How to Keep Answers Short and Effective

Did you know that not only can long-winded answers be hard for the audience to follow, but they can actually cause your interview to go off track? Concise answers can keep you in control, and THAT’S where you want to be!

Brevity is the key word here.  Think of the quotes and sound bites you would like to have associated with your image and try to incorporate them as your answers when appropriate.

A doctor who created his own line of skin care was preparing for a media blitz.  The most important thing for him to learn was to stay away from the “doctor speak” and really emphasize the results of the products. As you can imagine, this was new to him.

We incorporated stories and real-life scenarios like looking in the rear view mirror and seeing new crows feet!  (What?!)  We took those moments that the target market could understand and created his sound bites and quick descriptions of the products.

The results were very effective… heck, even his PR girl and I wanted to get the skin care!

How can you keep it brief?  Well, if you are not working with a media coach, then try these:

1. Recognize the “process” or “expert language”:  You may need to speak in a simpler fashion about your field of expertise unless your audience is comprised of your peers in business.  Use common words and save the details of your work, process, or methods until you have them hooked on the results!

2. Time yourself.  Seriously, grab a stopwatch and have someone interview you with the questions you most expect.  You might be surprised at how quickly time goes by!  Aim for 30 seconds or less per answer!

3. “Cliff Note” your tales:  If you have stories—your own or clients’ successes–clip them to the most condensed version.  Think of how you have to edit for Twitter, and you’ll be sure to keep only the good stuff!

Don’t forget!  Include what makes you different:  Do you have a signature quote? Or special philosophy?  Your short answers still need to include that special flavor that only you can bring.  Rehearse your philosophy description until is it short, sweet, and rolls off your tongue with ease.

Five Foods to avoid now and any time you need to be “on”!

There is a lot of focus on food and drink during this season… we are shown how to make it, how to serve it and how to make “healthy” versions of our favorites.  Holiday foods are traditional, comforting and all-out yummy.   They are hard to resist, but if you are presenting or speaking on camera, the holiday foods could sabotage your performance!  Even if they are the “healthy” version.

Whether you are full speed with Holiday networking at parties or taking it easy this season, the following foods are ones that I have on a “caution list” for my clients if they are preparing for an appearance on-camera or public speaking…  So, you may want to keep this list for the New Year!

• Dairy: cheeses and other milk products can produce mucus which can present itself as the need to clear your throat and weaken your voice.

 

• Fat:  Fried or high-fat foods like pizza, hamburgers, or fries can leave you feeling sluggish.  Since good energy is so important to your on-camera presence, why make it difficult to get yours up?    PLUS, they can cause bloating, and that just doesn’t help you to feel attractive. A better meal before you go on camera or make a presentation:  lean protein and veggies.  A chicken salad or even cottage cheese and crudités will serve you well.

 

• Sweet stuff: Chocolate included…Sorry! Sugar can actually dry the throat, PLUS as an after-effect you can have a drop in blood sugar that can cause tiredness and difficulty in concentrating.  If you are prone to nerves before going “on,” sugar can actually make you feel worse.

 

• Caffeine:  I know, I know… you think a cup of coffee won’t bother you, but I seriously can tell when someone is sensitive to caffeine and they try to sneak a cup before a session with me.  There is a brain “short-circuit” effect many times where memory can be affected.  You sure wouldn’t want to take a chance on missing a key point, so why chance it?

 

• Alcohol:  Just not a good idea in any amount.  Impaired judgment, lack of concentration and poor balance can surface with even one drink even if you think you can’t feel it. 

 

These foods can be hidden culprits in performance or memory problems.  Many people would not think to connect the food they ate at lunch with their scratchy throat or forgetfulness.  Being aware of how to feed your body and brain properly before you appear on camera or in front of an audience allows you to access a higher level of confidence.  Now all the work and training you have done can show with ease when you seize the opportunity to blast your brand and showcase your business.

This week’s article is written by special guest, Deni Carruth, VICTOR Life Coach.

There’s so much talk about passion these days. Some define passion as what they do; others use it to describe who they are. Who’s right?

I like to say that passion is your uniqueness that makes what you do uniquely you. Dictionary.com defines passion as: a powerful or compelling emotion or feeling. To me, passion walks hand in hand with purpose, but I don’t confuse the two.

Whatever you’re involved in, whether it’s a presentation, a project, an interview or any relationship; if you bring what is uniquely you to the table, you will be powerful and compelling. That’s passion.

To have passion or to be passionate, you must know more about who you are. I walk my clients through a series of exercises that allows them to discover what makes them uniquely them. We do a little digging, and passion is at the very heart of it. And while my process is more than what I’ll go into here, I’d like to share just one of the exercises with you that can give you, right now, something to bring to the table every time. It’s your personal alphabet.

Take out a piece of blank, ruled paper. Down the left side, list the English alphabet from A to Z. Now go back and write in a word that describes you (nothing negative) that begins with each letter. The words can even be causes you love, character traits, special interests you have, skills or talents. You. Be brave. These words should bring a smile to your face.

Once you discover these 26 expressions of you, put them to use to bring passion to whatever you do.

Here’s my list of the Passion Baker’s Dozen: 13 Ways to make passion work for you.

1.  Passion is powerful – people can hear it in your voice, you can even feel the strength behind what you’re saying or doing

2.  Passion is compelling – it brings an irresistible effect and draws people in

3.  Passion brings emotion to your presence – there’s no dull or boring shadow over you, people will feel what you feel

4.  Passion shows strength and effectiveness – it allows you to stand firm on what you believe and what you say about it

5.  Passion will influence others – your excitement and commitment will have a direct influence on others

6.  Passion demands attention and is irresistible – when you talk, people will listen

7.  Passion displays authenticity – there’s nothing fake about even something that seems silly, when there is passion behind it

8.  Passion is very convincing – it’s almost a secret weapon

9.  Passion makes what you do easier – it just flows, without hesitation, resistance or fear

10. Passion is seen and felt by others – it shines like a light whenever you speak or smile; you can’t hide it, and they can’t hide from it

11. Passion gives you direction and purpose – it guides your conversation, your actions and your rewards

12. Passion keeps you on track – when you feel yourself wandering, come back to it

13. Passion brings excitement – nuff said

It’s time to bring your uniqueness; what makes what you do uniquely you, to the forefront.

© Copyright 2010 Deni Carruth

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Deni Carruth is passionate about the health and wellness of executives and entrepreneurs, and is known as THE Executive Wellness Coach. She is also known for her VICTOR Lifestyle programs that allow her clients to experience VICTORies everyday in their life and business. She invites you to dig deep to discover, rediscover or redefine your passion at http://www.masterkeyscoaching.com.

Why your words may be working against you in your video script

  

One of the main causes of discomfort for many entrepreneurs when they attempt a promotional video is the words they are trying to say.

Most often entrepreneurs and experts will come to their video shoot with a script derived from copy on their website.  I totally get it; working so hard to get that copy right it has to be just what you need to say, so why not just cut and paste it for a video script, right?

WRONG!

Even the best copy from a website or written advertisement is designed to be READ not said aloud.  It’s nearly impossible to seem authentic and natural when using copy designed to be read.

Need an example?  Try reading both of these paragraphs aloud taking care to sound as natural as possible.

1. Designed to be read:

Nothing feels better than a great fitting jacket. Virtually unlimited in terms of COLORS, PATTERNS & CONSTRUCTION. Included among them are two-ply EGYPTIAN COTTONS in SOLIDS, CHECKS & PLAIDS, Royal Oxfords (my personal favorite, wrinkle resilient & durable)… YOU’LL LOVE OUR SHIRTS!

2. Better for speaking:

Nothing feels better than a great fitting jacket. Our selection is virtually unlimited in colors and patterns, and we design for your body!  A few of our fantastic styles come in two-ply Egyptian cottons  in solids, checks and plaids, and, my personal favorite… Royal Oxfords. They need less ironing and last forever!  YOU’LL LOVE OUR SHIRTS!

Can you see how much easier it was to flow with the second paragraph?  It only takes a little tweaking but reading copy designed to be read is just a recipe for disaster; you cannot be on your game when the words coming out of your mouth don’t sound like YOU.

IDEA: Take some time and talk about your key ideas in your copy.  Record yourself talking about these points and THEN transcribe THAT into your script.

Now, when the teleprompter rolls, you will feel much more at home with the words and more connected to your purpose.

It might take more time than a cut and paste initially, but in the end, the video will take much less time to shoot as long as you are prepared with the RIGHT words!

Three things to consider before major media exposure

As I sip my morning coffee and view last night’s election results, I’m evaluating the power of the media once again; I’m contemplating if a small tweak here and there in the candidates’ media presence could have changed the outcome. I find myself reflecting to a conversation just a few days ago with a former White House speechwriter:

Troy Senik was a member of the Bush Administration and the youngest presidential speechwriter to date. What I recall most from the evening that I sat with him is his explanation of how political campaigns can be forced to respond slowly to attacks in the media.

The subject of dirty political commercials was raised to Troy, and then a very specific question about one smear that seemed easy enough to rebut.  “Why,” the question was posed with disbelief and a bit of frustration, “doesn’t she just explain her situation and stop this madness?”

His answer gives surprising insight into the logistics of a political campaign: A rebuttal can be formed quickly, but then it must pass through about 90 people on the team before it might actually surface in the media.  With the crazed schedule of a political campaign, quite often the people who must approve the rebuttal that could save the candidates reputation cannot be reached.  It’s as sadly simple as that.

So, if that politician referred to in the question had the opportunity to “explain her situation,” could it have changed the outcome of the election?  There’s a very good chance. But timing is everything.

What can we learn from this?

Fortunately, most of us do not need the approval of 90 people to speak, but those who have a PR person or media trainer can have some extra support in this arena, and that’s a good thing.

The media can be unrelenting, and sometimes downright mean, but prevention is the best medicine against this modern threat.  If you are a high profile professional taking the next step and preparing for media exposure there are three things that are crucial:

1. 1. History examination. And I mean with a fine-toothed comb, and surgical precision.  Revisit any situation in your past that may deflect from your current point of view or beliefs and prepare your answer should a question be raised. Use positive words, and bring the focus back to your current intentions.

2.  Self examination. Review your current situation in life, your political and religious views included.  I believe in being authentic, but there may be some things that, at least in the beginning of your media exposure, you might want to categorize as “back burner” lest your mission be diluted or misunderstood by the public initially.

3. Know your strengths.  This is not just for politicians, but it is a key for anyone headed increasing media exposure.  Being true to yourself, and authentic in your brand can help to make the media your biggest asset, even if you deal with controversy, being able to bring it “home” to your area of strength and intellect is the key to media success!

It will take time to be thorough with the steps above, but your reputation is worth it!

Get to thinking outside the box to use video in your biz

Last year only 30 percent of businesses grew according to ThomasNet.com.  While it is a low percentage, we can learn from those that are increasing in this down economy. 

So, why did they succeed?  They refocused and tried new things.

Innovative thinking in your business might lead you to utilizing video. If you already use video, maybe this would be a great time to step it up. 

Keep in mind, videos need not be expensive to be effective, and you might be the first among your competition to use it in a new way.

To get you thinking, here are three ways to think outside of the box when using video on your website:

For Realtors, video is already somewhat commonplace, but it is usually in the form of virtual tours of homes.  “Been there, done that” for most homebuyers.  The old style video tour is informative but expected.  Idea: If you have the personality, and you’re comfortable on camera, why not take the potential buyer through the house yourself?  You might even use this in conjunction with virtual tours on your website.  It can be done simply, with very little editing on a simple camera. There are a few benefits to this.

1. The home can be described in potential stories: “Imagine having your morning coffee here in this breakfast nook, watching your dogs play in the yard…” or” This room is perfectly suited for dinner parties.” Show them the experience of the home not just the walls and windows.

2. Show them the experience of working with you. Better than just a referral, they get to get a sense of you.   You’ll share your energy in a video, and chances are (here’s the bonus!) you will attract more of the clients that you like to work with!

What if you own a clothing company? Pictures are great, but again, they are expected.  Something different: A simple video with the designer sharing their ideas then the clothes being worn.  Just to see how the clothing moves can be enough to secure a sale. Another idea might be to show how the clothing is made if there is something unusual about the process.  Video can be Innovative and unexpected, and that makes it that much more effective.

Recent polls have shown that Americans trust small businesses more than large corporations right now.  Build that trust faster by filming the owner of the business (you) talking about your passion for your business, your company policy and/or your favorite customers, etc.  One minute is all you need, and it can be a mock interview style if that makes you comfortable.  Potential customers feel they know you before even walking in. You’ll go from a Superpages search to their go-to business in a flash.

While the budget need not be big, I do recommend that some time be taken to formulate the message and the overall look of the video.  For that, a coach is a great investment.

Why you have what you need right now to be a great communicator

The genuine relief and emotion on the faces of the rescued Chilean miners and their families was priceless. I was moved to tears as they thanked the men that had brought them to the surface after 69 days underground. 

The power of a moment like that is unforgettable, and the visceral reaction that it can evoke is a reminder of the powerful connection that we humans share. It is this connection that is the conduit for excellent communicators. Authenticity will always draw us in more than honed skills or practiced rhetoric.

For example, just the other night, my friend shared the incredible experience of hearing Mother Theresa speak at a Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. years ago. Picture at this meeting the leaders from churches and representatives of organizations from around the world. Of course, our President and First Lady (at this time it was President Clinton) are there seated at the dais as Mother Theresa speaks:

She captures this room of hundreds of people–not with her gestures or oratory skills but her simplicity of purpose and genuine emotion. Her love for the children and passion for her work magnetize this audience some of who have been listening to political speeches nearly on a daily basis for decades.

Soft-spoken and humbly dressed, Mother Theresa is considered one of the most captivating keynote speakers in the history of those Presidential Prayer Breakfasts.

I do not mean to dilute the value of lessons learned; skills are extremely important. I teach them on a daily basis, but the number one ingredient to communicating on a memorable emotional level is authenticity.

Release your cares of what others think of you, your outfit, your hair, your business experience and share, with transparency, your passion. Not only will you connect more, but you will also have a sense of freedom that you will never want to give up once you experience it!

It may seem that this is easier said than done. It may require the help of a coach in order to remove any preconceptions and fears that inhibit your transformation to a truly authentic communicator, but it is well worth it!

The process of releasing your inner authentic self are life-changing. You will find that you
• Approach conversation in a different way, and
• You will attract those that share your vision; they may be liaisons, clients or customers.
• You will be sharing your vision and information in a way that feels good to you, and to others.

Showmanship has its place, but a most humble servant of the Lord captured the President’s crowd in Washington, D.C. all those years ago with the sharing of her heart and a clear determination to change the world, one person at a time. May she inspire you today.

Pack up those limiting beliefs and move into your comfort zone

What a great feeling it is to toss that last moving box into the driveway, walk back into your new place, and realize that you have created “Home.”   This is where you come after a long day, where your routines are established, where your kids frolic and where your dogs sleep curled up under your feet.   After a long business trip, this is the place that you can re-establish your Zen, your sense of self.

After my last move, just a few weeks ago, it became clear to me that it doesn’t matter how grand the size, or fancy the landscaping; it’s the energy that fills the home that really creates a sense of comfort.

For me, it took a while to feel that sense of comfort, though.

Having those moving boxes anywhere in sight became like a pebble in my shoe. I could go on about my routine, but those boxes had me in a constant state of slight discomfort. I saw them as a sign that I still had my “stuff” to deal with.  Tossing my last empty box into the driveway, I gave a celebratory, “Woo hoo!”   The path through my personal space was finally cleared, and I could start to move forward with life. I was truly now “home.”  The energy I needed to access was flowing so much better!

  I remember when I first tried to “be myself” on camera; it was painful.  You see, I had buried my authentic self under a heavy load of mental “stuff.”  If I were to label my ”stuff” the way you label moving boxes, they would have read, Preconceived Notions, Low Self-Esteem, Negative Attitude, Lack of Faith, Ego and so many more limiting beliefs. (Any of those sound familiar to you?)

I was working hard on all the technical parts of my presentation–how to stand, project my voice, and so on–but trying to apply that knowledge on top of my “stuff” was just like trying to balance a ladder on top of a toy chest.  I would climb up just a bit, but before long, there I’d be tumbling down, and I’d have gained a few bruises to show for the experience.

The tough work was not perfecting hand gestures or eye contact.  In fact, that came so much more naturally once I unpacked my “stuff”! I learned that delving into “why” you have that particular “stuff’ in the first place is necessary.  Then, you box it up and send it off to the proverbial dumpster.  If it sounds like a bit of work, you are right, but it’s worth it.  As each of these mental blocks is taken away, your authentic self starts to breathe in the new environment.  You will appreciate your gifts and personal power as you might not have seen them before. Your comfort level while on camera or speaking will increase.  You’ll start to feel more “at home.”  Before long, you’ll find that you will start to accessorize with things like jokes, comments, fun stories and those unexpected pleasures that you can find when you are living in the moment.  You will truly have a sense of your authentic self!  You’ll be at home.

Sound good? Take step one in self-discovery today by finding a coach, therapist or good friend to help you discard your “stuff.”  The world is waiting for what you have to offer.

Four mistakes you should be sure to avoid

“We will never have him back again!  I’m exhausted!”

These are words you never want to have said about you after a radio or TV interview.  I am the one who said them.

The target of my frustration is unquestionably an expert in his field; he is a researcher who had accomplished amazing things.  He even has a bit of controversial attitude toward his subject matter which got me excited about the radio interview I was about to do with him; I was looking forward to speaking to this man who apparently had so much passion that he was standing up against some scientists to accomplish his goals. I expected good stuff.

It did not go as planned.   This brilliant man did not shine as I had hoped. Here are a few reasons why:

1.  His passion I had eagerly anticipated never surfaced in our conversation. He was a fact-driven person, as you might expect being a scientist, but a little humanness might have warmed him up a bit!  No matter how I tried, his walls were so very tough, that even the slightest attempt at diverting the conversation to something non-statistical (“Just what is it about — your subject—- that means so much to you personally?”) was met with a seemingly predetermined factoid which fell short of answering the posed question.

2.  His answers were painfully short with a frustrating tone of finality.  My attempts to encourage him expand upon his answers drained my energy within a few minutes.

3.  He was uninterruptible (Yes, I think I made up that word).  When he would begin to go in a direction that I thought would be interesting to pursue, he was not flexible and the possible line of questions would go ignored unless I raised my voice higher than his forcing me to be way more aggressive than I had anticipated or wanted to be!

4.  He was defensive.  When I asked for his feedback on some criticism of his research, he attacked me instead of utilizing the opportunity to prove his points and strengthen his stance on the subject. 

As the show host, quite honestly, at this point in the conversation, I could have saved him, but I already knew I wouldn’t be bringing him back and I let the interview end.

This is a clear example of why even the highly experienced experts should prepare for media exposure.  A bit of training could have opened him up and given him the freedom of expression that would make a conversation flow.  After all, an interview is a conversation, and every host knows the value of an easy and informative exchange of words! It feels good, and the audience stays tuned in! A well-spoken, prepared guest with clear message points and a positive outlook (no matter what the subject) can make a host’s job so much easier; it could turn one guest appearance into several.  Even a small opportunity can lead to big exposure, so prepare and be ready out of the gate!