Are you a lighthouse?

Recently I've been working with lots of clients who are afraid or worried to speak. I refer to this as Speaking Out.

So what does Speaking Out mean I hear you ask?

Speaking out is a term I use for when a person presents themselves or their information to somebody or a group of people. So let's take this to an example and make it really easy to understand.

Imagine this, you're about to have a conversation with somebody, and you know that this conversation is about to be slightly difficult or a conversation that you really wish you weren't having.

What I saw and heard this week and in many of my clients is this; the place that they put their focus on will usually become the thing that they are most afraid of. (You may want to read that again!)

So, if you're having a meeting with somebody and in that meeting you know that there'll be some resistance. Focus on what you'll say, and decide how you want to be during that conversation. Think about how you'd like to feel after it too.

So you're probably wondering what this has to do with lighthouses, or lightbulbs if you're looking at the photo? 

For a moment imagine that you're a lighthouse with a light that swivels a full 360 degrees.

When you're worried or afraid, your light is shinning inwards, illuminating all of the shadows, fears & insecurities. This means that you'll feel pretty terrible about what you're trying to do. You'll hear that nagging inner voice telling you things like 'you're rubbish' and you'll generally find it hard to get on with the conversation.

However, when you're shining your light outside of yourself, you'll shine on where you're looking to go. You'll feel calm, great and in control. What's more you'll feel even more of the agreeable emotions that you'd planned for initially.

Action:

1) Over the next 7 days, notice when you start to shine inwardly and make a note of it in your diary, journal, on your phone or tablet.
2) It's important that you notice without forming negative conclusions about yourself, or what this may mean.
3) Ask yourself "How you can do, be or act differently next time" and note down your response (there are no right or wrong answers here).

So if you'll be speaking out in the coming days, weeks or months, why not set your desired outcome and rehearse (internally) what you'll say & how you'll say it.

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written by Jenny Kovacs of GiFTWiSH Ltd.

How to plan a presentation or talk

As someone who trains, coaches and gives talks on a regular basis, I'm often asked how to plan a presentation, speech or talk.  It's worth remembering that you present yourself verbally to the world in a selection of different ways.

You may be planning a classic presentation for business or pleasure, however you could be presenting information over the phone, face to face in a social setting or giving a speech or talk. Whether you're a complete novice, are steadily finding your feet in the presentation world, or are an accomplished expert, the secret to success is to look for ways to master this fine art.

There is a fundamental question you should ask before you start, so that you have a clear vision of what you'd like to say and fits well with your audience. So grab a piece of paper and a pen, think about your next presentation and let's plan for success right here right now!

The question is;

As a result of your presentation, what do you require the person or people listening to do, know or think, differently from what they do, know or think now?

So let's imagine that you're presenting for 10 minutes to a group of 10 people   

Only once you've got this information can you plan an effect and engaging talk or presentation

If you or someone you know lives near London, has babies or toddlers and want's to learn some tips or techniques on presentation in an authenic way please visit www.mum-me-time.co.uk

By Jenny Kovacs

How to know what to include in a talk

Last week I was asked by a fellow net worker, "What should I include in a forthcoming talk that that I've been asked to give?" They then proceeded to tell me what they planned to talk about and why.

I get asked this question a lot as my background is in training and personal development. The question is usually followed by, "Should I use PowerPoint?" or Do I have to prepare handouts"

Well first things first, (the other two questions can be addressed in a later blog, if you're interested in reading more then please do let me know here).

So, what do you include in your presentation? Before you even begin to go there, answer these questions first:

1. What is the purpose of my talk?  Clue:The purpose of my talk is to _________________

2. What do you want your audience to do differently, or think differently as a result of your talk?

3. How can I deliver the talk in a way that is easily digestible for them to hear?

So let's imagine that you answer the questions as follows:

1. The purpose of my talk is to inform the audience succinctly in what my business is about
2. I want them to understand what I can offer them and others like them, and recommend me to their contacts

3. This is where people sometimes get stuck so here's a tip...

Based on your first two answers, make it easy for the listener and keep it short and sweet! Often because you're the expert on your business the tendency is to ramble on about what you do, and people are not interested in what you do or how you do it.

They want to know how it will benefit them, so here are some examples:

Accountant - I help you to keep the tax man happy
Electrician - I save you money on your bills by providing cost effective lighting (as heard recently)
Jewellery maker - I capture your special occasions in silver & gold

I hope this gives you an idea, so off you go, what are you waiting for? You have a talk to prepare!!

For more inspiration click here to receive Info Bursts

By Jenny Kovacs