Author: Guila

  • Prevent ‘Old Person’s Voice’

    So, I’m not being ageist.

    Presbyphonia, or changes associated with the aging voice, is a real thing. If your voice sounds rough, shaky, or breathy, or you lose your voice often, presbyphonia may be catching up to you.

    Muscles in our vocal chords weaken, shrink, and get dry as we age. Since nothing is more essential to speaking and training than our voices, is there anything we can do?

    Whatever your age, use these tips to prevent the dread presbyphonia.

    Anti Aging-Voice Care

    1. Use It or Lose It

    The research is clear. Those that use their voices regularly, (without yelling or excessive throat-clearing), maintain supple, normal voice quality. In fact, singers often avoid problems entirely.

    So…sing! Hum! Talk! Tell stories! Read aloud! Just don’t whisper. Whispering causes more trauma to the larynx than normal speech.

    2. Have fun with a straw

    To stretch and strengthen the muscles of the voice, grab a straw and hum into it. Start with a wide straw and progress to a smaller one, such as a coffee stirrer. Start with “hmmm, hmmm”, and then imitate a siren. Do this about 10 minutes a day to build vocal stamina.

    3. Work that Body

    Decreased use and volume of the respiratory system is a major cause of presbyphonia. You need to get those lungs working! Swim, bike, run, play soccer, walk the dog, do anything that makes your heart pump. Your voice will thank you for it.

    4. Find your Perfect Pitch

    We enable presbyohonia by speaking at too high or low a pitch. To find your natural pitch, try saying “mm-hmm,” as if you’re agreeing with someone. Carry that note or pitch over as you begin a sentence. If you typically speak at a pitch that’s higher or lower than this, you may be putting undue strain on your voice.

    Speakers, presenters, and trainers, I exhort you: follow these invaluable tips to keep your voice beautiful at any age. As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “The human voice is the organ of the soul.”

  • Presenters, Don’t Crash the Plane!

    Do your presentations “run out of gas”? Many presenters take their audiences on a wonderful journey. But then, for the lack of a flight plan, they crash.

    Why are Conclusions Important?

    A closure is not just where you stop. A great conclusion reinforces, summarizes, and ties up the session. Take action to prevent YOUR crashing the plane the next time you present!

    Landing Skillfully

    Make sure that your closure is short, that it relates to the body of your speech, and is inspirational. Consider closing after you do a Q-A session, not before.

    3 Guidelines

    • Close just once. Don’t bounce around.
    • Don’t just stop. (“That’s all, folks!”)
    • Give a hint you will conclude (“In conclusion…”) and then DO it.

    Three “Never-Fail” Ways to Conclude a Presentation

    1. Make a Call to Action. Passionately seek commitment to a new course. Examples:

    • “When you do ________and _________, you’ll see a huge improvement.”
    • “Join me! Be a part of the solution. Sign up right now.”

    2. Return to the Opener.
    Example: “Well, what happened to Mr. Albright, who you met at the beginning of my talk? (Tell them.) “… and it’s all because of the services we provided.”

    3. Look to Past and Future.
    Example: “Five years ago, our industry…. Today, things have changed substantially. To meet those changes, we must…” (briefly summarize points.)

    In Conclusion…

    Presenters, don’t crash the plane. Pilot your presentation to a successful conclusion. Your audience will appreciate the flight!

     

  • Get Rid of Those Junk Words

    We’ve all been driven crazy by a presenter who overuses words like “you know”, “um”, and “like”. Surprisingly, research finds that these filler words serve an valuable purpose. Using them helps a presenter transition to what he or she will say next, and audiences appreciate a little break between thoughts.

    However, let’s get back to the “being driven crazy” part. Overuse of these words is a great way to lose credibility. And contrary to popular belief, the overuse of junk words is usually NOT due to nervousness. Instead, the culprit is more typically the speaker’s lack of preparation.

    If you want to keep an audience’s attention, you must practice your presentation out loud, in front of a mirror, anywhere between 3 to 5 times. This is the surest way to rid yourself of junk words. The following tips will help, too.

    3 Steps to Getting Rid of Junk Words

    1. Increase your awareness.

    Enlist a friend or family member to listen as you tell a 2-minute story. Have them tabulate the number of “you knows”, “ums”, and “likes” they hear.

    2. Make eye contact.

    When you truly connect with audience members, your use of junk words diminishes. When speaking during a conference call, don’t pace or stare out the window. Turn your full attention to your notes and to what you are saying.

    3. Pre-plan your transitions.

    Smooth transitions make a speaker sound super-confident. They also help eradicate junk words. Try inserting these into your next presentation:

    • “Let’s move on to…”,
    • “Another important consideration is…”
    • “Let’s transition to talking about…”

    Rehearse your next presentation and follow the tips above…and you’ll never drive your audience crazy.

    (Erad, 2008: Um…Slips, Stumbles and Verbal Blunders, and What They Mean)

  • Training’s Biggest Schism

    In my October newsletter, I asked “What’s going on with training?” More than 90 training professionals across the United States responded. THANKS to all who shared your experiences!

    Communities Got Clean Water, Thanks to YOU

    I promised to send a donation to the Global Women’s Water Initiative for each completed survey. Our collective donation helped to invest in a whole new generation of women water experts in developing countries around the world. (Survey results are still coming in, and you can still respond). THANK YOU!!

    The Survey Told a Clear Story

    “Sally”, the persona I will use to show the survey results, is a subject matter expert who presents training, just like 68% of you. She may well be a learning or human resources professional.

    First, Picture Sally as a participant in an on-site, group training session at work. She loves it! Like 77% of survey respondents, Sally finds the interaction and feedback of on-sight, group training helps her learn best. Another persona, Richard, on the other hand, represents the smaller percentage (23%) of folks who prefer online training.

    Now, picture Sally clenching her fists, wrinkling her forehead, and heaving a sigh. Although on-site training is her passion, she, like 75% of everyone else who responded, suffers from lack of time to hold enough of it in the workplace. (Only 20% of survey respondents identified “cost” as the biggest barrier to training.)

    What Does This Mean?

    Chances are that this survey only reinforces what you already know. Training’s biggest schism is that, although the great majority of us value classroom training the most, we can’t find the time to do it.

    So–are there solutions? Here are some ideas:

    • Short, online content can precede or follow a live training session to achieve maximum learning in the least amount of time.
    • Use non-classroom tools (checklists, templates, job aids) to supplement classroom time.
    • Many “Sallys” of the world need to master the skills to create both live and online learning opportunities.

    (What other implications do YOU see?) Please let me know how you might use survey data to create effective training strategies for your organization.

    Meanwhile, THANKS again to those who participated. Happy training to all!

     

     

     

  • What’s Going on with Training?

    Hi, clients and readers. I have the strong sense–(and maybe YOU do, too)– that how people want to learn is changing. Please take this very quick survey so that I can learn about your training preferences. The survey will take you less than five minutes to complete.

    Two (Extremely) Cool Benefits of Taking the Survey

    1. I’ll compile what I learn into a report. I’ll share that report with you in November, 2018. You may use its findings to improve training in your organization.

    2. I’ll also contribute $5 to the Global Women’s Water Initiative for every survey I receive. This amazing project trains women to become water and hygiene technicians, trainers, and social entrepreneurs.

    Take the Survey

    Take the Optional Sixth Question:

    What do you LOVE and HATE most about Training?

    Thanks so much for partnering with me!  I’ll let you know what I discover.

  • Presentation Tips from the Pet World

    First off: I am emphatically NOT suggesting we treat our audiences like pets. But learning from our relationships with our pets CAN help us become better speakers.

    I spoke recently with a professional Animal Massage Therapist and adult educator. Together, we came up with the following five tips for improved public speaking.

    1. You must meet their basic needs or they’ll die.

    OK, so this is obvious and maybe even cruel to point out. However, this truth forms the foundation of effective presenting, even if your audience will only die metaphorically if you don’t meet their basic needs.

    How do you figure out what those needs are? Analyze the four typical barriers for your specific audience below. Then, make sure your presentation addresses each barrier.

    • Environment
    • Tools
    • Knowledge/skills
    • Emotions

    When you address these barriers, audience members will not only stay alive, they will THRIVE. (Thanks to Nancy Bacon for providing these four barriers to action.)

    2. If you give them a treat, they will love you

    This doesn’t suggest you throw Tootsie Rolls out to the crowd. (Personally, I find that a little TOO “animal trainer”- like.) But DO treat your audience with frequent breaks, humor, and meaningful interaction.

    3. Talk too loudly, and they’ll run away. Talk too softly and they’ll ignore you.

    Unlike your audience, pets lack the ability to pretend interest. They just tune you out! You must ensure that your voice and body movements truly engage your listeners.

    4. Pets thrive on focused, energetic activity (followed by “robust resting”).

    Picture your cat playing with a ball of string, or your dog with a squeaky toy. They invest their entire brains and bodies. Your responsibility as a presenter is to offer content that invites a similar level of investment. You can only do that by ensuring that the presentation is 100% relevant to your audience. (Then, be sure to follow that with a rest.)

    5. Your relationship with your pet creates a mutual energy cycle, feeling great to you both.

    You and your audience also form a reciprocal unit. When you do your best, they will return the favor.

    ARF! Great Presentations Ahead

    If you follow the five tips above, your audiences will remain attentive, energetic, focused, and connected. They may even reward you by licking your hand (just kidding)!

     

     

  • Love Your Struggles!

    I was shocked when a Presentation Skills client started a  diatribe against herself using the words “I condemn myself for…” and then launched into all the mistakes she could dream of.

    WHY do we presenters, trainers, and facilitators sometimes berate ourselves with words we might never use for another person? Self-care supports our resilience.  Practicing self-care can make us better presenters, trainers, and facilitators.

    5 Quickie Self-Care Techniques for Presenters, Trainers, and Facilitators

    1. Know That “It” Was Bigger for You Than For Them

    If you get flustered or make a mistake during a presentation, realize that you’re taking it about 90% more seriously than anyone else in the room. Relax and move on.

    1. When You’re Done, You’re Done.

    After a presentation or training, I always wash my hands. This ritual helps me transition from the “Intensified Me” mode into a more relaxed place. It helps me leave my experience behind as I move on.

    1. Give Yourself (or Another Person) a Treat

    Whether it’s a special cup of coffee, a turkey sandwich, a run or a movie, give yourself a reward for the energy you spent and the exposure you experienced. Double your good feelings by treating a co-worker or friend.

    1. Sing Loudly and Hit Those High Notes

    If you’re stuck in a car after an event, crank up songs you love. Research shows that simply listening to familiar sounds can “up” your mood to the point of goose bumps.

    1. Get a Few Hugs

    When you get home, improve your oxytocin, serotonin, and heart rate with some hugs from a family member (including your pets).

    Resolve to love and accept yourself no matter what. As the yogis say, we are all perfect inside. A few gaffes will never change that.

    Guila Muir is a premiere trainer of trainers, facilitators, and presenters. Since 1994, she has helped thousands of professionals improve their training, facilitation, and presentation skills. Find out how she can help transform you from a boring expert to a great presenter: www.guilamuir.com

     

     

     

  • Crazy Warm-Ups for Great Presentations

    Years ago, I overheard some presenters claiming that to “pump up” their energy, they would fall to the floor and do a series of pushups before a presentation. I was both intrigued and appalled. Wouldn’t doing pushups render them desperately out of breath? How about the embarrassing sweat marks? Besides, I couldn’t do a push-up if my life depended on it.

    Suffice to say I never tried this approach. However, I have effectively used many techniques (potentially even stranger than pushups) to warm up before I present.

    The Case for Warming Up Before a Presentation

    You must oxygenate your blood before speaking to a group. Oxygenated blood helps to:

    • Increase blood flow to the part of your brain that improves mental focus.
    • Release serotonin to improve your mood.
    • Relieve stress.

    You can oxygenate your blood in many ways. The simplest approach is simply to take a few deep belly-breaths. Doing so is subtle, and is invisible to your audience.

    However, why stop there? Why not energize yourself fully before taking the stage?

    Your Own Private “Preparation Room”

    The restroom is your friend. You can perform these three warm-ups behind the door of your personal comfort cubicle. Believe it or not, I use these all the time!

    1. Horse Lips

    With loose lips, puff air out of your cheeks. See if you can get your lips to flap together. Doing so relaxes not only your mouth, but your entire face.

    1. Nixon Jowls

    Totally loosen your cheeks and shake your head rapidly back and forth. Feel your cheeks bounce around. (For fun, try saying “I am not a crook” while doing this.)

    1. Hum, Ha and Yawn
    • Gently Hum a single note or a scale with relaxed lips and cheeks. Feel the vibrations resonating through your face and throat.
    • To Ha, Take in a full breath. On its release, say ‘haaaaaaa’ gently until you run out of air.
    • Yawn widely, without strain. Stretch your entire face. This is a wonderful relaxer!

    Preparing to Speak Using Your Full Body

    If you’ve tried the “behind the doors” warm-ups, you’re ready for bigger things. I use these activities to pump up my entire energy. I often ask participants to join me, and find that participants love the opportunity to stand up and be active before we formally begin. The energy in the room gets warm and exciting, as well.

    Here are some full-body warm ups that you can try:

    • Run in place
    • Take the Starfish Pose (arms and legs outstretched in the “Power Pose”)
    • Do some jumping jacks
    • Simply stretch and breathe

    I Challenge You

    OK, presenters and trainers. I challenge you to try some new warm-ups. They can be subtle or whacky, so long as they loosen you up and prepare you to do your best. Please send me an e-mail describing how YOU warm up, and I may publish the zaniest ideas in the next newsletter. Meanwhile, have fun and remember that warming up is essential to great presenting!

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • When YOU are the Bored Trainer (or Presenter!)

    We’ve all had bored trainers and presenters. They lack passion, energy and spark.

    But what happens when YOU deliver the same material over and over and over again? How do you keep it fresh?

    5 Tips That Refresh

    1. Remember the “Turf” That Comes With Being a Professional

    Whether you are an athlete, an actor, a tour guide, or a trainer, the ability to perform at the same expert level time after time comes with the territory of being a professional. Professionals “give it their all” each time they perform.

    2. Re-Arrange the Order of Things

    Re-arranging content may feel risky when things are working just fine as they are.  However, you’ll be amazed at how refreshing it feels to present a content block either earlier or later than usual.

    3. Initiate and Enjoy Interaction

    Each group’s energy is different. Have fun with that! Meet and “hob-nob” with individuals during the breaks. Listen for any unique words or concerns. Be sure to ask plenty of questions.

    4. Increase Your Self Awareness in New Areas

    Knowing your content as intimately as you do is a luxury. It enables you to tune into how you are presenting it. Are you using online tools? Are you making eye contact? How is your lighting and voice projection?

    5. Feel Fortunate!

    How many of us get to do jobs that involve such a high level of physical, emotional, and mental exercise all at once? From a purely selfish standpoint, what a great way to keep your brain young! Additionally, you are transmitting information that helps your participants. You are “doing good” in the world. How many people can really say that?

    I hope these five tips help you keep your presentations fresh—not only for your participants, but for YOU, too.

  • 3 Tips to Improve Your Meetings

    (Since We Can’T Get Rid Of Them Altogether)


    If you feel a chill of dread at the prospect of leading or participating in a meeting, you are not alone. 71% of managers say meetings are unproductive and inefficient. Studies show that the more meetings we attend, the worse we feel about ourselves and our jobs. And yet between 36 and 56 million meetings occur in the US every day (see citations for these studies at end of post).

    Prevent “Meetings to Meet”

    First, you must ask “WHO really needs to participate in this meeting?” Shun collaboration for collaboration’s sake. Make sure that those who participate in meetings are the ones who can get things done.

    1. Prepare, Then Participate Early

    If you are leading the meeting, send out an outcome-focused agenda within a week of the meeting. If your role is meeting member, read the agenda carefully. Plot the best moment for your contribution. Converse with key players before you get into the room. Speak as early as possible once the meeting begins.

    2. Prevent the Tyranny of the Most Verbose

    Those who speak most forcefully often dictate what happens in a meeting. Many of us find that speaking up can be nerve-racking in an environment like this. To make it easier to jump in, be sure to express confidence through your body language and word choice.

    Sit toward the front of your seat and do not lean back. Consider ditching your laptop; it can set up a barrier between you and everyone else. Speak up, be factual and clear, and avoid deferential language and filler words such as “I think”, “maybe”, etc.

    3. Embrace the Uncomfortable

    Groups are more creative and productive when differences are aired. Take the risk to identify “the elephant in the room”. Remember, if something does not feel right to you, odds are it is not just you. Enormous time and energy is wasted when meeting members try to ignore uncomfortable issues.

    Meetings should be action sessions. At their best, meetings solve problems and set direction. Let’s all take the steps above, and make this commitment: Fewer, more productive meetings!

    Citations

    https://hbr.org/2017/07/stop-the-meeting-madness

    http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun06/frustrate.aspx

    https://blog.lucidmeetings.com/blog/fresh-look-number-effectiveness-cost-meetings-in-us