What to do when you are on the air
10 Tips for Talking Heads
By Dave Yewman
Andy Warhol once said that everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes. So when that time comes, don’t mess it up. Follow these 10 tips for broadcast success, whether you’re talking to Matt and Katie via satellite uplink or your employees via a Webcast.
1. Eye contact is king. If you’re on-set, focus on your interviewer and never, ever look at the camera. However, if you’re on a satellite hookup you need to maintain eye contact with the camera lens at all times. When pausing to think, look down – not up – so viewers don’t think you’re rolling your eyes.
2. Dress for success. Dress conservatively, wear solid colors – blues, browns, no white shirts, no plaid, no checkered patterns. It’s a good idea to have a backup outfit on hand in case of coffee spills or rising levels of perspiration (TV lights can be extremely hot). Don’t wear a hat or anything that would cast a shadow on your face. Men: hair combed neatly, clean shaven. Women: hair pulled back off face (if it’s long), light make-up. If possible wear contacts, not glasses (TV lights can reflect off the glass, even if you wear nonreflective lenses).
3. Strike a pose. Posture matters; if you’re on-set, you’ll want to lean forward around 20 degrees when you talk – it’ll open up your diaphragm, which increases your air supply. It also prevents you from slumping, plus you’ll look engaged in the discussion. A good rule of thumb is to not let your back touch the back of your chair. Sit with your feet flat on the floor, shoulders square and your rear planted firmly in your chair.
4. House of Pancake. No one wants to look like Nixon in the 1960 debates – a layer of pancake makeup will prevent the glistening that hot TV lights can produce. Guys usually cringe at the thought of makeup but hey, if it’s good enough for the leader of the free world, it’s good enough for them.
5. Acknowledge and bridge. You have “must air” points or key messages prepared – use them. Attention spans are short. Your on-air time is also short. Acknowledge and answer any questions you’re asked but always try to bridge back to those key messages during your interview. Also, reiterate those messages if you’re asked to provide a sound check or give a summation or closing thought.
6. Practice makes perfect. Being on TV under lights, wearing makeup and looking into a camera is an artificial environment and can be extremely stressful. You literally have seconds to sell your story. Practice in front of your bathroom mirror with a stopwatch – or, if you can stand it, use a video camera and have a trusted friend, family member or colleague critique your delivery. This sort of preparation will enable you to exude cool confidence during the actual interview. It also prevents a case of the “ums” – a disease that causes a lack of future TV appearances.
7. Remove distractions. Turn cellphones and pagers off, lose the gum, remove coins from pockets, don’t hold a pen unless you’re Bob Dole or disciplined enough not to play with it on camera. If you’re on a satellite hookup, ask the technician to turn off the TV set by the camera so you’re not tempted to look down and see how you look during the interview. Request that you be outfitted with an earpiece and a lavalier microphone before going on-air to make sure it fits, works and is comfortable. Also, avoid chairs that swivel and rock – they’re simply too tempting, especially when you get nervous.
8. Energy matters. Everything counts on TV – posture, energy and facial expression included. For proof, just watch the delivery of TV news anchors. Smile, you’re not under deposition! This can be fun. If possible, exercise before going on camera so your blood is flowing and you’re fully awake (a little caffeine might also help). This will help avoid what one CEO called “Dead Man Talking” syndrome.
9. Tell stories. Media outlets tell stories for a living – help them do their job and it will benefit you and your company. Examples, anecdotes and graphics can all help communicate your message – use them! Telling stories also helps break your conversation into soundbites – the lingua franca of TV.
10. Expect the unexpected. TV news is dynamic – an in-studio interview can quickly change to a satellite hookup; what was to be taped can suddenly be carried live; reporters will sometimes try to ambush you. Remain calm, be prepared and try to accommodate any unexpected changes.
Finally, someone once asked Dan Rather what he’d learned in 30 plus years of broadcasting. He replied, “Don’t eat spinach before you go on the air.” Good advice. No one wants to be remembered from those 15 minutes of fame as the person with a green glob on his teeth.
David Yewman is a member of the Vancouver Club in Vancouver, Washington, and is a media trainer and presentation coach.
You can find this article and many more resources free at www.toastmasters.com
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The Art of Mingling and Networking
The Art of Mingling and Networking
• Do you avoid occasions where you think you may not know many – or any –of the attendees?
• Do you tend to speak only to those you already know or do you wait for an introduction?
If this describes you, you may be missing many interesting and beneficial opportunities.
It can help to know that others appreciate someone who takes the initiative to approach them. Here are some networking tips from an article in the Toastmaster magazine by Katherine Meeks: Start by saying “Hi, my name is….” to a person standing alone.
• Talk about the food when you are standing in the buffet line or seated at the table.
• Approach a small group by reading the body language of participants to see if they are open for newcomers. Do they smile at you? Or do they lean toward each other in deep conversation?
• Ask about the person’s connection to the individual or organization hosting the event.
• Try to find something in common.
• Be pleasant and curious. Ask questions!
• Avoid controversial or negative comments or topics with people you don’t know well.
• Bring your business cards!
Mingling creates new connections and possibilities. Professional networking is about meeting people and letting them meet you. This is what communication is all about. Like anything else, it takes practice. That is why Toastmasters International has created multiple online social networks for its members: So they can practice the art of mingling and networking with other members from around the world.
Be sure to check out our complete listing of official Toastmasters social networking group, find more interesting articles and free resources at www.toastmasters.org
Don't fall flat when it's time to chat.
How you communicate informally at events is every bit as important, if not more so, than how you come across when you’re in the spotlight giving a speech. In fact, knowing how to mingle and network may be more important to your overall success in life than anything else - which is why a Toastmasters club offers many opportunities for informal gatherings.• Do you avoid occasions where you think you may not know many – or any –of the attendees?
• Do you tend to speak only to those you already know or do you wait for an introduction?
If this describes you, you may be missing many interesting and beneficial opportunities.
It can help to know that others appreciate someone who takes the initiative to approach them. Here are some networking tips from an article in the Toastmaster magazine by Katherine Meeks: Start by saying “Hi, my name is….” to a person standing alone.
• Talk about the food when you are standing in the buffet line or seated at the table.
• Approach a small group by reading the body language of participants to see if they are open for newcomers. Do they smile at you? Or do they lean toward each other in deep conversation?
• Ask about the person’s connection to the individual or organization hosting the event.
• Try to find something in common.
• Be pleasant and curious. Ask questions!
• Avoid controversial or negative comments or topics with people you don’t know well.
• Bring your business cards!
Mingling creates new connections and possibilities. Professional networking is about meeting people and letting them meet you. This is what communication is all about. Like anything else, it takes practice. That is why Toastmasters International has created multiple online social networks for its members: So they can practice the art of mingling and networking with other members from around the world.
Be sure to check out our complete listing of official Toastmasters social networking group, find more interesting articles and free resources at www.toastmasters.org
Monday, June 3, 2013
Link by Link, and Tweet by Tweet
Link by Link, and Tweet by Tweet
By John Zimmer
During a 1996 speech on the Internet, then-U.S. President Bill Clinton famously remarked, “When I took office, only high-energy physicists had ever heard of … the Worldwide Web. … Now even my cat has its own page.”
Now the Internet is an omnipresent and indispensable feature in the lives of millions. Used wisely, it can enhance our public-speaking skills and our Toastmasters experience.
Breaking Down Borders
I’m a member of the International Geneva Toastmasters in Switzerland. My District, No. 59, comprises clubs from 18 countries in continental Europe. I have met many Toastmasters friends at district conferences. We live all over Europe, and getting together for a regular cup of coffee is not feasible. Enter the Internet.
Tim May, a former engineer and chief scientist at Intel, once noted that national borders are not even speed bumps on the Internet. I can stay in touch with my friends and exchange advice on different public-speaking matters.
For example, through Google Documents – a platform that allows people to collaborate on a single document – I and other District 59 members were able to help the district’s 2009 International Speech Contest winner, Peter Zinn. When Peter worked on drafts of his speech in preparation for last year’s Inter-District contest at the International Convention, we were able to give him valuable feedback.
You Too Can YouTube
While there’s no substitute for practice, watching videos of other speakers is a great way to pick up techniques and ideas. In this regard, YouTube.com is a goldmine. Search “Toastmasters” or “speech” and you’ll have enough viewing material for weeks. You can also post your own videos. I put a few of my district contest speeches on YouTube and received great feedback. Another excellent site for speakers is TED.com, where you can watch some fascinating speeches on a variety of topics.
Of Links and Tweets
The Internet is very much a two-way street. People no longer go online just to get information; they want to contribute. Two sites help with this.
LinkedIn.com has hundreds of public-speaking groups, including one run by Toastmasters International (with, at last count, just under 10,000 members). As a member, you can participate in online discussions about speaking issues, ask questions or seek advice, post notices of public-speaking events, look for work or a speaking engagement and much more.
With Twitter.com, you can follow (and be followed by) thousands of people around the world. Messages are exchanged in “tweets” – real time, 140-character bursts. You can group the people you follow any way you like. Thus, I have a group for people who tweet about public speaking. Through Twitter, I share and receive public-speaking tips and links to interesting articles.
Blah, Blah, Blog
A year ago, I decided to try blogging and created mannerofspeaking.org – a blog devoted to public-speaking issues. The experience has been rewarding. I have readers from around the world and believe that through my blog – a mix of serious and light articles on public speaking – I’m able to give something back to others. My blog is linked to my LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook accounts, so my posts appear there as well.
It has been said that a blog is like a shark – it has to keep moving or it will die. For those considering starting a blog (on any topic), you must be committed to (1) posting quality content that people will want to read and (2) posting regularly.
Pay It Forward
I have two pieces of advice for anyone about to embark on a social networking foray of their own. First, do not spread yourself thin. There are thousands of social networking sites and new ones appear every day. It is virtually – pun partially intended – impossible to join them all and maintain a meaningful presence. There are not enough hours in the day and who wants to be anchored to a computer? Be selective and focus on a few sites.
Second, pay it forward. There is nothing wrong with using the Internet to improve yourself, personally or professionally. But look for ways in which to help others by, for example, responding to questions that they post. What goes around comes around.
Discover how social networking can enhance your Toastmasters experience. All this and much more is only a click away!
John Zimmer, a member of the International Geneva Toastmasters in Geneva, Switzerland, is a four-time District 59 champion in Toastmasters speech contests. He can be reached at john.s.zimmer@gmail.com.
Use the Web to expand your Toastmasters journey.
By John Zimmer
During a 1996 speech on the Internet, then-U.S. President Bill Clinton famously remarked, “When I took office, only high-energy physicists had ever heard of … the Worldwide Web. … Now even my cat has its own page.”
Now the Internet is an omnipresent and indispensable feature in the lives of millions. Used wisely, it can enhance our public-speaking skills and our Toastmasters experience.
Breaking Down Borders
I’m a member of the International Geneva Toastmasters in Switzerland. My District, No. 59, comprises clubs from 18 countries in continental Europe. I have met many Toastmasters friends at district conferences. We live all over Europe, and getting together for a regular cup of coffee is not feasible. Enter the Internet.
Tim May, a former engineer and chief scientist at Intel, once noted that national borders are not even speed bumps on the Internet. I can stay in touch with my friends and exchange advice on different public-speaking matters.
For example, through Google Documents – a platform that allows people to collaborate on a single document – I and other District 59 members were able to help the district’s 2009 International Speech Contest winner, Peter Zinn. When Peter worked on drafts of his speech in preparation for last year’s Inter-District contest at the International Convention, we were able to give him valuable feedback.
You Too Can YouTube
While there’s no substitute for practice, watching videos of other speakers is a great way to pick up techniques and ideas. In this regard, YouTube.com is a goldmine. Search “Toastmasters” or “speech” and you’ll have enough viewing material for weeks. You can also post your own videos. I put a few of my district contest speeches on YouTube and received great feedback. Another excellent site for speakers is TED.com, where you can watch some fascinating speeches on a variety of topics.
Of Links and Tweets
The Internet is very much a two-way street. People no longer go online just to get information; they want to contribute. Two sites help with this.
LinkedIn.com has hundreds of public-speaking groups, including one run by Toastmasters International (with, at last count, just under 10,000 members). As a member, you can participate in online discussions about speaking issues, ask questions or seek advice, post notices of public-speaking events, look for work or a speaking engagement and much more.
With Twitter.com, you can follow (and be followed by) thousands of people around the world. Messages are exchanged in “tweets” – real time, 140-character bursts. You can group the people you follow any way you like. Thus, I have a group for people who tweet about public speaking. Through Twitter, I share and receive public-speaking tips and links to interesting articles.
Blah, Blah, Blog
A year ago, I decided to try blogging and created mannerofspeaking.org – a blog devoted to public-speaking issues. The experience has been rewarding. I have readers from around the world and believe that through my blog – a mix of serious and light articles on public speaking – I’m able to give something back to others. My blog is linked to my LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook accounts, so my posts appear there as well.
It has been said that a blog is like a shark – it has to keep moving or it will die. For those considering starting a blog (on any topic), you must be committed to (1) posting quality content that people will want to read and (2) posting regularly.
Pay It Forward
I have two pieces of advice for anyone about to embark on a social networking foray of their own. First, do not spread yourself thin. There are thousands of social networking sites and new ones appear every day. It is virtually – pun partially intended – impossible to join them all and maintain a meaningful presence. There are not enough hours in the day and who wants to be anchored to a computer? Be selective and focus on a few sites.
Second, pay it forward. There is nothing wrong with using the Internet to improve yourself, personally or professionally. But look for ways in which to help others by, for example, responding to questions that they post. What goes around comes around.
Discover how social networking can enhance your Toastmasters experience. All this and much more is only a click away!
John Zimmer, a member of the International Geneva Toastmasters in Geneva, Switzerland, is a four-time District 59 champion in Toastmasters speech contests. He can be reached at john.s.zimmer@gmail.com.
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