Imagine you could go back in time and have a conversation with yourself at age 18. Turning 18 is an exciting age – you are finally a legally recognized adult, you can vote and the world is full of possibilities. Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your younger self?

Perhaps you would pass along a few words of wisdom. Maybe there was an opportunity you wish would have taken, or a mistake that you wish you could have avoided. Perhaps you would just pass along some stock tips

To enter, type your name, email below with your answer to this question:

What would you tell your 18-Year-Old Self?

Feel free to enter as many times as you like with each comment being a different piece of advice.

Winners will be picked based on how concise their answer is, insight gained from the past and quality of the advice.

Prizes:

First Place: A laser pen
Second Place: An Expect Success Book
Third Place: – Freedom Personal Development Water Bottle

All winners will also get a “Be Free” Bumper Sticker and Happy Highlighter.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, September 30, 2010. Winners will be emailed and announced on our blog Tuesday, October 5.

I can’t wait to read all of your thoughts and comments!

Be Free!

David Shoup
Instructor

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Wow! There was some awesome advice given out in this contest. If you are hoping to improve your speaking ability and confidence I would read all of these entries more than a few times and let them sink in. Nice work to everyone who shared, and thank you. Now, on to the winners!

Question #1 – What is your #1 question on how to be a better public speaker/presenter?

First Place and winner of an Expect Success book is Susan Alsted (#19)

Question #1 – What is your #1 question on how to be a better public speaker/presenter? Even though I have the knowledge of the subject, my mouth is so tensed up and before I know it, I freeze. I listen to others, I get tips and each time & try new ways, and it always seems the same outcome. A 20 min presentation takes me 2 mins and I am done. Small groups are a breeze but the large groups I simple fail at.

Question #2 – What advice would you give to someone that was nervous about giving a presentation to a large group of people? Just simply say “No thank-you” but I will be there to listen and encourage you. ;o)

Second Place and winner of a Freedom Personal Development Water Bottle is Gina Gulliford (#27)

How do you keep your nerves under wraps while speaking? Sometimes I’m shaking so much I can hardly stammer the words out of my mouth. Thank you for the answer.

Some of my favorite responses for question 1:

11. Question #1 – What always goes through my mind: “How will this change the audience’s life for the better?” If I cannot come up with a good answer, what’s the point of the speech?
15. Question #1: (response) How can I inject humor into my presentations without it seeming forced or a cheap gimmick to get audience attention?
18. How do I get rid of the physical nervous characteristics?
19. Even though I have the knowledge of the subject, my mouth is so tensed up and before I know it, I freeze. I listen to others, I get tips and each time & try new ways, and it always seems the same outcome. A 20 min presentation takes me 2 mins and I am done. Small groups are a breeze but the large groups I simple fail at.
21. When asked to prepare to speak in front of a group of people who I do not share their passion for that particular cause. . . what should my focus be on?
25. #1 – how do I develop the skill that will help me speak in front of an audience to an impromptu question whether it if for a 2-3 minute response or a 10-15 minute overview of something.
26. How can you make sure the speaker is not just droning on in that put to sleep monotone that drives the listener nuts?
27. How do you keep your nerves under wraps while speaking? Sometimes I’m shaking so much I can hardly stammer the words out of my mouth.
34. What events in your life (outside of public speaking), have led you to be a better public speaker? For instance, was there an event that made you love being in the spotlight? Was there an event that helped you overcome fear? Was there an event that made you extremely confident? What steps (outside of public speaking) could one take to become a more competent public speaker?

Question #2 – What advice would you give to someone that was nervous about giving a presentation to a large group of people?

First Place and winner of an Expect Success book is Jennifer Rogers (#35)

Tips for gaining greater comfort in giving presentations:

1. Prepare your general speaking points and practice your presentation out loud in front of a mirror. You can even videotape yourself.
2. You can use index cards but only write key points on them; or use your room files from the Memory workshop to trigger key topics.
3. It’s helpful to know your audience – add items of importance or interest to them to customize your presentation.
4. Get some audience participation early on (example – show of hands on a question). It can calm your nerves.
5. Wear an outfit you’re comfartable & confident in.
6. Visit the venue beforehand & mentally run through the presentation there, if poosible. Plan ahead for success!

Second Place and winner of a Freedom Personal Development Water Bottle is Brett Heffern (#37)

Question #2: “What advice would I give?” What are the most critical points to tell someone who might be nervous about getting up to speak in front of a group of people? Well…

- First and foremost, take some some really deep breaths before getting getting up to speak. This will help the speaker be more aware of their rythym.

- Secondly, keep in mind you’re not talking to your audience bur rather with your audience. Don’t think of a memorized speech that you have to remember word for word but an exciting, inner-active discussion with your audience. Include the audience by asking questions, throwing out ideas, etc.

- Third, make sure your speech has a point – and stick with it!

- Finlly, just have fun. If you mess-up on a word just keep going! The audience isn’t going to remember why you fumbled but rather how well you recovered.

Brett

Jennifer Rogers (#35) was our First Place winner for question 2. Jennifer’s tips were well organized, right on, AND she is about the only person who mentioned using Memory Training! Come on people!  The number one fear in the country is public speaking and the #1 reason for that is because people are afraid they are going to forget what they are “supposed” to say. Using Memory Training has changed people’s careers when they use it consistently to deliver speeches.
Jennifer also mentioned videotaping yourself. Video taping yourself is so much more valuable than practicing in front of a mirror. I do realize that a camera is much more expensive than a mirror, but with access to phones with video ability, and webcams you don’t need something super expensive. Here’s why that is better than a mirror. When you worry about constantly correcting yourself WHILE you are speaking then your focus is shifting back to yourself screwing up. Filming yourself allows you to focus on “how” you are delivering the words with emotion, inflection and you let it all go without stopping or worrying that your delivery was perfect. Then when you watch the film you can allow yourself to take notice of the things you would like to change.
2nd Place goes to Brett Heffern. Some big breaths before you start is great advice and keeping in mind that the crowd is normally very forgiving is great to keep in mind. I have found it to be true by watching other speakers and speaking myself that the crowd generally accepts that everyone will slip up from time to time but the ability to recover and keep going or laugh at yourself is how you can win their hearts.

Some of my favorite responses to question 2:
10. Know your audience, the presentation has to be on target so you must know the target.
Know your material, don’t just memorize it…internalize it.
Make sure you give the audience not just information but a big piece of yourself.
Practice in from of someone your trust and whose opinion you value for feed back
Most importantly…HAVE FUN!!!
11. Question #2 – Remember that the audience doesn’t know what you’re going to say. If you goof, keep going. They may not even notice. Remember, if you’re nervous, your focus is backwards – the speech is all about THEM, not you.
35. 1. Prepare your general speaking points and practice your presentation out loud in front of a mirror. You can even videotape yourself.
2. You can use index cards but only write key points on them; or use your room files from the Memory workshop to trigger key topics.
3. It’s helpful to know your audience – add items of importance or interest to them to customize your presentation.
4. Get some audience participation early on (example – show of hands on a question). It can calm your nerves.
5. Wear an outfit you’re comfortable & confident in.
6. Visit the venue beforehand & mentally run through the presentation there, if possible. Plan ahead for success!

37. – First and foremost, take some really deep breaths before getting up to speak. This will help the speaker be more aware of their rhythm.
- Secondly, keep in mind you’re not talking to your audience bur rather with your audience. Don’t think of a memorized speech that you have to remember word for word but an exciting, inner-active discussion with your audience. Include the audience by asking questions, throwing out ideas, etc.
- Third, make sure your speech has a point – and stick with it!
- Finally, just have fun. If you mess-up on a word just keep going! The audience isn’t going to remember why you fumbled but rather how well you recovered.
43. When you are preparing to go up to the podium and you’re nervous and shaky, take a moment and remind yourself that it’s not about you. You’re nervous because you are focused on yourself doing a good job, but it’s not about you. It’s about those in the audience. They are the ones that want to learn and grow from your message. Remember that it’s about them and not you.

I did want to address two of the questions specifically from up the contest. “How can I inject humor?” and “How do you invoke emotion in an audience?” It is important to realize that “trying” to be funny rarely works. You have to be yourself in front of the group. Which is one reason that I think some people are afraid of speaking. Because the thought goes “what if I am myself and they don’t like me?” but that thinking only leads us down dark paths and more fear. Realize that people love genuineness and sincerity. If you are naturally funny that will come across in your speech and if you don’t feel naturally funny, then don’t try to add a bunch of someone else’s “jokes” to your presentation. They will bomb. I learned that one the hard way myself. In the beginning of my career, Roger sat me down and explained that I was funny but NOT when I was using other people’s jokes. It hurt to hear it, but it helped me create my own style.
And the only way to invoke emotion in an audience is by having emotion within yourself. When you have genuine emotion and passion inside yourself that will shine through and you don’t need any technique to show it. Just lay it all out for the world to see and understand that not everyone will share it with you but the majority will feel it and be moved in some way themselves.

Thank you to everyone that entered the contest.  Watch for the next contest on our blog tomorrow

Be Free!

Tom Weber
Instructor

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How come intelligent, business-savvy people end up boring their audiences? They fail to recognize that public speaking is an acquired skill that improves with practice and honest feedback. Speaking for 20 minutes before the right group of people can do more for your career than spending a year behind a desk!

Rob Sherman, an attorney and public speaker in Columbus, Ohio, says in an article in the Toastmaster magazine to avoid these mistakes:

1. Starting with a whimper. Don’t start with “Thank you for that kind introduction.” Start with a bang! Give the audience a startling statistic, an interesting quote, a news headline – something powerful that will get their attention immediately.
2. Attempting to imitate other speakers. Authenticity is lost when you aren’t yourself.
3. Failing to “work” the room. Your audience wants to meet you. If you don’t take time to mingle before the presentation, you lose an opportunity to enhance your credibility with your listeners.
4. Failing to use relaxation techniques. Do whatever it takes – listening to music, breathing deeply, shrugging your shoulders – to relieve nervous tension.
5. Reading a speech word for word. This will put the audience to sleep. Instead use a “keyword” outline: Look at the keyword to prompt your thoughts. Look into the eyes of the audience, then speak.
6. Using someone else’s stories. It’s okay to use brief quotes from other sources, but to connect with the audience, you must illustrate your most profound thoughts from your own life experiences. If you think you don’t have any interesting stories to tell, you are not looking hard enough.
7. Speaking without passion. The more passionate you are about your topic, the more likely your audience will act on your suggestions.
8. Ending a speech with questions and answers. Instead, tell the audience that you will take questions and then say, “We will move to our closing point.” After the Q and A, tell a story that ties in with your main theme, or summarize your key points. Conclude with a quote or call to action.
9. Failing to prepare. Your reputation is at stake every time you face an audience – so rehearse well enough to ensure you’ll leave a good impression!
10. Failing to recognize that speaking is an acquired skill. Effective executives learn how to present in the same way they learn to use other tools to operate their businesses.

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By attending, you will learn how to remember names (the most commonly requested skill), give presentations without notes, remember your to-do or grocery list, instantly recall information from books and meetings as well as how to remember where you left your keys. 

This workshop has received rave reviews from tens of thousands of people across the country. If you have not yet reserved your seat, please enroll today – space is limited.

This workshop is guaranteed to give you a competitive advantage in the workplace or in the classroom.  I will teach you a variety of techniques to instantly recall information such as names, presentations/speeches, lists and material for exams.

In fact, after completing this workshop, you will:

- Experience a 300% increase in your ability to recall information.
- Remember a list of 50 unrelated items forwards, backwards and in and out of order.
- Develop the ability to deliver presentations without notes.
- Be able to meet 20 new people and remember all of their names within an hour.

Enroll online or by phone 888-233-0407

Location: Holiday Inn Ontario Airport
2155 East Convention
Center Way
Ontario, CA 91764
909-212-8000
Directions

Dates: (you attend both days)
Monday & Tuesday
September 13 and 14, 2010 

Time: (for both days)
1:00 – 5:00 pm

How to Attend:
Enroll online or by phone 888-233-0407

Look forwards to seeing you at the workshop!

Be Free!

Chuck Douglas
Instructor

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If you have not attended this workshop, the next class in Wisconsin will be August 25 and 26, 2010 at the Holiday Inn in Appleton and I would love to see you in class. You can enroll online or by phone. We also offer workshops around the country – check out our national workshop schedule for other locations and dates to enrolled.

Here are some of the comments from the Memory Training Workshop:

“Best seminar I have ever been to. Valuable experience I can use in boy my personal and professional life.”

- Anita Carrel, Owner, Farmer’s Insurance

“Wealth of information provided in a way that kept the attention of parents and kids. Training was done in a non-threatening environment and was able to grow and learn at own pace. This is one of the courses that should be taught in school – the younger the better. But a must for people starting their careers. Great job Roger.”

- Eugene Post, VP and Architect, Potter Lawson

“Awesome! Motivating! A great experience. Well worth the time and money. I will use what I learned in both my business and personal life.”

- Chris Morgan, Owner and Financial Advisor, Morgan Wealth Management

“Outstanding program. I wish I could have attended this program 40 years ago. I can only imagine how what I experienced in two sessions may have impacted my life. This has been the most beneficial session that I have attended in several years.”

- Tom Hartman, VP of Operations, MRPC

“Roger was a great instructor. I can benefit and use all of this in school. This class helped me not have such a fear of public speaking. We have a program at school call ‘forensics’ where you have to do a demonstration. I did that last year (7th grade) and was SO nervous each time. Also, before this class I couldn’t remember more than 5 items at a time…Now I can remember the whole tree list, Eddie Munster story, Axe store and more!! I would recommend this class to EVERYONE!”

- Jayde Corley, 8th Grade Student

I look forward to you having the same experience!

Be Free!

Roger Seip
Instructor

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On August 24 and 25,my friend and collegue, Leah Simpson will instructing Freedom Personal Development’s Reading Smart Speed Reading Workshop at the Crowne Plaza Tampa East in Tampa, FL.  

If you have not yet reserved your seat, enroll online (or by phone 888-233-0407) – space is limited.

If you are not in the Tampa, FL area, view our National Workshop Schedule for other dates and locations.

Tampa, FL Workshop Details

Dates: (you attend both days)
September 8 and 9, 2010
Wednesday and Thursday

Time: (each day)
1:00 – 4:30 pm

Location: Crowne Plaza Tampa East
10221 Princess Palm Ave
Tampa, FL  33610
813-623-6363
Directions

Enroll online (or by phone 888-233-0407)

What You Will Learn at this Workshop (we guarantee this by the way)

- You will double your reading speed
- You will increase reading comprehension
- 15 proven strategies for reading faster on paper and screen
- How to decrease your existing reading workload by 70%

At this workshop, you will learn extremely powerful information that will reduce your stress and create more free time.

I look forwards to seeing everyone at the workshop!

Be Free!

Alan Mong
Speaker in the Tampa, FL area

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This is a guest by Michael Angier from

Being alive means we have and will have problems.

And if we’re going to be confronted with problems the rest of our lives, then becoming good at facing and solving problems seems to me to be a worthy endeavor.

Before I jump into my list, allow me to share a few of my thoughts ABOUT problems.

I believe there is almost always more than one solution to any problem. And if you think there’s only one, you will be significantly limiting yourself.

I also think that in business, you don’t really have problems, you have expenses. This assumes that every problem in business can be solved. It’s just going to cost time, energy and/or money to solve it. Not so with all personal problems. Many of them cannot be solved with money alone.

Our attitude toward problems and problem-solving is probably as important, if not more important, than our skills or knowledge in solving them. How we approach our problems is critical.

If we’re angry about having the problem, it’s going to be a lot harder to solve. Complaining about why we have the problem takes time and energy away from SOLVING the problem. What we resist tends to persist.

And remember that problems can be, and often are, good things. We learn from them. We create or discover opportunities that wouldn’t be realized without working through them. If there were no problems to solve, we would not be necessary.

That said, here are my Top Ten Ways to Solve Problems:

1. Define or re-define the problem.
Charles Kettering said, “A problem clearly stated is a problem half-solved.” The way we define the problem has a lot to do with how we approach the solution. Many times a re-definition will work wonders on opening the possibilities.

2. Focus on the SOLUTION, not the problem.
Otherwise, we may just be worrying and making the problem bigger than it really is. Believe that it can be solved and stay centered upon the way to solve it.

3. Detach from the problem.
Many times we are too close and too emotionally involved to a problem to have a good perspective. Try looking at it like it was someone else’s problem. Take a larger view and you will likely find more possibilities.

4. Ask an expert or someone with experience.
Very few problems we face are brand new. Usually they have been solved by someone else, so don’t underestimate the value of someone with the right expertise and knowledge.

5. Access the knowledge and the skills necessary.
Determine what you need to know and the skills that need to be harnessed to get the job done. And if you don’t know what they are, find out.

6. Brainstorm.
Practice green light thinking with your mastermind team. Generate as many ideas as you can.

7. Use IWWCW.
That stands for “In What Ways Can We”. And it implies there is more than one tactic, strategy or action you can take. It will expand your thinking and that of others involved.

8. Don’t try to solve the problem without the knowledge, skills and information you need.
If you can delay decisions and actions until these things are determined and acquired, that’s usually the best thing to do. It also helps to sleep on it. Our subconscious mind often solves problems in our sleep. Just be sure you are tactically delaying things and not procrastinating or avoiding.

9. Look for ways to simplify the challenge and the potential solutions.
Often we complicate things more than we need. And many times the simplest solution is the best.

10. When possible, solve problems before they happen.
It’s much easier than dealing with it in crisis. Have contingency plans. Think about things that could happen and what action you will take if it does. This is not negative thinking. If you live in an earthquake zone or tornado area, what precautions can you take to be well prepared?

The more we accept our problems and the better we get at solving them, the more confidence we develop. In doing so, we increase our value in the marketplace because we are known for having a cool, thoughtful and logical approach to understanding and solving problems.

Source:  http://www.marketingforsuccess.com/blog/success-tips/solve-problems/ 

About the Author Michael Angier
Related Resources
More Posts by Michael Angier

To discover the easy and inexpensive ways anyone can attract more clients and maximize their profits, sign up for your FREE Profit Now Report.

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Last month Tom Weber instructed the Bellevue, WA workshops and people were extremely excited and impressed with the skills they learned. It just fires me up to see so many people improving and benefiting from the Reading Smart Speed Reading Workshop!

The next Bellevue, WA Reading Smart Workshop is January 18 and 19, 2011 and will be held at Coast Bellevue Hotel. Enroll online or by phone 888-233-0407. You can view other dates and locations of the Reading Smart workshop on our website.

Here is what the graduates of the Bellevue, WA workshop had to say:

“This class increased my self confidence when it came to reading and comprehension. I am a better reader than I thought. My beginning score was 240 words per minute with 70% comprehension. My high score was 800 words per minute with 60% comprehension. I feel if I were to slow down just a little my comprehension would increase.”

- Selina Hamilton, Realtor/Broker, Coldwell Banker Tomlinson

“Wow! I can’t believe how much better I am at reading now. The Smart Reading was unbelievable for me! I started reading 265 words per minute and 50 comprehension and ended with Smart Reading in the last test and read 1,200 words per minute with 60% comprehension. I plan to work to develop better comprehension.”

- Lou Whitemarch, Realtor, Windermere

“I came into this workshop thinking I was a slow to average reader. After the first time test I was faster than I thought – 600 words per minute. At one of the testings I had 1,320 words per minute. I have gained personal confidence that I am a fast reader. I enjoyed the techniques on how to read faster. My eyes were tired the second day but ended up still able to read. Will try to retain/comprehend more when I read faster. The class was entertaining and very helpful.”

- Susan Wright, Underwriter, Bellingham Underwriters

“The background Tom has in learning and current information that people can use to impact their lives is huge. As a student of many similar types of things, I caught them throughout the class. Not soap box, but seeds planted. Not ever knowing where they will bloom or flower, and planting anyways as a part of his commitment. Tom would be a successful person I would ask for a reading list of most impactful books.”

- Laura Unruh, Loan Officer, Home Street Bank

“I am extremely impressed with the skills I have ended with. I am excited to continue to practice and keep improving these techniques. Thanks you so much for doing this presentation. Blessings to you and your family.”

- Michelle Swanson, Realtor, Windermere

“Great program. Keep up the good work! I am in 9th grade and in 3 ½ hours I have learned more on reading skills then I have in 3 months.”

- Jakob Chase, Student

“The balance between information and activity was excellent. The very specific examples to support general statements were especially good. Breaking things up with breaks and group work was good. My only suggestion is to tell people ahead of time to bring a piece of non-fiction.”

- Marji Morgan, Dean and Professor, Central Washington University

And those are just a few of the comments this workshop received! What you could do if you could read faster?

Learn more about this class and enroll on our website. Hope to see you in class soon.

Be Free!

David Shoup
Speaker in Bellevue, WA

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