Diane DiResta
The Thrilling Impact of Authenticity in Public ...

Authenticity happens when your words, voice, and behavior match who you are. Find out how to show up and be you!

Top 5 Issues Meeting Planners Face

If you're a speaker who presents at conferences and conventions or if you're planning a meeting you need to know what factors will impact the success of your meetings.

According to MiForum, here are the top 5 issues meeting planners face:

1: Fuel prices and their impact on travel, prices of everything (including
the food served everywhere) and the surcharges we see now on some services
and those we will see, and on staffing since many minimum wage staff can no longer
afford to work because of high transportation costs.

2: Airline schedule restructuring which is leaving many markets without service at all or with such limited service that it makes it tough to travel.

3: The economy - in the US and abroad: not only are homeowners losing homes,renters are losing the homes that the owners are losing; jobs are being cut; banks are being taken over, and on and on.

4: Govt. regs: Mostly about pharma meetings (see today's NYTimes re the
American Psychiatric Assn. -

(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/12/washington/12psych.html?_r=1&ref;=to
We're gonna see more of that and more industries and organizations, not just in the medical field, are going to come under scrutiny. The fall out for just APA could be a massive hit on the convention business.

5: Meeting outsourcing: It is becoming more difficult in many markets for
meeting planners to find jobs.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Even Kids Need Presentation Skills

A mother called me to coach her son. He was a recent college graduate and she didn't think he was maximizing his interviews. He was interviewing for prospective graduate programs in the medical field.
His mother confided that he left home as a sparkling conversationalist and after living with four geeks he became one himself.

Initially, he spoke rapidly and sounded nervous. He wasn't aware that he needed to stop and breathe after a sentence.
But he also didn't have prepared message points which was the reason he would ramble on. We started with the basic questions-"Tell me about yourself", "What are your strengths?", "What are your weaknesses?"

But his toughest question was "What is your major?" Why? Because he was applying to a medical program. Although he had the necessary 96 pre-med credits, his degree was in English. (Not your typical biology applicant).
He'd respond defensively trying to justify his English degree. He didn't know how to turn a perceived negative into a positive.

After the coaching here's how he responded to "What is your major?"

"I have 96 pre med credits, I picked up 30 credits and a degree in English, and I'm two courses shy of a degree in psychology which I'll probably go back and complete."

So your degree is in English?

"Yes, and I'm proud of that. People tell me it's refreshing to meet somebody who is wholebrained. My English degree provided me with good writing skills and will help me communicate with patients. I think it makes me unique."

He now not only knows what to say but he thinks differently about his background.
This student has confidence from the inside out.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Portugal Toastmasters Interview with Diane DiResta

I was interviewed by Francisco Saraiva, the President of Toastmasters in Portugal.

FRANCISCO SARAIVAAbout Public Speaking… Home
Who is Francisco Saraiva?
What I’m reading / watching
Moment with Diane DiResta
Public Speaking Blogs, Toastmasters Add comments As we continue our feature posts of the best speakers in the corporate world, we give you a brief interview with internationally renowned public speaking coach and trainer and author, Diane DiResta.

Diane conducts various hands on training and coaching on presentation and communication skills development. We asked Diane the main challenges clients face regarding public speaking.

“The main challenges my clients have in common are fear of speaking, and a loss of leadership credibility when speaking. In a few cases, the fear causes avoidance. Avoiding speaking is career suicide especially for those in a leadership role. They lose opportunities for visibility both internally and externally. Knowing this, they seek coaching,

Get the Hook: When Speakers Hog the Spotlight

It's been declared that Senator Obama is the democratic nominee. In politics or sports, when one person's numbers exceed his opponent's scores it's customary to bow out gracefully. This was not the case for Hillary Clinton. She continued to command the spotlight without any mention of an end to her campaign. So when is it to time to leave the stage? And how do you stop a speaker who exceeds the time limit?

Time is valuable to any audience. When a speaker ignores the clock, the audience feels frustrated and disrespected.

There are a few reasons why speakers don't end on time:

Lack of Preparation-They didn't rehearse out loud and time themselves and they have too much material.

Ego-They love the sound of their own voices and take advantage of a captive audience.

Time Cut Short-The previous speaker spilled over to the next time slot and the speaker doesn't know how to shorten the speech.

Nobody complains when a speaker finishes early.
But when a speaker drones on and hogs the spotlight it's time to get the hook. Here's what the moderator can say:

"Thank you, John. What's one thought you'd like to leave us with ?"

"Please help me thank Katherine." (applaud)

"Bill we're coming up on the one minute mark. Do you want to continue and skip the Q&A;?"

"What a great presentation. Thank you" (start applauding)

Say out loud, "One minute is left."

Play loud music or lower the lights to let them know the time is up.

If you find that you're running out of time, finish your point and fast forward to your conclusion. Come to an end and look for the nearest exit.

Don't let them get the hook.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Speakers Behaving Badly: Are You A Platform Abuser?

The platform is a privilege. When invited to speak, we have a responsibility to respect the audience and the nature of the platform (culture, venue, purpose of the invitation). Yet, many speakers take this responsibility lightly and abuse the platform. Some of the biggest abusers are Hollywood celebrities at the academy awards. It's disrespectul to accept an award and then use the stage for self-serving causes and political rants. When Jane Fonda received an academy award for the movie Klute, it was at the height of her anti-war protests. You could hear the audience breathe a sigh of relief when she said, "There's so much to say but now is not the time." Worse yet, are singers who pack the stadium to full capacity only to bash the current administration or turn the concert into a political rally. When people buy a concert ticket they expect to be entertained. To impose a political agenda is simply a bait and switch tactic.

The most recent platform abuser was reverend Michal Pfleger. He mimicked and mocked Hillary Clinton at the pulpit of Trinity United Church of Christ. What was especially abusive was to do this in a church or "House of God." A pastor's platform is to preach the Scriptures not to campaign for a presidential candidate. This was a betrayal of trust.

At conferences business speakers abuse the platfrom when they sell their products from the stage. An infomercial is not what they came to hear. There is an unspoken contract between a speaker and an audience. The audience expects you to provide value. While it's acceptable to challenge, stimulate and provoke thinking, it's not all right to change the program just because you have a captive audience.

One speaker announced that instead of lecturing he would have an open discussion. People left feeling dissatisfied. They wanted the speaker's expertise-not a chat. He violated the contract.

The next time you're invited to speak, clarify your role, know the audience expectations, and then keep your promise. Speaking is a gift. Resist the temptation to push your own agenda. And you'll continue to enjoy the privilege of the platform.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Get to the Point

The top speaking mistake is lack of focus.
I can’t tell you how often leaders and entrepreneurs sabotage their brand by not being able to articulate a clear message. Not only does the message get lost, but the speaker loses credibility. As a leader, you are the brand. And the market place wants to hear from you.

So how do you get to the point? First, begin with a clear outcome by completing this sentence. At the end of my presentation, the audience will _______. The answer to this fill-in is your outcome.
To be on message you must start with a clear intention.
Next, write down a one sentence purpose statement. This is your opening. If you can’t state your purpose in one sentence it’s too long.
Ex. “In today’s podcast, we’ll talk about how to get to the point and why it’s so important.

Podcamp NYC -The Unconference

I just attended my first podcamp in New York City. What is Podcamp?
Podcamp NYC is an "unconference" focused on how to use, implement and share any/all new media tools including, podcasts, videocasts, blogs, Second Life, Facebook, and YouTube, among others. The conference is FREE to attend and you're a "participant" versus an "attendee" at the event. I loved the emphasis on dialogue over lecture. The audience ranged from educators, to marketers to geeks with ages spanning college level to the gray haired crowd. The event took place on April 25-26 at Brooklyn Polytechnic. More information at: www.podcampnyc.org.

New media is democratizing the world by breaking down geographic, socioeconomic, and age barriers. It allows anyone anywhere in the world to get access to information and resources. You no longer have to wait for your 15 minutes of fame. You can create it!
If you're serious about business presentations you must stay on the cutting edge. I continue to tell my audiences that today's presenters must be media savvy and have broadcasting skills. Now you can get your message out through podcasting, youtube,and videocasts but you need to know how to use the media and deliver your message. Although it's easier than ever to blast your message to the world you are only as good as your presentation. It behooves everyone to get media trained so you can shine in the spotlight.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Work the Room

Do you stand frozen behind a podium or do you look like a duck in a shooting gallery, pacing back and forth? There's no reason you have to stay in one place. Get out and move!

But first, you need to know how to work the room. Stop distracting your audience - move with purpose.

Watch this video and learn to take control of the room:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3hae6jG1hs]

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!
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Unhitch the Technical Glitch

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teleseminarMurphy's Law was in full effect. My associate and I conducted a live teleseminar together. We rehearsed the night before using the conference service. She did a live recording of a different class the day before and it went off without a hitch. So we knew the service was reliable.

The day of our teleseminar we hit a glitch. As soon as we started the recording feature several people were kicked off the call. A flurry of emails warned us that they couldn't get back on. While my colleague furiously contacted tech support I carried on with my part of the seminar.

What should you do when you've prepared your presentation and you still get derailed?

Take a lesson from champion ice skaters. When they fall on the ice they get up and keep going. Immediately after the call, we recorded the same content without any listeners on the line. We then sent the link to everybody who registered. We offered them the recorded call, an offer to call us with any questions, and a refund if they were not satisfied. Only one person asked for a refund. (We sent her the link anyway).

What's the lesson here?

  1. Always anticipate what could go wrong and have a back-up plan.
  2. Choose reliable technology. (Higher priced plans provide better service).
  3. Rehearse using the technology and know that it can work well one day and not the next.
  4. Keep going. Continue your presentation with the people who can hear you.
  5. Do the right thing. Your reputation and integrity are more important than any profits. Your reputation is your profit center. If requested, we would have refunded every participant. Your content is only part of the message. Customer service is the REAL message.

Fight, Flight, or Above the Fray

What do you do when your audience or co-workers come after you? How do you maintain your equilibrium and credibility without seeming weak?

Most of the Democratic Presidential debates have been mild. You could say that initially the candidates were politely boring. One reason for this was that Barack Obama had set a new standard by rejecting mudslinging tactics. His demeanor elevated the level of political debate to a higher consciousness that had not been experienced. He stayed above the fray.

When Bill Clinton began to make exaggerated claims about Obama, his response was to defend himself without attacking. He spoke directly to the audience and challenged Bill's disparaging remarks. He referred to Clinton as factually incorrect. He never used the emotionally charged words of liar, lies, or lying. In this instance, he stayed above the fray. When someone attacks or misrepresents you, it’s imperative to protect your reputation. State the facts and quickly correct the misperceptions.

More recently, when Hillary attacked Barack's record and he retaliated, it started to get a bit ugly. By attacking her, he gave her the ammunition and an opening to defend herself by denigrating his reputation. The lesson here is: don’t play someone else’s game.

Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Back in the 1970s, tennis champ Bobby Riggs challenged the female champion Margaret Court. He was out to prove that a woman couldn’t beat a man at tennis. He psyched her out. Margaret lost.

The next challenger was Billie Jean King. She was ready for him and insisted on playing her way. He played a tough game but Billie Jean won. She didn’t play his game. She played her own game.

In sports, politics, and the world of work, there will always be sparring matches. Correct inaccuracies, stick to your message points, but avoid attacking hecklers. Don’t get sucked into their strategy.

Choose to defend yourself or choose to leave - but stay above the fray.

Whether you win or lose depends on how you play the game.

DiResta Communications, Inc.

Communicating With Impact!

Speak to Lead

As you watch the U.S. political debates you can see who is a good speaker and who is a great speaker. Hillary Clinton is a good speaker. She has confidence and commands the platform. She demonstrates good delivery skills.
But there is one thing missing.

Mitt Romney looks like a president. If you turn down the volume and observe his good looks, well-fitting suit, and confident gestures, you would identify him as a leader.
But there is one thing missing.

Fred Thompson is not a good speaker. He takes too long to get to the point. Even though he may have sound ideas, if your eyes glaze over, the message gets lost.

Rudy Guiliani is a clear speaker with a focused message. And Mike Huckabee is master of the soundbite. He's a clear communicator who speaks in quotable quotes. It's easy to remember his message points.

Barak Obama is a great speaker. He has one thing that Fred, Hillary and Mitt lack. It's the one thing that mitigates his lack of experience.
He CONNECTS with his audience.

Yes, great speakers connect with their audience by talking with them, not at them. By talking from the heart and not just the head. By sharing stories not just statistics. By saying "we," not "I." By inspiring hope, not policies. By promoting humanity and not perfection.

Great speakers and leaders believe in a vision bigger than themselves and expect greatness from their followers. Optimism is contagious.

So whether you're a politician, a pastor, an executive or a leader of any kind, remember that your words inspire. Speak from the other person's experience and perspective and then raise the bar. Take them on a journey from what is to what can be. Speak to Lead.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

The Art of the Comeback

As I watch the U.S. presidential debates, the pressure is starting to mount. The candidates are beginning to find fault with their competitors. Recently, the Clinton camp accused Barak Obama of stating his intention to be president in a written essay in kindergarten. The implication was that he was calculating and the presidency was a life long plan.

Here was Obama's response. "I must have been very smart if I could have written an essay in kindergarten." Touche.

Jane Trahey, a former advertising executive told a story about her corporate experience. During a meeting where she presented her great idea one of her male colleagues threatened to steal it. He said, "I like that idea, Jane. I think I'll take it to the president's office.

Here was Jane's respones. "Well, it's not such a heavy idea that I can't carry it there myself." Touche.

If you're not glib, and blessed with a silver tongue and mercurial wit don't worry. You can engage in planned spontaneity. Simply anticipate what your competition could say to challenge you and then plan your response. Then the next time you get thrown a curve ball instead of looking like a deer in the headlights, you'll be a master of the comeback.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

What Doo-Wop Can Teach Us About Public Speaking

If you've ever been on the New York City subway, you've experienced the cacophonous symphony of screeching wheels, often exceeding 100 decibels.

Competing with this noise is the continuous sideshow of proselytizers, panhandlers, and doo-wop groups. The proselytizers share their vociferous platitudes about religion or political injustice and tell us we're all going to hell. The panhandlers cry about their conditions while they pass around the cup.

Then there are the doo-wop groups. They move from car to car singing a cappella with happiness and harmony. Passengers start smiling and swaying to the music. Suddenly people start reaching into their pockets like underground patrons of the arts.

Why? Because the singers make us feel good! They trigger happy memories as they share their songs and passion. They touch our hearts.

So, take a lesson from the doo-wop groups – your audience wants more than information. They want to be entertained. Edutainment is an experience, and you don't have to be an entertainer to be entertaining.

Tell more stories. Tell YOUR story. Show a video clip. Use humor. Engage them and make them smile. Give them an experience and leave them wanting for more.

Doo-wop, doo-wop, doo-wop, doo-wah .........

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Recovering from Public Speaking Bloopers - The Hand is Quicker Than the Eye

blooper_reel.jpg

It's okay to make mistakes when you speak. It's almost inevitable that something will go wrong. When Murphy's Law is in full effect, you have two choices: You can either die of embarrassment and continue to fumble ... OR you can use a recovery strategy.

Create a disaster recovery plan. Here's how:

1. Identify what could go wrong. 2. Create a response or a one-liner.

Sometimes it helps to have quick reflexes. To see how I recovered from my recent blooper, watch this video clip:

For more tips on public speaking, sign up for my newsletter.

DiResta Communications, Inc. Communicating With Impact!

Dealing with Difficult Audiences

Whether you’re managing a team, running a meeting, or giving a formal presentation, it’s not enough to know your material. You must be able to manage the process. Group dynamics are ever changing and dealing with groups can be sticky. That’s why a good leader or facilitator is able to change perspective and use a number of strategies.

Practice the 3D Strategy: depersonalize, detach, and defuse.
The first step is to depersonalize. People come with their own emotional baggage. One woman walked out of a motivational speech because the speaker was wearing an Elvis costume. The audience member did not like Elvis. It had nothing to do with entertainer’s talent or competence. So don’t take it personally.

Step two is to detach. That means that you don’t engage the ego. Once you go head-to-head with that heckler you set up a competitive dynamic. Don’t let your emotions get out of control. Ask questions to gain understanding. Do not get defensive.

Step three is to defuse. Dissipate the negative energy. One of the best defusers is humor. If you get tense, the negative energy will increase. Take a light, playful approach. You can’t laugh and be angry at the same time.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Business Presentations-It's About People, Not Technology

After years as a professional speaker and speech coach I thought I had seen it all. I've seen people freeze at the podium, I've heard the worst technology and financial monotones, I've seen the speaker with his fly open and I've even seen the woman lose her half slip while she was speaking.
But I NEVER thought I'd see someone answer a cell phone during a speech.
WHAT WAS RUDY GUILIANI THINKING?
Recently, Mr. Guiliani spoke to the National Rifle Association. The audience was not a fan of his views on gun control. He had an opportunity to express his views and try to win support for his campaign. Instead, his wife called him on his cell phone and he answered it in the middle of his speech. He had a brief conversation with her before hanging up. At first the audience thought it was a joke. He may have thought talking to his wife humanized him but it had the opposite effect. He looked weak and it was rude and disrespectful to the audience. He did not present himself as an executive.
What should he have done? He should have turned his phone off. He should have informed his wife not to call during the hour he would be speaking. In this case, he should have ignored it or apologized as he shut it off. Under no circumstances should he have spoken to the caller.

How often do we attend meetings or sales calls that are interrupted by cell phones? By taking the call, the speaker may think he appears important but the opposite is true. A leader is present. A good speaker connects and attends to the audience. When a leader is truly important, the callers can wait.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Communication Takes a Giant Step Backward

Technology is great. It allows us to be more productive, to be globally connected and to access information faster. So upgrading your technology will help you communicate better, right? Not necessarily.
I was surprised when one of my long time online newsletter (Impact Player) subscribers asked to be removed from the list. She was an early subscriber from the inception of the paper version, to the text version to the html version. For years I received compliments on both the design and content of the newsletter so I couldn't figure out why this reader was leaving.

I decided to call her. The answer she gave me was not what I expected. She said that since she accessed most of her email on her blackberry she couldn't receive html files. What an eye opener!

In an attempt to upgrade, look cool and be state of the art, I forgot the most important principle of communication. It's not about technology-it's about people.
Nothing will ever replace the personal touch. I went back and offered subscribers a text or html version. Clients remember me for my handwritten thank you notes and post cards. The most powerful communication is old fashioned face-to-face, person-to-person connection.

As we move forward with connectivity we need to remember to take a step back and truly connect.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!