Welcome to our many new subscribers who signed up through, Antion.com, public-speaking.org Zmedia, and our many other signup partners. (see bottom if you no longer wish to receive "Great Speaking") We now offer FREE email accounts. Visit http://www.GreatSpeaking.com AOL members click here Brand new speaking Tipzine at http://www.professionalspeaker.com/ezinesubscribe.htm ########################################## GREAT SPEAKING Circulation 142,811 The largest speaking ezine in the world Vol. 4 Number 15 - October 2, 2002 Publisher: Tom Antion tom@Antion.com http://www.Antion.com (C) Anchor Publishing 2002 ########################################## No one ever lost credibility by being interesting. ========================================== *** SPEAKER BUSINESS LEADS *** Your subscription gets you free speaking leads when available. WE PAY YOU TO SEND US SUBSCRIBERS http://www.listpartners.com/cgi-local/cashpartner?406 Please recommend this E-Zine to anyone you know that is interested in being a better presenter, or who may want to make money speaking and training. (It's a good way to stay in touch with client's too. Send this and tell them you were just thinking about them.) http://www.antion.com/recommend.html If you are receiving this issue as a forward, and would like to get your own free subscription, visit http://www.antion.com/ezinesubscribe.htm To remove yourself from this list see bottom of this email. PRIVACY STATEMENT: We will not distribute your address to anyone. Period. See entire statement at subscribe link above. ============================================= IN THIS ISSUE ============================================= 1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip 2. Advanced Presentation Skills Article (Beginners should read this too) 3. Humor Technique Series 4. Speaker Marketing Tip 5. Speaker Humor 6. Websites for Speakers Visit the Speaker Shop for the finest in professional level speaking training http://www.antion.com/speakershop.htm *** ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS PER TIP *** If you don't earn one thousand dollars for every speaking tip you find in this new TipZine, we'll give you one hundred times your subscription price back with interest. . . . Of course the subscription costs you nothing, but it was a generous offer wasn't it? :) Sign up for "The Professional Speaker" weekly TipZine at http://www.professionalspeaker.com/ezinesubscribe.htm and we will guarantee you a 1000 percent effort to put great stuff in every issue. Sign up today. ********************************** ===================================================== 1. Quick Presentation Skills Tip ===================================================== HIDE YOUR STUFF by Tom Antion OK. I'm guilty of this. Sometimes my stage area is a mess, but for the most part I try to hide my boxes, laptop and projector cases, product boxes and other misc. stuff I used to get to and to get ready for my presentation. This is not much of a problem with big events because your stuff is hidden back stage. In smaller presentations though you may have limited room to put things. Many times you can hide your cases and boxes under a skirted table or behind the projection screen. Avoid putting them in a service hallway outside the room because they just might disappear forever. At the very least you can stack your boxes nicely in a corner of your presentation room so you can keep an eye on them. Unless it's your "schtick" to appear disorganized, you usually want a clean an neat appearance around you in the stage area. It sends a subtle message to your audience that you are organized and in control. ** TOM'S LIVE INTERNET MARKETING CAMP SCHEDULE ** Sunday, Oct. 13, Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Early bird ends today) Sunday, Oct. 20, Norfolk, VA Sunday, Nov 10, Ann Arbor, MI Sunday, Nov 17. Lakeland, FL Once you attend once, you attend all regular ButtCamps for free for life. Your teenagers always attend with you for free. Register now for early bird discounts in Ft. Lauderdale, Norfolk, VA, Ann Arbor, MI and Lakeland, FL. http://www.antion.com/buttcamp.htm Can't make it? The six-hour audio tape set is on sale now! Learn to sell a ton on the web, just like Tom does. http://www.GreatInternetMarketing.com/buttcamptapes.htm ***************************************************** ********** GET FUNNY ********** with John Connor's one-on-one comedy training seminar. Learn comedians' secrets for creating laugh-out-loud moments in your speeches, including writing and performance. http://www.JohnConnor.com/get_funny.php mailto:John@JohnConnor.com ******************************* THE PEOPLE THAT READ THIS BOOK ARE TAKING YOUR SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS "Click: The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing for Speakers" FOR SAMPLE AND LOTS OF EXCERPTS VISIT: http://www.buttcamp.com/clicksample.htm ===================================================== 2. Advanced Presentation Skills Article ===================================================== RATE YOUR PRESENTATION SLIDES Part II By Dave Paradi In the last issue we talked about Slide Design, Text and Text Movement http://www.antion.com/ezine/v4n14.txt In this issue we'll tackle Graphics. GRAPHICS/MULTIMEDIA GRAPHICS/CLIP ART - The most important rule when adding a graphic to a slide is that the image be appropriate for the topic of the slide. Check to make sure that a graphic has not been added simply because the presenter thought it looked nice. COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL - Make sure that you have permission to use whatever graphics or multimedia elements you include on your slides. Many major conferences are now having presenters sign agreements related to this topic. If you have any questions in this area, consult a legal professional for the best advice. AUDIO/VIDEO - When appropriate, audio and video can be used very effectively to make a point. Make sure that the audio or video clip used is enhancing the message, not there because it looked or sounded nice. CHARTS - Charts or graphs can be a very effective way to present information. Make sure that the chart is readable based on the size and colors chosen. Also consider which type of graph or chart would best highlight the most important data. Error on the side of too little supporting data over putting too complex of a chart or graph on a slide. EASE OF UNDERSTANDING FIT OF SLIDES WITH TOPIC - Make sure that the structure of the slides matches that of the overall presentation. Always map out the presentation before you decide whether slides are appropriate for that topic. LET PEOPLE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE - Top presenters use text or graphics at the bottom or side of their slide to subtly let people know where they are in the presentation. There are many ways of doing this, including numbers for each section, section titles or pie-type graphics. This reminds the audience of the context and allows latecomers or those who miss a portion of the presentation to quickly find out where the presenter is and quickly be up to speed with the topics being discussed. By using the criteria listed above, you can check the effectiveness of your current presentation slides and make some improvements that will increase the understanding of your audience. İ2002 Dave Paradi Dave Paradi helps people effectively use technology to communicate. He is the author of the "Build & Deliver Effective Presentation Slides" CD training product and the bi-weekly e-zine "Communicating Using Technology". Access more articles at his web site http://www.communicateusingtechnology.com or contact Dave by e-mail at mailto:dave@communicateusingtechnology.com . Dave also has posted a FREE 34 question "RATE YOUR PRESENTATION SLIDES AUDIT" on his web site that will help people specifically rate the effectiveness of their presentation slides. *********** SPEAKERS *********** If you are looking for places to speak, I've found an excellent resource that can save you lots of time. This online, searchable database of speaking opportunities available now is simply the best, most economical resource of its kind available." http://www.public-speaking.org/simplyspeaking.htm ******************************** *** FREE 7 Day Electronic Marketing Mini Course *** mailto:minicourse.GS046@aweber.com *************************************************** ===================================================== 3. HUMOR TECHNIQUE ===================================================== BUZZWORD BINGO by Tom Antion Did you ever sit in a meeting where people where paradigming and core compentencying you to death? A game has developed out of these trite words that you could easily have your audience play when you are the presenter. The nice name for it is "Buzzword Bingo." The "real" name for it is "BS Bingo" and you know what that stands for. The people in the audience have bingo cards that you make up with all kinds of the stupid words corporate folks like to bandy around to make themselves feel smart and important. The game is "supposed" to be played without the presenters knowing that people are listening for these words in an attempt to complete their bingo card. You turn that around as a fun learning experience by using words that you gleaned from your pre-program research that mean something to them. Every time you say one, they can mark their cards while listening for the words. The one who gets five in a row yells out something and wins a prize. You could make what they yell out and the prize funny or non- sensical. It doesn't really matter. WARNING: If you are an outsider, some of the other presenters or their own corporate people may be totally guilty of using all these fancy words. If you bring it to light either before or after they present you could embarrass someone, so make sure this is cleared with several people before you do it. Here are a couple sites that will get your started: http://isd.usc.edu/~karl/Bingo/ http://www.btinternet.com/~mr.nik/business/buzz-bingo/ Click on "Mission/Vision" for rules and playing instructions. ********* GREAT SPEAKER REFERENCE ******* BE THE HIT OF YOUR NEXT PRESENTATION! "Wake em Up! How to Use Humor and Other Professional Techniques to Create Alarmingly Good Business Presentations" "Toms program and materials will cut five years off a speakers learning curve." -- Cavett Robert, Founder National Speakers Assn. Available in softcover or for immediate download in pdf format http://www.antion.com/wakebook.htm For a FREE Chapter visit http://www.antion.com/articles/freechap.htm ********************************************** ===================================================== 4. SPEAKER MARKETING TIP ===================================================== HOW TO PUBLISH A SELF-HELP BOOK WITHOUT A PHD by Suzanne Falter-Barns Itıs no secret that writing a book is a key piece of any speaker's climb to success. Published books give you a broader market for your message, plus more clout and better back-of-the- room sales. And why do you need mainstream publishers when you can sell your own e-book from your site? It can mean the difference between selling 1000 copies of your book, and selling 100,000, not to mention major media, greater credibility, and advance checks that carry 5 or 6 digits. That said, it can be tough to publish self-help material if you don't have academic or medical credentials, or a PhD. I don't, yet I was able to do a two-book, six figure deal with one of the biggest publishers in the world on my motivational book, "How Much Joy Can You Stand?" Here are some street smarts I discovered along the way: 1. You need a killer idea. What is the universal problem that your material solves? Check amazon.com and find out who else is tackling the problem and how. Then give your concept a unique spin. 2. You need a great title. Think viscerally, and think hard. This is your five second ad for the power of your book concept. Without it, yours is just another book on the big pile on an editor or agent's desk. 3. You need a professional book proposal. This is a systematic presentation of your material that spans 15-30 pages, and covers not only the outline of chapters and basic premise of your book, but why you are qualified to write it, who the market is, unique selling ideas, special markets (group sales), competing titles and their performance, etc.. This is as much a marketing pitch as a chance to convey the power of your work. Books abound on this subject. You can also take my Self-Help Author's Crash Course, which takes you step-by-step through creating such a pitch. (See below.) 4. You need a literary agent. Publishers almost never buy books from authors; instead, they make deals with agents who represent you. You pay these people 10-20% of your fee, but without them, there truly is no deal. They also sell ancillary rights for additional income. 5. You can find that agent by being specific. There are a gazillion agents out there, so hone in on who sells your type of material. One industry trick is to look in the acknowledgements page of similar books to yours. Authors often list their agent. Then check that agent's current location in Literary Market Place, a library reference book, or on the Web at various writing sites that list literary agents. 6. Send a great package. Include a brief cover letter that is attention getting, plus a beautifully presented proposal. You can also include a few chapters. Make sure you've done your homework here, as you only get one quick shot. 7. If all else fails, hit the small presses. Small presses will publish titles that major publishers are afraid to ­ i.e. great self-help material by authors who don't have PhD's. Big publishers regularly re-publish such books, especially if they have a proven track record, i.e. book club sales, a word of mouth readership, a built-up author ezine list, etc. This can happen (less frequently) with e-books. You can learn more by visiting the Small Press Center at http://www.smallpress.org 8. Approach the agents again. If you couldn't find an agent the first time around, this is a great chance to re-approach, with book and sales in hand. Agents love placing small press books with big houses, and are important partners in helping you make that transition. If you've got a self-help book idea, check out Suzanne Falter- Barns' Self-Help Author's Crash Course. Through teleclasses, coaching and e-lessons, she helps you hone your book idea, and create a professional book proposal in seven weeks. Details are at http://www.howmuchjoy.com/selfhelpbook.html You can also contact Suzanne at mailto:info@howmuchjoy.com More resources including a free ezine, The Joy Letter, are available on her website, http://www.howmuchjoy.com Shopping cart system that Tom uses. You get a three-hour taped orientation with Tom narrating to lead you through the basic set up and advanced sales strategies. http://www.kickstartcart.com The email list management company Tom uses http://www.postmastergeneral.com/?affiliate=antion Tom's Top Ten Marketing Resources page http://www.antion.com/marketingtools.htm *** THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER GUARANTEED *** Make the plunge into professional speaking either full time or part time. My 14 years experience and over 2100 paid engagements will cut your learning curve by many years and save you tons of frustration. Please don't respond if you're not serious. I'm taking the guarantee off the website because of too many tirekickers and worthless slugs that aren't willing to work for something worthwhile. If you really want this, visit http://www.antion.com/speakervideo.htm If you are a tire kicker, go watch TV and don't waste my time or yours. **************************** ===================================================== 5. SPEAKER HUMOR ===================================================== => When people have trouble communicating, the least they can do is shut up. => The reason 30+ year old women get carded is because the cashiers and bagboys make bets on how OLD you really are and someone has to find out. => I work for myself and even MY boss is an idiot. => Help stamp out and eradicate superfluous redundancy. => Psychiatrist to patient: "You have nothing to worry about - anyone who can pay my bill is certainly not a failure." => Don't use a big word where a diminutive one will suffice. => I cna ytpe 300 wrods pre mniuet. => This [send money] is a [send money] subliminal [send money] message. => High heels were invented by a woman who was kissed on the forehead. => The best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they're too old to do it. => Anything not nailed down is a cat toy. => Where Are We Going And Why Am I In This Handbasket? => It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end to end, someone would be stupid enough to try and pass them. => Never do card tricks for the group you play poker with. => If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child. => Ever notice that people who spend money on beer, cigarettes, and lottery tickets are always complaining about being broke and not feeling well? => The one thing that unites all human beings, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers. => The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship "I apologize" and "You are right." => When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog that barks all the time run to the end of his chain and gag himself. => Two Cardinal Rules of Success: 1) Never tell them everything you know. Much more FREE speaker humor at http://www.antion.com/humor/speakerhumor/speakerhumor.htm ===================================================== 6. USEFUL WEBSITES ===================================================== http://www.dismal.com Economic data you can use in your speeches. http://www.tsnn.com/ If you work trade shows, this site helps you find the upcoming shows in all kinds of industries http://kids.discovery.com/KIDS/cams/pet.html Puppy and Kitten cam. See animals that can be adopted. http://www.public-speaking.org/simplyspeaking.htm On line database of available speaking engagements. http://www.lifeminders.com/ Did you forget to call the speakers bureau who wanted to talk to you about a 20 speech deal? You won't if you visit this site. http://www.corporateinformation.com/ Excellent site to research the organization or industry you will be speaking to. ****** EARN BIG REFERRAL COMMISSIONS ****** You can earn a 10 - 25 percent commission for referring Tom for speaking engagements and bulk product sales. Commissions normally start between $850.00 and $1700 depending on your level of involvement. For complete details visit http://www.antion.com/referrals.htm You can also earn a great deal of money recommending our products and services as an affiliate. Sign up for free at: http://www.kickstartcart.com/app/afsignup.asp?MerchantID=16070 *********************************************** ===================================================== FREE ARTICLES FOR YOUR PUBLICATIONS ===================================================== I have many articles available for reprint in your publication, company newsletter, etc. You may use articles written by me that you see in great speaking. 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