A year of training in a tiny box!

These cards offer practice on all areas of communication, using emotional intelligence tools.

Purchase your deck today!

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Speaking from the bones of ourselves

I woke up with a dream this morning.  In it, I took a heavy object and balanced it on my shoulder.  I used my skeletal structure to carry the weight for me.  

Reminds me of a storytelling/communication truth.  When we communicate from our bones – from the authentic, center of ourselves, we can carry heavy, difficult topics with much more ease.  Learning to use our own “body mechanics” to support weight is a skill we can practice.  Likewise, we can practice authentic inner communication (emotional intelligence skills of self-awareness) and outer communication (speaking honestly during difficult conversations).

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Public speaking + emotional intelligence = authenticity. Aligning our message.

I recently worked with “Sara” to help her with an upcoming interview.  Sara’s voice was monotone as she answered mock questions.  She was having a hard time thinking of examples of relevant experience and her stories were vague and bland.  We weren’t making much progress.

 

I asked Sara about what she loved doing in her spare time.  Suddenly her face lit up as talked about learning to code new online games.  After a few more questions Sara admitted that it was her mother that was urging her to pursue a health care career.  She confessed that it wasn’t what she wanted.

 

While this is a dramatic example, not being aligned with one’s message is a common issue.  In my live classes and coaching, I find a lack of alignment will create presentation nervousness, fuzzy ideas, and lackluster nonverbals. 

 

Whenever we talk with others, our audience will rapidly (and unconsciously) detect incongruence between our nonverbal behavior and our message.  (Actors spend years trying to overcome this natural phenomenon and even then they are not always “believable” to us.)

 

If we want to inspire, persuade, or motivate others, it is essential that we are truthful -- first with ourselves.  If there is part of our message that is not true for us, we need to grapple with that.  How to resolve and align our messages will require some digging into our thoughts, biases, and beliefs.  The good news is, if we have to (even partially) admit our discomfort, this will build trust with our audience.  Research confirms that it is always better to offer the truth than try to fake it.  

 

Do you have an important message to deliver but nervousness or lack of clarity is getting in your way?  I’d love to help.  My background in public speaking and emotional intelligence comes together in dynamic coaching.  Sometimes a single hour is enough to untangle inner discomforts (disbelief, shame, anger, fear, mistrust and other emotions or beliefs).  Once we understand what is driving our confusion, nervousness, and lack of enthusiasm (the lower part of the iceberg),  we can reframe our thoughts and message.   Our authentic communication will be powerful and persuasive. © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Zoom fatigue?? Can we skip the video sometimes?

Because of the mental work of being online, let's be thoughtful about when we need video and when we don't. If we're listening to a webinar or exploring someone's PowerPoint we shouldn't have to be on video for that. A recent client confided that she was more distracted by seeing everyone's thumbnail and what different people were doing online.
Let's reserve video for discussions.
If I'm teaching, I can focus on strategies to keep my presentation interactive and allow participants to engage without video. I've taught many online workshops where I had my video on but no one else was on camera. I know my clients greatly appreciated this freedom. 

New online "The Art of Dynamic Speaking" starts May 13

When we tell a story well, our listener's brain lights up. Join us next week for a 3-part online program. We'll explore storytelling, organizing our message, speaking without notes, improvising on the spot, and much more. This 9 hour course can also be customized for intact groups. Join us!

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

New York Times Article Discusses the Downside of Video Conferencing.

From my many years of teaching online, I'd say that changing the communication channels is key. Both webex and zoom (the platforms I've used) offer not only chat, but the ability to make annotations or move arrows on the screen. Combining those interactions with voice (and lots of chatting) has made my workshops dynamic. Without video (or video minimized) participants can, paradoxically, share more deeply, since they aren't seen. Using the text function allows anonymity which can increase honesty even more.

Here is the article.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/29/sunday-review/zoom-video-conference.html


 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Tips for Interviewing Online

Use your computer, not your phone to interview online.  Prepare before the interview to center yourself in the frame of your video screen.  Reduce the amount of space above your head and create a “mid-shot,” showing at least your shoulders and upper chest in the frame.  Create flattering lighting.  Adjust the screen so that you’re not being seen from above or below, but straight forward.  If you can create a standing desk, consider this as standing during an interview might help you be more energetic.

Smile.  Keep a relaxed, pleasant facial expression when listening to questions. 

Keep a pad and pen nearby to note questions.

Practice stories that relate to the traits and skills listed in the job description.  These stories should be under one minute, if possible.  Determine the most important details, those that show what you learned during a challenge.  Good stories always include a struggle.  A positive and upbeat sharing of our difficulties will help build both trust and empathy with our interviewer.  Research has also confirmed that stories are more memorable than other types of data and skepticism is reduced when listening to a story. 

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

When leading groups online, questions are key

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

New online public speaking workshops!

Our acclaimed 2 day public speaking workshop is now available through LIVE zoom online instruction! 

We’ve kept our research-based lively instruction. No videos to watch. Participants can still practice their stories in pairs! 

Learn in a lively group. Same great content -- rock storytelling, explore executive presence, overcome fear, speak without notes -- from home. 

Join our upcoming May class for $100 off our already low price of $599. Nine hours of live instruction, 1:1 coaching. Experience the power of learning in a group. Group size limited to 10.  

Visit https://training4breakthroughs.com/online-training for complete info and to register.

Do you believe these statistics? Has it gotten worse? What does this mean for our online training? 

Great research on storytelling

Shawn really knows stories. Check out this fantastic blog post about why we love Kevin Hart and Brene Brown so much.

 Worth a read.

Do I gesture too much?

In our workshops we are often asked about gestures. Our clients are afraid that they gesture "too much." In all our years of training, we have never seen anyone who gestures too broadly or too much. Most of us don't use enough gestures. We keep ourselves locked up with hands clasped in front, or in our pockets, or folded. Using large gestures is a fantastic addition to any presentation. Even gesturing online is helpful to keep energies up. 

When gesturing, stay relaxed and use your hands to convey your thoughts. You really don't need to think much about gesturing. Just let yourself be free, and a bit playful. Gestures become problems when we try to figure them out in advance and they are scripted and unnatural. Overusing a particular gesture should also be avoided. (Over the years SNL has poked fun at this issue when characters overdo the air quotes gesture.) 

 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Tips for Powerful Online Presentations

Recent research (Graziadio Business Review) confirms and can remind us of methods to keep our online meetings powerful. 

1. When working in a group larger than 5, create structures that allow simultaneous sharing -- use typing in chat or on a white board to keep everyone engaged and involved. 

2. When creating large amounts of data, allow time for the group to sort through the material, create categories and more deeply engage and process. 

3. Synchronous meetings are perfect for brainstorming and problem-solving together, but use asynchronous boards to update teams in different time zones. 

4. Create a rule of "no multi-tasking" during online meetings. Researchers call this "dual-task interference." This may be tough to initiate but checking texts or emails while "listening" doesn't work. Establishing a cultural expectation for remote workers to join via video conference, rather than merely voice calls, may decrease dual-task interference. Using interactive tools (phone, chat, white board) and a facilitator who asks great questions can also ensure our group's attention. Groups will be amazed by the power of a single focus. It is not only less stressful but

true learning and engagement are only possible if we stop trying to multi-task. Once a group trusts that the online meeting isn't a waste of their time, they will comply with the "be fully present" rule. Then we all reap the benefits -- powerful (and even fun) meetings.

 Also remember -- Avoid "data dump" meetings online. Keep online (and even live meetings) reserved for creating new ideas or solving problems.

Facilitation: The Secret of the Starting Question-Michael Wilkinson

This is a very helpful video, not just for facilitators, but for every speaker who wants to create a lively, interactive event.  The "visualization type" question is also related to storytelling.  It could help bring forward a story in the listener's mind, which is also very useful.

Prepping a Presentation is Like Prepping to Paint

Years ago, I tried to paint a room without much preparation.  I skipped using tape and just tried to wipe any spills along the baseboard because I was going to be "very careful."  Of course, this didn't work. 

In the same way, in the past I didn't always outline my message and align the main points before going to my powerpoint deck.  I didn't always send enough time to truly digest and understand my message in a deep way.  

When we  go through the work of prepping a room for painting, when it is finally time to get out the paint can, it is a much easier and fun job to lay down the new color.  The actual painting moves much faster and the dramatic change seems to happen almost instantly.

The same is true for prepping a new presentation.

Exploring Executive Presence

In our workshops we explore one major aspect of executive presence: the ability to claim space in the room or at the table. For each person it will look different since one important aspect of EP is being authentic. Even if you’re communicating in smaller groups, our workshops will help you stretch into your most dynamic self. 

We help you explore your projected voice, a relaxed but strong upright posture, confident eye contact, concise but engaging stories, compelling word choices, and enthusiasm.

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough -- Albert Einstein

Speaking is different than writing. Our job as a speaker is to help our audience feel smart, not try to look smart ourselves through jargon or complex language. Simplifying our message takes work. Expressing our ideas simply and clearly takes practice.
© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Help! I Can't Remember What I Was Going to Say!

I heard it again today:  “I freeze up after questions, even though I know the answer.” This was from a client seeking interview coaching. My public speaking participants also lament “brain freeze.”   Emotional Intelligence and brain science can explain what’s happening.  Our nervousness triggers our flight/fight response. Our amygdala “hijacks” the neocortex, including the language centers of the brain. Now we can’t remember what we were going to say.

What can we do?  Practice! Whether presenting or interviewing we need to practice. Even personal stories need refinement.

Practice! When we practice we create stronger synaptic pathways in our brain related to our message. We’ll be more able to access our message since it has a stronger structure in our brain.

Also, find ways to relax. We can:
·      Take a supplement like kava (both relaxes the brain while enhancing focus)
·      Practice deep breathing
·      Use a visualization (our memories of great times in beautiful places can help). As we relax the amygdala stops firing and we can regain access to our higher thinking brain.

Create positive speaking experiences:

·      Take a class that will progressively give challenges while ensuring success (see www.training4breakthroughs.com!)
·      Speak more often at meetings or other functions.
·      Over time we can learn to trust ourselves and our abilities.

Remember that no one is perfect.  Even if we could memorize our presentation and deliver it flawlessly, we’ve missed the great opportunity to connect with our audience. Our listeners don’t want perfection, they crave our authenticity and passion.  If we’ve prepared and know our message, our inevitable small word-fumbles won’t matter to our audience. We won’t draw attention to small gaffes and we’ll treat any larger ones light-heartedly, with self-deprecating humor.  

Next Open Enrollment class -- March 16 and 17

Experience the power of learning public speaking in a group and then apply the lessons to projects of your choice. Participants change as we learn with and from each other. Our group is an amazing support as we discover the power of our authenticity and how to speak dynamically. Includes videotaping. Next dates: March 16 and 17. 

Workshop location: 8745 W Higgins Rd #110, Chicago, IL 60631 

Walking distance from Cumberland blue line 

 Discounts available for 2 or more registrations!

Laughter = deeper learning

Customized training downtown in Chicago today

I LOVE working with executive teams! Hardworking group of five today utilized our time together to craft stories for upcoming presentations. Fun witnessing and participating in their creative process as a team - refining and aligning their message.

Hashing out ideas

We think there is a place for powerpoint but Job's point is well taken. We need to always create the powerpoint AFTER hashing out our ideas and message.

 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Sign up for our free e-book!

What you’ll learn: 

• The most important element to include in a presentation. 
• The science behind storytelling. 
• The art of storytelling details. 
• 10 methods of making your presentation interactive and memorable.

Growth as a speaker involves some stumbles!

We can show you how. March 16 and 17, 2020

Join us!

Know someone ready for a deep immersion in executive presence, storytelling, and public speaking best practices? Next dates: March 16 and 17.

Public speaking + Emotional Intelligence = Impact and Connection. The top row (arenas of awareness) and the subsequent skills of Self Management help me deliver a message that can reach hearts and minds. (I'll also need great delivery mechanices, authenticity, and vulnerability.) The box labeled Relationship management shows the many benefits of sharing my message. (This model comes from Daniel Goleman's work)  © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Keep your message and your technology simple!

Travel light.  Your audience will appreciate it.

Projecting our voices

Yesterday's downtown Chicago training room was LONGGGGG. I needed to project far more than usual. (Thank you opera training!) We spent even more time talking about the secret of projecting the voice fully. (Taking pauses and deep breaths to support sound.) These salespeople sometimes present in these types of rooms, and there is no microphone option. A strong voice is a key component of executive presence. Our training today will give them a competitive advantage. 

 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Come to one of our open workshops, or bring Laura to your location for a customized workshop of any length

Our next two day workshop is March 16 and 17, 2020. 

2 Day Agenda 9am - 4pm

Topics for day one:· 

• Leveraging our nervousness  
• Secrets to Storytelling – the premiere skill
• Analyzing verbal and nonverbal habits
• Improvising on the spot
• Making a persuasive pitch
• Working with powerpoint
• Adding dynamic power verbally and nonverbally 

Topics for day two:· 

• Organizing our material
• Developing executive presence
• Working without powerpoint
• Delivering our speeches for feedback
• Exploring our own style
• Using stories for personal branding
• Exploring interactive speaking methods

 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Dressing to remember emotional intelligence.

I love clothing that makes me think. While working on a project on the johari window I imagined emotional intelligence insights in clothing. What if an entire team wore these for a meeting or an event? I like the visual reminder of what I see -- and what I don't! 

 #communicationskills #emotionalinteligence


© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Find your stories. Refine your stories.

Having a micro story to use for introductions of any kind can make us memorable and help build our personal brand. These prompts can help us find these stories.

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Stage Fright is Normal -- Fun old-timey look at public speaking nervousn...

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Heider and Simmel 1944 film illustrates our mind's determination to crea...

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Funny video but your audience doesn't want this!

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Our job is to make our audience feel smart. Don't do this!

Best version I could find of this hilarious video on the dangers of a jargon-filled message.  Forgive the quality.  

Let's make sure our presentations don't sound like this!

I can't get this story out of my head

At first I posted this fantastic video because it was fun. I promised the viewer a smile if they watched it. But now I'm editing this post. I notice how this video is an example of terrific corporate storytelling. We identify with the lonely travelers and then share their triumph when they overcome their reticence and join together. The story follows a single moment which makes it more powerful than a complicated corporate story that takes place over many segments. It's also a true story. And that's the story of what I learned from watching this video. I thought it was simply fun and now I see what it can teach.

There is nothing like a group class -- powerful effects.

Oh my gosh!!!!  I was much better than I thought. 

Remember I was managing expectations and set the bar low 😀

These videos were incredibly helpful Laura.  

I have much more confidence now after watching.  

It was an amazing 2 days!!!! Thank you so much for your coaching and guidance. 

Practice Practice Practice. 

Thank you again !!!!

Jeff

Next dates for our acclaimed public speaking workshop -- March 16 and 17, 2020

d

Benefits of working in learning public speaking in a group

Managing nerves: We’ll take you through progressive exercises that reveal your strengths. As you present to partners and the entire room, you’ll gain confidence for more challenging exercises. You’ll see that you can manage your nerves and even speak without notes! There is nothing like speaking in front of a group to simulate the challenges of actual presentations. One on one coaching can’t replicate this. Working within a supportive group is the fastest way to conquer nervousness.

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Challenges, learning and laughter -- Day one of our January workshop.

Learning grows when working in a group. Join us for our next 2 day immersion in March or bring Laura to your company site.

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Day one of January "Art of Dynamic Presentations." Next dates, March 16 and 17, 2020

It is amazing to work with talented, dedicated professionals.


Learning with and from each other.

The Courage To Change our PPT Culture

Last week,I urged my client to put fewer words on his powerpoint slides. Dan liked the idea but wondered if his company would allow it. I suggested that he could have two different decks, one with mostly images - for his presentation, and an “after the event” deck with the complete text of his message. Today we got the bad news, Dan’s boss wanted slides that the “audience can read” while Dan gave his presentation. Unfortunately, this seems like a common reaction. We’re afraid that audiences won’t get the message if it isn’t printed on the powerpoint slide. But multitasking in this way – reading while listening – leads to more distraction and less engagement with the speaker. Even if we learn best practices for presentations, if our companies resist any changes from “how things are done,” slide decks can continue to get in the way of dynamic presentations. What do you think of using two types of ppt decks? 

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Small tweaks lead to big changes in our presentations.

Join us!

You’re standing in front of a group telling a story. You can feel their delight, they’re leaning towards you, curious and fascinated. You’re nearing the end and you know you’ve got them. This group understands your insight, or product, or request.

Next week, January 9 and 10 is our next “The Art of Dynamic Speaking.” Join us for this immersive deep dive into storytelling, organizing your ideas, speaking without notes, building executive presence and more. You CAN inspire and motivate your colleagues, clients, and community. Call Laura for more info: 630-531-0000

© 2019 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved