comments

Thanks to all of you for your enthusiasm! I am so glad the talk resonated with you. As I often say, you spend a great deal of money being educated and preparing for your career. Yet so much of your success depends on what comes out of your mouth. It's important to invest in your voice, too!

:)

Thanks to everyone for your attendance and great comments! Bret, I have added you. Patricia, you are a delight! :L)

Anna

Thanks, Pamela. I will see you Sat. after next. Diane is great, I'm glad you met her.

Evan, Thanks! I appreciate your comments. Glad you enjoyed the information.

Take care, Anna

Hi David, I apologize for taking so long to answer. Obviously, I have not been checking this site!

Yes, there is a way to check to see if you have given Sominex to your audience - ask them a question. In fact, I like to open my presentations with audience participation as quickly as possible, then keep it up. People get antsy just listening, so letting them talk makes them happier and more likely to listen to you.

Hope this helps, Anna

Hi Michelle, It is still acceptable to say, "Excuse me for interrupting," and then make your comment. You can also add that you wanted to get back to something they said earlier. Most speakers with these long trains of thought are not bothered by your interruptions.

Hi Akira! Now you are REALLY registered! See you Tuesday.

Hi Jess, thanks for the comment. Try to imagine the conversation as a ping-pong match. You need to keep returning the ball -- i.e., giving the other player(s) a chance to speak -- to keep the game going.

Also, if you can focus on the idea that you are there to learn as much as possible about the other people and not talk about yourself, not only will you tend to listen more, but you will send a nonverbal message that you are a great listener. That is what people will remember about you 5 days later, not the words you said.

Thanks, Terry! I look forward to seeing you again next week. Patricia, I am happy to talk to you about voice and podcasting. I have a great "how-to" brochure I bought at B&N that has all the details. I will try to bring it next Tuesday.