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Posts tagged as:
Speaking
WOW. I am still coming down from speaking at the incredible TEDxWomenOjai conference, hosted by Jodi Womack . Since then, I’ve received a new wave of questions and interview requests from folks who are interested in stepping on stage. Here are a few ideas to get you warmed up for your spotlight:
Just start speaking. Okay, that may sound totally obnoxious, but literally show up somewhere and volunteer to speak at a local meet up. Create a Meetup, or find an existing one that suits you, so you can speak in front of at least 5 or 6 people.
Make videos. I sometimes feel like I was sort of cheating by making videos as blog posts (because it was more fun and easier than writing for me), but the videos were the thing that actually let people know that I had something to say and had some on camera talent. It was also great practice for the stage. It’s important to look at speaking as a craft, not just a business-building vehicle. Get your feet wet. Watch yourself. Find and hone your own style before you hit the stage.
You’re going to feel sick. Know that. Before my first big gig, I was comfortable speaking in small groups and facilitating meetings or small events. To be totally honest and without exaggeration, I was still sick to my stomach for six months before my first big speaking gig (in another city, 300+ folks, paid). I was beside myself. It’s just part of the process; it’s totally natural and you know what--it gets a little better, but I’m still nervous before every.single.gig.
Throw out the checklists. You can’t learn to be a great speaker by watching videos or obsessively reading tip sheets (like this one). I don’t care how many instructionals your read, watch or put on your credit card, until you stand on that stage and feel your legs noodle AND you are sweating through your really cute outfit AND you are barfy AND your mouth is all dry AND you can’t remember your name, you won’t start growing as a speaker. You can’t mature until you just do it. It’s like telling a 14-year-old to grow up--wasted breath. You are going to be great--just show up.
Are you spotlight ready? Tell me what you are doing to get there in the comments below.
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Shine the light for others; copy and paste these Tweets:
Do you get stage fright? What about stage barf? @DyanaValentine does, too. http://bit.ly/rG7jHD
Speaker wannabes, listen up! @DyanaValentine offers tips for getting spotlight ready. http://bit.ly/rG7jHD
Ready to step up to the mic? @DyanaValentine has a few ideas: http://bit.ly/rG7jHD
Can’t see this 9 minute long video? Click here.
I resist it when people call me a motivational speaker. I call myself an instigator and emcee. During a recent interview with the wonderful Crystal Reynolds, I spoke about why I call myself an instigator and how I get my groove on from the stage.
When you volunteer to come to a conference or one of my workshops, you arrive with your own motivation. I’m not there in the front of that room to fill your vessel; I’m there to play with that excitement that’s already percolating and bouncing around inside you and to turn it up.
I’m also totally there for me. You heard me. I get a real kick the energy that naturally springs up in a room of hundreds (and looking forward to thousands) of people. Speaking gigs allow me to polish my craft while raising the vibration of a community of people.
I’m not a motivational speaker. I’m not there to talk and rant and tell you to get off your butt and write a book or start a business or bake apple pies or whatever that thing you’re meant to do is. I’m there to instigate you to make good decisions, to teach you how to test ideas and to talk your walk.
How about you? What do you call yourself and why? Please leave your story in the comments below. Even better, go check out ALX Franzen's incredible post Tell Us Who You Are, No, Seriously. She's brilliant.
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Help your friends discover what’s in it for them - paste & post these insta-tweets:
it takes all kinds … @DyanaValentine wants to know what kind of provoker you are. http://bit.ly/tc0Teg @crystalinkdesig
:: @DyanaValentine describes herself as an instigator. how do you describe yourself? http://bit.ly/tc0Teg @crystalinkdesig
does your title really describe who you are in what you do? @DyanaValentine wants to know. http://bit.ly/tc0Teg @crystalinkdesig
Have you seen me rock the mic live? Catch me on Friday, November 11th, at the Women Today Conference in Ventura, CA.
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