Speaking with Confidence tag:speakingwithconfidence.net,2008-04-15:/speaking_with_con//1 2008-10-20T18:50:21Z Here’s the latest news from S3 Communications: Upcoming Workshops & Events, and Quick Tips & Pithy Thoughts from Sharon Smith-Swan. This page is updated often so keep checking back. To schedule a workshop, coaching session or keynote address, click on Sharon’s name below to return to the S3 website and go to Contact S3. Enjoy! Movable Type Personal 4.1 SHIFT THE FOCUS tag:speakingwithconfidence.net,2008:/speaking_with_con//1.8 2008-10-20T18:23:44Z 2008-10-20T18:50:21Z Sharon Smith-Swan http://www.speakingwithconfidence.net The purpose of any communication is to connect.  In public speaking this is much easier to accomplish than most people think.  The key is to shift the focus from the speaker, to your audience.  The 7 questions below will assist you in that process, which begins long before you are in front of your audience.

SHIFT the FOCUS by asking:

1.  What does this audience want to know about my subject?

2.  What does this audience need to know about my subject?

3.  What can I say to include all personality types in the audience?

4.  Is this presentation organized to make it easy for the audience to follow?

5.  What do I need to do, to be in the best possible mental and physical condition for a

     presentation to this audience?

6.  How can I best manage my self talk to stay focused on the audience?

7.  What do I need to let go of (fear, self consciousness, exaggerated sense of self

     importance, previous presentations, or negative self talk) to shift my focus to the  

     audience?

 

Focus is necessary for connection with an audience.

Where you focus is always a choice.

Make the choice to focus on your audience.

Good Luck.

]]> Events: Upcoming Workshops tag:speakingwithconfidence.net,2008:/speaking_with_con//1.3 2008-10-20T17:20:00Z 2008-10-20T17:20:00Z Sharon Smith-Swan http://www.speakingwithconfidence.net  

Los Angeles, California, August 29- Sept 17th, 2008

Ottawa, Ontario, September 23 - Oct 2nd, 2008

Vancouver, British Columbia, October 10,- Dec 6th 2008

 Aspen, Colorado, March 3, 2009

San Diego, California, March 13, 2009

]]> ONE GOOD BREATH tag:speakingwithconfidence.net,2008:/speaking_with_con//1.6 2008-04-26T18:13:25Z 2008-06-15T00:27:17Z Before you even start speaking you need to breathe. The anxiousness many people feel before they begin to speak is directly related to the "flight or fight" emotional reaction that is taking place in their body. The sympathetic nervous system... Sharon Smith-Swan http://www.speakingwithconfidence.net Before you even start speaking you need to breathe.

The anxiousness many people feel before they begin to speak is directly related to the "flight or fight" emotional reaction that is taking place in their body.

The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and the adreneline starts pumping because the mind has told the body you are in danger.  Notwithstanding that you may physically want to flee or have the floor open up and save you having to speak, you have to send a message to your body to stop producing so much adrenalin.  

You can do this quickly by taking a deep breath - inhale for 3 - hold for 1 and exhale for 3.  Do this until you feel calmer. 

You can use the same technique during your presentation if you feel the nervousness returning or you start talking too fast.

Happy breathing and lots of it. 

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