I don't even find public speaking that terrifying, and I still found these tips super helpful. They also helped me confirm my approach! Thanks for this.
This is great, Chris. I still stand by the trick I learned at 19: Walk on stage with a smile and look at people in the eye until they break it or smile back. It only takes 3 or 4 folks, and then you own the space. And always be humble and human. There will always be people there who want to love you and people there looking for flaws. But everyone will know when you are being genuine. Can't wait for your TEDx! xo
Hearing your experience with public speaking always gives me hope that one day I might be able to do it without my brain going completely blank, my talking way too fast or my voice shaking uncontrollably. Great tips in here for sure.
These are all great tips! As a trainer the last 20 odd years I can tell you that the number 1 way to get better is to practice. I started off speaking extremely quickly and blurring my words together. Over time I learned how to breathe and organize my thoughts. The 1 thing that really broke me through was a specific word I had issues with - predecessor. I worked on that word until it was easy to say. That was my white whale apparently.
I once had the good fortune to be in a room with a very experienced speech coach who was helping presenters work on each aspect of their speech. We were preparing to present and pitch to the Canadian Olympic Committee to choose Vancouver/Whistler as host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics--you know how that turned out! However, watching him work with each of the speakers--all famous people and not inexperienced speakers, was fascinating. Watching how much they improved after working with him was remarkable. The one tip I remember him telling them, and you've listed it here, is about telling a story. Weaving a personal story into whatever it was they were trying to convey to bring the audience into your bubble. These are all great tips Chris. Well done.
I was lucky enough to be working in Vancouver for the Games, albeit at Curling! However, I was downtown when we we won the gold medal in hocky and it was pandemonium, but in the best kind of way. EVERYONE was smiling, high-fiving, celebrating, waving the flag. It was a good game. Oh Canada! (Sorry, not sorry ;)
I don't even find public speaking that terrifying, and I still found these tips super helpful. They also helped me confirm my approach! Thanks for this.
Thanks Noha 😀. Were you always a comfortable speaker or did it become easier over time?
This is great, Chris. I still stand by the trick I learned at 19: Walk on stage with a smile and look at people in the eye until they break it or smile back. It only takes 3 or 4 folks, and then you own the space. And always be humble and human. There will always be people there who want to love you and people there looking for flaws. But everyone will know when you are being genuine. Can't wait for your TEDx! xo
Humble and human is an excellent combo. Love it!
PS I read that real quick as "look at them until they break"....which sounds like an interrogation technique.
Whatever works, my friend. Whatever works. xo
If I ever see you speak, remind me not to sit in the front row.
VIP seating for you all the way. xo
😱
Yes!! We need a Chris Anselmo TEDx talk!
I have applied to many TED talks but haven't been selected yet....but I'm ready and willing!
Key word: yet. It’s going to happen!
I need a hype person.
Great tips, Chris!
Thanks Ilona!
Hearing your experience with public speaking always gives me hope that one day I might be able to do it without my brain going completely blank, my talking way too fast or my voice shaking uncontrollably. Great tips in here for sure.
Thanks Jackie. I think you would do great! Practice will help.
These are all great tips! As a trainer the last 20 odd years I can tell you that the number 1 way to get better is to practice. I started off speaking extremely quickly and blurring my words together. Over time I learned how to breathe and organize my thoughts. The 1 thing that really broke me through was a specific word I had issues with - predecessor. I worked on that word until it was easy to say. That was my white whale apparently.
It was your Saskatchewan. 😂
I once had the good fortune to be in a room with a very experienced speech coach who was helping presenters work on each aspect of their speech. We were preparing to present and pitch to the Canadian Olympic Committee to choose Vancouver/Whistler as host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics--you know how that turned out! However, watching him work with each of the speakers--all famous people and not inexperienced speakers, was fascinating. Watching how much they improved after working with him was remarkable. The one tip I remember him telling them, and you've listed it here, is about telling a story. Weaving a personal story into whatever it was they were trying to convey to bring the audience into your bubble. These are all great tips Chris. Well done.
Thanks Kim! I sure do remember the 2010 Olympics - still haven't gotten over the hockey gold medal game....
I was lucky enough to be working in Vancouver for the Games, albeit at Curling! However, I was downtown when we we won the gold medal in hocky and it was pandemonium, but in the best kind of way. EVERYONE was smiling, high-fiving, celebrating, waving the flag. It was a good game. Oh Canada! (Sorry, not sorry ;)
An eye roll is a great icebreaker. Learned that from my old man [he regaled Holiday Inns from Dorchester to Des Moines as a corporate trainer].
Very interesting! I'm curious - what was the context of the eye roll in his presentations?
It was his cold open. [That, or he'd pretend to fumble his papers or drop his pen that he used as a pointer.]
Love it.