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15 tips on how to stand up for your conviction: Be brave, speak up!

Aug 25, 2021 | Decision Making, Presentation Skills, Self Marketing & Marketing

15 Tipps on how to stand up for your conviction: Be brave, speak up!

How about your courage to speak up?
Stand Up! Speak Up! - 8 Tipps on How To Stand Up For Your Conviction: Speak Up!

Stand up for your conviction

 

Some people have an opinion that deserves attention. Often, however, this opinion is not heard. Then it is time to decide whether to keep it that way or to share the point of view more clearly with others. Not everyone dares this step. What about you?

Overview

Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.

Václav Havel

Why don’t we stand up for what is right?

 

I appear to me that too few people are willing to stand up for what is right. Too many times we keep on complaining about the injustice in the world, but so few of us are willing to stand up and speak up. With little or no backing those few who do speak up then inevitably find themselves victimized – and that while others watch in silence. Somehow we completely miss the fact that when we do not speak up against injustice we become complicit in it.

Why is it that when people observe something wrong being done or said, they simply cannot find the courage to speak up against it? Is it that we fear being victimized? Or do we fear being disliked?

 

 

 

We don’t want conflict

 

I know how hard it can be to speak up. Most of us want to be nice to other people. We don’t want conflict.

Sometimes we aren’t certain that we even know what we want to say, but we know we should say something. While searching for the perfect words we may hesitate.

 

 

 

It takes courage to speak up

 

Yes, it takes courage to speak up. And when we start to speak our truth, we often don’t do it elegantly. Especially when we are emotionally engaged we can be clumsy and a little overbearing or inarticulate. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t speak our truth. It just means we need to practice being brave. Are you brave enough to tell the truth, even it is not mainstream? And are you willing to show respect by doing it in a way that supports your values without hurting others? Becoming aware of what prevents you from speaking up and facing the fear of being disapproved is the solution to start speaking up and giving your contribution. If you are looking for support …

You don’t want to look away?

 

Some people have an opinion that deserves attention. But if this opinion is not loud enough yet, then it is time to decide whether to keep it that way or to share it more clearly with others. How about you?

Leave the hiding place

 

Unfortunately, a lot of people are hiding, staying hidden. Not everyone dares to take the step into responsibility. Often possible consequences are avoided, sometimes rightly so. However, it is usually not necessary to sacrifice oneself as a martyr. Usually, it is enough to have the courage to talk about it in such a way that other people also form an opinion about it and can join if necessary.

Sometimes we run open doors and, although we expected resistance, we are welcomed with open arms. If not, then there is some headwind. So what? Those who dare to express their own opinion in non-totalitarian systems and do not cause unnecessary damage in the process may get a few bruises. But even that usually feels better than swallowing everything. Because those who have the impression that they are at the mercy of what is happening will suffer at some point. Sooner or later, people who build up such inner pressure become unhappy, ill, and sometimes even explode emotionally at some point. Then the frustration discharges in a way that is no longer appropriate and easily hits people who often have nothing to do with it. Therefore…

15 tips for dealing with resistance

 

 

1. Resistance as an indication to leave the mainstream

 

Instead of getting angry about the resistance or feeling it unpleasant, it helps to perceive it as a positive sign: It means you leave the mainstream, you come out of the slipstream of prefabricated opinions, and now follow your path.

Those who polarize are more likely to be noticed, you will now participate! Good!

 

 

 

2. Stay relaxed

 

Keep a cool head and a constructive serenity with which you can make the best decisions and act skillfully.

 

 

 

3. Remain true to your values

 

Just when the resistance becomes more intense and the tone rougher, you can show that you take the values you represent seriously, that you live them. This is what distinguishes heroes from fanatics.

 

 

 

4. The willingness to learn

 

Take a closer look at every feedback, even the uncomfortable ones, even the inappropriately expressed ones. There may be something to learn. Perhaps you overlooked something. At least then you will have a better basis for your argumentation.

 

 

 

5. Keep the focus

 

Don’t let the resistance take you astray. Always focus on your goals and priorities and remain flexible concerning the way ahead.

 

 

 

6. Dealing with fear

 

It is quite an individual matter how people deal with criticism. Some people find leaving the mainstream too unpleasant and others enjoy the provocation. Everyone has their limits, their themes, which are filled with fear. The better we know ourselves and work on ourselves, the tidier we are on our way.

 

 

 

7. Motivation

 

“Convincing is not difficult for a convinced person,” said Friedrich von Schiller. Knowing why it is worthwhile to stand up for something helps to summon up the courage to do it and to stick to it. A high degree of motivation is required, especially for larger challenges. Why is a topic so close to your heart?

Knowing why it pays to work for something helps to find the courage and to stick to it. Know what you want to accomplish. What is the key message you wish to communicate? Before you begin, you need to know what the desired outcome is. What is the exact reaction you want to get from your audience? Before speaking, visualize how you want your audience to react when receiving your message and the way you want them to feel afterward.

 

 

 

8. Know your content, your position

 

Anyone who has dealt extensively with a topic feels safer. How familiar are you with the topic? If you have dealt extensively with a topic, it feels safer to talk about it. Be prepared by doing your research and having visual aids to support your message.

Conviction is a feeling of certainty in your beliefs. Knowing that you’re on the right side of an issue makes it easier to stand up in the face of opposition. Challenges will come, but you can withstand them with a firm belief. Walk your talk.

When people challenge your belief, they are testing it. If you back down, then they will see it as a weakness in your position. Therefore, be armed with the facts and data points needed to convey your message if challenged. Review your message in advance, to determine whether there is conflicting data, and try to anticipate where there could be a difference of opinion. Test your arguments before you leave home. It is useful to have a list of opposition arguments and counter-arguments.

 

 

 

9. Know your audience

 

Not only do the arguments count, but they also have to be understood by the recipients. So adapt the communication style to the listener. To do that, it is necessary to know the target group, which in turn allows many insights into their thinking and other arguments.

It is important to understand your audience. Before communicating, try to better understand your audience.

  • Who are they?
  • What do they already know?
  • Do they need a lot of details?
  • What may they want to hear?
  • Are they engaged and interested in what you have to say?

 

One of the most important aspects to be heard is to be a good listener. Too many times when others speak, we are just waiting for a break where we can jump in to share our opinions or experiences. Practicing active listening and pausing to collect your ideas before you share yours will refocus the audience’s attention on your message.

 

 

 

 

10. Speak the language of the target group

 

Not only do the arguments count, but they must also be understood by the recipients. So remember to adapt your communication style to the audience. To do this, it is necessary to know the target audience, which in turn allows many insights into their thinking and other arguments.

 

 

 

11. Authenticity

 

Listeners feel whether someone is pretending or means what he is saying. Body language plays an important role here.

 

 

 

12. Relationship

 

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re talking to a wall, think about your relationship with your audience. Only when sufficient rapport (sustainability of a relationship) has been established will messages reach their recipients. Only then do they get a real chance.

 

 

 

13. Personal attitude

 

Practice respect. Listeners perceive the attitude towards them. Does the provider of an idea see this as an offer or does he consider any person to be stupid who thinks differently, who does not accept it immediately? In the eagerness to dedicate oneself to a deserving cause, the respect towards those who think differently is easily lost. Filter bubbles and echo chamber effects can then lead to an attitude that seems arrogant. This then has the effect of an obstacle that makes it difficult for undecided and dissenting people to rethink their opinions.

 

 

 

14. Travel companions

 

It can be easier to work together with other people. At least if the common goal and the values match. Especially with larger challenges, it helps to mutually encourage each other.

 

 

 

15. Support

 

External help can make a lot of things easier. I sometimes offer such support free of charge to charitable projects. This will give you additional perspectives, inspiration, helpful knowledge, and skills as well as concrete support.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Are you brave enough to tell the truth, even it is not mainstream? What do you want to stand up for?

stand up for your conviction: Be brave, speak up!
This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 2, 2005
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#245

Five fingers for a structured speech. Five-finger speech structure.

Aug 25, 2021 | Communication Skills, Impromptu Speaking, Presentation Design, Presentation Skills

Five fingers for a structured speech. 5-finger speech structure.

How to structure your speech
Hand

5-finger speech structure

 

A good reason for speaking; a specific message has to be communicated. In practice, however, it happens far too often that in the end, it is not clear to the listener what it was about. Whether in speeches, presentations, or conversations, listeners very often ask themselves what it was all about.

It is usually because speakers have not thoughtfully structured their speech and have not prioritized the content. How about a hint to make it more effective?

It is better to structure your speech in such a way that the listeners clearly understand what you intended to convey to them at the end. This requires appropriate preparation. However, there is not always a lot of time available for this. Then, for example, the 5-finger speech structure can be very helpful. Here you can learn how.

Overview

How to structure speeches with the five-finger speech format

 

If the audience does not understand the intended message at the end of a speech, it is usually because speakers have not thoughtfully structured their speech and have not prioritized the content.

It is much better to structure speeches in such a way that the audience clearly understands what you wanted to convey to them at the end. This requires appropriate preparation. However, there is not always much time available for this. In meetings, for example, spontaneity is required. It is good to know that the 5-finger speech structure can also be very helpful for impromptu speeches. Here you can learn how.

 

 

 

The five-finger speech structure step by step

 

It’s a very simple procedure. Each finger of a hand represents a step. So you always have the order of your argumentation in your hand:

 

 

1. The thumb

 

The thumb is expressing the “status quo”. Give an overview of the actual situation. Describe the general conditions and possible consequences.

What is positive about it and what opportunities are associated with it. Where are changes urgently needed and what risks are identifiable.

What happens if no changes are made. Make sure that the meaning of the following statements is understood. If the audience is not concerned, the necessary willingness to become active is lacking.

 

 

 

2. The index finger

 

The index finger points to the target. When expressing the goal, orientate yourself on the SMART model and do not confuse it with the benefit.

As a reminder of the characteristics of SMART goals, you can read the article “Rather SMART goals than unfulfilled wishes. SMART goals make life easier.“

 

 

 

3. The middle finger

 

The middle finger describes the way, the implementation, how the goal is achieved. Which measures are necessary to achieve the desired result.

Helpful questions for you:

  • Who can make what contribution to the achievement of the goal?
  • When should the goal be reached?
  • Where will what be necessary?
  • How should the goal be achieved?
  • What resources are required and where do they come from?

 

 

 

4. The ring finger

 

The ring finger stands for the benefits. Describe the specific benefits that the goal you are aiming for and the solution you are presenting have for the audience. Describe how the situation will change positively in the short, medium, and long term.

 

 

 

5. The little finger

 

The little finger is dedicated to the call to action.

At the end of your speech, describe the first step, which is easy to perform, and the corresponding concrete call to action. It should be neither too small nor too large. If it is too big, the project will not be set in motion. The speech ends with the appeal.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

The five-finger speech structure is a practical and effective method of giving speech a form. It is easy to learn and memorize.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Did you know the five-fingered speech structure? How do you structure your speeches and presentations, how do you structure your talks?​

Great Ideas Need Wings As Well As Landing Gear And...

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 6, 2015
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: May 29, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/redestruktur-hand-finger/
K:
H:
T: RR
#3487

17 tips for facial expressions in speeches and presentations

Aug 25, 2021 | Body Language, Communication Skills, Personality, Presentation Skills

17 tips for facial expressions in speeches and presentations

What public speakers should know about facial expressions
Facial expression

The importance of facial expressions in public speaking

 

When the topic of body language appears in presentation skills training, the question comes up “Where to put my hands while speaking?”

Mimic is discussed rarely, if at all, with the hint of having a smile on your face. This is a pity because facial expressions can support the message. When facial expressions aren’t right, they can cause damage. What does not fit the personality and role of the speaker is unintentionally funny, damages credibility, and distracts.

This article deals with what it is worth paying attention to as a speaker concerning facial expressions.

Overview

Body language, facial expressions, and public speaking

 

In addition to the content of the speech, as a verbal part, the way of presentation and the non-verbal behavior are of particular importance. These include gestures, eye contact, eye direction, body tension, leg posture, volume, intonation, and, often forgotten, pauses. Pauses before a message produce tension and after a message, they let the message work. In modern rhetoric, facial expressions have become less important than in the past. A facial expression that is too pronounced quickly has a theatrical and posed effect on the audience.

 

 

 

So facial expressions are no longer important?

 

Mimic is still important because public speakers who want to convince have to be authentic. And that includes lively facial expressions. Instead of orienting the facial expressions to Asian theatre masks or the pantomime from the pedestrian zone, Method-Acting delivers better results. If you mean what you say, this also includes the corresponding emotional states. If you experience inwardly with all your senses what you verbalize, then your face provides the appropriate facial expression anyway. At least as long as you haven’t stopped it with nerve poison against wrinkles.

Leave that deadpan expression to poker players and some politicians. A good presenter realizes that appropriate facial expressions are an important part of effective communication. Facial expressions are often the key determinant of the meaning behind the message. The audience is watching a speaker’s face during a presentation. When you speak, your face tells more clearly than any other part of your body about your attitudes, feelings, and emotions.

17 tips for facial expressions in your speeches and presentations

 

Your impact as a speaker depends heavily on your body language. You probably have control over the words you speak, are you sure you have control over what you say with your body language?

 

 

 

1. Authentic, authentic, authentic

 

Effective body language supports the message and conveys a strong image of the speaker. Anything that does not fit the personality and role of a public speaker and the message will unintentionally appear funny, damage credibility, and distract from content and message. Those who mean what they say can automatically display the appropriate facial expressions. This is a frequent topic in my presentation training. Few speakers know how they affect the audience. Professional analysis is very revealing here.

 

 

 

2. Smiling is contagious

 

Unfortunately, many people lose their lively facial expressions under the pressure of speaking in front of an audience. Their faces solidify into a mask. Free your face right at the beginning. For example, when you are welcoming the audience, smile!

With a smile or even a laugh, it is easier to build a bridge with other people. This looks open and friendly. A real smile comes from within and is based on the right mental attitude and not on a mask. Such a permanent grin looks different from a real smile, which is called a Duchenne smile. The Duchenne smile is named after Guillaume Duchenne, a French anatomist who studied many different expressions of emotion, focusing on the smile of pure enjoyment. He identified the facial movements that make this genuine smile different from artificial types of smiles. A Duchenne smile is a natural smile of enjoyment, made by contracting the zygomatic major muscle and the orbicularis oculi muscle. In my words; the mouth, the eyes, and the wrinkles around the eyes are involved, and smile, the cheeks lifting.

 

 

 

3. Emotions

 

It is the presenter’s connection to the words that can bring them to life for the audience. Experience inwardly intensively what you want to convey and the facial expressions will reflect it. Less is more! Please do not grimace.

 

 

 

4. Lead with your gaze

 

The audience will register where you’re looking. In this way, you can direct the attention of the audience with your gaze. Look where the audience should look.

And be careful with misunderstandings. If you keep looking at the door, it will look as if you would like to escape.

 

 

 

5. Eye contact is connecting

 

If they don’t fit, they can undermine any of your words.

Good speakers know how important facial expressions are. Effective presenters engage one person at a time, focusing long enough to complete a natural phrase and watch it sink in for a moment. With a smile, they convey appreciation to the audience.

Keep looking at all faces, be attentive. Return a smile. Use clues such as a frown as an occasion to repeat or inquire about a statement in other words.

 

 

 

6. Pulling up the corners of your mouth on one side

 

Some facial expressions can irritate. One-sided lifting of the corners of the mouth can be interpreted as a sign of superiority and the speaker is then accused of arrogance or cynicism.

 

 

 

7. Enduring smile

 

A permanent smile seems artificial, complacent, or even debilitating. Speakers don’t do themselves any favors.

Such behavior is reminiscent of bad show presenters or used car salesmen from US films. If you smile without a break, you make your counterpart suspicious. Beware of bad facial expressions, i.e. a superimposed smile.

If there are moments during your speech when you want to make the audience think, then that doesn’t fit. When you put on an artificial smile, nobody takes you seriously.

 

 

 

8. A tense jaw

 

Someone who presses their teeth vigorously against each other may look angry and aggressive or at least cramped.

 

 

 

9. Smiling and showing teeth

 

What is more common in the USA is irritating in Germany, for example, than piranha smiles. Superficiality and an unfair sales mentality are easily assumed.

 

 

 

10. Grasping the nose or the mouth

 

Do not touch your nose, mouth, or chin during your speech. This is a classic sign of insecurity and is quickly perceived as negative by your audience.

Since Pinocchio this has been considered a sign of lies and why should you voluntarily sow doubt?

 

 

 

11. Other delicate facial expressions

 

In my articles, body language soothes or harms in delicate situations and 12 tips on how to promote confidence through body language you will find advice on how body language can help and how it can hurt.

 

 

 

12. Adapt your facial expressions to the size of the group.

 

As your audience grows, your facial expressions should become more pronounced. If the audience in the last row is not able to read your face, your facial expression will be perceived as a neutral expression and thus as your lack of interest.

 

 

 

13. Explore the effect of facial expressions

 

The facial expression usually has a small part in the presentation, which is why its role tends to be underestimated. It plays an important role in convincing the speaker and the message. It is worth exploring the impact.

 

Using all the various muscles that precisely control the mouth, lips, eyes, nose, forehead, and jaw, the human face is estimated to be capable of more than 10,000 different expressions. Explore different ways to use facial expressions. Start with the most common facial expressions and emotions.

There are seven universally recognized emotions shown through facial expressions:

  • anger
  • disgust
  • contempt
  • fear
  • happiness
  • sadness
  • surprise

 

Regardless of culture, these expressions are the same all over the world. They may differ in intensity.

 

 

 

14. Observe your audience

 

Just as your facial expressions provide insight into your emotions, your audience’s facial expressions provide insight into their emotional world.

Read the facial expressions of your audience. If the audience’s expressions are expressionless, for example, there is a possibility that they are intellectually elsewhere because they are bored. Or their facial expressions convey joy and excitement or they are eagerly receptive or…

By reading your audience’s facial expressions, you are better able to make spontaneous decisions and adjustments to capture attention.

 

 

 

15. Using a lectern or manuscript

 

Wherever your speech manuscript is located, whether as a pile of paper on the lectern or as key point cards in your hand, always avoid looking at the notes all the time. Learn from me how to keep in touch with the audience.

 

 

 

16. Practice, practice, practice

 

As with any presentation skill, facial expression requires practice to develop it to be both authentic and effective. Presenters who care deeply about their message tend to use their entire bodies to support the message.

Practice your presentation and the things you have experienced with me in front of a mirror to concentrate exclusively on your facial expressions during a rehearsal. While practicing in front of the mirror, see if your facial expressions convey the mood you want to create. If your face isn’t showing any emotion, stop, refocus, and do it again. This will help you to explore your expression playfully. The best way to do this is with professional support.

 

 

 

17. Support

 

As a professional speech coach, I will not practice masks with you but will point out potential misunderstandings and promote corresponding situations from within.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

What do you pay attention to in facial expressions during conversations, speeches, and presentations?

Presenters who care deeply about their message tend to use their entire bodies to support the message. - Karsten Noack

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 27, 2019
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: October 6, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/rhetorik-mimik-koerpersprache/
K:
H:
T: RR
#124710

20 tips for humor in speeches and presentations

Sep 29, 2020 | Presentation Design, Presentation Skills

20 Tips For Humor In Speeches And Presentations

Humour in speeches and presentations is good, jokes less often
Humor in speeches and presentations

Humor in speeches and presentations

 

Do you want the attention of your audience? Humorously move your audience before the seat hurts. Humor relaxes. It resolves tense, stressful situations. Humor has some positive effects. Appropriate humor can be used effectively in many situations. Find out what is worth paying attention to.

Overview

Humor in speeches and presentations

 

In speeches and presentations, it is often a matter of passing on information to the participants in an understandable way, convincing them, and asking them to act. The objectives of speeches can be quite different, but the goal of boring the audience is unlikely to be deliberately pursued. However, this often happens. With appropriate humor, it is possible to keep the audience happy, emotionalize them, and increase their attention. This way, you and your presentation will remain in good memory.

 

 

 

20 Tips for humor in speeches and presentations

 

 

1. Respect

 

Make sure you don’t insult anybody. Humor is mostly based on ambiguities and these can annoy the audience if they are interpreted unfavorably. It’s not so much what you mean as to how the recipients interpret your words.

I don’t need to mention that jokes are not made at the expense of individuals or disadvantaged groups, do I?

 

 

 

2. At the beginning of your speech

 

Not every audience is ready for your message. Sometimes it still has to digest the impression of the previous speakers. Maybe the participants would rather be somewhere else now. Here is your chance to surprise the audience positively. Season your contribution with a pinch of humor. It is not to be underestimated – humor reduces stress. Humor awakens the desire for more.

Sometimes humor simply helps. Speeches and presentations can start well with humor. It relaxes the audience and speakers, reduces fear, and attracts attention. After an intense laugh, the brain’s reward center releases dopamine. Dopamine relaxes and gives us intense moments of happiness. It provides anticipation, i.e. the desire for more. After the laughter, the audience listens more intensively.

 

 

 

3. Orient on the audience

 

Not only does the taste changes with the audience, but also their perception, thinking, and communication style. Adapt your language to the audience. Some jokes require special education or specific vocabulary. And some audiences reject laughter as immoral in this world.

 

A few helpful questions:

  • What are the characteristics of the audience?
  • What language does it speak?
  • What can the target group smile or even laugh about?
  • Which humor is appropriate for the target group and which is not?
  • How can one’s appearance and appearance be supported by humor in this case?
  • How can these people react humorously to objections or resistance?
  • Which examples, metaphors, and analogies are suitable for the audience to present the message humorously?
  • What do they have in common?
  • What is talked about before and after, are there humorous points of reference?

 

Humour is influenced by many factors, such as educational level, social status, country, origin, region, and occupational group. Use humor only if you are sure that your audience reacts positively and that it fits the message thematically.

 

 

 

4. Good joke tellers are rare

 

A very common recommendation is to start a speech with a joke. It is claimed that then you and your audience are well relaxed and ready. Seriously and no kidding: don’t start your presentation with a joke.

With the overlap of self-perception and external perception, this is such a thing. The fact is that very few people are so good at telling jokes. What looks so relaxed with the professionals of Standup Comedy is the result of a strict selection process, some bruises, and a lot of – very much – practice.

So once again very clearly stated: Humor is a good way to enter into a relationship with the audience. However, not everyone is a good joke-teller. Stand-up is more challenging than it seems. If your joke fails or you make the wrong one, you’ve made a fool of yourself with part of your audience from now on. Especially since the wisdom formulated by Paul Watzlawick also applies here; the recipient decides on the message. And since jokes by definition are ambiguous (context or meaning reframing), the choice of meaning need not be in your interest.

If a horse comes into a bar.

Ask the bartender: “Why such a long face?”

 

 

 

5. Stand behind your messages

 

For an authentic performance, you must stand behind what you say. So choose only humorous elements that suit you and feel right.

 

 

 

6. Analogies

 

Analogies can help to clarify complex relationships. This can also be done very humorously if it is accompanied by a surprise.

Analogies must be recognizable by your audience so that the listener understands the parallel between the story and the actual topic. By doing this, you make your competence clear and the content accessible to your audience without taking yourself unnecessarily seriously.

 

 

 

7. Word games

 

Use the magic of language. Play skillfully with the language. Surprising definitions or double meanings of terms and acronyms are ideal for this.

Rhyme you or I eat you. What rhymes are more likely to settle in our brain convolutions and have the potential to sound like humor.

 

 

 

8. Irony

 

Irony can sometimes be used with a wink of the eye. However, this is not entirely harmless.

 

 

 

9. Telling a great story

 

Stories connect you with your audience. By bringing a scene to life through a story, listeners experience what they otherwise only intellectually understand. If you weave inappropriate humor, you can encourage even the most difficult challenges.

 

 

 

10. Rhymes

 

What rhymes is easier for us to get into our brains and has the potential to sound like humor.

 

 

11. Don’t announce humor

 

Surprising elements have a better effect on the audience. “It’s getting funny now”, not only seems strange, but the laughter is also more likely to get stuck in the throat. Instead, weave humor into unusual moments.

 

 

 

12. Short irritations awaken the audience

 

When the audience has been sitting passively on their chairs for hours, which they feel are flickering 1,000 PowerPoint presentations over the beamer with the neon light, then the human brain switches to draught. These are not good prerequisites for you to convince with your message. Change that!

Have courage. If you cleverly irritate your audience for a moment, they will be all the more receptive afterward. To be on the safe side, I mention that the irritation is, of course, resolved again.

 

 

 

13. Witty humor is more effective than admonitions

 

Use subtlety instead of raised index fingers. Humor is more welcome than admonitions. And with a smile, you can say a lot. Laughter is contagious. Laughter creates positive feelings.

 

 

 

14. Do a test run before the world premiere

 

Test humorous elements several times and thoroughly. And above all, ask people who have a similar sense of humor like your target audience.

 

 

 

15. Humor is a holistic work of art

 

You compete as a speaker with the offerings of the entire Internet. Those who do not carry a smartphone with them in the audience will check their fingernails at some point. Today people get bored quickly. Not every speech can easily make such exciting offers as Netflix & Co. And yet some speeches can be fascinating and moving. Humor contributes. Also, your performance is live and therefore something special, isn’t it?

For this to succeed, I remind you about an important aspect: Humor is usually a total work of art, in which content, language, timing, and also body language, as well as voice have essential parts. Present yourself!

 

 

 

16. Situational comedy

 

Spontaneous humor has a very special effect because it requires intelligence and sovereignty on the part of the performer. Opportunities to practice such forms of humor are offered by workshops, such as Professional Quick-Wittedness: Training for the quick professional response.

 

 

 

17. Quality

 

Does a horse come into a bar and ask the bartender: “Why such a long face?

Humor is a difficult subject in itself. Finding a joke that is not only funny but also has an intellectual quality is quite a challenge.

 

 

 

18. Analysis: Learn from the experiences

 

Learn from your practical experience. Systematically evaluate your experience with humor. For several years I had provided a series of workshops with very special humor and was able to observe the effects of small changes over several dozen performances. That was very interesting and educational. The evaluation also provided me with valuable ideas for other speeches. Even if you only have one performance, evaluate it afterward. Ask for constructive feedback. And decide what you want to pay attention to in the future.

 

 

 

19. Undesirable side effects

 

Jokes or intense humor can very easily distract and then bind attention. The audience stays with the entertainment element while you are about to say something relevant. Important parts of your message are then lost. A good humorous element supports the bot.

 

 

 

20. Develop your style

 

Humor has many forms. And yes, there are good reasons to use humor as support. For example, you can start with an anecdote or a short story. An in many cases an excellent idea! By the way, you learn this in the Presentation Skills Training II and Presentation Skills Training III as group training or in individual training with me.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

What do you think of humor in speeches and presentations?


If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide. Mahatma Gandhi

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 27, 2019
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#124

Speaking with your hands in your pockets during conversations, speeches and presentations?

Mar 30, 2020 | Body Language, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills

Speaking with your hands in your pockets during conversations, speeches and presentations?

Just put your hands in your pants?
Nicht nur Wünsche lassen sich von den Augen ablesen

Just put your hands in your pockets during a presentation?

 

Where to put your hands in conversations and during presentations? Just put your hands in your trouser pockets and the problem is solved.

Many inexperienced speakers think this is quite a good idea at the beginning. I (and most of the audience) don’t think it’s so good. Why? This question will be answered.

Overview

Having the hands in your pocket during a presentation

 

Since I can remember, almost in every introductory workshop presentation skills someone asks a question about the hands and where they belong in conversations, speeches, and presentations.

A very popular question is whether the hands belong in the trouser pockets or not. Many workshop participants consider this to be quite a good idea. I think about it differently.

 

 

 

Why this isn’t a good idea?

 

Here are five reasons not to put your hands in the pockets of your trousers while speaking.

 

 

 

1. It leads to irritation

 

The unexplainable frequent digging around in the depths of the trouser pockets inspires the viewer’s imagination and thus distracts from the originally intended message.

The audience cannot know what you are doing there. They have no idea that you are just asking your lucky charm for help because of your stage fright.

 

 

 

2. It increases mistrust

 

Open palms promote trust, hidden hands mistrust.

 

 

 

3. It reduces gestures

 

Having your hands in your pockets prevents convincing body language. How can appropriate gestures support the message when the hands are gone? Good gestures require both hands.

 

 

 

4. It sends the wrong signal

 

Keeping your hands in your pockets is also a gesture that indicates that you are afraid, unsure, or not interested in the presentation. Is that what you want to convey to the audience?

 

 

 

5. It demonstrates a lack of respect

 

It is perhaps intended to look casual. Some of your audience members might find it rude towards them. It may upset them.

 

 

 

Where else can I put my hands?

 

Where else can I put my hands? Coherent gestures underline credibility, illustrate and strengthen arguments. This is precisely why the hands belong in the audience’s field of vision. I recommend individual starting positions for the hands. These can then be internalized in everyday situations and this promotes natural gestures. What is suitable for one person is far from being suitable for another.

 

 

 

Be careful

 

General recipes often do more harm than good. An example of such a mishap is the Merkel rhombus. It has become a trademark. Some call it a running gag, but that does not make it a recommendation — on the contrary.

 

 

 

More?

 

Do you want more suggestions for where to put your hands and how to develop strong gestures? You’ll get them from me in many of my articles. Have fun with it!

Preparation of important conversations and negotiations

 

Communication can be very easy. But often it is not. Sometimes we say things and then later notice from the reaction of our conversation partners that they seem to have spoken to someone completely different. I didn't say that with the best will in the world. - Or did I say that after all?

More or less consciously, conversations are about convincing other people of something - be it a special offer, your personality, a perspective, or a necessity. If this doesn't happen fast enough and above all not exactly to the point and descriptively, the person we are talking to quickly loses interest, and we lose the hoped-for opportunity. — Conversation failed.

You can let me support you in the preparation of your conversations and negotiations (to be on the safe side: no legal advice!). Find out how you and your message are perceived (arguments, body language, language, voice, and much more). I will familiarize you with effective tools and communication strategies. Develop your psychological skills, learn to stay calm, act confidently, remain authentic, and finally convince.

Preparing for important conversations and negotiations

P.S.

 

What do you do with your hands during a conversation, speech or presentation?

Related articles

 

blank

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 30, 2020
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: April 15, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#787

Speech is power: Make a positive impact!

Jan 22, 2020 | Decision Making, Presentation Skills, Vision

Speech Is Power: Make A Positive Impact!

How to present yourself and your offer more successfully
 
Speech Is Power: Make A Positive Impact!

Speech is power

 

Make an impact! Speech is power. And with that great power comes a great responsibility. I train and prepare your for your speeches and presentations.

Overview

 

Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Speech is power!

 

Yes, and power has a close relationship to responsibility. The responsibility is how to use this power and also the responsibility to use it when you have to. Knowing that something needs to be improved means to stand up for it and therefore to use the power of speech.

 

 

 

How about responsibilities?

 

Freedom may sound good, but the relationship to it is ambivalent. ​Most people do not want freedom because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility. Many really honest and respectful people let those more intrusive people persuade the masses. Even though they know better, they hold back with their opinion and their offers. It is not only important for them to speak up but for all. This leads to many disadvantages because we never hear the thoughts of those who don’t speak up. This is sad and it is also irresponsible. With the words of Moliere: “It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.”

Speech is power!

 

 

 

I have a dream

 

Not every speech wants to change the world and not any that wants to change it will deliver a tangible contribution. But sometimes it would be nice to help shape things, right? It is good to know how to make a positive impact when it is time to stand up. Speech is power!

 

 

 

Be prepared

 

In case you believe everything around you is like you want it to be and it will consist without any support, you may be in a luxurious situation. Enjoy it!

Not everywhere everything is fair and life is paradise. In case you want to make the world a better place, be prepared to stand up. Train your most impactful tool; your power of speech.

 

 

 

Respect and empathy

 

Some people are silent and some scream. Both extremes do not provide the necessary contribution.

I believe that every argument needs a healthy amount of respect and empathy. I guess you know how to do that because you already filter yourself when speaking with people you care about. If you said every thought that popped into your head, there is a good chance you may not have as many friends as you do now, and the same principle extends to political discussions. You have to grasp that other people may have experienced different and more difficult hardships that you may not have faced yet, or maybe never will. Jump into their perspective and explore it, speak their language. Say what you want, anywhere you want as long as you do it with empathy. Empathy is what makes us human.

 

 

 

Let me support you

 

Train your most impactful tool; your power of speech and use it with respect. You are given a choice of how you use the power of speech. With great power comes great responsibility, use it respectfully and I will support you to present yourself and your offer successfully.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

How do you handle the power of speech and your responsibilities?

Speech is power: Make a positive impact! Karsten Noak

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 21, 2001
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 22, 2020
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#1290

Create an excellent speech or presentation as a masterpiece

Nov 22, 2019 | Presentation Design, Presentation Skills

Create an excellent speech or presentation as a masterpiece

How your personal rhetorical masterpiece makes you a better speaker
How your personal rhetorical masterpiece makes you a better speaker

Your rhetorical masterpiece

 

Create an excellent speech or presentation. It will guide you forward as a presenter. Every speaker should make a brilliant speech at least once in life. The effect goes far beyond the event because the experience becomes a mental reference. Such an experience will change you as a speaker. Create your rhetorical masterpiece. Here is how to do it.

Overview

There are things where mediocrity is unbearable: poetry, music, painting and public speech.

Jean de La Bruyèr

Speaking in front of an audience as an annoying duty or pleasure?

 

It is a very simple choice in many areas:
a.) Give up your career or b.) Speak convincingly in front of an audience?

Many people more or less consciously choose option a.) and avoid public speeches. It’s a pity because that’s why they miss out on many opportunities.

Much has been written about why so many people are so afraid to speak in front of an audience. But even the best excuse doesn’t change the fact: Apart from professional ability, the most important success factor in many areas is the ability to present oneself and one’s offer convincingly. And therefore it is quite helpful to use suitable speech opportunities effectively. So; time to devote yourself to the skills for outstanding speeches and presentations in a way that makes it worthwhile.

 

 

 

Your rhetorical masterpiece as a reference experience

 

All beginnings are difficult? Many remember their first steps with public speaking. And they are not always exhilarating memories. The eternal struggles during preparation, the soft knees during walking forward, the fear of forgetting something, the many eyes directed at one, limiting thoughts, bodily fluids, and … With such memories, the next opportunity to speak is not exactly longed for. Requests for such occasions are rejected immediately, if possible.

Be inspired by Ivan Petrovich Pavlov and myself, because Pavlov’s conditioning is the other way round. Instead of being restricted by negative experiences, you provide for very good experiences, which serve as motivating reference experiences in the future. Work with support on a personal masterpiece, a speech, or presentation that proves to you and the audience what you are capable of. The effort you take upon yourself will not only serve this one performance but will positively influence all future presentations.

What is an excellent presentation?

 

Boring and mediocre presentations are common experiences. Good presentations are uncommon, but excellent presentations are rare. That’s because, when it comes to presentations, the jump from good to great is larger than the jump from bad to good. Here are some examples of why:

 

 

 

1. Emotional impact

 

Good presentations are memorable. They contain graphics, images, and facts in such a way that they’re easy to remember. Even after a while, your audience can remember your message.

Most people would prefer to leave emotions out of their presentations. Truth is, that whenever you trigger strong emotions like surprise or awe in your audience, you’re much more likely to make an impact on your audience. Excellent presentations are therefore emotional and motivating. They bring the audience members to the point where they make a decision immediately.

 

 

 

2. Information

 

Compelling data and facts can help you illustrate your points. Good presentations contain valid information. All information is thoroughly checked, accurate and precise. Good presentations genuinely provide honest content.

Excellent presentations contain relevant information in an essence. All information that is not too absolutely relevant will be removed, including gimmicks that have no function. What’s left is the information that supports the message.

 

 

 

3. Storytelling

 

Stories draw people into a presentation and keep them rapt, so you can ensure no one tunes you out while you deliver your important ideas. Therefore good presentations include stories. Unlike facts, stories speak to the heart, and every good presentation uses stories to illustrate points and to help people make an emotional connection to the message. A good story will capture and hold attention.

Instead of containing stories, excellent presentations are stories. These presentations guide the audience through an emotional journey that creates a reason to decide right here, right now.

 

 

 

4. Engagement

 

Keeping people’s attention for the duration of a presentation is tough. Good presentations, therefore, include some interactive elements.

Excellent presentations include specific presentation techniques to boost engagement. Some of the most reliable factors are:

  • finding common ground with listeners
  • interacting directly with your audience
  • using meaningful visual aids
  • excellent delivery skills
  • the compelling personality of the presenter

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Have you already made such a remarkable reference experience during a speech or presentation? How do you benefit?

No masterpiece was ever created by a lazy artist.

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: August 3, 2016
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/ueberdurchschnittliche-reden-redekompetenz-berlin/
K:
H:
T: RR
#124

The first rule of rhetoric: Let us start with the basics of speaking.

Aug 17, 2019 | Communication Skills, Impromptu Speaking, Presentation Design, Presentation Skills

The first rule of rhetoric: Let us start with the basics of speaking.

The fundamental role that is mostly neglected
First rule of rhetoric: Let us start with the basics of speaking.

The first rule of rhetoric

 

Does everyone have to say something about everything? In my opinion, the most important rule of rhetoric and good communication style is that those who have nothing to say should shut up.

Overview

The first and most important rule of rhetoric

 

 

1. rhetorical rule:

 

Those who have nothing to say should shut up.

 

It is worthwhile to consider the most important rule of rhetoric. And it isn’t a new one.

 

 

 

The basics of communication

 

The first rule of good style – almost sufficient in itself – is that you have something to say.

Arthur Schopenhauer

 

 

 

Once upon a time…

 

I had an otherwise very esteemed colleague who used to express himself regularly every 15 minutes. And he did this largely independently of the topic and the relevance of the personal contribution to it. He had read in a career guide that behavior would be good to progress with his career.

With cause and effect, it is sometimes such a thing. He has succeeded well with his career, and therefore he will probably consider this recommendation right. I think, however, that he was able to make a career with his other knowledge and skills. His verbal contributions in meetings, however, were no pleasure for everyone else involved. It was a direct violation of the 1st rule of rhetoric: Who has nothing to say, better shut up! Or in the words of Abraham Lincoln: “It is better to remain silent and be suspected of being an idiot than to speak and thereby remove all doubts.

 

 

 

Am I exaggerating my position?

 

With some distance to this article, I tend to relativize my thoughts. I still stand by the basic statement, but the words can also be misunderstood. After all, I am a great friend of the idea that speakers express their thoughts while forming an opinion and sharing it with others. This can be very enriching for everyone involved. It is not about one’s own ego, but about contributing something.

So every speaker is invited to think about his or her intention beforehand.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

What do you think about this fundamental rule?

First rule of rhetoric: Those who have nothing to say should shut up. - Karsten Noack

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: May 2, 2015
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/erste-regel-der-rhetorik/
K:
H:
T: RR
#977

Tongue twisters from A to Z as training for voice, articulation and concentration

Aug 16, 2019 | Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Voice

Tongue twisters from A to Z as training for voice, articulation and concentration

Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?
Tongue twisters

Tongue twisters for your pronunciation

 

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! And tongue breakers are used to train dedicated speakers. Through regular training with tongue twisters, you will increase your attention, concentration, and memory, as well as your own pronunciation.

 

Overview

Tongue twisters

 

When you write copy you have the right to copyright the copy you write. Tongue twisters are word sequences whose correct pronunciation is difficult and challenging even for native speakers. They are usually a series of similar words that differ in syllables and are designed to make it difficult for the speaker to pronounce them correctly.

This is done by combining syllables that are seldom pronounced one after the other, making them unfamiliar to the speaker. The words often end in a vowel or a diphthong, whereupon the next word also begins with a vowel or a diphthong, which causes difficulties in pronunciation. Tongue twisters are also often alliterations and rhymes of shaking. Speaking the tongue breaker is often difficult just because of the repetition.

Three thick dragons serve three thin ladies. And tongue twisters serve to train dedicated speakers. This trains speaking ability, articulation, and concentration.

Examples of tongue twisters

 

Tongue twisters starting with A

 

A big black bug bit a big black dog on his big black nose!

A black bloke’s back brake-block broke.

A fly and flea flew into a flue,
said the fly to the flea ‘what shall we do?’
‘let us fly’ said the flea
said the fly ‘shall we flee’
so they flew through a flaw in the flue.

A gazillion gigantic grapes gushed
gradually giving gophers gooey guts.

A lump of red leather, a red leather lump

A pessimistic pest exists amidst us.

A slimey snake slithered down the sandy Sahara.

An agile, angry ape addled up the avenue.

Ann and Andy’s anniversary is in April.

As one black bug, bled blue, black blood. The other black bug bled blue.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with B

 

Bake big batches of bitter brown bread.

Big black bugs bleed blue black blood but baby black bugs bleed blue blood.

Black background, brown background, black background, brown background, black background, brown background.

Birdie birdie in the sky laid a turdie in my eye.
If cows could fly I’d have a cow pie in my eye.

Buckets of bug blood, buckets of bug blood, buckets of bug blood.

Busy buzzing bumble bees.

 

 

Tongue twisters with C

 

Can you can a can as a canner can can a can?

Chester Cheetah chews a chunk of cheep cheddar cheese.

Clean clams crammed in clean cans.

Crush grapes, grapes crush, crush grapes.

Crying came the crone creeping from the cold cafe.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with D

 

Denise sees the fleece,
Denise sees the fleas.
At least Denise could sneeze
and feed and freeze the fleas.

Dimensional analysis

Double bubble gum, bubbles double.

Dust is a disk’s worst enemy.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with E

 

Earnest Edgar eyed everything everywhere.

Eddie edited it.

Elizabeth has eleven elves in her elm tree.

Excited executioner exercising his excising powers excessively.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with F

 

Four furious friends fought for the phone.

Five frantic frogs fled from fifty fierce fishes.

Fresh French fried fly fritters.

Fresh fried fish,
Fish fresh fried,
Fried fish fresh,
Fish fried fresh.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with G

 

Gilbert grabbed a golden globe, giving it to Gilda.

Gobbling gargoyles gobbled gobbling goblins.

Good blood, bad blood.

Gig whip, gig whip, gig whip.

Green glass globes glow greenly.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with H

 

He threw three balls.

He threw three free throws.

How can a clam cram in a clean cream can?

How many cans can a cannibal nibble
if a cannibal can nibble cans?
As many cans as a cannibal can nibble
if a cannibal can nibble cans.

How many cookies could a good cook cook If a good cook could cook cookies? A good cook could cook as many cookies as a good cook who could cook cookies.

How much caramel can a canny cannonball cram in a camel if a canny cannonball can cram caramel in a camel?

How many snacks could a snack stacker stack, if a snack stacker snacked stacked snacks?

How much dew does a dewdrop drop
If dewdrops do drop dew?
They do drop, they do
As do dewdrops drop
If dewdrops do drop dew.

How much ground would a groundhog hog, if a groundhog could hog ground? A groundhog would hog all the ground he could hog, if a groundhog could hog ground.

How much pot, could a pot roast roast, if a pot roast could roast pot.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with I

 

I’m a sock cutter and I cut socks.
I’m a sock cutter and I cut socks.
I’m a sock cutter and I cut socks.

I eat eel while you peel eel.

I saw a kitten eating chicken in the kitchen.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for icecream!

I shot three shy thrushes.

I shot the city sheriff.
I shot the city sheriff.
I shot the city sheriff.

I thought, I thought of thinking of thanking you.

I’m not the fig plucker,
nor the fig plucker’s son,
but I’ll pluck figs
till the fig plucker comes.

I see a sea down by the seashore.
But which sea do you see down by the seashore?

If two witches watched two watches, which witch would watch which watch?

I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I won’t wish the wish you wish to wish.

I wish you were a fish in my dish.

If practice makes perfect and perfect needs practice, I’m perfectly practiced and practically perfect.

If colored caterpillars could change their colors constantly could they keep their colored coat colored properly?

If you notice this notice,
you will notice that this notice is not worth noticing.

If you understand, say “understand”.
If you don’t understand, say “don’t understand”.
But if you understand and say “don’t understand”.
how do I understand that you understand. Understand!?

If you’re keen on stunning kites and cunning stunts,
buy a cunning stunning stunt kite.

I saw Susie sitting in a shoeshine shop.

I slit the sheet, the sheet I slit, and on the slitted sheet I sit

I slit a sheet, a sheet I slit, upon a slitted sheet I sit.

It’s a nice night for a white rice fight.

It’s not the cough that carries you off,
it’s the coffin they carry you off in!

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with J

 

Justin jumping joyous joined in Johnna’s jubilee.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with K

 

Knife and a fork bottle and a cork
that is the way you spell New York.
Chicken in the car and the car can go,
that is the way you spell Chicago.

 

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with L

 

Lesser leather never weathered wetter weather better.

Local yokel jokes.

Lou Lou licked on lollipops while Larry lit a light.

Luke Luck likes lakes.
Luke’s duck likes lakes.
Luke Luck licks lakes.
Luck’s duck licks lakes.
Duck takes licks in lakes Luke Luck likes.
Luke Luck takes licks in lakes duck likes.

Love’s a feeling you feel when you feel
you’re going to feel the feeling you’ve never felt before.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with M

 

Myrtle made moist, Mango muffins mostly meant for Mina.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with N

 

Naughty nighthawks noisily, narrowly neared Nina.

Nine nice night nurses nursing nicely.

No need to light a night-light on a light night like tonight.

 

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with O

 

Octopus ocular optics.

One smart fellow, he felt smart.
Two smart fellows, they felt smart.
Three smart fellows, they felt smart.
Four smart fellows, they felt smart.
Five smart fellows, they felt smart.
Six smart fellows, they felt smart.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with P

 

Peter poorly penniless prepares a peekish pout.

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked
If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers
Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?

Picky people pick Peter Pan Peanut-Butter, ’tis the peanut-butter picky people pick.

Pirates Private Property

Purple paper people, purple paper people, purple paper people.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with Q

 

Quails quoted a quandry quickly quarrel qualities.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with R

 

Real weird rear wheels, real weird rear wheels, real weird rear wheels.

Red blood, green blood, red blood, green blood, red blood, green blood.

Roberta ran rings around the Roman ruins.

Roofs of mushrooms rarely mush too much.

Rory the warrior and Roger the worrier were reared wrongly in a rural brewery.

Round and round the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran.

Rudder valve reversals

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with S

 

Scissors sizzle, thistles sizzle.

Seven slick slimey snakes slowly sliding southward.

She saw Sherif’s shoes on the sofa. But was she so sure she saw Sherif’s shoes on the sofa?

She stood on the balcony, inexplicably mimicking him hiccuping, and amicably welcoming him in.

Shut up the shutters and sit in the shop.

Seven sleazy shysters in sharkskin suits sold sheared sealskins to seasick sailors.

She sees cheese.

Sheena leads, Sheila needs.

Shut up the shutters and sit in the shop.

Silly sheep weep and sleep.

Singing Sammy sung songs on sinking sand.

Six sick hicks nick six slick bricks with picks and sticks.

Six sleek swans swam swiftly southwards.

Six slimy snails sailed silently.

She stood on the balcony, inexplicably mimicking him hiccuping, and amicably welcoming him in.

Stupid superstition!

Suzie Seaword’s fish-sauce shop sells unsifted thistles for thistle-sifters to sift.

Susie works in a shoeshine shop. Where she shines she sits, and where she sits she shines

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with T

 

The big black bug bit the big black bear,
but the big black bear bit the big black bug back!

The great Greek grape growers grow great Greek grapes.

The owner of the inside inn was inside his inside inn with his inside outside his inside inn.

The queen in green screamed.

The ruddy widow really wants ripe watermelon and red roses when winter arrives.

The thirty-three thieves thought that they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.

Thrash the thickset thug!

There those thousand thinkers were thinking how did the other three thieves go through.

There was a fisherman named Fisher
who fished for some fish in a fissure.
Till a fish with a grin,
pulled the fisherman in.
Now they’re fishing the fissure for Fisher.

There was a minimum of cinnamon in the aluminum pan.

Thin grippy thick slippery.

Thirty-three thirsty, thundering thoroughbreds thumped Mr. Thurber on Thursday.

Thirty-three sly shy thrushes.

Three short sword sheaths.

Three thick things.

Tie a knot, tie a knot.
Tie a tight, tight knot.
Tie a knot in the shape of a nought.

Tie twine to three tree twigs.

Tom threw Tim three thumbtacks.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with U

 

Uma utters undiscovered, “Uphold unity.”

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with V

 

Valuable valley villas.

Vera vocalizes, venting, verbal vanity.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with W

 

Wayne went to Wales to watch walruses.

What veteran ventriloquist whistles?

When you write copy you have the right to copyright the copy you write.

Whoever slit the sheets is a good sheet slitter.

Which rich wicked witch wished the wicked wish?

Which wristwatch is a Swiss wristwatch?

Which witch is which?

Why do you cry, Willy?
Why do you cry?
Why, Willy?
Why, Willy?
Why, Willy? Why?

Will you, William? Will you, William? Will you, William?
Can’t you, don’t you, won’t you, William?

Willie’s really weary.

Wow, race winners really want red wine right away!

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with X

 

Xander examines xylophones while xeroxing x-rays.

X-ray checks clear chests.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with Y

 

Yellow leather, yellow feather.

Yolanda’s yellow yogurt yields a yummy yearning yen.

 

 

Tongue twisters starting with Z

 

Zachary’s zenith zones on the zodiac and zen.

This is a zither. Is this a zither?

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear. Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair. Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy, was he?

 

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Do you know of any other tongue twisters?

He threw three free throws.

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: September 26, 2018
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/zungenbrecher/
K:
H:
T: RR
#351

Overcome your fear of public speaking, with coaching or therapy in Berlin

Aug 12, 2019 | Coaching & Training, Presentation Skills, Stage Fright

Overcome your fear of public speaking, with coaching or therapy in Berlin

Coaching for stage fright, therapy for glossophobia or speech anxiety, the excessive fear of public speaking
Stage Fright

Fear of public speaking

 

Does stage fright or performance anxiety block and frustrate your ambitions? Eliminating your fear of public speaking is possible! With techniques like NLP and Hypnobalancing™, you can retrain both your conscious and your subconscious mind.

Overview

Stage fright: When adrenaline is flowing through your body

 

Tachycardia, sweating palms, heavy breathing? Nothing influences a presentation more than your fear. Fear is a common experience of speakers, actors, politicians and almost every person who has ever been introduced. People get nervous when they have to speak in front of others. We all suffer from a certain degree of stage fright. Some people are particularly intense. That’s why some people avoid situations of public speaking, they don’t know how to deal with the fear of presentation.

The feeling of stage fright is bad enough, but what is worse is the damage it can do to your career and self-esteem. If you let yourself be prevented from doing the important things, your self-confidence will diminish and your stage fright will grow bigger and stronger.

 

 

 

Our body’s response to stress: Fight or flight?

 

Stage fright is associated with fight or flight syndrome. When a person is confronted with a threatening situation, the vegetative nervous system releases adrenaline into the bloodstream. Adrenaline produces most of the symptoms that people associate with stage fright: flat, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, tremors, and nervous nerves.

These reactions can be helpful for an organism faced with a valid threat to survival. But none of these effects helps speakers convince an audience and feel good about themselves. Unfortunately, the autonomic nervous system does not distinguish between real and hallucinated threats. If the mind perceives the threat as dangerous enough, although a rational analysis would say otherwise, the brain stem begins to distribute the adrenaline.

It is therefore not only in the imagination a problem. It is also in your body. It takes thirty minutes or more for the adrenaline to dissolve, so the adrenaline and adrenaline-related symptoms persist in the body for a long time after they are released. One result is the jittery nerves of stage fright.

Often someone prone to stage fright misinterprets these symptoms. Thus, it strengthens the fear of the effects of stage fright more and more. As a result, more adrenaline is released into the blood and a vicious circle begins.

 

 

 

Avoidance leads to more problems

 

Some people are so desperate that they avoid accepting jobs where they need to speak publicly. This is not only a disadvantage for the individual, but also for the countless people who will miss what that person has to say. Speaking is power and power is connected with responsibility. Those who evade responsibility leave decisions and the influence of shaping the world to others.

 

 

 

Public speaking and stage fright?

 

If you want to be successful, then you have to talk and present effectively, convince and fight for your ideas. Maybe someone in a meeting asks you if you want to present your project, or maybe you’re standing in front of a crowded conference room giving a presentation that could advance or end your career. This can put you under pressure. That’s why some people don’t feel inspired in front of an audience, but just panicked. Not everyone knows how to deal with this kind of fear.

In terms of public speaking, this kind of fear is referred to as glossophobia or fear of speech, which is the fear of speaking to an audience. Stage fright can occur in people of all experiences and backgrounds, both in beginners and professionals, and can occur increasingly or suddenly.

What is so special about public speaking? Many old books will tell you that there is no reason why you should be afraid to make a public speech.

For a long time, it has been said that people are afraid because they are not prepared. So the whole focus was on being as well-prepared as possible. And preparation meant the technical part of the presentation. Do it over and over again and everything will be fine. That’s why many trainers have developed programs that are very much focused on preparation and practice. They assured the people that they would get rid of their fear in this way. It was pointed out that it can take weeks to months, but the only repetition helps to overcome the fear.

 

The American modern dancer and choreographer Martha Graham meant:

I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same. In each, it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit. One becomes, in some area, an athlete of God. Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired.

 

Yes, training where you practice and practice and practice, and you show up in front of people who take care of you, and you practice your speech, and you do well – that’s wonderful. You have to practice and I want to support everyone who gives a presentation with training, I want you to be brilliant. But the truth is that it is often not enough to overcome the physiological, automatic reaction. The reaction can often be triggered by the mere thought of a podium or audience. The mere thought of standing in front of an audience does not let many people sleep. It is an unconscious reaction that has to be changed in depth.

Many people consciously understand that speaking in front of an audience is not as dangerous as it feels, but that doesn’t change anything, because it still feels terrible! Your mental and physical reactions refuse all logical explanations. Therefore, it must be changed where it originates, in your subconscious. Then it is possible to overcome even the most intense fear of public speaking!

 

 

 

Are you the only one with stage fright?

 

There are only two types of speakers in the world.

1. The nervous
and
2. liars.

Mark Twain

 

If you have attended meetings, conferences or presentation training and observed the communication styles of excellent speakers, you may want to be like them. Some speakers radiate such confidence and seem to show no signs of nervousness.

The truth is that even world-class presenters usually get nervous before they enter the stage, no matter how often they stand in front of an audience. It depends on how you use this nervousness that makes a difference in the quality of your presentation.

 

 

 

Help with the fear of public speaking

 

Unfortunately, so many people keep silent because they suffer from immense stage fright. Stage fright can be a positive kind of excitement but sometimes the fear can be intense and as a result, too many people keep silent! This is sad, especially if someone has something to say.

 

If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud.

Emile Zola

 

We will never hear the advice of many excellent experts because they have stage fright. And many potential leaders are silenced by their fear; great minds avoid leadership positions or do not reach their full potential because they are unable to express themselves.

Overcoming stage fright will help you inspire others, share your vision, explain to them the context, convince them to do the right things. If stage fright prevents you from reaching your potential, it is never too late to free yourself by unlocking the inner leader.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for reducing and even releasing anxiety, such as hypnotherapy and Hypnobalancing™. And there are things you can do to help yourself. The number one is trust. Trusting yourself is important. That’s why in coaching we identify the negative self-talk that always runs in our heads and replaces it with positive thoughts. And for your autonomy, I teach you some practical skills. As a result, you will develop strategies to prevent and reduce symptoms, maintain mental states in which you and your message will convince in speeches and presentations. If we do a good job, you will enjoy these opportunities.

With techniques like NLP and Hypnobalancing™ you can train your consciousness as well as your subconscious. Once the feelings of fear of public speaking have disappeared, there is no need for the brain to continue to worry, create stress, or create fear of presentation.

If you suffer from severe anxiety, I offer reduced fees for psychotherapy. Do not hesitate to ask me for details.

Preparation of important speeches and presentations

 

Those who do not speak are not heard and even those who speak up are not always successful. There are a few more steps that need to be mastered.

Do you want to convince with your message and also as a personality? Then I will help you to prepare your speeches and presentations. You determine the scope. At least I recommend a test run with professional feedback for you and your message. Then you will know how you and your content are perceived, what you should do and what you should leave out, where there is potential. Why do you want to get such helpful feedback so late after your real performance? Then it is too late for adjustments. Benefit from the advantage. My definition of luck: Preparation meets opportunity.

You can best estimate for yourself where the effort is worthwhile concerning the expected benefit. Here you will find the fees for my support (communication, psychology, language, structure, voice, body language, storytelling, rhetorical means, media such as PowerPoint and Co., etc.)

You are not in Berlin right now? Then choose meetings with me via telephone or video support. Whereby there are quite good reasons for a trip to Berlin.

By the way, many people suffer from such intense stage fright in front of an audience and therefore their performance lags behind their possibilities. Too bad, because with my help performance in a good condition is possible. Just in case...

Preparing for important speeches and presentations

A good start: Professional feedback with recommendations for improvements

 

How convincing are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you in the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, I can tell you very precisely what has which effect on which audience. Let me give you the feedback that will help you get ahead. You will receive essential feedback and recommendations, as well as the impulses you need to convince your audience in concrete situations.

Are you interested? Then you will find here the information on feedback with recommendations for improvements of speeches and presentations.

Feedback and recommendations for speakers, speeches and presentations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

How do you deal with stage fright or the fear of public speaking?

We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality. Seneca

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: May 4, 2016
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: January 1, 2021
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#7874

error: Copyright