Editor's Corner Excerpted from the October 2008 Newsletter Watch the Candidates This year’s political conventions were speaker training sessions if you could separate your political feelings and just observe how all those various speakers presented themselves. Interestingly, the non-politicians who spoke did a good job of coming across as sincere and authentic. Which is always a big plus. Some of the political speakers were following teleprompter instructions to pause at certain points. And, because they were just pausing because it said to (for expected applause) it was awkward. I especially noticed that Tom Ridge (not generally known for excellent speaking), was clearly invested in what he was saying so those prefabricated pauses that were awkward for others were genuine pauses in his delivery and, in his case, were comfortable and natural. Mike Huckabee should be a strong reminder of how important it is to be open and have the audience not feel as though you’re hiding something. John McCain, whose effectiveness as a speaker comes and goes, was particularly focused on the second half of his speech with good effect. The Clintons did their usual excellent job (in spite of President Clinton’s spotty performances during Hillary’s campaign). Barack Obama almost always gives a good speech. His acceptance speech wasn’t his best, but still had an impact. If you’re wanting to improve your speaking, when you watch these speakers, separate yourself from their political positions and watch for the principles you learned in class. It’s truly a living textbook that can help you see what is and isn’t effective and how to apply the lessons to your own speaking. First Person Claire Suerken, Purchasing Manager, Restaurant Services, Inc., Coral Gables, Florida: “I found the class to be incredibly helpful. (You know how uncomfortable I was about speaking when I came to class.) I’ve all ready incorporated some of the tips you provided into my daily activities — practice makes perfect! “Getting over myself” may prove to be the most beneficial thing I can do both personally and professionally. “I have encouraged some of my friends to take your class, it was worth every second of my time. “I look forward to receiving the newsletter and when I have a few speeches under my belt, I’ll send one to you so you can see how far I’ve come. “Thanks for all of your help!” It was delightful watching you blossom, Claire. Accepting Awards Dear Barb: “What’s the right way to accept an award?” Just as with any other speaking, be clear that it’s not about you. Receiving an award can feel as though it is and then people sometimes get all tangled up with false modesty. Be grateful the work you’ve done is being appreciated and know that usually it's a way of highlighting an important concept. Giving an award to someone is a way of saying just how important it is. You are a symbol of that value. Stay focused on that. Look at the person while they’re talking about what you’ve done and listen to what they’re saying (without taking it personally). Let yourself enjoy something about the process that caused you to get the award. (Your face will look attentive, pleasant and interested when you do that). Thank the presenter (as they hand you the award) Talk to the audience as you briefly express your appreciation for the honor and share the glory with others who contributed to your receiving it. (For instance, your department picked up the slack while you focused on the work that resulted in the award). Be grateful, gracious, and appropriately focused. Quotes to Make You a Better Speaker “A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.” —Washington Irving “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” —Maya Angelou “You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you don’t trust enough.” —Frank Crane “I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” —Lucille Ball “True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” —Arthur Ashe For more great quotes, check out these websites: www.worldofquotes.com www.americanrhetoric.com/top100speechesall.html www.brainyquote.com www.mightyminds.com/quotes

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