Using Your Natural Style On Stage

We were both speakers at the same convention presenting on the same day-but what a difference. I am tall, while she's short. I am a magnetic speaker-I draw people in with stories and examples. She's a dynamic speaker- humorous and vivacious. We both were hits-the audience loved us.

How could we be so different onstage but the same in capturing the audience's attention? Each of us was authentic and real on stage. Audiences know when a speaker is "pretending" and they know when a speaker is "real."

Have you ever been to a party and you met someone who seemed to be putting on a front and not being real with you? Your intuition told you something was wrong, even if you weren't sure what it was. Audiences are the same. Their intuition, collectively, tells them that something isn't right with the speaker.

Why do people feel the need to be someone other than who they really are? Because they aren't comfortable in their own skin. For some reason, they are afraid that who they really are isn't good enough so they try to be someone else.

Let me give you an example. If I tried to be funny, I would end up with mud on my face. Worse yet, the audience might start throwing tomatoes at me! I must accept that I will never be known as a humorist.

That is not to say I don't have humor, it's just that my humor is the natural progression of telling a story, then giving a twist at the end that is different than what they are expecting.

If I jumped around stage, as this diminutive, 5"2", 102 pound woman did, I would look like an elephant trying to dance. It is not that I am as big as an elephant, it is just I'm centered and speak from a position of confidence and strength. That is my style and what I stay true to doing.

On the other hand, she would have looked as if she were in a straightjacket if she hadn't gestured continually with her hands. Her tendency was to laugh at her own jokes, and then the audience followed her lead. She was having fun and that enthusiasm was contagious.

Each of us had a different style. What is your natural style? What are you confident in portraying to your audience? What are your best attributes and strengths? What will the audience love about you?

As a speaker, each was curious to hear the other's presentation and we both "analyzed" what the other was doing while she was on stage. We can always learn from others-both what we do well and what we can improve.

Tony Robbins, one of my mentors, states that each person we meet knows more than us about some things and we know more than them about other things. With that in mind, I listened to my colleague speak asking what I could learn from her presentation.

More than anything, I learned that by being comfortable with yourself, confident in your topic, and creative in your message-you will "wow" your audience, whatever your style.

Presentation and sales coach Linda Snyder is the creator of "Dare To Dream: Plan to Succeed", a practical guide to achieving powerful goals based on Linda's 26 years of experience presenting motivational seminars and sales trainings. To learn more about this book, communications coaching, and to sign up for FREE teleclasses, visit www.clarityofvision.com.

---

How to Present Your Proposal at an Executive Meeting

What's the worst reaction you've ever gotten when you made... Read More

15 Ways for Speakers to Earn More Profits

There is huge potential to create additional profits from your... Read More

Fee Credibility is a Must

Think of it like this: your fee credibility is as... Read More

Fear

FearOf what am I afraid, you ask. Of myself, I... Read More

Public Speaking Tips

1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear.... Read More

How To Use Microphones

Microphones are designed to help your voice, not replace it.... Read More

Conversationally Speaking

"Would you like to say a few words?" How many... Read More

Analyzing Your Audience and Assessing Comprehension Through Feedback

Aside from fielding and asking questions, there are other ways... Read More

Public Speaking: Getting the Room Set-up Right

I don't know why it is, but no matter how... Read More

Getting on the Speakers List

How do you get your name on a speakers list?Speaking... Read More

Getting Yourself Known

What are the 5 best ways of getting known in... Read More

Foreign Translations of Your Talk - How Do You Ensure Your Message is Delivered Properly?

There are a number of possibilities as to how this... Read More

Speaking for FUN and PROFIT

How do you gain contacts from a speaking engagement?The name... Read More

How to Use your Inner Circle

Who do you know that knows that you speak?There is... Read More

What Makes A Great Presenter?

Every day millions of people around the world make a... Read More

Are You Talking the Talk?

"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More

How VALUABLE is Your Speaking Topic?

What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More

Making Transitions

Ever notice how smoothly some speakers or writers move you... Read More

The Ps and Qs of Public Speaking

Avoid the painWhich would you prefer - root canal dental... Read More

Top 7 Tips for Speakers

Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your... Read More

Speech Training - Building Your Voice, Tips from a Professional

Having a clear and confident voice is an essential business... Read More

How to Use Public Speaking to Attract Clients

When Robert Middleton moved his marketing consulting practice, Action Plan... Read More

Fear!

I am terrified of heights. The thought of skydiving, for... Read More

Giving Your Audience Great Benefits

What benefit do you provide the audience?People should listen to... Read More

Ten Tips on Speaking with Authority and Power

No matter how good you are as a presenter, there... Read More

Ten Steps to Fearless Public Speaking

There is plenty of dubious material which suggests you can... Read More

Speak in Public! Who Me?

The first time I had to speak in front of... Read More

How to Answer Questions Your Audience Will Ask

In elementary school, most of us asked questions which were... Read More

Opening Your Speech

Imagine yourself at mission control; 10, 9, 8, 7, 6,... Read More

Speech Making - Reasons Why People Dont Listen

Making a speech seems simple. You speak, others listen. However... Read More

Five Tired, Worn Out Speaking Cliches

The subject of public speaking is riddled with tired, worn... Read More

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More

A Short Guide to Effective Public Speaking

Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people... Read More