Friday, November 12, 2010

Friday Round-Up - #131






Writers are often asked to speak. Crystal Laine Miller, at Christian Book Scout, gives practical suggestions on the second-most feared life event: public speaking. (The first is death.)

Do you have any techniques you'd like to share on engaging an audience?









Debbie Roome, at PixnPens, talks about the effects your workspace can have on creativity.

Where do you pound out your stories?















Have a great weekend!

15 comments:

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Thanks Susan!
As for speaking... I don't know who started that whole thing, writers should write, and speakers should speak if you ask me, but anyway... if possible I let my husband introduce me, that 'll make me confident :)
Writing ideas: at a clean desk! No clutter, no distractions! Works for me. Well, yard work helps too!
Have a great weekend.

Karen Lange said...

Thank you for the links! As far as speaking goes, make sure you are prepared, that way you can approach your audience ready to speak, nerves and all.
Happy weekend,
Karen

Heather Sunseri said...

Public speaking is feared more than pain? More than divorce? Wow! I almost believe it though. I'm terrified of speaking in front of others. I'll have to check out those links!
Thanks, Susan.

Nancy said...

Lots of good ideas about speaking. I always loved what I was speaking about and I agree that passion helps those somewhat introverted. I liked to start with an anecdote and want around to the front of the podium with no notes to relate it. It gave me a start before I had to retreat to me notecards.

Unknown said...

Public speaking is very difficult for me. I totally agree with Marja! Because I deal with nodules on my vocal cords I use a lot of multi media when I speak. It helps keep the attention away from me and also makes for a more interesting event.

Thanks for the links!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

I think it's part of the whole platform-building thing. Speaking generates interest in your book, and writing generates interest in your speaking.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Preparation goes a long way toward keeping the nerves at bay. For me, prayer is the most important aspect of preparation.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Heather -

I've heard those statistics many times and seen the process in action. Someone close to me, a normally confident individual, almost faints when he has to get up in front of a crowd.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Nancy -

Yes, anecdotes are great ice breakers. It grabs the audience's attention and sets the mood. I'd love to hear you speak someday. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Alisa -

Having a multi-media presentation is quite effective and helps the audience to retain the message. Did you know that people remember only a small portion of what they hear?

Adding pictures, stories, take-home outlines, and interaction with the speaker goes a long way toward making a speech memorable.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Kathleen said...

I dropped by the sandbox and see you've decided to park it for awhile. I understand. Cyberspace can consume so-o-o-o much time and energy.

As for speaking (or anything I attempt), I TRY to remember that is it for an audidence of One that I perform.

Blessings,
Kathleen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kathleen -

Yes, running three blogs became insane. If I have time, I might do a post here and there at the Sandbox.

Yes, I agree. It's important to keep the right perspective.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Rosslyn Elliott said...

Susan, thanks for these helpful links! I think Crystal has a great set of suggestions.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rosslyn -

Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed the links.

Blessings,
Susan :)