Dare and make life easier!

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. (Seneca the Elder). I got sent this lovely quote today and it struck a chord. Public Speaking is the number one fear for so many and at the same time, so many fear other people speaking in public! How many times have you been virtually bored to death as a speaker drones on and on? I would guess that if you consider the speakers you have enjoyed listening to, that they all did something slightly different. Maybe an interesting prop, a good story, something enlivening about their style. If you get into your speaking you will enjoy it. If you enjoy it you will be a better speaker as you will dare to be different. Try it and prove me right! If you struggle with speaking in public, visit www.businesstrainingdirect.co.uk and enquire about one of our courses. Our training can change your life.

Competition getting closer

To those who are terrified of public speaking, the mere suggestion of speaking competitions might horrify them. However, once the fear has been overcome, competitions are a good source of fun, practice and in some cases acknowledgement of your skill. I was fortunate in 2004 to win Club, Area, District and National Championships for impromptu speaking. 2005 saw me get to the District Finals having won Club and Area. I am nervously looking forward to 2006 competitions. So far I have got past Club and Area and the District competition looms ever closer on the 13th March. Success there takes me back to the National Finals and into a very small club of people who get to National more than once. This year it is prepared speeches where my focus is.

One opportunity - make it count!

I took a call today from a freelance trainer looking for work. It was fascinating to note that in the first 60 seconds, he said 'umm' 9 times. That is almost once every 7 seconds. He may be a very good trainer, he may be nervous at what is almost cold calling, but nevertheless the chance of him securing work with me was severely damaged in that first minute. It is said that you can get or lose a job interview in the first 30 seconds. So it is with presentations. If you have not impressed your audience and inspired them to pay attention, you will be wasting your time. This is why one of the things we teach on our courses is specifically related to the opening part of your presentation. Make that first impression count and you can be forgiven errors later on. Blow the opening and you may never get your audience back on side. training courses are available for beginners as well as those with experience. Visit www.businesstrainingdirect.co.uk Ian