English Word Stress - Does It Really Matter?
Posted on April 8, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
Yes and No.
Yes, if you are a non-native speaker speaking to a native English speaker (classified as English speakers from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and North America).
No, if you are a non-native English speaker speaking to another non-native speaker (classified as… everybody else).
Let me explain.
English language teaching theory has traditionally been based on native English forms, more specifically British and American English varieties. In today’s international community however, where more than 1 billion non-native English speakers use English as a lingua franca, teaching theory is changing to focus on English as an International Language (EIL).
Read More..>>Public Speaking Tips From Broadway Actors - On Giving A Speech
Posted on April 3, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
Physical relaxation is important. (Maintain it no matter what stress you may be under.)
When nervous do not tense your body to deaden the feeling. (Nerves charge your body with adrenaline and create a liveliness conducive to public speaking.. Tension is rigidity through which nothing flows; and since physical and mental tension are one, you may find it difficult to think or remember the words of your speech.)
Assume the audience is with you, wishing you well. (Many of them are afraid of public speaking and admire you for doing it.)
Read More..>>Blame It On Rio - Reconsider The Value Of Delivering International Speeches & Seminars
Posted on March 31, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
In a prior article, I mentioned it is very costly to deliver a paid, professional speech or seminar at a distant international venue.
You have prep time, visas to apply and wait for, travel to arrange, currency and payment collection issues, language barriers, and days on airplanes en route.
Still, after having recently done a first-class program in Brazil, which I had a chance to videotape for release later as a product, I was pleased and said the experience was well worth it.
But today, a mere eight months later, I might decline the same opportunity.
Read More..>>Two Great Things About Public Speaking
Posted on March 31, 2008 - Filed Under Automotive, Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
I enjoy speaking to audiences! But, sometimes I do not take full pleasure in the necessary writing of the speech, the crafting of the speech insiders would say. It takes time to find the right words, and then better words after you have found those. In the past I always wanted to come off as totally spontaneous and as if the speech just came off the top of my head. I learned that without preparation, and practice it just does not happen that way!
Read More..>>Public Speaking - Where Do I Find Great Stories To Tell?
Posted on March 23, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
Can personal stories make my speech more interesting and impressionable? And if so, how do I ensure I have great stories to tell?
Absolutely! Telling personal stories is one of the easiest and most effective ways of making your speech interesting and impressionable. It is foolproof. You can be the most boring speaker in the entire universe but when you tell a personal story, you will automatically be forgiven. Not only do your stories build rapport with your audience, they differentiate you from the rest of the speakers. In the eyes of your audience, you are unique!
Read More..>>Six Basic Questions While Preparing A Speech
Posted on March 23, 2008 - Filed Under Automotive, Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
Thee are various occasions, formal and informal, where you have to make a speech. You may get enough time to prepare your speech or you may have to make an impromptu speech. Whatever the occasion, speech should have a certain plan and pattern of structure.
The following questions are basic issues that every one proposing to make a speech must ask himself while writing a speech. If you are clear about the answers to these questions, you will be able to have the desired effect.
Read More..>>Substance, Humor, Style Of Presenting - Which Is More Important When It Comes To Delivering A Speech
Posted on March 22, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
It really depends on the purpose of the speech. If it is for entertainment, then humor will be more important than substance. An after dinner speech is one such example. People would expect you to make them laugh more than to make them learn. Can you imagine someone preaching about the seven effective habits of highly successful people after a six-course meal?
Read More..>>Public Speaking - How To Handle Audience Q&a
Posted on February 17, 2008 - Filed Under Writing and Speaking | Leave a Comment
Your speech is polished and your delivery is perfect. The audience laughed in all the right places, and even shed a tear. You’re ready to pat yourself on the back for a job well done, but wait . . . there’s still the Q&A.
Audience members are speaking up, but no one can hear them. Someone asks a question that’s completely off-topic and you get flustered trying to think of an answer. The event organizer calls time, the presentation is over, and suddenly you don’t feel so great about it after all.
Read More..>>