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

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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