TJ Walker's Interactive Online Course
Now Available! Free 5 Day Trial
For our loyal followers and clients we are offering a free trial to test our newest system and give us feedback.
(Everyone who answers with helpful opinions and sends us their mailing address will receive a SIGNED copy of TJ Walker's updated book "Media Training A-Z")
Many of us spend too much time hunched over a computer or desk all day; I know I do. The result is that we start to develop a bent, hunched over posture. This can have a negative impact on our ability to speak. If you are hunched over AND you are nervous as you are about to begin a speech, the result is that your voice and energy level will sound weak when you begin a public speech.
You may remember your mother chastising you to "stand up straight." That's easy to do�for about 10 seconds, but then how do you remember to continue doing it?
I use a simple technique that takes only 60 seconds and is guaranteed to stretch out your body, realign it, perfect your posture, and make you feel ten feet tall. After using the system, you will breathe fully and deeply, thus enabling you to speak and move with greater confidence and poise.
This technique, first demonstrated to me by my training colleague Mike Landrum, involves nothing more than you and an empty wall.
Step 1. Stand 12 inches away from a wall (facing away from the wall).
Step 2. Place your feet shoulder width apart.
Step 3. Slowly lean back on the wall using your hands, but don�t move your feet.
Step 4. Slowly support your entire back on the wall.
Step 5. Make sure your feet stay planted 12 inches away from the wall.
Step 6. Slowly pick your back up off the wall until the only thing touching the wall is the back of your head.
Step 7. Keep your head looking straight ahead and do not rest on your shoulders.
Step 8. Keep your hands to your sides.
Step 9. Hold that position for 60 seconds.
Step 10. Remove your head from the wall and stand up straight.
You will feel a tremendous difference in your whole body after completing this exercise. You may wish to do this every time before you speak (in the privacy of your own office or hotel room).
More Insights from TJ Walker & Jess Todtfeld
and
Reacting if there are No Questions
If there are no questions, it is likely that your audience members are still processing your speech. It is always good to plan for these situations.
Try to have at least one interesting or important point to share with your audience during question time.
After you have announced that you will take questions, calmly wait several beats.
Never convey that you are concerned or embarrassed that there are no questions.
If no one speaks, then smile and say, “Before I came up here today I was asked…” Then, state an interesting question you have been asked in the past and answer it well.
How To Word Your Speech (for reporters ears)
If you try to sound important by using big, abstract words, you won’t be quoted.
The reporter will just write you off as a pompous windbag.
Avoid jargon.
Don’t use time wasting words and phrases like “If you will” to make yourself sound smart.
Pat yourself on the back for going to Business School, but don’t say “going forward” when “in the future” will work even better.
Upcoming Events
A 90-MINUTE, BEST-PRACTICES WEBINAR FOR PR PROFESSIONALS
Event Details:
- Friday, Feb 5
- 1pm EST
A NEW STREAMING VIDEO WEBCAST
TBA
Worldwide
Want TJ Walker to keynote your event LIVE from New York?
Technology is now possible - and it's easier than you may think.
The Speaking Channel Newsletter is provided by Media Training Worldwide Media Training Worldwide provides more media and presentation training workshops and seminars (54 separate courses) than any other company in the world. Media Training Worldwide also publishes more than 100 presentation training books, DVD's, CDs, and other information products and is the largest presentation/media training publisher in the world. For a product catalog or more information on training services call 800-755-7220 or visit us online.
