The AWARE Saga – Prelude to Leadership Fatalities May 8, 2009
Posted by Gary in Dealing with People, Events & Experiences, Lessons in Leadership, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Thoughts and Reflections, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
Courtesy of Lucious Young
Those of you who’re in Singapore would be no stranger to the AWARE saga – an event (or some say coup) involving a Civil Society in Singapore that caught the young nation’s attention.
For those of you who are (*ahem*) unAWARE (pardon the pun), of what this is about, you may read on to find out more. Otherwise, you may skip this prelude to proceed straight to the lessons on Leadership Fatalities
Leadership Fatalities – 5 Mistakes a Leader Must Never Make! May 8, 2009
Posted by Gary in Dealing with People, Events & Experiences, Lessons in Leadership, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Thoughts and Reflections, Videos & Podcast.3 comments
Image Courtesy of Channel NewsAsia
“The feeling in the room was electrifying. I still can’t get over the fact that we got Aware back. It is a great moral victory.”
- Constance Singam, past president of Aware
You would probably know the story by know. But I’d like to take the analysis of the Old Guard’s victory one step further and examine it under the microscope of communication and the fatal mistakes the New Guard made as leaders – for your benefit of course. (*winks*)
The following are 5 Leadership Fatalities that a leader must NEVER make: (more…)
Susan Boyle: A Story of Talent, Persistance and Belief April 21, 2009
Posted by Gary in General, Hope & Inspiration, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Thoughts and Reflections, Values and Beliefs, Videos & Podcast.1 comment so far
Who is Susan Boyle?
If I’ve said it once, I’ve must have said it a thousand times: our mindset is fundamental to our success and failure.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Our mindsets pave the way for us to move forward, allows us to pursue opportunities and open up new doors to progress… and overcome adversity and challenges.
Talent, skill and ability are irrelevant if one does not have the right attitude and mindset…
Never mind that one may harbor false hopes and misplaced beliefs every now and then – making mistakes is just another way of learning. But it’s my assertion and belief that you’ll never know until you do attempt it.
It takes courage, definitely. But you’ll be surprised what gems or golden opportunities you might uncover because you dared to venture into places that others fear to thread.
And there’s no simply no stopping you when your talent and abilities meet the opportunity.
This lady in the following video offers such a case in point. She’s almost half a century old, unemployed, and has never had the opportunity to pursue her dream of singing. And as compared to the divas that grace the stages in the modern entertainment industry… she is by far less endowed.
She is Susan Boyle – a singer-wannabe who made her an appearance on stage during the talent show Britain’s Got Talent. She was asked to share her dream – she replied: to be like Elaine Paige, a famous English singer and actress.
The judges were unconvinced. The audience laughed. Some smirked. Too many wannabes had come, boasted and failed.
Would she be another William Hung who had truly believed that in what he had to give? Let’s find out: (more…)
PowerPoint Revolution! January 11, 2009
Posted by Gary in PowerPoint & Presentation, Public Speaking, Videos & Podcast.Tags: Design, How to work well, PowerPoint, PowerPoint Revolutoin, Steve Jobs
6 comments
Ditch PowerPoint?
The patience of audiences around the world are thinning rapidly. The number of PPT (PowerPoint Terrorists) sympathisers in the world are declining drastically too.
No longer content to sit back and be the subject of abuse, audiences from all over the world are beginning to make their voices heard – some say PowerPoint are more a of barrier than aid to learning. Others are calling for it to be ditched completely.
But should it?
Well, I’m no fan of boring presentations (who is!?) – and I’m definitely not for PPTs (I’ll send them a virus – not anthrax – if I have to keep them from speaking). But as a Trainer and Presenter (yep, I’m one of the good guys!), I recognise the immense value and potential PowerPoint can really give. So it doesn’t really make sense to ditch it now.
But all’s not lost. Led by our “Spiritual Leader” and fellow blogger, Olivia Mitchell, a team of bloggers have banded together to come up with ideas on “What I’d like to see in PowerPoint slide design in 2009″. That’s right – we’re starting a PowerPoint Revolution for you – and we’ll be sharing our views real soon. In the meantime, here’s what I would like to see in PowerPoint Slide Design in 2009: (more…)
How to Establish Connection and Engage Your Audience like Barack Obama? October 24, 2008
Posted by Gary in Hope & Inspiration, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
Photo: Courtesy of Mikie Bones
I’ve been following the American election race for awhile now – not for the politics, but really for the opportunity of studying the quality of speeches and strategies used by the Presidential Nominees in their during their delivery and debates. Fully aware that I’m running the risk of sounding prejudiced, I must say that Barak Obama’s speeches has so far been top-notch and his manner of delivery has been both exact and
In most cases, I think he has done a fantastic job in revving and inspiring the crowd before carrying them on-board the “Obama-Express”. His meteoric rise has not come by accident though – and I’m not surprised – I credit a large part of his success to his ability to relate, connect and engage his audience. Not only has he been able to inspire and project credibility – he has also been able to entertain and speak with humility and sincerity.
But here’s the best part of listening to his speeches: I’ve been doing my research, and I’ve identified several strategies that you and I can learn to enhance our delivery skills. It’ll probably take some getting used to, but it’s really simple to learn. All you have to do is focused is focused on ONE small word to create a BIG.
Interested to know what’s it? Well, check out the video below and read the analysis! (more…)
Body Language: What Can You Learn at the Expense of Politicians! October 19, 2008
Posted by Gary in Body Language, Image and Impressions, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
When it comes to elections, do the body gestures of politicians mean anything?
Well – they sure do!
With elections fever all the rage in America right now – this special Body Language Report highlights and interprets some of the messages and mistakes that politicians use and make during their political rallies.
Are you interested in learning more about how you can speak with greater perceived confidence, power and credibility – and essentially enhance the clarity of your message through body language?
If your answer’s a yes, then this report is for you! It isn’t a long one (it’s just 5mins and 25 seconds), but it can raise your awareness of what are some of things to do and not to do.
So get out a piece of paper an check it out! Get ready to take some notes even!
Here it is: (more…)
Crackling Standup Comic! – Australian Baggage by Rhod Gilbert September 15, 2008
Posted by Gary in Humour & Laughter, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.1 comment so far
Alright… I couldn’t help it. It’s been one week since I last set foot in the comedy club but I haven’t been able to get the scene or the concept of stand up comedy out of my head!
In fact, I’ve been thinking about the strategies, the principles and the technique of delivery… more specifically, I’m thinking about the timing, the set up, the topics to use in a set… and who I can study to gain inspiration and insights into becoming a strong stand up comic…
Then, I found this video.
It’s a stand up comedy performance by a comedian from Wales performing in Australia. Here, have a look at it and try to keep a straight face until the end of it. Drop me a line if you can!
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I think we can all agree that the comedian did brilliantly in the manner of his delivery and set up. Did you observe how he started off all stern and serious and leading the audience towards at state of solemness.
Then at the point of intense tension – he pulled out and executed his punchline: his broken luggage handle.
Observe how the comedian delivers punchline after punchline after punchline from then onwards – it’s a series of jokes weaved seamlessly into a story. Each joke is based on the last one and each is built with the help of exaggeration, absurdity and especially the incidences of cruel irony.
Let’s see some of the principles at work with the jokes he used:
Exaggeration:
1:00: “Then this arrived…”
2:23: “I’m thrilled to get this back” … “The thing is I’ll be here for two months!”
2:58: “Surely it would have gotten very light very quickly!”
*general actions, vocal tonality and animation of points to build tension and anticipation*
Cruel Irony:
1:30: “The first three times this went around, I laughed as well!”
3:32: “Does your luggage have any distinguishing features?”
*personal reaction to loss of luggage and its ‘recovery’*
Absurdity:
2:04: Australian baggage officer’s query, “what seems to be the problem?”
2:25: I’m pretty sure I packed more than this
3:09: “Somebody packed for me and thought this is all I need?”
*concept of redundancy of airport protocol*
There’re several elements underlying the success of this stand up comic. Of the principles mentioned, his ability and sense of timing and delivery played crucial roles too, in addition to this ability utilize those tools as mentioned and more to his advantage. Very importantly too though, is his ability to conceptualise and weave his material together.
Whatever it is, however, the work that a stand up comic puts into preparing each performance is no laughing matter… and chances are, it’s going to take years, if not months, for one to get a sharper sense of what works and what doesn’t!
Still, for all you humorists out there who are seeking to have a firmer grasp of the concept of humour, continue studying comedians like Rhod Gilbert to gather more skills and techniques and sharpen your sense of timing and delivery!
The Power of Personality! April 23, 2008
Posted by Gary in Image and Impressions, Personal Development, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Values and Beliefs, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
Oh dear me! I’d never thought I’d see such an example of personality on stage! And I’m glad I did!
You see, I’m not a big fan of television (amazing, considering how we used to be inseparable when I was younger), but as fate would have it, I switched it on today just in time to catch the latest episode of American Idol on tv! Now, I’m not a big fan of the series either. I’ve nothing against it, I’m just not glued to it. But, I’m so glad that I’d managed to chance upon it today – simply because of the example I want to show you pertaining to the power of personality on stage!
Yes! That episode got me so excited that I’ve decided to blog about it now (whilst I’m still in the middle of preparing for my examinations…)!
Alright, enough preliminaries! Here’s a quick lowdown of the episode to give you a little more information about what I’m all excited about: (more…)
Power Moves! – 5 Tips to Make Body Language Work for You! October 12, 2007
Posted by Gary in Body Language, Negotiation, Personal Development, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.15 comments
Gestures and Body Language are important and powerful tools which have in them, an immense potential and ability to affect the end effect of our speeches and presentations! When used appropriately, our body gestures may enhance and strengthen the effect and points of our speech! Used indiscriminately, they’re liable to dilute and dampen the power and effectiveness of our presentations.
So what are some of the positive gestures and body language you may adopt to enhance your public speaking performance for maximum impact? (more…)
Podcast: Speaksmart 2 September 27, 2007
Posted by Gary in Body Language, Personal Development, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
Popular Podcast offering listeners insights and ideas on how we could improve our public speaking performances is back with Part 2!
As with the first installment, I found this podcast to be highly comprehensive and insightful! More importantly, the quality of the material and suggestions are EASY enough for most of us to understand and Implement in most of our EVERYDAY speeches and presentations.
I was particularly intrigued by (more…)
Everybody Wants to Be Entertained! August 5, 2007
Posted by Gary in Dealing with People, Humour & Laughter, Image and Impressions, Networking & Small Talk, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
Everybody wants to be entertained. And when I mean entertained, I do not mean entertainment in the Russel Peters or Jerry Seinfield sense!
Entertainment is not necessarily confined to the field of humour. Horror, mystery, drama and fantasy are other forms of entertainment that appeal to the senses of people. Don’t you think so?
(more…)
Video: Enhancing Your Presentation Skills! July 8, 2007
Posted by Gary in Body Language, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
I chanced upon a video relating to presentation skills some time ago, detailing some great tips to note where it comes to public speaking. Now I really liked the tips highlighted in the video for being easy to use and their practicability in EVERY public speaking situation!
The speaker in the video is J. Douglas Jefferys. Douglas has trained thousands of satisfied participants in proper public speaking skills and continues to develop and edit dynamic on-screen presentations for top executives at many Fortune 500 companies.
For those of you who are interested to find out more about Mr J. Douglas Jefferys, you may check out this link highlighted above.
Otherwise, just check out the video below!
Cheers!
PowerPoint: Sometimes You Have to Laugh to Keep from Crying June 30, 2007
Posted by Gary in Articles, Humour & Laughter, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
I wanted to Post this from Garr Reynolds’ Presentation Zen a long time ago… but didn’t due to several reasons. Most because I was very proactive at procrastinating. I’m sorry!
But the good news is… it’s here!
I like this post because of it was structured to included visual aids and a video to highlight certain points about improving our PowerPoint Presentations, and more so how it can be used as a tool for Humour! Oh yes, don’t we all enjoy a good laugh?
So here it is! Enjoy!
PowerPoint: Sometimes You Have to Laugh to Keep from Crying
PowerPoint is a great tool for displaying visuals that enhance, illustrate, and generally magnify your narrative. It’s been used effectively for years by millions of professionals from such disciplines as academia, engineering, medicine, business, education, government (mostly ineffectively in this case), design, technology, and comedy. Comedy?
PowerPoint as pure comedy gold
Below are a few examples of presenters using PowerPoint to help illustrate their messages. In each case the tool actually enhanced the presenter’s ability to make a connection with the audience and drive their messages home. The first two presentations are by Don McMillan. Don is a former engineer with a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. He gives some good advice on using the PowerPoint tool properly.
Is there life after death by PowerPoint?
Users guide to life
Whoever it was that designed humans did a pretty good job, McMillan says, but they provided no good documentation. McMillan has compiled his own data and shares some of it below in what he calls the Users Guide to Life.
http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=969866081
Economics explained in ten bullet points
Standup economist Yoram Bauman (he’s an actual economist too) uses PowerPoint and bullet points to effectively state his case. See, bullet points are not always a bad thing.
Chicken, chicken, chicken
It is said that only about 7% of our messages are expressed verbally. Is it possible, then, to make a connection with an audience and make meaning using traditional death-by-PowerPoint techniques and limiting your vocabulary to one word? Watch this presentation below by Doug Zongkers and find out.
Motivational business presentation by David Brent
No PowerPoint here, but what would presentation comedy be without reviewing a presentation from business guru and Renaissance man David Brent (Ricky Gervais), know for his maverick management techniques and political correctness. Below David gives tips on motivating employees.
(I love to laugh; it’s good for health. I know I’m very slow, but last week I finally received my DVDs of the complete series of The Office (BBC). Believe it or not, I’d never seen it (nor the U.S. version). This show is absolutely brilliant. I’ve become a huge Ricky Gervais fan and just love Extras as well. The subtlety of the humour is priceless and really brings a “smile to the mind.” Hope some of the clips above brought a smile to your mind as well.)
I hope you enjoyed the posts and videos!
To access the full video links, you may check out the permalink to the article on Presentation Zen!
Cheers!
Animate Your Message! June 28, 2007
Posted by Gary in Body Language, Humour & Laughter, Personal Development, Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
In a research report published years ago, it was noted that words constituted a considerably small portion of a message. Naturally, non-verbal messages such as our vocal tone, rhythm and body gestures form a considerably larger portion of of the messages we’re trying to communicate!
To highlight this, I found a little video on Youtube which showcases how a message or a point may be brought to life when accompanied with a suitable mix of body gestures, facial expressions and vocal variety.
See if you can spot the ways the actors used the above throughout the video!
(Actually, it’s quite hard to miss… *wink*)
Have fun!
Related Posts: More Than Words
Podcast: Speak Smart June 10, 2007
Posted by Gary in Public Speaking, The Shy Speakers' Guide, Videos & Podcast.add a comment
I was randomly surfing for public speaking materials and sites when I came across this podcast on Public Speaking!
It’s a conversational recording of two trainers sharing some of the tips and strategies that are critical for anyone who are venturing into the arena of public speaking, and for those who want to take their public speaking skills to the next level!
To give you more background on the podcast, the speakers go on to highlight certain key areas to note whilst speaking, ie.: body language, voice and volume and crowd handling etc. I must say it is very informative where content is concerned, and I’d recommend it to anyone’s looking to gain greater awareness about the dynamics of public speaking and communication!
Ok, enough selling *wink*, here’s the link to Speak Smart.
I hope it helps!
