How are you showing up? Public speaking is not just standing on a stage. Another option is the fireside chat. This is an interview on stage and is a popular choice for CEOs.
Do You Want to Give a TED Talk?
Press Release: Women in Consumer Electronics Hires Diane DiResta as a Public Speaker
Diane DiResta was hired to give a fireside chat at the Women in Consumer Electronics conference at the Rubin Museum in New York City. The theme was "Find Your Voice, Own Your Career." DiResta was interviewed on stage by Award-winning journalist Andrea Smith. The two discussed whether women get fewer opportunities than men.
Do You Have Your Public Speaking MBA?
On Saturday, October 19, I spoke at the WPIX, Channel 11 Health & Wellness Expo at the Javits Center in New York City. I was in good company with celebrity speakers like Dr. Steve, Dr. Ian Smith, Lionel the WPIX commentator, and others. My presentation, Mind Body Speaking: The Key to Confidence, was well-attended. Every seat was filled, and there were people standing to hear the message.
When I asked the audience what they wanted to learn, the unanimous response was confidence. During the talk, I introduced the topic of a public speaking MBA. MBA stands for Mind, Body, Audience.
The first goal is to manage your mind with positive intentions. The audience created three positive I Am statements to say to themselves before a presentation. They learned how to get centered in their bodies by focusing on the breath, and by participating in empowering body postures. Finally, they learned how to make an "I" connection with individuals in the audience to create a relationship.
They walked away with practical tools and the understanding that the mind is the key to successful public speaking.
Press Release: DiResta Communications Founder Invited to Sit on Panel at Women's Leadership Exchange 2013 NY Conference
For Immediate Release
Diane DiResta Speed Coach and Presentation Skills Expert Panelist at WLE 2013 NY Conference: Where Business Opportunities Happen
New York, NY (October 11, 2013) – Diane DiResta, President and CEO of DiResta Communications and author of Knockout Presentations, was invited to sit on the WLE Leadership Executive Circles (LEXCI) Panel. Attendees learned the latest strategies and tactics from panel experts in marketing, branding, business law, business health, speaking, and presentation skills to take their businesses to the next level.
Press Release: Diane DiResta to Speak at PIX11 Health & Wellness Expo - Javits Center 10/19/2013
For immediate release
DiResta Presents Mind-Body Speaking: The Key to Confidence
New York, NY (October 10, 2013) – Diane DiResta, Founder of DiResta Communications and author of Knockout Presentations, will speak about Mind-Body Speaking: The Key to Confidence at the PIX11 Health & Wellness Expo, held at the Jacob Javits Center on Saturday, October 19, 2013 on Stage 3 at 2:00pm.
Executive Presence: Fall Makeovers and Tips for Women
I co-hosted my first event with 85 Broads, and it was a smashing success. The topic, Get Your Executive Presence On, received rave reviews. The event was sponsored by CHANEL and Saks Fifth Avenue, and held at CHANEL's education center on East 57th St in New York City.
The evening began with networking and fall makeovers. Each woman received a makeup application and instruction. When everybody looked beautiful, we gathered to hear my presentation about 8 keys to Executive Presence for women. The audience learned ways that women can be heard, look like leaders, and own the room.
CHANEL provided a special ambiance, with lighting, wine and delicious hors d'oeuvres. They provided a skincare station and a fragrance and chocolate pairing station. The networking continued as CHANEL was cleaning up - people didn't want to leave.
Here's what some attendees had to say:
I didn't think I would learn anything new, but I did. Diane is incredible. The things she shared with people are life-changing." -Judy
This, for me, is one of the best events I've attended." -Sophie
Diane gave examples and insights that had the whole audience captivated." -Alison
I've been to so many seminars and trainings on leadership and thought I'd heard everything about how to be an effective public speaker. But Diane's presentation gave me tips I never heard before." - Carrie
Press Release: Diane DiResta to Speak at 85 Broads Fall Networking Event in NYC, Sept 25, 2013
For immediate release
DiResta will Speak about Executive Presence and Presentation
Fall networking event - for subscribing Power Circle and Investor level members of:
New York, NY (September 23, 2013) – At this 85 Broads fall networking event (link for members), Power Circle member Diane DiResta, Founder of DiResta Communications and author of Knockout Presentations, will present her work on executive presence, and top make-up artists at the Chanel Salon will show you the new color trends for Fall.
DiResta works with emerging leaders and executives to develop executive presence and gravitas. DiResta says, “At a certain level, it’s not what you know, it’s your leadership and ability to influence. Executive presence is difficult to define; it involves good presentation skills, speaking with conviction, decisiveness, self-confidence and a polished image.”
2013 New York Conference Where Business Opportunities Happen
I am very excited to be on the LEXCI Business Expert panel at the Women's Leadership Exchange NYC conference on Tuesday, October 15th, 2013. Please join me and celebrate with other women business owners like yourself. You will get the knowledge, support and connections to help you leap hurdles to real growth at the WLE Conference. Register today to hear from top business professionals who will share their secrets to success.
Dianne Budion-Devitt Moderator
Diane DiResta Panelist President, DiResta Communications Inc.
Darcy Ann Flanders Panelist Baseline Group NY
Rika Keck Panelist NY Integrated Health, LLC
Beth Neuhaus Panelist Chief Corporate Counsel, The Hamburger Law Firm
View the complete conference agenda here.
Be Inspired and Learn From the Best: - Lori Greiner, QVC/Shark Tank, WLE Compass Award Winner - Colonel Maria del Pilar Ryan, Ph.D., WLE Compass Award Winner - Sharon Melnick, Ph.D., CEO, Horizon Point, Inc. - Sue Malone, Founder Strategies For Small Business, Number one SBA loan provider - Jane Hanson, Partner, The Media Masters - Susan Solovic, The Small Business Expert
For a complete list of speakers, click here.
WLE would like to offer you a special discount. Use EARLYBIRD in the promotion code box and the conference will only be $99 (regular price $129). It includes continental breakfast and luncheon. This discount will only be available until September 9th. Don't miss out on this opportunity. REGISTER NOW! Hoping to see you on October 15th.
NYC Conference Location : MetLife Building 1095 Sixth Ave, New York, NY 10036
PS. Forward this letter to other women business owners or professionals who are serious about growing their businesses, too! With your recommendation, we will offer them this special discount.
For Details: www.womensleadershipexchange.com
Sponsored By: Media Partner:
American Express OPEN Glow Magazine
Can Your Audience Still Hear Your Voice After Your Presentation?
Does your audience still hear your voice after your presentation?
This was one of the provocative questions asked at the 2013 National Speakers Association convention. The event was held in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. And I was loving this event! I came back excited and with new ideas to share with you.
Here are some thoughts from these memorable keynote speakers to help you take steps toward speaking success:
Walter Bond
Former NBA player and rising star in the speaking business.
- You can have a pity party for 3 days, and then you better have a plan.
- Validation is a lost art.
- Always look like success. Always look like money. And if you're not that good, look good and be quiet.
- The likeability factor is the best kept secret in business.
- Can your audience still hear your voice after your keynote?
Bruce Turkel
Helped create some of the world's most compelling brands
- People don't buy what you do, they buy who you are.
- A good brand makes people feel good. A great brand makes them feel good about themselves.
Phillipp Riederle
18 year old podcast genius from Germany focusing on New Media and youngest ever NSA convention speaker
- Make your customers your friends.
- The hormone Oxytocin increases when using Facebook, Twitter, texting. It feels like we are cuddling.
- Communication today = more contact, access, publishing.
Connie Dieken
Executive coach and former award-winning journalist
- Your outer presence is how you make people feel.
- There are three layers of presence: stability, credibility, likeability.
- We're living in a world that demands perfection and craves authenticity.
I'm still hearing the voices of several keynote speakers a week later. Why is that? Walter Bond told a joke every two or three minutes and was a master storyteller. He really kept us engaged. Bruce Turkel gave everyone a harmonica and taught us how to play a song. Phillipp was remarkable for his youth and his cutting edge research. Connie went out into the audience from the stage and interacted with individuals. She asked people, "What is your one word?"
Does your audience forget your message as soon as they leave the room? Learn to make your message memorable!
TEDx Comes to Times Square
Yesterday, I attended TEDxTimesSquare, which is an independently organized TED event in New York City. The theme was Openness: Exploring the Limits and Possibilities of Open Culture. TED stands for Technology, Education, and Design, and is a forum for public speakers to share ideas worth spreading.
It's a wonderful platform for professional speakers to gain exposure and for the audience to experience a wide range of speaking styles and fascinating topics.
One of the best presenters was Karol Ward whose presentation was called, "Claim Your Inner Voice". She was the epitome of professional speaking. From the message, to the timing, to her movement, to her story, to her slides - they all worked together to create one seamless message about the mind-body connection.
Another fabulous presenter was Mark Taylor who spoke about "The Enemy of Openness". He shared that the secret to conflict management is triads. With two people, one is right and the other is wrong. With three people, it's easier to accept feedback. Now I know why my mastermind group of three people works so well.
Amy Goldsmith's talk was titled, "Yours, Mine and Ours? Legal Limits of Openness." She shared some fascinating information about intellectual property. We think of intellectual property as literary or musical. But did you know that you don't own your own blood? Once someone draws your blood, it's considered waste material and a researcher can obtain a patent for use of your DNA or cells.
It's not enough to have good presenters. For an event to be successful, it has to be well-organized. TEDxTimesSquare ran smoothly due in large part to event planner Annette Naif.
Other people in the program included:
- Jim Estill - From Zero to $2 Billion Through Openness
- Tim Piper - Why Goodness is Good for Brands
- Christopher Bishop - Open Technology for 430,000 Employees
- Kitty Pilgrim - International Openness
- Guy Geier - Open Architecture
- Collin McCloughlin - Chasing Dreams
- Andy Cohen - Magical Assumptions Behind Openness
- Greg Harper - The Future Through Open Technologies
- Aliza Licht - The Power of Being Real
- Peter Shankman - Nice Finishes First
Press Release: Sheryl Sandberg, Move Over – Diane DiResta Tells Women How to Own the Room
For Immediate Release Diane DiResta invited to present at FWA 12th Annual Executive Coaching Summit, The Power of Communications: Stand Out at Every Stage of Your Career
New York (March 21, 2013) -- Diane DiResta, founder and CEO of DiResta Communications, Inc, was selected by the Financial Women's Association to be one of three speakers at their 12th Annual Executive Coaching Summit on Thursday, March 28 at 5:30 (sessions run from 6:30 to 8:00pm). DiResta will present her speech, entitled “Speaking With Impact: How to Be Clear, Commanding and Confident,” at the Credit Suisse offices on Madison Avenue in New York City.
Click here to read full Press Release.
Speak Your Way to Phenomenal Success
I'm promoting this NSA event in February - The Mega Motivational Meeting. Les Brown, the top motivational speaker, is coming to New York. Click the postcard for more information.
Press Release: Diane DiResta Gets Her Executive Presence On at Saks Fifth Avenue on 12-12-12
For Immediate Release
DiResta Teaches Women How to Amp Up Their Executive Presence
New York, NY (Dec 12, 2012) -- Diane DiResta, CEO of DiResta Communications and author of Knockout Presentations, co-hosted a holiday event for executive women sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue. The title of the event was, Get Your Executive Presence On, and included a short presentation from DiResta, a preview of Tahari's elegant winter line, and free Chanel makeovers for the women in attendance.
DiResta works with emerging leaders and executives to develop executive presence and gravitas. DiResta says, "At a certain level, it's not what you know, it's your leadership and ability to influence. Executive presence is difficult to define; it involves good presentation skills, speaking with conviction, decisiveness, self-confidence and a polished image."
The Top Things to Consider When Booking Your Keynote Speaker
Back in September, I wrote about When Celebrity Speakers Fail to Deliver. This post generated interest and was re-posted as an article on the The International Association of Franchisees and Dealers' website.
UK-based Business Growth Specialist Andy Gwynn commented that he liked my article and referenced his own list - The Top Things to Consider When Booking Your Keynote Speaker. I think this is an excellent list, so I'm sharing it with you.
How do you know that you have got the right speaker for the job?
1. What experience do they have on the subject that you want them to speak on?
2. Have you seen video testimonials of clients or attendees that have seen and heard them speak?
3. How detailed is their fact find of you when you speak with them?
- Do they ask you about your audience and what message /content/value you want them to deliver in their keynote?
4. Do they send you a comprehensive “speaker booking form” to help them help you get the very best value from booking them?
5. Do they ask about your organization's culture and the overall message or theme of your event?
6. What physical “takeaways” do they offer to give your audience, such as documents, downloads, books, cd’s, DVD’s, etc?
7. How focused on you and your audience are they compared to focusing on their needs, fees, expenses etc?
8. Can you speak with previous clients of theirs?
9. Do they ask you about your event and offer suggestions that might help?
- Like timings, sound and AV specifications, marketing.
10. Do they offer to stay behind after their presentation to interact with your audience or are they just going to “grab their money and run?
11. Do they offer any sort of follow up / contact or support for you or your audience?
12. How confident are you that they will “under promise and over deliver”?
TEDx Silicon Alley Tells Public Speakers to Keep it Simple
TED.com stands for technology, education, and design. Some of the top and most innovative public speakers can be seen on youtube giving an 18 minute presentation on new and creative topics. It's very competitive to get a speaking slot at a TED.com event, so many presenters are opting to organize and speak at local events called TEDx. I recently attended the TEDx Silicon Alley event in New York City. The theme was "Rise of the Machines," but what stood out to me was the connection between technology and human presentation.
One of the presenters, Ken Segall, represented the agency that worked with Apple. He was the man credited for naming the iphone and ipad. He spoke about Steve Jobs and his focus on the simplicity principle. The presenter showed an effective ad for McDonalds coffee. It stated: Any size for only $1.00. It was elegant in it's simplicity. Da Vinci said, "Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication."
I continue to focus on the K.I.S.S. principle when I speak to audiences. Whether you say Keep it simple stupid, or Keep it super simple, it's not easy to do. When I coach public speakers I tell them to create a short and long version of their presentation. They discover that's it's easier to create a longer presentation. As Ken explained, "Simple can be harder than complex".
My clients realize they have to work harder to get the message clear enough to be simple. They quickly learn that I act as "the lowest common denominator". These presenters must be able to speak so that I understand the message without being an expert in their industry. One presenter told me that when he worked in a law firm they would give a memo or letter to the assistant to read. If she didn't understand it, they rewrote the letter until it was clear.
The more complex the idea, the crisper the message needs to be. This is especially critical when speaking to the media. Professional speakers have a harder time with media training. Motivational speakers are master storytellers so they must make a shift in their presentation. I show them how to speak in sound bites. The average sound bite is about 10 seconds. If it's not short and simple, it won't land and the audience will check out.
Many of the TEDx Silicon Alley speakers focused on technology, from text to speech to algorithms to flying robots. Whether it's face-to-face or virtual, we can't get away from the need for good presentation. How do you tie these two worlds together? The thread that runs through both is simplicity. Steve Jobs said it best when he said about simplicity: "it's worth it in the end because you can move mountains."
Why the Early Bird Speaker Catches the Worm
When I first started out in my speaking business, I was hired by American Management Association to give public seminars in public speaking and presentation skills.
One day, the program director sent around a memo stating that all AMA presenters were expected to arrive early to the class. It was not acceptable to show up at 9:00 a.m. What? Who would do that? I always arrived an hour early.
To be a good public speaker or presenter, you need time to set up the room.
When the curtain rises on a Broadway show, all actors are in place. But they don't show up 5 minutes before curtain call. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes of any performance. In addition to getting into costumes and makeup, actors warm up their voices and review their lines and staging to make sure they get it right onstage. The same is true for public speakers.
As a keynote speaker, facilitator, or trainer, you are giving a performance. What happens before the presentation is as important as the live presentation delivery. Master public speakers know that successful speaking is 90 percent preparation and 10 percent delivery.
So the next time you give a speech or presentation, arrive early. Practice the presentation in the empty room. There's something about getting the feel of the room that can boost your performance. Use the time to do some deep breathing and to visualize a positive outcome. And then get ready to greet every person who enters the room. This will create a positive tone and talking to people before your speech will reduce nervousness. It will also help the audience feel comfortable with you. Next time you're tempted to breeze in at the last minute, don't!
For a free checklist on what to do before, during and after a presentation,
our facebook page.
When Celebrity Speakers Fail to Deliver
Last night I was a guest speaker for ABWA. My presentation was Speak Powerfully Sell More: Speak Your Way to More Business.
One woman in the audience asked a question about how to handle a celebrity who is hired to speak and doesn't deliver. This woman went on a rant about how many of these celebrities are not good speakers and yet meeting planners continue to hire them. I explained that the reason for that was event planners want to sell tickets. An event will sell out when the keynote speaker is a celebrity.
This made me reflect on my own experience at conferences and I had to agree. I recall one convention where I signed up for the lunch event for an additional charge. The guest speaker was a well known television personality. And he was late! We had already been served the main course before he cavalierly sauntered on stage in his jeans and pec-enhanced tee shirt. I enjoyed his stories but I couldn't get past his lateness. He never made mention of it. The woman sitting next to me had booked celebrity speakers in a past job and told me that they don't care if they're late. They expect everybody to wait for them.
It seems that some celebrities don't prepare or don't know the audience. One woman media personality gave a presentation about herself and her career path. Who cares? Can you spell BORING? Some celebrity speakers trade on their name and expect to be paid just for showing up.
A number of years ago, I was hired by the National Basketball Association when they launched the NBDL (minor league team). My job was to media train the team presidents and media relations people of these newly formed teams. The media training was well-received. One woman thanked me and said that she had recently been part of the Olympic committee. The committee brought in the "big gun" media trainers who were television anchors. She confided to me that these anchors "Just showed us videos and told us stories. But you showed us how to do it."
Once again, it's all about perceived value. I'm sure I made a fraction of what they paid these anchors. But because of their celebrity status, they were considered excellent media trainers.
So what is the solution? How can meeting planners and speakers bureaus ensure that the celebrity speakers can deliver? They can't. Some guest speakers have a good reputation for consistently delivering a great keynote speech. Hire them. But let's say you want a particular celebrity for your meeting because you'll sell out your event, but you know the speaker doesn't have very good platform skills?
Don't give the celebrity the keynote speech. Instead, feature them as the main event for an interview on stage. Conduct the interview "Charlie Rose" style. Then hire a professional speaker who can wow the crowd or has strong content. The audience will get exposure to the celebrity or guest, the celebrity's ego will be intact as the main act, and you won't lose your reputation as an event planner.
When it comes to meetings and events, public speaking skills matter. The event is only as good as the speakers. The audience will pay to hear a celebrity, but if he doesn't deliver, they may not come back the next time.
If you book celebrity speakers, I'd love to hear how you ensure that they will deliver on the platform. And what do you do when they disappoint the audience? Would you hire a celebrity speaker the next time? Or would you try a less known presenter or entertainer?
New York Author Says "Speaking is the New Competitive Advantage
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact: Diane DiResta
Phone: 212.481-8484 x 312 Web: www.diresta.com Blog: www.diresta.com/blog
September 12, 2012
New York, NY -Diane DiResta will present " Speak Powerfully Sell More: Speak to Grow Your Business" at the New York Chapter of the American Business Women's Association tonight at 6:00 p.m.
Recognized for her public speaking and media training expertise, Diane DiResta, author of Knockout Presentations and President of DiResta Communications, Inc, was invited to speak at the ABWA. The event, held on Wednesday, September 12th at Phillips Nizer 666 5th Avenue, targets business owners and professional business women seeking new strategies to enhance their visibility and image from proven industry experts like DiResta.
The audience will learn how to leverage the power of the spoken word:
- Why speaking is the new competitive advantage for entrepreneurs and business professionals
- How to develop message points and target the audience
- Mistakes speakers make and how to avoid them
- How to project confidence on the platform
"Businesses can no longer avoid public speaking," warns DiResta. "Clients and prospects want to hear from you. You are the brand."
Professionals are not exempt from speaking skills. It's easy for women to become invisible in organizations. Public speaking levels the playing field. One executive woman was being overlooked when DiResta first began coaching her. Today that executive has increased her profile by speaking internally and externally, and was recently on the cover of a prestigious industry trade publication. "Speaking is a leadership skill," explains DiResta.
DiResta, who is both a professional keynote speaker and executive speech coach, believes anybody can be effective in delivering a message. An advocate of speakmarketing, she will share with the audience her experience and success leveraging public speaking as a marketing tool. Her own speaking strategies have resulted in paid speaking and consulting assignments in places such as Tanzania and Egypt.
About DiResta Communications, Inc.
Diane DiResta is president of DiResta Communications, Inc., a New York City consultancy serving business leaders who want to communicate with greater impact — whether face-to-face, in front of a crowd or from an electronic platform. DiResta is the author of Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz, an Amazon.com category best-seller and widely-used text in college business communication courses. www.DiResta.com
S.H.E. Summit Week-Speak Powerfully Sell More
It's the S.H.E. Summit Week in New York City. SHE stands for She Helps Empower. This week long event was organized by Claudia Chan. From June 18-to June 24 there are women's events to inspire and empower. In addition to yoga, networking, a press breakfast and evening cocktail party there were several workshops. My presentation, Speak Powerfully, Sell More was part of the entrepreneurial track. Carolyn Herfurth presented Art of the Ask, Bryn Johnson talked about building online communities, and Jennifer Wilkov presented Your Book is Your Hook. It's been fun and inspiring and I've met some amazing women. For the complete schedule visit S.H.E. Summit Week