Stanley McChrystal @ TED

April 6 2011 by tjd in "Speaking Naturally" |Add a Comment



Stanley McChrystal, Commanding General in Afghanistan speaks at a TED event. I choose this video for several reasons that will resonate with the viewers of this blog.


One is his Voice. It’s not silky smooth, in fact it’s very gravelly isn’t it? It’s not loud nor demonstrative and yet you’ll find yourself Listening and Watching. So having a Nice, Pleasant, “Easy to Listen to” voice isn’t mandatory to maintain audience attention…is it?

(ps~ if you’re interested in more information re: Voice, see Show# 20)


I counted only 1 Slide in the video presentation. So you don’t need a library of Slides to make your Points.


He moved around the Presenters Circle easily enough and I like stage movement. And did you notice he didn’t carry any notes yet he had a nice verbal flow. I think he was well rehearsed but not scripted and that allowed him to be comfortable and flexible with his Presentation.


OK, so if you’ve been following this blog for awhile you could easily spot those Speakers traits. But that’s not Why I chose this Presentation for us to look at. I chose this because of the Content which is Presented in several Stories.


This is not a celebration of Military Life but an opportunity to look at the importance of Training, Leadership, Communication, and the Challenges of  new Technology in an organization. Any Organization.


If you’re looking to get ahead, take on Responsibility, and Perform at an Above Average level, there’s something in this Presentation for you.

Share

*Show#33- “Anniversary Recap, Part A”

March 29 2011 by tjd in "Speaking Naturally" |Add a Comment



This Show is Part A of a Recap looking at some of the important ideas we’ve discussed in the 1st Year of this Show. Competence and Confidence in Public Speaking & Speaking in Public, continues to be mentioned as decision points for Companies evaluating candidates for Hire.


Your future potential may well hinge on your ability to verbally express yourself. Still listed as the #1 Fear of most Americans, Fear of Speaking can be overcome and the rewards far outweigh the time and minimal effort invested. The ability to communicate and interact at public events opens opportunities for you in all aspects of your business and social life…and it’s not as difficult as some would have you believe.


This Show will remind you of some of the points we’ve covered in our 1st full year, and if this is your first visit, I invite you to look around the blog where you’ll discover more information that’s designed to help you become a more Confident & more Competent Speaker. Happy Speaking!


Speak Out, Get involved, Make a Difference.


Share

Rob Harmon @ TED

March 17 2011 by tjd in "Speaking Naturally" |Add a Comment


Double-click to begin this video.

“Tell a Story” has become a mantra in the business of Public Speaking education and it’s good advice. In this TED Presentation, Rob Harmon does tell a story, a really good story, and although it involves him, it’s not about him. There is a trend today, advising Public Speakers to tell Stories. Stories Sell! Stories win over the Hearts-n-Minds of the audience.  And if the Story is personal, revealing a weakness, or a mistake you made, all the better. Why is that?…


Because, the thinking goes, you’ll project yourself as “Real” and Vulnerable, and this might generate good will for both You and your Cause, Project, or Product. Yes, it might, but your Story might simply generate feelings of Sympathy for You which is not the same as Support for your Cause. Lately, the bit of advice “Tell a Story” has become so very common around the internet that it’s beginning to sound trite, and that’s unfortunate. Let’s revisit that advice using a good example as a guide.


In this Presentation, Rob Harmon succeeds in generating feelings of Support from & Engagement with the audience, in a very effective way. I recommend you take a moment to see how a well designed & delivered Presentation, not about You the Speaker, can in the end generate Support & Goodwill from the audience.


Now, Can Personal Stories be used effectively? Of course. There’s a time & place to incorporate Personal Stories into your Speech or Presentation and we looked at that in Show# 16. Use Personal Stories judiciously, there is a difference between the audience liking You and supporting your Goal. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve with this Presentation?


Enjoy. Speak. Make a Difference.

Share

article #6

March 9 2011 by tjd in "Speaking Naturally" |2 Comments

“The New Opium of the Masses”

“The New Opium of the Masses”

A new palliative that solves little and educates fewer.


Share

Show#32- “Public Speaking & Hollywood”

February 19 2011 by tjd in "Speaking Naturally" |Add a Comment



In this Show, we’ll consider some good advice offered by a HollyWood Star, that just might help us become better Speakers & Presenters. But,


I won’t spoil the surprise…you’ll just have to Watch and Discover for yourself. And when you’re finished, you might want to take a look at Show#19.

Share
Next Page »