Question-and-answer sessions are great opportunities to show off your sense of humor and get audience participation during a public speaking engagement. Let's see how we can have some fun with them.

A good way to open up a Q & A session is to say, 'The last time I opened up for a Q & A session, the first question I got was 'What time is it?' or 'Can I be excused?' or 'Aren't you getting tired up there?' Say anything except the old boring 'Now let's open it up for...

When you speak a lot you run into some crazy room setups. It's your job to be there early to make sure all the little preparation details taken care of. One of these details is the visibility of you and your visuals from each chair in the audience.

It doesn't even amaze me any more that a hotel room setup crew would put up a projection screen that 1/3 of the audience couldn't possibly see. Most of the time this occurs when tables and or chairs are placed too far forward in the...

A Moment My Presentation Coach Uncovered

by Darren LaCroix

If you'd been sitting in the front row at theChampions' EDGESummit (our bi-annual "members only" event on Tuesday), you would've heard me say something that hadnevercame out of my mouth before! As soon as the words left my mouth, fellow World Champion, Craig Valentine said, "That was gold!"

Wow...what did I say?

Sometimes if we're speaking from our...

For some people this is easier than others, for most people, it takes quite a bit of work. However, it is definitely possible! There are three main features one needs to be conscious of when looking to reduce their accent and move towards a neutral English Accent. The first is that your native language, and neutral English (known as received pronunciation, or RP) will have a different set of vowel sounds. These are not the vowels you are taught at school, these are the sounds that make...

Can the very thought of giving a speech cause you to break into sweat? Many people, when asked to stand in front of others, can suffer from anxiety in many forms, even panic attacks.

Some studies have concluded that many people are more afraid of public speaking than death!

However, it may be hard to avoid giving some sort of speech in many situations.You may as well sharpen your speaking skills since there are always times when you might have to stand up...

More people are afraid of public speaking than they are of dying. I’m not surprised. Eight of out ten people suffer from public speaking fear, in varying degrees. This is a worrying trend because public speaking is vital in this new century. It gives an edge to keep abreast with the fast pace of the times.

Speaking in public can sometimes be a real challenge, if not a source of embarrassment; not only to normal people, but even to persons of high rank such as scholars,...

Have you ever wondered how you can become a motivational speaker?

Perhaps you have heard that a career in motivational speaking is very profitable or maybe you know someone who got rich with motivational speaking. It's even possible that you have been to a speaking event and you were so inspired by the speaker that  delivered a moving speech. You see yourself as that person; a confident, self-assured, wealthy person.

Fortunately, almost anybody can be a...

Before writing down an eulogy, it's vital to first sketch out an outline. An outline will dictate the flow of the speech. It ensures that the piece is cohesive and has a good structure. It also helps in the writing process itself so that there are no important stuff like tales and special memories that may get left out.

To get a concept on what the flow of an eulogy is like, a eulogy sample can be referred to. The samples are specified on how one is related to the deceased....

Have you ever wondered how you can develop a poweful and effective speaking voice?

The sound and tone of your voice can greatly affect the effectiveness of your speech. The audience is normally receptive to pleasant sounding voices. Clarity and inflection are essential as well.

In public speaking, the voice is the carrier of the information. If your voice lacks volume and clarity, the message will be poorly received. Monotonous sounding voices lack the personality and...

What Happens If they DON’T Invest In Your System? Tell them!

If the audience don’t act on your offer or invest in your system have you considered creating fear about the other alternatives.

Don’t lie or make up facts to instill fear this is where you need to keep your integrity and character traits noble. But honestly reveal if they dont take action on your offer, “invest” in your system or any other action you require what would happen if...