Editor's Corner Excerpted from the August 2004 Newsletter Stop talking now and then Do you talk too fast? Do people tell you to slow down? Just talking slower may not be the answer; it's liable to drag you and your presentation down rather than making it easier for people to follow you. I've talked before about slowing down being a function of your processing the material more thoughtfully rather than talking more slowly. This time, I'm offering something else you might try. Use this as a practice exercise: Say a sentence at your own pace and pause. Say another sentence and pause. Repeat for 5 or 6 sentences. Here's another exercise that applies. Repeat a phrase: "We've invested 21 million dollars in the new plant. [Pause.] Twenty- one million dollars!" Break it into syllables as you repeat it pausing slightly between the words. Being more deliberate and taking your time as you speak (about ideas that are important) automatically gives the sense that this is vital material and that you are a credible person. It's a way of helping your audience sort out what's important and what's peripheral. Dear Teach Helene Juceam-Sitler, Vice President of Sales-West, National Cinema Network: "I thoroughly enjoyed the class and got more out of it than almost any other seminar I've attended. I never thought I would say this: I actually wish I had a huge presentation in the near future!! Until then, I''ll just have to talk to myself while circling the block. "Thanks for making class a fun, interactive experience." In a follow up Helene added: "Actually I did have somewhat of a chance last night at our annual HOA board meeting. As VP of the HOA I had a brief report to give and chose to stand in front of all of the home owners and practiced a few of the skills I learned. After the meeting, at least 4 people came up to me and asked what I do for a living, commenting on how well I speak. It felt great!!!" To Stand or Not to Stand "What about standing up at a meeting? Yes or no?" When running the meeting whether you sit or stand may affect the interaction of the group and may affect control of the group. For interaction that doesn't have to flow through you, as the facilitator, sitting down can encourage people to participate and talk directly to each other. If you stand, there is more of a central focus that may help keep people focused. You have to know what you want to accomplish and know your ability to keep things under control. As a participant, there may be times when your message will be seen as more valuable if you stand to deliver it. And if things seem to be unfocused, you may help bring the meeting back to a sense of purpose by standing. Your purpose in standing is to help accomplish your objective for your message and for the meeting. It isn't to show you off. So make your decision objectively. Quotes to Make You a Better Speaker It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it. —Joseph Joubert We had an unlimited budget and we exceeded it. —Jay Chiat (advertising guru) Your example is not the main thing influencing others -- it is the only thing. —Albert Schweitzer Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing. —Harriet Braiker Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another. —Marquis De Condorcet If someone were to pay you 10 cents for every kind word you ever spoke and collect 5 cents for every unkind word, would you be rich or poor? —Unknown Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face. —Helen Keller It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future. —Yogi Berra I am kind of paranoid in reverse. I suspect people are plotting to make me happy. —J.D. Salinger I'm constantly amazed at how stupid I was two weeks ago. —Alan Weiss I wish I could stand on a busy street corner, hat in hand, and beg people to throw me all their wasted hours. —Bernard Berenson Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. —Reggie Leach All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure. —Mark Twain Teleseminars: It's What's Happening! When I recently asked: "Are you interested in attending our web-based teleseminars this Fall?" The answer was "YES." Why not? No travel...Conveniently located right on the top of your desk...at home or at the office...Scheduled in three one-hour segments...Dedicated to making your business presentations sparkle. So here are the dates of our first three-part series: Session One: Monday, September 20, 1:00-2:00 PM Pacific DL Time Focus on the Fundamentals: "Taking Command of the Situation" Fresh tips, techniques, and online exercises that will help you maintain poise, confidence and control in front of any audience. Session Two: Wednesday, September 22, 1:00-2:00 PM Pacific DL Time Organizing: "How Your Next Presentation Can Practically Write Itself" An interactive hour that will help you prepare your next presentation in less time with less agonizing. You'll learn how to brighten your openings and closes and ways not to drift off track. Session Three: Friday, September 24, 1:00-2:00 PM Pacific DL Time Visual Aids: "Making Your Ideas Shine" How to make your slides and other visuals work for you, rather than distract you or your audience. How visuals can amplify the power of your ideas. Online registration will begin August 18. In the meantime let me know ASAP if you want more details. Reserve your spot today: Barbara@GettingOverYourself.com.

Orders Think gifts. Someone you know is going to be giving more presentations soon. Give them a practical gift that will make those presentations easier and more effective. Learn more or Order Online. Book "Getting Over Yourself: A Guide to Painless Public Speaking...and More" by Barbara Rocha 208 pages, illustrated, cartoons $19.95 Audiotape or CD ROM The "Getting Over Yourself" book on audiotape read by the author ($17.95) or CD ROM ($19.95). Booklets by Barbara Rocha: $9.95 each (+$1.50 Shipping and Handling) "Pocket Guide for Presenters" 103 pages "60 Ways to Spark Your Speaking: Just in time answers to frequently asked questions" 154 pages "Love to Talk/Hate to Speak: Selected articles by Barbara Rocha" 121 pages Speeches on Tape: "From Bored Room to Board Room" $10.95 "Stand Up and Stand Out" $10.95 Video "Getting Over Yourself: A Guide to Painless Public Speaking" featuring Barbara Rocha in excerpts from her book, seminar classes and interactive coaching. VHS $99.95 Learn more Order Online Call (888) 800-2001 E-mail: BouldinHil@aol.com Write: Bouldin Hill Press at 17-555 Bubbling Wells Rd., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241 Seminars **How to Overcome the Stress of Public Speaking Pasadena: 3-day workshop October 25, 26, 27, 2010. We have two public seminars each year: May and October/November. If you have several people who could use this training, contact us regarding an in-house seminar. As a refresher, workshop graduates (from any of our 3-day workshops) may attend for half price at any time. People tell us they get as much or more out of the workshop the second time around. Visit our seminars section for details or call (888) 800-2001 For more information, contact: Barbara Rocha and Associates PO Box 60521, Pasadena, California 91116 (626) 792-8075 or toll free at (888) 800-2001