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Author:
Carole McMichaels

Actually, five or six heads are even better. For what? for whom? for why? you ask.

I'll show you in a minute; but first, let me commiserate with you. Depending on what sort of speaking you do, and the circumstances in which you do it, being a public speaker can be a downright lonesome profession.

Yes, you're with people. Or in front of people. Or even interacting with them, as when you're giving a seminar or workshop. Still, in most cases, you're out there pretty much by yourself when you're actually presenting. And when you're preparing for that presentation, you're really all alone. Without support or feedback.

Both support and feedback are essential to develop our abilities to their ultimate, and that is especially true of becoming the best public speaker we can be.

A solution to working alone and the resultant lack of knowledgeable and considerate feedback is to form a Mastermind Group---four to eight people interested in exchanging experiences and information in order to increase their speaking skills.

The group could meet weekly or bi-weekly in person, on-line or by telephone. It could be on-going or end in a set number of meetings or weeks. It could operate like a miniature Toastmasters and provide an audience before whom to practice your speeches, or it could function more like a practice workshop.

The group might select a book on the topic of public speaking and work through one chapter during each meeting. If a chapter gives breathing exercises, for example, the group could practice these together and help each other understand and execute the exercises correctly.

For vocal exercises, members could function as amateur voice teachers, spotting and correcting flaws that could lead to vocal tiring or strain. Non-singers tend to be uncomfortable and extra sensitive about the training of their voice. Working together with others who are struggling with similar problems can be an immense help. It's also pretty funny at times--and the humor helps to get past the shyness to develop your own well-placed, well-projecting voice.

Because egos would be tender, there would need to be agreements on feedback. In the case of practicing your speech, it could be only by request of the presenter. It should be brief, to the point and constructive, and it absolutely must refrain from being cutting or insulting. The point is to give support by commenting in such a way that it can be appreciated and used by the speaker.

Joe Vitale and Bill Hibbler have written an excellent book, "Meet and Grow Rich", which describes in detail how you can create and manage your own Mastermind Group. I strongly recommend that you buy it and read it if you plan to further your speaking career by means of a Mastermind group.

Carole McMichaels, Speaker, Coach, Author: Fearless Public Speaking: How to Get Rid of Your Stage Fright and Prepare and Deliver a Winning Presentation, invites you to join her free newsletter on speaking in public. You may also get your free report, "7 Valuable Tips on Writing a Mind-Gripping Speech". http://fearlesspublicspeaking.blogspot.com/

| Article Keywords: Professional Speaker

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Professional Speaker... Top 7 Tips for Speakers Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your business career. Do you get nervous when speaking to a group? Do you feel butterflies in your stomach? The following tips will help you get your butterflies to fly in formation. 1. Everyone feels some nerves before a presentation. Try to do a quiet meditation, visualization, or exercise before you speak. Breathe deeply. Memorize those opening linesand then quickly engage your audience with a question or humorous story. 2. Three keys to being a top presenter: practice, practice, practice. In front of your mirror, in front of your stuffed animals. Use a tape recorder and a cam recorder for playback and feedback. Try your material out with service clubs. 3. Embrace your audience. Remember, it is about them, not you. Are you going to challenge them to think differently, behave differently or perhaps, confirm them. 4. Use the rule of 3. The most successful speakers limit their remarks to 3 major points. Here is where you use your signature stories to support your points and help people visualize what you are saying. 5. Prepare for white space. Always allow for audience participation, questions, role play, interaction. These may be the moments that just occur and may not be part of your prepared text. Lots of practice will let you get comfortable enough to do this. 6. Use your props. Visual aids help to reinforce your points. Power Point provides professionalism. Toys create humor and playfulness. Adults delineate their thoughts visually...so be creative. 7. Leave a trail. Provide a handout or a flyer about other programs you offer and how people may contact you. Collect their business cards and raffle a prize. Ask for written feedback and for referrals. Copyright ©...