Before asking someone to, “GOOGLE Me!” You’ve got to have Googleable “Stuff.” Building a three-legged EXPERT Stool will do that!
The Three Legs are:
Speaking
Writing
Internet / Technology
This post will address the Second Leg, Writing!
Here are a few points about this, and other personal stories:
• They’re true!
It really happened so it’s easy to retell to make the point that Presentation Skills can be learned and the Fear of Public Speaking lessened.
• When they’re told, you haven’t heard it before.
Too many stories are about famous people who’s accomplishments we’ve heard time after time.
Edison’s persistance, Lincoln’s overcoming depression, Michael Jordon being cut from his high scholl basketball team, etc., are all great stories, but not new to many audiences.
Telling a story that others have heard is a good way to lose an audience.
• The Key to having this story, and others used to reinforce a points of a presentation is to be, as they say in Yoga, “Always present and in the moment.”
When those stories occur, in real time, capture them, and place them in the hard drive of your brain, so when you need a personal story support a point, you can retrieve that file!
Here’s the Point: Each of us has a personal story to tell.
You have stories of: overcoming adversity, not quitting, speaking your mind when it wasn’t the popular belief, and other stories from your school of hard knocks.
The Key is to do as they say in practicing yoga – “Be present on the journey and always in the moment.”
Be aware of what’s happening when it’s happening.
Then, when those stories occur in real time, capture them, and put them in the hard drive that is your brain!
Do this, and you’ll start building files of stories to use when you’re developing and preparing a speech.
Then use these in the Make a Point – Tell a Story elements part of the body of your talk.
So far, it’s been a mostly positive experience. After having been a “sitter” for years, “standing” for as long as I had been sitting, did not come easily and without pain. It made for some very restless night with my legs and feet screaming at me!
It’s been over a month now, and the experience has exceeded my expectations!
In the Group Scenario, without infringing on the time other presenters are allocated, we want to give an Elevator Speech that clearly tells attendees:
Who we are.
What we do.
Who is a prospect.
Something that gives us credibility and distinguishes us from others in our field.
The Individual, Face-To-Face situation and Goal is different.
What they see, they believe! If there is inconsistency in a presentation, the NonVerbal messages the audience see, is what they will give credence to over the words they hear. This is why it is imperative to be aware of what the audience is receiving visually from your presentation, whether it is deliberate or unintentional. Possibly, it’s not the message you think you’re delivering!
FACT: We perceive really good speakers as Experts! Perception is reality, and we like to work with Experts – Correct?
People who take and make Speaking Opportunities grow their:
Businesses, Careers and Leadership Roles.
The Fear of Public Speaking can be lessened!
Making Presentations is a Skill that can be learned.