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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?
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
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?
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.
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 …
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 typically 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…
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!
Keep a cool head and a constructive serenity with which you can make the best decisions and act skillfully.
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.
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.
Don’t let the resistance take you astray. Always focus on your goals and priorities and remain flexible concerning the way ahead.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
One of the most significant 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.
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.
Listeners feel whether someone is pretending or means what he is saying. Body language plays an important role here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell 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. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why 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 you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
Published: March 2, 2005
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#245
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.
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.
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?
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.
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:
Humor 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.
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 Stand-up 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?”
For an authentic performance, you must stand behind what you say. So choose only humorous elements that suit you and feel right.
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.
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.
Irony can sometimes be used with a wink of the eye. However, this is not entirely harmless.
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.
What rhymes is easier for us to get into our brains and has the potential to sound like 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.
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.
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.
Test humorous elements several times and thoroughly. And above all, ask people who have a similar sense of humor like your target audience.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell 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. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why 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 you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
How persuasive are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you at the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, and numerous mistakes of my own, most of which I only discovered after a delay, I can tell you exactly what works with 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 persuade your audience in concrete situations.
Are you interested? If so, here is how to get helpful feedback with recommendations for improving your speeches and presentations.
Make an impact! Speech is power. And with that great power comes great responsibility. I train and prepare you for your speeches and presentations.
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.
Tongue breakers are used to train dedicated speakers for speaking, articulation, and concentration.
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.
Professional speakers must be particularly careful as their voices are their prerequisites for their tasks. That’s why you’ll find tips on how to protect your voice on these pages.
What does a convincing presentation with presentation software need? Here are some tips for presentation design with PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. It sounds true, and it is true. And it is also not always right to hide behind that saying.
Key messages create focus, control, and intensity in influencing your target audiences. How to create compelling key messages in speeches and presentations.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to craft a compelling personal vision. There are a few essential steps if you want to design a powerful vision. And how about a vision board?
Learn how to solve speech writing problems in all phase of the speech writing process. How to write a speech – step by step.
Does your speech offer some new insights to the audience? Do you invite them to explore another point of view? Or do you try to force them to accept your point of view?
Presentation skills training is offered in many formats. What is better, presentation training in the group or rather in private lessons? Here are suggestions for your decision on the format of training or coaching.
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: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#124
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.
Since I can remember, almost in every introductory workshop of 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.
Here are five reasons not to put your hands in the pockets of your trousers while speaking.
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.
Open palms promote trust, hidden hands mistrust.
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.
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?
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? 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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. I (and most of the audience) don’t think it’s so good. Why? This question will be answered.
Make an impact! Speech is power. And with that great power comes great responsibility. I train and prepare you for your speeches and presentations.
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.
Tongue breakers are used to train dedicated speakers for speaking, articulation, and concentration.
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.
Professional speakers must be particularly careful as their voices are their prerequisites for their tasks. That’s why you’ll find tips on how to protect your voice on these pages.
What does a convincing presentation with presentation software need? Here are some tips for presentation design with PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. It sounds true, and it is true. And it is also not always right to hide behind that saying.
Key messages create focus, control, and intensity in influencing your target audiences. How to create compelling key messages in speeches and presentations.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to craft a compelling personal vision. There are a few essential steps if you want to design a powerful vision. And how about a vision board?
Learn how to solve speech writing problems in all phase of the speech writing process. How to write a speech – step by step.
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
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.
Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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...
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell 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. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why 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 you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
Make an impact! Speech is power. And with that great power comes great responsibility. I train and prepare you for your speeches and presentations.
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.
Tongue breakers are used to train dedicated speakers for speaking, articulation, and concentration.
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.
Professional speakers must be particularly careful as their voices are their prerequisites for their tasks. That’s why you’ll find tips on how to protect your voice on these pages.
What does a convincing presentation with presentation software need? Here are some tips for presentation design with PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. It sounds true, and it is true. And it is also not always right to hide behind that saying.
Key messages create focus, control, and intensity in influencing your target audiences. How to create compelling key messages in speeches and presentations.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to craft a compelling personal vision. There are a few essential steps if you want to design a powerful vision. And how about a vision board?
Learn how to solve speech writing problems in all phase of the speech writing process. How to write a speech – step by step.
Does your speech offer some new insights to the audience? Do you invite them to explore another point of view? Or do you try to force them to accept your point of view?
Presentation skills training is offered in many formats. What is better, presentation training in the group or rather in private lessons? Here are suggestions for your decision on the format of training or coaching.
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
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.
It is worthwhile to consider the most important rule of rhetoric. And it isn’t a new one.
The first rule of good style – almost sufficient in itself – is that you have something to say.
Arthur Schopenhauer
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.
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 ego, but about contributing something.
So every speaker is invited to think about his or her intention beforehand.
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...
How persuasive are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you at the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, and numerous mistakes of my own, most of which I only discovered after a delay, I can tell you exactly what works with 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 persuade your audience in concrete situations.
Are you interested? If so, here is how to get helpful feedback with recommendations for improving your speeches and presentations.
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell 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. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why 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 you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
Make an impact! Speech is power. And with that great power comes great responsibility. I train and prepare you for your speeches and presentations.
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.
Tongue breakers are used to train dedicated speakers for speaking, articulation, and concentration.
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.
Professional speakers must be particularly careful as their voices are their prerequisites for their tasks. That’s why you’ll find tips on how to protect your voice on these pages.
What does a convincing presentation with presentation software need? Here are some tips for presentation design with PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. It sounds true, and it is true. And it is also not always right to hide behind that saying.
Key messages create focus, control, and intensity in influencing your target audiences. How to create compelling key messages in speeches and presentations.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to craft a compelling personal vision. There are a few essential steps if you want to design a powerful vision. And how about a vision board?
Learn how to solve speech writing problems in all phase of the speech writing process. How to write a speech – step by step.
Does your speech offer some new insights to the audience? Do you invite them to explore another point of view? Or do you try to force them to accept your point of view?
Presentation skills training is offered in many formats. What is better, presentation training in the group or rather in private lessons? Here are suggestions for your decision on the format of training or coaching.
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: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/erste-regel-der-rhetorik/
K:
H:
T: RR
#977
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earnest Edgar eyed everything everywhere.
Eddie edited it.
Elizabeth has eleven elves in her elm tree.
Excited executioner exercising his excising powers excessively.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Justin jumping joyous joined in Johnna’s jubilee.
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.
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.
Myrtle made moist, Mango muffins mostly meant for Mina.
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.
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.
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.
Quails quoted a quandry quickly quarrel qualities.
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
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
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.
Uma utters undiscovered, “Uphold unity.”
Valuable valley villas.
Vera vocalizes, venting, verbal vanity.
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!
Xander examines xylophones while xeroxing x-rays.
X-ray checks clear chests.
Yellow leather, yellow feather.
Yolanda’s yellow yogurt yields a yummy yearning yen.
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?
How persuasive are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you at the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, and numerous mistakes of my own, most of which I only discovered after a delay, I can tell you exactly what works with 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 persuade your audience in concrete situations.
Are you interested? If so, here is how to get helpful feedback with recommendations for improving your speeches and presentations.
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: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/zungenbrecher/
K:
H:
T: RR
#351
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.
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.
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. Furthermore, 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.
Someone prone to stage fright often 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.
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.
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 sometimes 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!
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.
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.
Émile 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.
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...
How persuasive are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you at the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, and numerous mistakes of my own, most of which I only discovered after a delay, I can tell you exactly what works with 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 persuade your audience in concrete situations.
Are you interested? If so, here is how to get helpful feedback with recommendations for improving your speeches and presentations.
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell 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. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why 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 you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
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: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#7874
Professional speakers must be particularly careful as their voices are their prerequisites for their tasks. That’s why you’ll find tips on how to protect your voice on these pages.
Each presentation is also a self-presentation.
Karsten Noack
As a coach and speaker, I know how important a healthy voice is for some of us. Professional speakers need to be particularly careful because their voices are essential to their activities. Some people use their voices more often and under conditions that can cause additional stress. Uncontrolled screaming, shouting, and singing damage the voice, just like speaking for long periods in cold or noisy surroundings and during physical exertion.
That’s good to know: The voice can also be nurtured. There are many tips for public speakers.
Always warm up yourself and your voice before a speech. A cold start doesn’t do the voice any good. This can include relaxation techniques and gentle exercise. Your voice coach will show you suitable techniques specifically for activating your voice.
Avoid forcing your voice to a lower or unnatural pitch.
Permanent speech strains the vocal cords. This often happens unnoticed in the beginning, but at some point, the body defends itself with hoarseness.
Rest your voice as much as possible between performances and avoid tension and stress. If the voice is attacked due to an infection, it is advisable to rest your voice temporarily and drink a lot of fluids, for example, ginger tea. So the best strategy to get back to your voice quickly is still to just “shut up”.
Participate in voice training and learn voice techniques that can protect and improve your voice.
If you have a hoarse voice, you usually clear your throat. In this way, our voice becomes clear again, but we strain the sensitive mucous membranes of the vocal folds. It is better and just as effective to cough briefly.
Smoking is taboo for good vocal hygiene.
Avoid unhealthy, smoky rooms, bars, and places where the environment can adversely affect speech quality.
Drink alcohol moderately, if at all.
Coffee, black and green tea should only be consumed in moderation, as these drinks dry out the mucous membranes.
Keep yourself and your voice moist by drinking plenty of non-carbonated water.
Practice a healthy lifestyle that includes cardio training and good nutrition.
The fastest way to lose our voice is to scream or shout. But there are also many less obvious ways to burden your voice, and public speakers need to know them. One example is whispering. To protect your voice, you may think that whispering is softer, gentler, and less stressful for your vocal cords. But the truth is that whispering can be dangerous for your voice.
Whispering does affect your voice more than normal speech. When you whisper, you send an enormous amount of extra air to the vocal cords, making them dry and irritated. This is even worse than screaming and shouting. When whispering, the vocal folds are tightened so that they are closed at the front and open at the back. This is an unnatural way of using the voice. When you do this for a long time, you will find it difficult to speak normally again afterward, because it impedes the vocal cords in their function.
If you need to speak, don’t whisper. People who care about their voices should avoid whispering and just talk quietly.
In case of doubt, you would rather go to a medical specialist, such as a medical doctor who knows what to do.
And there are many more ways in which to protect your voice.
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...
How persuasive are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you at the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, and numerous mistakes of my own, most of which I only discovered after a delay, I can tell you exactly what works with 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 persuade your audience in concrete situations.
Are you interested? If so, here is how to get helpful feedback with recommendations for improving your speeches and presentations.
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell 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. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why 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 you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
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 21, 2002
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#675
What makes a convincing presentation with presentation software? Here are some tips for presentation design with PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.
The majority of PowerPoint presentations should be protected from laws such as those governing the misuse of narcotics. For a long time, the audience has to endure lengthy presentations with details that provide neither personal reference nor inspiration and certainly do not generate any positive emotions. Typical are tons of meaningless numbers, a lot of text, and boring theory. Overloaded slides dominate. Unprepared presenters cling to the bullet point. The interest of the audience is put to sleep!
Note:
PowerPoint from Microsoft™ is a widespread computer presentation program of Microsoft™. Another product for this purpose is Keynote™ from Apple™, and there are other programs or apps. Presentations can be created and accompanied by such programs.
Presentation software is always under criticism. Like any tool, it can be used well and badly. Negative examples are usually based on the fact that no basic knowledge and skills were acquired to build presentations. Then the information is ruthlessly squeezed into the presentation slides.
PowerPoint is when someone works 4 hours, so he can show in 20 minutes what he could say in 5 minutes.
PowerPoint can be a powerful tool to support a presentation. But it can also cause the listener to fall asleep, called Death by PowerPoint. Or being misused to distract from the essential. Like any tool, it is the user who decides whether to use it wisely or not.
Do not start the presentation design with the presentation software. If you start right away with PowerPoint and Co., then you restrict your possibilities right from the start.
With enumerations, the creation of presentation slides is quick and easy. That’s why bullet points are so common. During the presentation, speakers orient themselves along with the keywords and think they can save time for proper preparations.
For the audience, this is no pleasure! Use bullets as sparingly as possible.
Graphics should be easy to understand. Complex images bind the audience’s attention for too long and reduce the speaker’s impact.
Stay concentrated and encourage your audience to do the same. Dedicate a maximum of one core message to each slide.
It is great if you are proud of your logo. Just, please don’t overdo it. It is enough to have the logo on the first and last pages. The same applies to your domain and other contact details.
It flickers and flutters, and every animation PowerPoint offers should be tried out? Don’t torture the eyes and nerves of your audience.
If the presentation software allows it, embed your fonts in the file. Otherwise, impressive visual effects may occur during the presentation on a foreign system. They rarely support your message.
Put keywords on your slides instead of worded text. Long texts tempt you to read them aloud, and the audience will do the same. This makes you superfluous or even disturbs the reading of the audience. And to be honest; how well can you read aloud, and would you like to experience this yourself as a participant in the audience?
Visualize your messages in such a way that they can be understood quickly and clearly. A simple photo, a sketch underlining the statements of speakers are good.
It is safer to embed multimedia elements so that they also work during the presentation. What worked in the office can look completely different on another computer. Also, file often on the computer or server in the office and are inadvertently not taken along.
A large headline, about five bullet points and quickly set a nice picture next to it. Ready?
Most presentations with PowerPoint and Co. look similar. This quickly leads to fatigue in the audience. Those who design their slides more differently and appealingly attract and hold the attention of the audience.
The choice of font is a statement. Beyond standard fonts, such as Times New Roman and Arial, there are worthwhile fonts to discover. In addition to readability, the message of the font also plays an important role. Please be careful with the number of fonts used.
Preferably, use your trusted hardware for the presentation. Better be safe than sorry! Murphy is already waiting to be remembered.
Coordinate the presentation with the corporate design.
Not everyone has the budget for first-class graphic designers. But they can do what only graphic designers can do: excellent design!
When it comes to a presentation, schedule support from graphic designers.
Note:
I’m not a graphic designer, so I’m always interested in recommendations of graphic designers. If you know someone …?
More is better? No, the saying “less is more” also comes true in presentations. With presentation software and presentation slides, the respective goal should be supported. Even the most beautiful slides should not replace the speaker’s presentation. Otherwise, the file could be sent by e-mail. Not every piece of information you want to convey should be found on the slides. The slides should not replace the presentation but underline it. Remember that the focus is on you as the speaker and your message, not your presentation slides.
To save time, presentation slides are created in such a way that they serve as a handout. The opulent result then confuses the audience.
Murphy prefers to be seen where it is most spectacular because that is his nature. So: Print out your slides! The poor forest? Yes, that’s right, but it calms you down.
Even the best digital presentation slides can be supplemented with analog sketches completed on site. Reach for the pen in between and go to the flip chart. This will help you attract attention.
Make sure that the desired emotions are also transported via the image protection presentation.
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...
How persuasive are you and your messages in speeches and presentations? How good are you at the 111+ most important presentation skills? I have been analyzing speeches since 1998. After evaluating 14,375 speeches and presentations, and numerous mistakes of my own, most of which I only discovered after a delay, I can tell you exactly what works with 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 persuade your audience in concrete situations.
Are you interested? If so, here is how to get helpful feedback with recommendations for improving your speeches and presentations.
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell 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. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why 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 you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
Learn how to solve speech writing problems in all phase of the speech writing process. How to write a speech – step by step.
Does your speech offer some new insights to the audience? Do you invite them to explore another point of view? Or do you try to force them to accept your point of view?
This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.
Published: February 3, 2007
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/praesentationsfolien-praesentationsdesign/
K:
H:
T: RR
#332
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. It sounds true, and it is true. And it is also not always right to hide behind that saying.
If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all. Well, nobody can make you feel bad without your permission!
Let’s think twice about that. It sounds true. And it is true. But what is missing here are the responsibilities. Because that saying also sets up a world where you have no responsibility for your speech.
I support the right to free speech. It is part of my profession when I support all those different people to present themselves and their offers. I believe in choosing to exercise that right responsibly and respectfully. Free speech comes with responsibilities. It is essential for society, and so is respect. Therefore, I recommend speaking carefully. Do your best to be kind. And don’t be radical unless it’s your last choice. Don’t be offensive!
The problem I see with the argument is that one person’s version of being offensive is very different from another. Be careful: When you hurt the values you want to protect, you lose your credibility. Walk your talk!
Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?
If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell 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. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.
Transparency is important. That is why 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 you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.
Remarks:
In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.
Make an impact! Speech is power. And with that great power comes great responsibility. I train and prepare you for your speeches and presentations.
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.
Tongue breakers are used to train dedicated speakers for speaking, articulation, and concentration.
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.
Professional speakers must be particularly careful as their voices are their prerequisites for their tasks. That’s why you’ll find tips on how to protect your voice on these pages.
What does a convincing presentation with presentation software need? Here are some tips for presentation design with PowerPoint, Keynote and Co.
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. It sounds true, and it is true. And it is also not always right to hide behind that saying.
Key messages create focus, control, and intensity in influencing your target audiences. How to create compelling key messages in speeches and presentations.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to craft a compelling personal vision. There are a few essential steps if you want to design a powerful vision. And how about a vision board?
Learn how to solve speech writing problems in all phase of the speech writing process. How to write a speech – step by step.
Does your speech offer some new insights to the audience? Do you invite them to explore another point of view? Or do you try to force them to accept your point of view?
Presentation skills training is offered in many formats. What is better, presentation training in the group or rather in private lessons? Here are suggestions for your decision on the format of training or coaching.
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 21, 2001
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#181