Sandra Schrift - Executive Speech Coach

ON THE OLYMPIC MOMENT

2010-03-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who always turns to the sports page firstbecause he is inspired by people’s accomplishments; the the front page and the rest of the news is often about failures and violence. A heavy dose of “what is wrong with the world.” The Olympic Games shows us young people giving their best, and if they lose, they know how to congratulate the winners, and quickly return to the “C Zone” to visualize their victory next time. In business, when some people lose, they shout ‘unfair” and hire a lawyer. So I will focus on the Olympians and be inspired.

The coach asks . . . are you visualizing your next victory? Your next accomplishment?

(C)2010 www.schrift.com

ON AN “A” SPEAKER

2010-02-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

Since 1982, I have been working with professional speakers and business professionals who make presentations to audiences nationally and internationally. The following are some special traits of an “A” grade speaker.

•Every day they have something magnificent to do.
•They are passionate because they believe what they have to say is significant.
•They care about their audiences.
•They further their success with great products.
•They have “savoir-faire.”

The Coach sez . . . “A” speakers are the same off the platform as they are on the platform!

(C)2010 www.schrift.com

ON FOLLOWING UP

2010-01-16T21:13:00.000-08:00

A study by the Association of Sales Executives revealed that 81% of all sales happen on or after the fifth contact. If you are a business owner and making only one or two follow-ups, imagine all the business you're losing. Not following up with your prospects and customers is the same as filling up your bathtub without first putting the stopper in the drain! (David Frey) A follow-up allows you to ask good questions to learn about your potential client's needs and challenges. A good opportunity for you to present some possible solutions. That is how someone decides if they want what you have to offer. That's attractive. Build the relationship and "the sale" will come. This takes time, like any relationship. Be patient, be persistent.

The Coach asks . . . what are you doing today to turn your warm/cold leads in to well served clients?

(C)2010 www.schrift.com

ON THE SPEAKER INTRODUCTION

2010-01-05T20:56:00.000-08:00

We’ve all been there: listening to someone totally botch our introduction to an audience. Now is a time to revisit your approach to your speaker introduction and how you support your introducer. Here are tips compiled (by speaker Jeff Davidson)over the years from various masters:

Recognize that a good introduction must both set the stage and put the audience at ease. A bad introduction can diminish your impact.

When writing up your introduction, include your speech title, who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and why you are qualified. Be accurate and make sure that your name is the last word that the audience hears before you go on.

Keep your introduction short — one minute, or approximately two paragraphs, is more than enough. Let your actual presentation speak loudest about your abilities.

Help your introducer by employing a large point size on a 6x9 inch index card (which stays rigid). At the top include the message: “Dear Introducer: your role today is crucial and will set the stage for my opening lines. Please be upbeat and affirming.People won’t likely recall what you say, but they’ll remember how you said it.”

Nod, gesture, or otherwise thanks the introducer as you approach the stage or lectern.

Start strong and be brilliant!

The Coach suggests . . . bring an extra copy of your intro in case the introducer cannot find his/her copy.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON LETTING GO

2009-12-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

This is a good time of year to do a “baggage check.” What do you own that is dated and useless? What do you hang on to that is hurtful and defeating? Do you worry about future events that have or may no happen? Do you agonize over losses? Do you keep reliving past hurts and traumas? Dr. Lloyd Thomas suggests that to “let go” takes love. To “let go” is to acknowledge that which I cannot change, and pursue that which I can. To “let go” is not to care for, but to care about. To “let go” is not to fix, but to be supportive. To “let go” is not to deny, but to accept.

The Coach asks . . . are you ready to join me in fearing less and loving more in 2010?

(c)2009 WWW.SCHRIFT.COM

ON THE POINT OF THE STORY

2009-12-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

Over the years, while listening to professional speakers, I notice that the best story tellers deliver a speech with severalstories that are accented by their points. They understand that itisn't just providing content that impacts their audience, but their story. A way to inspire, motivate and get people to take some action, think differently. To make the emotional connection with your audience, try Pareto's Principle: 80% story and 20% content. You must reach their hearts and their souls.

The Coach sez . . . people need to know as well as feel to be inspired to make a change.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON THE IDEAL PERSONAL CHARACTER

2009-12-06T22:27:00.000-08:00

Napoleon Hill lists the characteristics that describe the ideal personal character in his eternal classic, Think and Grow Rich.(as adapted by Dr. Lloyd Thomas) Here are a few key ones:

• Self-understanding which reveals his true nature as well as his own great personal powers.
• Sound physical, mental and emotional health.
• Complete mastery of every type of fear, including the fear of death.
• Genuine benevolence toward others and compassion for their problems and difficulties.
• Patience with adversities and the growth of herself and others.
• Freedom from worry, anxiety, and chronic tension.

The Coach agrees . . . “what your mind believes it can conceive.”

(C)2009 www.schrift. com

ON THREE SECRETS

2009-11-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

When I ran my speakers bureau, I was often asked if greatspeakers are born or made? Now that I am a coach to speakers,I see how successful many speakers become with some training and coaching. Here are the three secrets that make them sought after speakers:

1. They are conversational, not scripted. They focus on the audience because it is about their audience and not the speaker.
2. They are real and authentic in their expression. They are not concerned about perfection, but rather connection.
3. They practice visualization consistently before giving their speech. “I will succeed because I am relaxed and confident.”

The Coach thinks . . . this approach is so much more exciting than clinging to perfection.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON GIVING

2009-11-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

One of the great lessons I have learned from spiritual teachers is that giving is essential for developing my inner quality of “letting go.” I have read this many times: “If you want more love, joy or money in your life, give more love, joy and money. The more we give, the more we will receive. And now I try to do this silently as I pass so many homeless people on the streets. I wish them peace, happiness, love , health and certainly prosperity. Am I touching these people? I don’t know. But it is one way I learn to give unconditionally.

The Coach suggests . . . give stuff away and see if you feel liberated. Throw in some love and kindness, too.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON THE ART OF FOLLOW-UP

2009-11-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that prospective clients/customers buy whenthey are ready, not when you are ready? So how do you know whento be “in front of them” when they are ready to buy? Rich Sloan of startupnation.com has these suggestions:

• Build trust – promptly mail a handwritten note after your meeting. If you set an expectation, meet or exceed it.
• Use a variety of mediums – is email marketing viable?Or direct mail postcards? A phone call? Meeting in person?
• Be a thought-leader – provide interesting, useful informationrelated or unrelated to what you offer. Stay on the minds of your potential clients.
• Use technology – to automate your follow-up process. someinteresting software available to give you automatic remindersand other forms.

The Coach thinks . . . the follow-up approach will bring you more business.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON A CHAMPION SPEAKER

2009-11-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

A great public speaker knows that not everyone in the audience will agree with his/her point(s). Hey, if everyone in the room agreed with you, would you need to make a presentation? The reason you make a presentation is to make a “point,” to sell your ideas so that when people leave, they will begin to think/act differently. To do this, you need to provide your audience with great content and great delivery. Logic needs to be coupled with feelings. We need to know, but we also need to feel in order to take action.

The Coach sez . . . tell your audience what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. Deep down, that’s what we all want.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON DE:

2009-11-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

Lawyers can be disbarred
Clergy can be defrocked
Electricians can be delighted or diffused
Musicians can be denoted and disbanded
Cowboys deranged or derided
Models deposed or disfigured
Dry Cleaners decreased and depressed
Baseball players debased
Songwriters decomposed
Teachers can be degraded and detested

The Coach knows . . . speakers can be denoted, devoiced and debriefed!

(C) 2009 www.schrift.com

ON CONQUERING YOUR FEAR

2009-10-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think things like . . . “What if I forget my speech?” “What if I fail at the lectern?” “What if I lose my good health?’ Don’t you want to just strangle the “what ifs?’ My clients, who fear public speaking, learn to accept this fear and then work at conquering it, make fear their friend by facing it, and give themselves permission to make mistakes. So they feel their fear . . . and do it (speak) anyway. Then they can move on and say, “OK that was my last speech, and my next one is going to be a winner.”

The Coach sez . . .slay the enemy of fear by BREATHING deeply and engage in regular physical exercise.

(C) 2009 www.schrift.com

ON THE EXTRAORDINARY SPEAKER

2009-10-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things, in no random order, that every extraordinary speaker demonstrates.

• Their presentation is great –they create an experience for their audience.
• They have technical competence
• They return phone calls.
• They keep their promises
• They sacrifice their time and effort . . . to go the extra mile
• They use a person’s name often.
• They have the courage to take risks which often leads to making more money.

The Coach asks . . . what are you doing to create a terrific perception?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

2009-10-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

Spiritual teacher, Sylvia Boorstein, reminds us that peace is possible in this very moment. If we relax ourmind and realize that things are the way they are, that it is what it is, then we begin to realize that we are part of this life, not in charge of it. Uh Oh! is the premise of life. We get one challenge after another. But if we stop and BREATHE, we can figure out what to do. When the mindis alert or relaxed, our wisdom will come in. “Forgiveness is the price we pay for freedom.”

The Coach learns . . . that I suffer if I do not forgive myself
and others.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON GREAT SPEAKING

2009-09-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

A great speaker knows that communication is about getting the audience to adopt your point of view – they do this with their passion, excitement, optimism, etc. To deliver logical content is not enough. Your presentation needs to be wrapped in emotion. Then your points will motivate some audience attendees to buy in to some of your ideas. If you believe in your idea(s), sell it. Your audience will thank you for giving them what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear. “Deep down we all want to be sold.”

The Coach is reminded . . . that it is better not to wish it was easier, but to wish it was better.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON SPEAKING WITH SOUL

2009-08-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

What do speakers need to do to be in more demand than their competition? Here are a few tips that I gleaned over the past 25 years of working with and watching speakers present:

They are authentic – they are in to truth telling. Your audience appreciates and expects honesty.

They are passionate and let their audience catch their passion.

They are present and respond to the audience’s needs. They build relationships, not just grow a database.

They are available before and after their presentation. They are good listeners and know how to speak with people.

They are their Brand in everything they say and do. They dress the part, speak the part, and live the part.

The Coach asks . . . are you the same person off stage as you are on stage?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON RIGHT LIVELIHOOD

2009-08-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

The Buddha speaks of Right Livelihood as loving what we do to achieve abundance for ourselves and others. Now that is key to living an enlightened life. And, so, I am reminded that I am in the business of life to offer a service - to my clients, to my Rotary Club and to my family/friends. A work in progress! Do you have a passion for what you do and show enthusiasm for contributing something positive to our world?

The Coach asks . . . does your success make the world a better place?

(C) 2009 www.schrift.com

ON GREAT PRESENTATIONS

2009-08-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

OK – here’s the skinny on delivering a well organized presentation.

Opening – you have 60 seconds to get their attention. Start with a great question, quote or short story. Tell ‘em what you will Tell ‘em.

Body – Tell ‘em. This is where you tell your 3-4 points supported by your personal stories. (Include some humor and audience interaction)

Closing – Tell ‘em what you told ‘em. Give them a call to action. What is one idea they can use immediately? In seven days? In one month.

Be sure you know what you want your audience to do as a result of your presentation. Ask yourself 1)what do they need to know to do this? 2)what do they need to feel to do this?

The Coach asks . . . will the attendees walk out the door at the end of your program ready to think or act differently?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON THE WHOLE PERSON

2009-08-09T23:48:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that people who keep evolving are guided by significant practices. Coaches, professional speakers, business professionals who have become my friends. colleagues and/or clients usually do the following:

• They read lots of books and magazines and spend time with bigger thinkers.
• They take on exciting goals or projects - sometimes they don't get to the finish line.
• They work their "inklings" (their muscle) even when no practical benefit exists.
• They work their database and build their advocates who help them to evolve personally and professionally.
• They integrate all aspects of their lives so that everything supports everything. Work is play. Play is work.

The Coach asks . . . are you choosing environments that stimulate you and support your evolvement?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON THE HUMOR INJECTION

2009-08-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Most professional speakers know that it is important to inject a little humor into their presentations to put themselves, as well as the audience, at ease. They may reveal tales of their most embarrassing moments and how they recovered from them. The listeners are then only a step away from their own stories and find themselves bonding with the speaker. Humor relaxes us and helps our retention of information. When a speaker provides a humorous perspective to his/her audience, they are teaching them to manage life's challenges with less stress.

The Coach thinks . . . there's nothing like a burst of good- natured laughter between people.

(C) 2009 www.schrift.com

ON SELECTING YOUR NICHE

2009-07-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today’s economy urges us to look at new ways to market our services and products creatively. Look around and see what peopleare most frustrated by or being blocked by. What needs are emergingfor people? What will people need or want more or less of in the next10 years? How will their goals/needs change? How have YOUR goals/needs changed recently? Label that, provide the product or the speech or the service, or the program and you will make money. But people will need to feel that you are an advocate for them and what they are facing; not just selling your programs, your speech, your product.

The Coach asks . . .do you have a vision for a market niche? Do you stand for something?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON THE FEAR OF MEETING OTHERS

2009-07-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Would you agree that the fear of meeting others may be a fear of speaking in public? I often read that the fear of public speaking for many adults is more fearful than dying. I have worked with many professional speakers over the years and most will admit that they feel some anxiety at the beginning of their speech. So our fear is a common thing. And because public speaking is the number one way to advance in your career, many work on and commit to overcoming their fear. They find a nonintimidating, safe and supportive environment; a speech coach, a speaking class, and a world wide organization called Toastmasters Club. People love to speak about themselves. Reach out to new people and begin the conversation with open ended questions.

The Coach sez . . . to the extent you give people what they need, they will give you what you need. This helps you overcome your fear in speaking to others.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

ON BEING A GREAT SPEAKER

2009-06-20T13:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with butterflies in their stomach before giving a presentation? Here are a few tips from the pros:

It is OK to be nervous - get your butterflies to fly in formation.

Great presentations are well organized.- 3-4 points supported by your stories

Technology is just a tool- do not be a master of ceremonies to your slides

Your voice is the source of power- use tonal variation

Use your eyes to make contact with the audience.

Interact with your audience by role plays or pairing.

The Coach asks . . do you know what you want your audience to do as a result of your presentation?

(C)2009 www.schrift.com

On Internet Presence

2009-06-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

Christoper Bilotta wrote an article for the WSJ in which he talks about creating a web presence from scratch. In today's environment, job seekers must expand the ways in which they search. The article mentions several key points for consideration.

•Claim your name on social networking sites before someone else does. Also, purchase the domain for your name.
•Practice prudence. Limit yourself to three social networking sites and definitely include LinkedIn as one of them.
•Choose connections wisely. Your network should be about quality, not quantity.
•Be consistent. Update your profile regularly and stay true to your personal brand.

The coach sees . . . a strong following for relationship marketing and emotional branding in the 21st century.

(C)2009 www.schrift.com