######################################################## Simply Speaking...Selling Yourself & Your Ideas E-Zine Volume 5, No 9, September, 2002 Published by Lenny Laskowski Copyright LJL Seminars(tm), 2002 All RIghts Reserved ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 United States Of America (860) 666-4855 or Toll Free 1-800-606-4855 Fax: (305) 489-6481 Web page: ############################################################## ******************** JUST RELEASED !!! ********************** Lenny's new book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" is now available as an Audiobook. You can be one of the first to order. Take the link below: I have also provided an audio sample as well to listen to at the link above. Also, Amazon.com now offers a downloadable audio file of this book as well. ************************************************************** In this issue: 1. Positive Performance: Letting Your Body Mirror Your Message 2. Simply Speaking Discussion Board 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## 1. Positive Performance: Letting Your BIdy Mirror Your Message from "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Chapter 5 - pages 100 - 101) Copyright, 2001 Philip Lief Group Inc & Lenny Laskowski -------------------------------------------------------- Research has demonstrated that over half of all human communication takes place on the nonverbal level. When you speak before a group, your listeners base their judgement of you and your message on what they see as well as what they hear. Your body is an effective tool for adding emphasis and clarity to your words. It's also your most powerful instrument for convincing an audience of your sincerity, earnestness, and enthusiasm. However, if your physical actions don't agree with your verbal message, your body can defeat your words. Remember the following credo: EFFECTIVE SPEECH DELIVERY INVOLVES THE WHOLE PERSON You can learn to use your entire body as an instrument of speech. As the speaker, you are the most important visual aid for your audience. Here are reasons you are important: 1. You don't have to darken the room to be seen. 2. You don't burn out. 3. You don't jam up. 4. You don't break. 5. You aren't one-dimensional 6. You don't need a technician to operate you. Developing your body language starts with examining the nonverbal messages a speaker gives, including these: - Proper speaking posture - Gestures - Body movement/walking patterns - Facial expressions - Eye contact - Your overall appearance When you present a speech, your listeners use their eyes and ears, as well as their own people instincts, to determine whether you: - are sincere. - welcome the opportunity to speak to the audience. - truly believe what you are saying. - are interested in the audience and care about them. - are confident and in control. Here's another important credo: PHYSICAL ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. Consider the following example. Shuffling his notes, a man staggers to the podium. He clears his throat, grabs the lectern tightly, and plunges into his speech by saying, "It's a great pleasure to be here today. I have a message of extreme importance to you." The effect of these opening remarks was anything but positive. Although his words expressed pleasure in addressing his audience, he transmitted a clearly contradictory nonverbal message: "I'm in terrible discomfort. I don't actually want to be anywhere near here," This man's visual message may have been generated by nervousness and inexperience or actual physical discomfort and were transmitted unconsciously. His nonverbal communication branded him as insincere, indifferent, and incompetent, even though he was none of those things. When you speak, your audience tends to mirror your attitudes as they perceive them through their senses. For example, if you're unenthusiastic, your audience will feel that way, too. Of you appear nervous, you audience will probably be nervous. If you fidget, they will perceive a lack of self-control in you and will be likely to doubt your message. It is vital; therefore, that your body faithfully prtray your true feelings and intent, so that your body language doesn't work against your goals. Providing a tru barometer of your feelings and attitudes is the single greatest benefit of purposeful, effective physical action in public speaking. There are other benefits as well. - Physical actions make messages more meaningful - People tend to become bored with things that don't move. They will naturally look at moving objects - Audiences remember message that reach multiple senses. That means gestures, bidy movements, and facial expressions are valuable tools when employed skillfully. - Physical actions puncuate your speeches. Written language includes an array of punctuation marks: commas, semincolons, question marks, exclamation points, and so on. However, when you speak, you use an entirely different set of symbols to show what part of your speech is most important and to add power and vitality to your words. - Physical actions help relieve nervouse tension. Being nervous before a speech is healthy. It show that your speech is important to you. But using your body effectively can help dispel your nervousness once you start speaking. . ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Next issue: In my October, 2002 Issue I will discuss the use of gestures. Until next month! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Can't wait for the next issue of Simply Speaking? Why not purchase a copy of my new book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking". Click on the link below: My new book is now available as an Audiobook. Click on the link below: Also, Amazon.com now offers a downloadable audio file of this book as well. ######################################################## 2. Our Simply Speaking Discussion Board !!! ######################################################## Do you have some public speaking questions or questions dealing with presentation skills? Ask me directly and I will provide you with some sound advice and some immediate solutions using my on-line discussion board. Below is the direct link to our new discussion board. ######################################################## 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## To subscribe to Simply Speaking visit http://www.ljlseminars.com or use the following links below: Subscribe Address: Unsubscribe Address: You may also send subscription requests to: and we will help you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 1-860-666-4855 In Continental US call Toll Free: 1-800-606-4855 Until next issue! - Lenny Laskowski :-)