this book on loan from the library and it was interesting because the author provided a lot of the same tips I had been providing to my Coker night class during the summer session. One of the strengths of this book is its easy reading -- the list is 101 ideas and she explains with quick examples, as you would if you were doing a strong informative speech. The subject of public speaking gets a lot of coverage because this activity remains something that instills fright and confusion almost as soon as someone says, "Dick, why don't you give us a few words..."
I listened to this book on loan from the library and it was interesting because the author provided a lot of the same tips I had been providing to my Coker night class during the summer session. One of the strengths of this book is its easy reading -- the list is 101 ideas and she explains with quick examples, as you would if you were doing a strong informative speech. The subject of public speaking gets a lot of coverage because this activity remains something that instills fright and confusion almost as soon as someone says, "Dick, why don't you give us a few words..."
Friday, December 12, 2008
Public Speaking and your personal bottom line
This is a portion of an email that went to the Night Speech class following the last class on Thursday night. This is just sort of a reminder of some of the many things discussed during the class over the past eight weeks, and 15 two and half hour classes:
-- Self evaluations remain important so everyone who spoke on Thursday night with a persuasive speech is due to give me a self evaluation either by email or dropped off in the office.
-- While the exam you have is the last "exam" in this course, you will find that in public speaking you are getting regular assessments, even if they are not called exams. You will be evaluated on your presentations and your presentations will reflect on your overall performance so you owe it to yourself to know what your audience needs from your message and prepare thoroughly to provide them the critical information. That is how you will continue to enhance your personal bottom line.
-- In your classes at Coker that are not called "Public Speaking" you will find that public speaking still counts. When you have a class presentation your instructor will expect you to be prepared. Your professor will expect your presentation to be well organized. Your audience will engage with you if you make a good connection by looking at them, by using vocal variety to show your own interest in your subject matter. You will feel accomplished after a good presentation. And, it is a good bet that a good presentation will enhance your grade.
If you have found that you might not totally hate public speaking but that you do want to continue improving keep looking for opportunities. Every time you say yes to an opportunity you are getting much needed practice. Remember, even Tiger Woods continues to practice on the golf course. To keep up your speaking skills you need continual practice or you will get rusty. Toastmasters, after you have finished your Coker degree work, is a great organization for keeping sharp in public speaking.
Those of you who are still nervous when you speak -- Good. Remember, it is positive nervousness that helps us prepare for our best presentations.
7 -- Those of you who say there is nothing positive about my nervousness need to keep in mind that a presentation is not about YOU. The presentation is about the MESSAGE you are sharing with the AUDIENCE.
-- Self evaluations remain important so everyone who spoke on Thursday night with a persuasive speech is due to give me a self evaluation either by email or dropped off in the office.
-- While the exam you have is the last "exam" in this course, you will find that in public speaking you are getting regular assessments, even if they are not called exams. You will be evaluated on your presentations and your presentations will reflect on your overall performance so you owe it to yourself to know what your audience needs from your message and prepare thoroughly to provide them the critical information. That is how you will continue to enhance your personal bottom line.
-- In your classes at Coker that are not called "Public Speaking" you will find that public speaking still counts. When you have a class presentation your instructor will expect you to be prepared. Your professor will expect your presentation to be well organized. Your audience will engage with you if you make a good connection by looking at them, by using vocal variety to show your own interest in your subject matter. You will feel accomplished after a good presentation. And, it is a good bet that a good presentation will enhance your grade.
If you have found that you might not totally hate public speaking but that you do want to continue improving keep looking for opportunities. Every time you say yes to an opportunity you are getting much needed practice. Remember, even Tiger Woods continues to practice on the golf course. To keep up your speaking skills you need continual practice or you will get rusty. Toastmasters, after you have finished your Coker degree work, is a great organization for keeping sharp in public speaking.
Those of you who are still nervous when you speak -- Good. Remember, it is positive nervousness that helps us prepare for our best presentations.
7 -- Those of you who say there is nothing positive about my nervousness need to keep in mind that a presentation is not about YOU. The presentation is about the MESSAGE you are sharing with the AUDIENCE.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Glickstein on Leadership Listening - We can HOPE
Lee Glickstein has a method of public speaking that he shares with people that he calls Relational Presence. I think of relational presence of understanding the importance of speaking so much from the need to get a message to listeners that you overcome the reluctance many of us feel about making "presentations." Don't take my idea. Check out his web site, which is included in the comments he makes in this observation about Leadership Listening. Since he and I both support this particular candidate for president, I thought I would share what seem to be on-target observations about the leadership style:
From a RELATIONAL PRESENCE newsletter on 10-31-08
Leadership Listening
by Lee Glickstein, founder, Speaking Circles International
"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson in "Self-Reliance," an essay on Barack Obama's favorite reading list.
Chances are that in a few days we will elect a president whose most striking leadership quality appears to be the capacity to listen from a place of independent solitude during times of crisis. When I picture him coming up to a moment of truth when a critical decision needs to be made, a road to take or not take, a button to push or not push, a declaration or commitment to make, it's easy for me to imagine him breathing and listening in expanded neutrality even while surrounded by a whirlwind of details and opinions flying at him.
In these moments of chaos, the enlightened leader drops into a deep stillness at the eye of the storm, to an egoless state of no agenda and often, at first, no clue. A capacity for this expanded state of listening is critical for clear thinking and effective decision-making, and is in rare supply at any level of leadership--from leading a family to leading a nation.
The capacity for expanded listening is of course also crucial in leading one's own life. How do we maintain perspective and stillness at eye of the storm while chaos swirls around us and often within us?
In my life, desperation to conquer severe stage fright provided me a natural arena to work out this challenge. Speaking to a group, or even imagining such scenario, choked me with anxiety and dread. Decades of avoidance, humiliation, and not giving up led me to stumble upon a leadership principle that has allowed me to stand tall and still in the eye of the storm in front of any group: Listen first.
I don't speak until I first listen to my listeners. This takes at least one full breath. I listen while I speak. I listen to my words landing. I listen to the space between sentences, the longer space between paragraphs. I listen with my eyes, with one person at a time. My intention is to always be with one person at any time. This is the practice and priority of Relational Presence that is the basis of my life work.
Stillness is the underlying connective tissue of the group's soul. It's where we all meet. Shared presence becomes more interesting than the anxiety, more powerful than the fear.
Truth, grace, and inspired leadership emerge eloquently from shared presence and expanded listening. I'm looking forward to these qualities playing out on the national and global stage through our new president, should "that one" prevail on Tuesday.
Here are some relevant addresses for Lee: email: inquiry@speakingcircles.com
web: http://www.speakingcircles.com
From a RELATIONAL PRESENCE newsletter on 10-31-08
Leadership Listening
by Lee Glickstein, founder, Speaking Circles International
"It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson in "Self-Reliance," an essay on Barack Obama's favorite reading list.
Chances are that in a few days we will elect a president whose most striking leadership quality appears to be the capacity to listen from a place of independent solitude during times of crisis. When I picture him coming up to a moment of truth when a critical decision needs to be made, a road to take or not take, a button to push or not push, a declaration or commitment to make, it's easy for me to imagine him breathing and listening in expanded neutrality even while surrounded by a whirlwind of details and opinions flying at him.
In these moments of chaos, the enlightened leader drops into a deep stillness at the eye of the storm, to an egoless state of no agenda and often, at first, no clue. A capacity for this expanded state of listening is critical for clear thinking and effective decision-making, and is in rare supply at any level of leadership--from leading a family to leading a nation.
The capacity for expanded listening is of course also crucial in leading one's own life. How do we maintain perspective and stillness at eye of the storm while chaos swirls around us and often within us?
In my life, desperation to conquer severe stage fright provided me a natural arena to work out this challenge. Speaking to a group, or even imagining such scenario, choked me with anxiety and dread. Decades of avoidance, humiliation, and not giving up led me to stumble upon a leadership principle that has allowed me to stand tall and still in the eye of the storm in front of any group: Listen first.
I don't speak until I first listen to my listeners. This takes at least one full breath. I listen while I speak. I listen to my words landing. I listen to the space between sentences, the longer space between paragraphs. I listen with my eyes, with one person at a time. My intention is to always be with one person at any time. This is the practice and priority of Relational Presence that is the basis of my life work.
Stillness is the underlying connective tissue of the group's soul. It's where we all meet. Shared presence becomes more interesting than the anxiety, more powerful than the fear.
Truth, grace, and inspired leadership emerge eloquently from shared presence and expanded listening. I'm looking forward to these qualities playing out on the national and global stage through our new president, should "that one" prevail on Tuesday.
Here are some relevant addresses for Lee: email: inquiry@speakingcircles.com
web: http://www.speakingcircles.com
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Basics do matter
When you go to a major lecture or a major talk it doesn't take you long to notice that the basics do matter:
1 -- Even speakers with small roles on the program make a significant difference for the audience when they make consistent and sustained eye contact and add excitement to their vocal projection.
2 -- Audiences are important and audience conduct is important. Personal conversations, text messages (sending and receiving), inappropriate response all take away from the experience for other members of the audience. How rude is it to be paying more attention to a text message than to the situation in which you presently find yourself?
3 -- Speakers do a service to themselves and to their audience if they preview the body of the speech and let the audience know the direction you are heading.
4 -- Examples, especially those with people in them, help explain abstract concepts for an audience and most big ideas should have some pretty solid examples. Audiences appreciate short stories that make the point.
5 -- Audiences really do appreciate that "human" touch that lets them know you are speaking to there, where they are, and not just to the next group on your to-do list. On Wednesday night at Coker College, Dr. Gus Speth did a good job of relating to his audience at Coker College and the nearly packed auditorium knew he was talking to them at Coker. They appreciated that.
1 -- Even speakers with small roles on the program make a significant difference for the audience when they make consistent and sustained eye contact and add excitement to their vocal projection.
2 -- Audiences are important and audience conduct is important. Personal conversations, text messages (sending and receiving), inappropriate response all take away from the experience for other members of the audience. How rude is it to be paying more attention to a text message than to the situation in which you presently find yourself?
3 -- Speakers do a service to themselves and to their audience if they preview the body of the speech and let the audience know the direction you are heading.
4 -- Examples, especially those with people in them, help explain abstract concepts for an audience and most big ideas should have some pretty solid examples. Audiences appreciate short stories that make the point.
5 -- Audiences really do appreciate that "human" touch that lets them know you are speaking to there, where they are, and not just to the next group on your to-do list. On Wednesday night at Coker College, Dr. Gus Speth did a good job of relating to his audience at Coker College and the nearly packed auditorium knew he was talking to them at Coker. They appreciated that.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Resources and Research
Decided this was a good place to make a couple of dot connections in the book world. Today I finished PLANET GOOGLE. The connection that hit me was with a book I read earlier in the year, PLANET INDIA. We would not be talking about the rising middle class in India if it were not for the information explosion and the vision of some Indian entrepreneurs in industries ranging from information services to medicine. That brings me to the idea of PLANET GOOGLE. The author of that book continues to get back to the crux of the Google business plan -- to organize and store ALL of the world's information. If there were not for online information storage places in what is now being called the "Cloud" those people in India who are enjoying the new middle class life style would not be where they are. Heck, none of us would be where we are, including me writing this blog. My hope is that those people in my Coker College public speaking classes realize they should not stop with the first piece of information they find when they hit the google search button. I hope they take into account the deeper web and find they can significantly strengthen the content of their talks.
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