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