How often have you attended a presentation—only to find that you are constantly reading slides that are too overcrowded with words? Makes you want to “tune out”, check your e mail, and read the notes later ( OR NOT) – right ?!

But – but you say –you need to  put everything on the slides so you wont forget anything? Or –you want to make sure the audience has ALL the information in front of them so THEY wont forget anything.

What’s wrong with this picture? ( literally)

Lets look at the purpose of the presentation –the purpose is for the presenter ( you are standing there for a reason) to give the audience the “headlines” and the vital information, and perhaps some opinions and rationale.. Invite them to ask questions or read the handout for further details.

Make your slides visual—not too many words – and a picture or graph when applicable.

Add humor or anecdotes when possible .A presentation can be entertaining too!

Don’t worry about including Everything – they will only remember 3 main points anyways. They will get Everything in the Q and A or handout.

If you forget something – no one will know or care. You can always interject your “forgotten” point later.

Last but not least—ENJOY YOURSELF. If you do – your audience will too.

Good luck! If you have any questions please e mail me at Bonnie@speechscience.com, and I will be happy to respond as soon as possible. Also, you can give me a call at 416-323-3881/New York – 1-877-939-3881, and visit our website – www.speechscience.com.

I look forward to talking to you via, phone, skype, e mail or even live.

“See” you soon,

Bonnie

In this video tip, Bonnie Gross, president of SpeechScience International, talks about the importance of your vocal EQ – Vocal EQ is the ability to instantly, powerfully and consciously use your voice to create an instant positive emotional reaction in your listener.

At SpeechScience we teach you how to ‘raise your vocal EQ’, and persuade your listener(s) through the power of your voice. To do this, make sure to project your voice, always breathe out to make your voice sound smooth, and ensure your voice is not too high or too low.

In this video tip, Bonnie Gross, president of SpeechScience International, talks how to correctly pronounce the sound “th’.

“Thank you all for coming to our wedding. Id like to thank my new in-laws for giving me my new wife, all of my friends who have come from Hong Kong, Hamilton, Florida, India, Portland, and other places too numerous to mention, but l will try —England, Port Antonio Jamaica, St Tropez, etc. I’d also like to thank my new business associates at CIBC – you are all here for me – I’m so pleased to have all 100 of you join me for this most intimate moment of my life. I hope to bring in as much business as possible through  my contacts and my father’s contacts – and I plan  starting tomorrow – you can believe it. Blah, blah blah.”

Are you squirming yet? Are you checking your e mail? Running off to the washroom?

Believe it or not—this wedding speech is not uncommon. However – you can not only avoid boring everyone to death, you can make a memorable speech at this special occasion, with these tips:

1               Make it short – and make it special. A short special speech is better than a long special speech anyways.

2               Start with something different. For example – you can start with an anecdote ( short and not embarrassing) about how/where you met, the power of fate, how your life is about to change ( for the positive). Everyone starts with” thank you for coming”, why don’t you capture your audience first, and save “ thank you” till the end.

3               Instead  of listing the good qualities of your spouse – tell them about why you are a great COUPLE.  It may be that you are opposites that complement each other.

4               Say your “thank you’s” at the end – and make them short.

5               Keep business out of it – business is business, and this is personal.

6               Middle – say everything that is important to you. Write it down, then cut it down to 1/3 of the time. Make the whole speech 3 minutes tops.

End with something warm and memorable – instead of simply saying “ thank you all for coming” , you could say WHY its special that they came. For example, “ Everyone in this room has made our lives special for so many years and in so many ways,—-you have  given us love, support, and friendship- things that money can never buy. From this night on. we look forward  to sharing our lives with you in  all the years to come. Your presence tonight  makes this occasion more special than ever. Thank you all!

Good luck! If you have any questions please e mail me at Bonnie@speechscience.com, and I will be happy to respond as soon as possible. Also, you can give me a call at 416-323-3881/New York – 1-877-939-3881, and visit our website – www.speechscience.com.

I look forward to talking to you via, phone, skype, e mail or even live.

“See” you soon,

Bonnie

Have you ever attended a presentation where everything was done just right – good topic, good slides, nice opening, middle and closing – but the presentation just didn’t hold your attention? And isn’t that true of most presentations?

So— what are the elements that separate the GOOD presenters from the GREAT ones ?

Remember—the purpose of the presentation is to persuade or motivate – not just to give information. Plan your remarks and accordingly.

You will hold the attention of your audience if you talk directly to them and involve them through  questions, anecdotes, your body language and  eye contact. Try not to depend on your notes. If you forget something no one will know or care – they will care, however, if you read or try to cram too much information into your presentation.

Your voice, as well as your remarks, delivers the message. Avoid a high pitched voice and use your natural deeper tones. Talk with lots of expression. Eliminate “up” tone ( that’s the questioning tone we associate with valley girl talk). You can do this simply by being aware of this habit and concentrating on changing it.

And now for your slides – who really cares about slides anyways? No one! YOU deliver the message. The slides are there to enhance YOU. Deliver a great speech and provide a terrific handout at the door.  Your audience will love you for it!

Good luck! If you have any questions please e mail me at Bonnie@speechscience.com, and I will be happy to respond as soon as possible. Also, you can give me a call at 416-323-3881/New York – 1-877-939-3881.

I look forward to talking to you via, phone, skype, e mail or even live.

“See” you soon,

Bonnie
www.speechscience.com

The instant we hear someone’s voice – we make an immediate subconscious judgment about them. Are they young or old, confident or anxious, relaxed or nervous, sincere or insincere, etc. Did you know that you can influence people to want to listen, take you seriously, admire you, and want to hear more by improving your vocal EQ.

Vocal EQ is the ability to subconsciously influence your listeners through the sound of your voice, pacing and tone.

The first step is to identify the positive and negative aspects of your voice and speaking style. For example:

Pitch – is your voice high or low pitched?  

Volume – is your voice too loud, too soft or just right?

Voice quality – is your voice rough or smooth, scratchy or mellow, nasal or

Intonation – do you constantly use “up” tone ie ask a question with your voice at the end of sentences. Are you monotone, or do you use lots of expression?

Pacing – do you speak too fast? Too slow? Or just right!

Next – make a conscious effort to improve each of these areas one by one. Working on them one at a time allows you to focus. it also means you get use to one improvement at a time, which will feel more like “yourself” and ultimately give you a better result.   Record yourself and listen back – do you sound more interesting? More resonant ? Listen to speakers you admire and be conscious of the above points . Remember—always be yourself – even though you may want to sound like Barak Obama- this style may or suit your personality. You can change in all the areas mentioned here in ways that are comfortable and suitable for YOU.

Don’t be afraid to practice WITH people. How can you tell if you’re improving?

People won’t turn away or check their e mail while you are talking.

They will ask questions and engage in conversation with you.

You may even get a compliment on the sound of your voice! And if this happens – please let me know!

Good luck! If you have any questions please e mail me at Bonnie@speechscience.com, and I will be happy to respond as soon as possible. Also, you can give me a call at 416-323-3881/New York – 1-877-939-3881, and visit our website – www.speechscience.com.

I look forward to talking to you via, phone, skype, e mail or even live.

“See” you soon,

Bonnie

Did you know that in the corporate world today – more and more communication, training, and meetings are done in the form of webinars, via Skype or similar programs, or videoconferencing. One interesting story about this comes to mind – my husband, who is a lawyer in a downtown Toronto firm, tried to set up a meeting with a colleague in a firm across the street.  My husband ( being of the age of live communication) suggested that he would just walk across the street to his office. The colleague ( younger) absolutely refused and insisted they meet via Skype. Impossible ? No – true! Whether we like it or not – web meetings are the corporate communication style of choice these days – so we all need to learn not only how to be technically savvy ( the easy part), but also how to capture and maintain an audience, deliver your message, persuade your listeners and keep them begging for more. Virtually!

Here’s how to do it:

Speak in a conversational tone, and use conversational language.

Use your eyes, smile and body language.

Speak with energy and enthusiasm – its catchy. If you sound enthusiastic about your topic , the audience will too.

Visualize the audience – behind that little camera “box” are many people watching and listening – they WANT to engage with you.

Mistakes are ok – you are human – people will still listen to your message and relate to you. Don’t try so hard to avoid errors that you become stiff.

If you are prerecording – do 2 or 3 “takes” and pick the best one.

Good luck! If you have any questions please e mail me at Bonnie@speechscience.com, and I will be happy to respond as soon as possible. Also, you can give me a call at 416-323-3881/New York – 1-877-939-3881, and visit our website – www.speechscience.com.

I look forward to talking to you via, phone, skype, e mail or even live.

“See” you soon,

Bonnie

Imagine this: – you enter a room full of strangers and look around. You see a great looking man/ woman and are instantly attracted. You make your way causally to his/her side and introduce yourself. The object of your attraction gazes at you— smiles—–and speaks to you.—– the whole image is shattered, — his/her voice is high pitched, nasal and whiny (think Woody Allen or valley girl).

Appeal is as much about your voice as it is about your looks. Here’s how to have an attractive voice that will attract your listeners TO YOU.

-always breathe out when you speak – don’t hold your breath.

- use the natural deep tones of your voice as much as possible.

-let your personality shine through your voice—use lots of variety of expression.

-speak at a normal pace – talking fast will clutter your words, and talking too slowly can be booooring.

Good luck! If you have any questions please e mail me at Bonnie@speechscience.com, and I will be happy to respond as soon as possible. Also, you can give me a call at 416-323-3881/New York – 1-877-939-3881, and visit our website – www.speechscience.com.

I look forward to talking to you via, phone, skype, e mail or even live.

“See” you soon,

Bonnie

Imagine you are interviewing candidates for your next business associate. You narrow it down to the best resumes- they are all equally qualified, and make appointments to see people every hour for 1 full day. People come and go, and you realize that 1 or 2 seem better than the rest. What are those factors that can positively influence the positive impression you need to make ?

1 Enter the room with confidence – upright posture, eye contact, smile, firm handshake.

2 Don’t you just hate the question “ tell me about yourself”? It’s good to come in with something prepared – not more than 3-4 sentences. Remember—the interviewer doesn’t want your life story – the purpose of the question is: 1 For the interviewer to get e sense of your personality, Because he/she doesn’t know what else to say first. Make 1 or 2 of these sentences what is important to you regarding the job you’re interviewing for. 

3 When you speak – absolutely do not speak with “up” tone – you know, the tone that sounds like you are always asking a question. This makes you sound not confident.

4 Speak with enthusiasm – if you sound enthusiastic about the position, the interviewer will be enthusiastic about YOU.

5 If you feel nervous – try taking a few breaths using your diaphragm. This will not only relax you, but also enhance your voice. And remember—never hold your breath – it will contribute to a feeling of tension in the room.

6 Don’t worry about making a mistake- just say you don’t know the answer with a confident voice – and you will get the information within a certain no of hours – whatever time is appropriate. Then – make sure you follow through. It’s the follow through that’s important – not the mistake.

Good luck! If you have any questions please email me at Bonnie@speechscience.com, and I will be happy to respond as soon as possible. Also, you can give me a call at 416-323-3881/New York – 1-877-939-3881, and visit our website – www.speechscience.com.

I look forward to talking to you via, phone, skype, e mail or even live.

“See” you soon,

Bonnie

What do you say after you say “hello”?

Before a cocktail party or networking event, do some homework.  It’s so easy these days with the Internet.  If it’s a company sponsored event find out what the company is up to regarding charity work, if there were any interesting new hires, and/or read the AGM keynote.

You should keep up with current news and plan about three things to talk about – everyone will be able to talk to you about the news. You can also talk about things everyone at the event has in common, for example, how they know the host, what they think of the food or the venue.

Good luck! If you have any questions please email me at Bonnie@speechscience.com, and I will be happy to respond as soon as possible. Also, you can give me a call at 416-323-3881/New York – 1-877-939-3881, and visit our website – www.speechscience.com.

I look forward to talking to you via, phone, Skype, e mail or even live.

“See” you soon,

Bonnie