CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 Becoming a Confident, Compelling Speaker (PT.4) Practice There’s a good reason that we say, “Practice makes perfect!” You simply cannot be a confident, compelling speaker without practice. To get practice, seek opportunities to speak in front of others. For example, Toastmasters is a club geared specifically towards aspiring speakers, and you can get plenty of practice at Toastmasters sessions. You could also put yourself in situations that require public speaking, such as by cross-training a group from another department, or by volunteering to speak at team meetings. If you’re going to be delivering a presentation or prepared speech, create it as early as possible. The earlier you put it together, the more time you’ll have to practice.…

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CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 Becoming a Confident, Compelling Speaker (PT.2) Engage With Your Audience When you speak, try to engage your audience. This makes you feel less isolated as a speaker and keeps everyone involved with your message. If appropriate, ask leading questions  targeted to individuals or groups, and encourage people to participate and ask questions. Keep in mind that some words reduce your power as a speaker. For instance, think about how these sentences sound: “I just want to add that I think we can meet these goals” or “I just think this plan is a good one.” The words “just” and “I think” limit your authority and conviction. Don’t use them. A similar word is “actually,” as in, “Actually,…

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CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 Becoming a Confident, Compelling Speaker (PT.1) Whether we’re talking in a team meeting or presenting in front of an audience, we all have to speak in public from time to time. We can do this well or we can do this badly, and the outcome strongly affects the way that people think about us. This is why public speaking causes so much anxiety and concern. The good news is that, with thorough preparation and practice, you can overcome your nervousness and perform exceptionally well. This article and video explain how. The Importance of Public Speaking Even if you don’t need to make regular presentations  in front of a group, there are plenty of situations where good public…

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HARDISON’S TIPS – SEPTEMBER 17, 2021-Onboarding for Sales Success -2 Optimized performance. Clearly defined and understood sales methods are good insurance to help sales personnel operate effectively and efficiently. And by providing the proper tools, removing obstacles to success and clearly showing the way to reach that destination, the new salesperson can be expected to perform and excel. Less vulnerability. Because the company has shown that it can move forward with another salesperson if the need arises, the organization is less at risk. Any talented salesperson would surely be missed, but if that salesperson moved on, the loss would be less disruptive or catastrophic for the company if a good onboarding plan is in place. Time saved. Yes, the organization will be dedicating time upfront to orienting the…

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CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – SEPTEMBER 17, 2021 Job Search? Don’t Let a Bad Attitude Screw You Up A Critical Attitude toward Yourself Can Turn Other People Off Here’s an example of bad attitude toward yourself: I recently worked with a new job interview client—let’s call her Gina—who’s done some interesting short-term jobs, but doesn’t know what her future career should look like. Normally, we’d spend our 1:1 session time identifying options and possibilities for her. We would explore things like, What kind of work is a “good fit” (what tasks does she like and not like to do?) What work environment motivates her to do her best (kind colleagues? relentless competition? lots of room to try new things? a high degree of structure?) What are her non-negotiable lifestyle…

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HARDISON’S TIPS – SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 – Onboarding for Sales Success– 1 “All ABOARD!” Hearing those words instantly conjures up visions of train conductors checking their pocket watches while late arrivals to the station jump on the train. In a perfect world, each new journey would be so simple – we’re asked to come aboard, our destination is known, and few obstacles can derail our arrival. But for a salesperson joining a new company, too often the invitation to come aboard is where the certainty ends; the path to the destination (sales success) is murky and detours can be many. Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way. Even small to medium-sized companies can help their new salesperson travel a clear path to success…

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CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 – 2 Hybrid Work is Here to Stay. What Does that Mean for You? 3. Set the Stage (and Position Yourself on It) On a virtual platform, this means paying attention to how you look to others. Check your “Hollywood Square” (thumbnail image) to assess your lighting (it should be in front of you, not behind), the height of your device (your camera should be at eye level), how much of the thumbnail is filled with you (you should be most of what’s in the picture; if you’re not, get closer to your camera), and your backdrop. In a live presentation, make sure you have room to move around (because you shouldn’t be hiding behind the lectern:-)), that…

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