Sandra Schrift - Executive Speech Coach

ON THE FEAR OF MEETING OTHERS

2009-07-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Would you agree that the fear of meeting others may be a fear of
speaking in public? I often read that the fear of public speaking for
many adults is more fearful than dying. I have worked with many
professional speakers over the years and most will admit that they
feel some anxiety at the beginning of their speech. So our fear is a
common thing. And because public speaking is the number one way
to advance in your career, many work on and commit to overcoming
their fear. They find a nonintimidating, safe and supportive environment;
a speech coach, a speaking class, and a world wide organization called
Toastmasters Club. People love to speak about themselves. Reach out
to new people and begin the conversation with open ended questions.

The Coach sez . . . to the extent you give people what they need, they will
give you what you need. This helps you overcome your fear in speaking
to others.

ON BEING A GREAT SPEAKER

2009-06-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with butterflies in their stomach before giving a presentation? Here are a few tips from the pros:

It is OK to be nervous - get your butterflies to fly in formation.

Great presentations are well organized.- 3-4 points supported by your stories

Technology is just a tool- do not be a master of ceremonies to your slides

Your voice is the source of power- use tonal variation

Use your eyes to make contact with the audience.

Interact with your audience by role plays or pairing.

The Coach asks . . do you know what you want your audience to do as a result of your presentation?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

On Internet Presence

2009-06-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Christoper Bilotta wrote an article for the WSJ in which he talks about creating a web presence from scratch. In today's environment, job seekers must expand the ways in which they search. The article mentions several key points for consideration.

•Claim your name on social networking sites before someone else does. Also, purchase the domain for your name.
•Practice prudence. Limit yourself to three social networking sites and definitely include LinkedIn as one of them.
•Choose connections wisely. Your network should be about quality, not quantity.
•Be consistent. Update your profile regularly and stay true to your personal brand.

The coach sees . . . a strong following for relationship marketing and emotional branding in the 21st century.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON SIX WAYS TO CREATE RAVING FANS

2009-05-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

Dale Carnegie, in his book, “How to Win Friends & Influence People,reveals six traits kind people of the world share:

Become interested in other people. In business, it's critical that we learn to see prospects as people rather than as sales.

Smile. Have you noticed how positive and contagious a simple smile can be?

Remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language. If you are not a pro at remembering people's names, become one.

Be a good listener and encourage people to talk about themselves. Most folks don't need much encouragement, but those who do will likely thank you for such a great conversation.

Talk in terms of the other person's interests. Ask questions! Like what their interests are. Then send them a link to an article about the topic(s) you discussed.

Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely. Admire the speed of the clerk at the DMV. If you can't find something complimentary about another person, you're not looking hard enough.

The Coach invites you to . . . Call me to discuss additional ways to create raving fans and long term clients !

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON WINNING IN 2009

2009-05-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

Coach, Rich Gee, has a few tips for winning in a bad economy.

.Contact both present and past clients. Listen to how they are and offer to help; don’t sell.

.Ask for referrals.

.Remember that 80% of your business comes from 20% of your best clients.

.Focus on what you do best- what is and what is not contributing to your bottom line.

.Create Strategic Alliances – share the marketing costs and bring new value to your clients.

The Coach suggests . . . you “re-Vision” your business to use your money more effectively and create a new company vision.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON A GREAT SPEECH

2009-05-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a few points to keep in mind when you are delivering a speech , whether you are trying to inspire or persuade an audience to take some action.

Always have someone introduce you - include your credentials, your experience in this area, why you were selected to speak vs. someone else

Grab the audience's attention with a strong opening- ask a question, make a startling statement, tell a story

Provide a concise statement of purpose of the speech Challenge your audience - tell them what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear.

Present the solution- provide the plan to solve their problem

Keep to three major points - this helps with retention Conclude by asking for something: action, willingness to think differently, make a change.

The Coach asks . . . when you speak, are you a service provider or a broadcaster?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON SPEAKING WITH SIGNIFICANCE

2009-05-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

Jim Collins, in his book, From Good to Great, found the most important ingredient that brought their organizations from good to great was humility. They were servant leaders. Professional speakers learn quickly to use their talent (gifts and strengths) to drive their passion for what excites and inspires them to bring their message(s) to an audience who needs to hear what they have to say and pays them for it. When a speaker realizes that he/ she has a calling to contribute something significant, that is the moment he/she has found his/her “voice in life.”

The Coach asks . . . what do you feel compelled to contribute to your work, your organization, your family and friends that will bring you fulfillment?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

2009-04-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

This is a great list created by LifeHack, of qualities that successful people have, which have been noted in many books on the subject:

They look for and find opportunities where others see nothing.
They find lessons while others only see problems.
They are solution focused.
They don't blame, and take complete responsibility for their actions and outcomes.
They always find a way to maximize their potential, and use what they have effectively.
They are busy, productive and proactive.
They align themselves with like-minded people.
They are ambitious.
They have clarity and certainty about what they want.
They innovate instead of imitate.
They don't procrastinate.
They are life-long learners.
Their career is not their identity, it's their job.
They are more interested in what is effective than in what is easy.
They finish what they start.

The Coach likes this one . . . They know how to relax, enjoy what they have in their life and to have fun.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

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ON YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

2009-04-16T11:22:00.000-07:00

Your body language, nonverbal cues, tells a lot about how you perform at work, and on stage as a public speaker. Research suggests that nonverbal cues are more important than verbal ones. I came across one study that said "body language comprises 55% of the force of any response, whereas the verbal content only provides 7% and your intonation (pauses and sighs given when answering or speaking) represents 38% of your emphasis."

The Coach asks . .. Want to practice your body language? Use a mirror or get a friend to take video footage of your presentation.

Need some help? Work with a speaker coach . . . like me! Email me at sandra@schrift.com

(C) 2009 www.schrift.com

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ON QUESTIONS

2009-03-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

Professional and public speakers before delivering their presentations
to any group, need to ask many questions of the program chair so that
their material is relevant to that audience. Here are a few to consider:

Who will be attending this program? (sexual mix, age range, work titles)

What are the goals and objectives of this meeting/program?

What results do you expect from me?

Will this audience respond to my interactive exercises?

How much content, how much entertainment?

Very important – are you speaking at a meal event? This is challenging
for a speaker – I advise you not to speak over a meal because it is
difficult to get and maintain the attention of a group.

The Coach sez . . . those speakers who ask many questions prior to an
engagement are more successful at the platform.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON THE FAITH FACTOR

2009-02-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some wisdom nuggets from a few coaches I have heard present at the International Coach Federation conferences:

Have the faith that you are good at what you do. (Cheryl Richardson)
Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved. (Margaret Wheatley)
Engage people at the level of possibility. (Wheatley)
Know where you are going (Wheatley)
Cultivate a practice of peace [running, meditation, music, nature, dance] (Wheatley)
Dump your self critic – don’t just speak from your heart. Let your voice display your feelings and more. (Sandra McKnight)

The Coach adds . . . Lighten up – Laughter is aerobics without pain

(C) 2009 www.schrift.com

ON GREAT SPEAKERS

2009-01-30T20:09:00.001-08:00

Some public speakers are a natural and make it look
easy, while others work hard at developing their skills.
Here are some of the attributes of a great speaker.

• They have a combination of mind and heart,
conviction and compassion.
• They feed off the energy and the hopes of their audiences.
• They are innovators and students of their expertise.
• They set forth a vision of where their audience needs to go
and a strategy of how to get there.
• They use their persuasive power and demonstrate persistence.

The Coach sez . . . be good, you are.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON REAL CONNECTION

2009-01-25T16:57:00.000-08:00

A professional speaker strives to be a professional communicator. The speaker’s role is to “talk with” not “talk at” their audience. They are responsible for how they are heard. They match their tone and their words to improve their connection with the audience. They respond to what the people in their audience need in that moment. They measure their success by how fully they are expressing themselves and how fully present they are with their audience.

The Coach asks . . . do you measure your success by how much joy you feel in giving to others? Or . . . ?

(C) 2009 www.schrift.com

ON GENUINE HAPPINESS

2008-12-31T21:38:00.000-08:00

______________________________________________________
Physician, Albert Schweitzer shares an important truth. "Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory. The only ones among you who will really be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Lesson here - the more you give or serve others, the happier you will become. Ghandi also believed, "even as we serve others we are working on ourselves." And so, I became a Rotarian in 1991 to use my hammer so others could have a simple home, to donate clothes and money to those in need in my community and other countries, to spend time with students and seniors while we smile, laugh and enjoy each other .

The Coach sez . . . make it a Happy New Year by giving of yourself. Just begin.

(C) 2008 www.schrift.com

ON TELLING STORIES

2008-12-28T23:19:00.000-08:00

What did Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama all have in common? They used their gut to deliver their ideas and make that magic connection with their audiences. Every successful professional speaker knows that the way to impact their audience is through their story, a story that persuades/inspires the listener to "feel" the truth of your message. And, although it is your story, the audience has a connection with you and are only one step away from their own story. Everyone remembers a good story . . . more than they remember lots of data and facts.

The Coach asks . . . what is your story?

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON HEAD AND HEART

2008-12-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

I know things work better when I balance my mental thoughts with the emotions of my heart. When I am only in my head, I can become hard and cynical. Too much heart makes me soft and gullible. So I strive for a balance between my head and heart in my relations with people and when making decisions. I think we all want to live mindfully and live from awareness, wisdom and goodness. Isn't that our birthright? The best professional speakers know they must tell their audience not only what they need to know but what they need to feel in order for them to take some action or to think differently.

The Coach thinks . . . that our real life is a combination of heart and mind.

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON THE ENERGY OF SILENCE

2008-12-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, you will often be annoyed by your “monkey mind.” The mind that is always thinking thoughts, both positive and negative. Peruvian thinker, Carlos Castaneda, says; “When we are quiet, we realize someone (or something) is trying to teach us. Whenever we manage to stop our inner dialogue, something happens in our lives. We discover things we never thought of consciously but are there ready to help us. So the really difficult part is managing to attain this silence – our head is always filled with songs, lists, things to do, worries, news in the papers and our [financial condition].”

The coach agrees . . . “If we manage to stop this useless flow of reflections that leads us nowhere, then everything becomes possible.”

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON THE BOLD SPEAKER

2008-11-29T20:15:00.000-08:00

I have been booking and coaching speakers since 1982 and here is what I have observed:

The best speakers do not fill the air with a lot of words - they make the space for audience to tell them what they need to know.
The best speakers ask, "what do you need to really hear from me to give you what you came to hear?"
The best speakers are brief and clear and make the most of a short period of time.
The best speakers focus on observations, feelings needs AND clear requests of their audience.

The Coach believes . . . the best speakers inspire their audiences to make some change . . . if they do, things will probably get better.

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON STRONG SPEAKERS

2008-11-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

Here is what I have noticed about "strong professional speakers:"

They don't talk about being a speaker until they ask about the other person.
They have a first-class media kit that reflects their fee level.
They do some no-fee programs each year.
They have a database of professionals whom they can refer to others.
They give lots of client "extras."
They take care of themselves and model the life their audiences want.

The Coach asks . . . what can you contribute to this list?

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON ENTHUSIASM

2008-11-05T22:59:00.000-08:00

The present economy, financial crisis, and mortgage meltdown disturbs, angers and frightens many of us. And, yet, we still can choose to be enthusiastic about our role in making things better for ourselves, our business, our families, our communities. Enthusiasm is a much better option than despair. And, besides,enthusiasm is contagious! Is there a goal you can work towards that will harness your best energies, your special skills and take on the challenge to make something happen? For professional speakers it may be a new topic, a new book, a new product.

The Coach asks . . . what are you most enthusiastic about right now?

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON GARRISON KEILLOR

2008-10-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Do you Garrison Keillor fans notice that he never appears to invent or imagine a story? He just dredges it up from the depths of his collective memory. He mixes accurate expression with a generous dose of humor. The lesson here for the professional speaker is that you can deliver through your voice what the page can not convey. Let your "mix" include an effortless blend of humor and poignancy, gentle insights, keen observations and above all, bring a sense of truth to all of your presentations.

The Coach sez...be vulnerable, share your idiosyncrasies and mishaps. That's how you connect with your audience.

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON LISTENING TO CALLAS

2008-09-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

When I listen to recordings by deceased opera singer, Maria Callas, I am not having a passive experience. I feel like I am having a conversation with her and finally myself. That's because Callas speaks to us when she sings. She tells us her secrets, her pains, her joys - and we feel a connection. She may express despair or much happiness. And I find myself answering, "so have I!" Callas sings meaning and phrases in paragraphs. She makes wonderful noises . I hear my most intimate feelings expressed in song. Good lessons here for the professional speaker. Everything you have done needs to come through to your audience.

The Coach sez . . . to impact your audience, you need to stand naked on the platform.

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON SPEAKING POINTS

2008-08-16T22:02:00.000-07:00

If you speak for a living, whether you are part time, full time or BIG time, you need to be guided by strategies that get you the bookings. Here is what my 20 plus years booking and coaching speakers has taught me.

Speak on a topic you have passion for AND others need to hear. (you can't lose with topics like wealth, health and relationships)

Be a perceived expert on what you speak about. (this comes from your studies, life and work experiences)

Create a sexy, sizzling title. Put your benefit(s) in your title, if possible.

Collect your material - it is everywhere (on the plane, at the check out counter, and your kids and grandkids say the darndest things)

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Don't memorize your speech, but become very familiar with its content.

It is about them, not you. Keep the audience's interest with great content, personal stories to support your points, tonal variation, humor and interactive exercises.

The Coach thinks . . . to be a public speaker is a privilege and an awesome responsibility.

(C)2008 www.schrift.com

ON THE BARD

2008-08-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

If you really want to succeed in business, study the masters: Warren Buffett, Bill Gates . . . and William Shakespeare. Yes, the Master of the Universe or so says Britain's Cranfield University, which has teamed up with Shakespeare's Old Globe Theatre and the late Laurence Olivier's son to offer courses that mine the playwright's works for advice on climbing the corporate ladder. To weather acts of betrayal, you might turn to "Julius Caesar." To learn how best to inspire your team to victory, read "Henry V." How about "A Winter's Tale" for tips on coping with mid career changes?

The Coach thinks . . . there is a message here for speakers . . . relate the stories to your audience's lives.

(C) 2008 www.schrift.com

ON BEING LIKED

2008-06-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

The book, How to Win Friends & Influence People, is often second only to the Bible in sales. Dale Carnegie outlines - in very simple steps and examples - how to be nice without letting yourself get walked on.
Here are six traits kind people of the world share:

Become interested in other people.
Smile.
A person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
Be a good listener and encourage people to talk about themselves.
Ask questions about the other person's interests.
Sincerely make the other person feel important.

The Coach asks . . . are you looking hard enough to find something complimentary about another person?

(C)2008 www.schrift.com