Have You Opened Your Toolbox?

At the end of our two and a half day Excellence in Speaking course, our students walk away more confident, more capable and more powerful because they have learned how to communicate effectively. We leave our graduates with this thought, "You are now able to change what people think by what you do. Have you got the courage to open your toolbox?" 

That is, of course, the key. 

We provide an action plan for growth, but to be of value, the new skills must be put into practice and used. We encourage our clients to pull out the tools, one by one, and use them every chance that they can. Practice them. Hone them. Become proficient in their use. The best way to improve communication skills, is to try new techniques, incorporate new technologies, listen to other speakers to see what is working for them, and watch audiences to see how they respond. Don't be afraid to experiment with new ideas that might improve your skills, your timing, your connection, your effectiveness and your confidence. 

So, have you been opening your toolbox? Be honest....

It takes effort to be on your A-game; if you've fallen off the wagon, it's time to climb back on. Here is a list of things that you can try to shake things up and get you refocused. Pick one (or a couple) and over the next month or so commit to shining up some of those tools in your toolbox whether you are in a meeting, giving a presentation, on a sales call or talking one on one.

1. Try adding humor
2. Tell more stories
3. Introduce props into your presentations
4. Concentrate on your opening and closing
5. Videotape your presentations, then watch and self coach
6. Focus on connecting with your audience
7. If you're only speaking with your voice, try sending your message with gestures
8. Pay attention to your breathing
9. Invest more time in practicing your speech
10. Strive for the best that you can be - not perfection
11. Put the audience center stage
12. Tolerate silences
13. Create opportunities to speak
14. Listen with your ears...and your eyes
15. Be organized - the time you spend preparing is an investment in power

And then drop us a line and let us know how it's going.