Public Speaking Classes

Are you tired of dreading your presentations, getting passed over for promotions, and having a career that’s going nowhere?

For the first time, Public Speaking Advantage is offering all of their individual training in one comprehensive program called Public Speaking Complete. It’s a combination of online study materials and public speaking classes that will give you the tools you need to finally succeed.

 

You’ll have unlimited access to: 

Complete Video Stills

#1 – No Sweat Speaking is designed to give you the mental and physical tools you need to speak confidently to anyone in any setting.

#2 – Better Business Speech breaks down various business communication challenges and offers proven techniques that have helped over 3000 professionals take their careers to the next level.

#3 – Pep Talk Tips are quick pre-game reminders that will keep you on point when the stakes are high.

#4 – Speech Prep 101 highlights what makes a speech memorable, and how you can captivate your audience from start to finish.

#5 – EZ Interviews reveals what interviewers need to hear to make you a top candidate every time. This course boasts a 90% job offer rate.

 

All of these concepts are pretty simple. But it’s the execution that’s hard. That’s where our public speaking classes will make all the difference. 

Our weekly public speaking classes are the perfect opportunity to try out various techniques in front of others, get adjusted by our world class instructors, and get comfortable with the art of public speaking. 

 

You’ll learn how to:

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Prepare a presentation so you don’t overstuff,

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Reduce your public speaking anxiety,

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Leverage listening behaviors,

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10X your impactful body language,

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Remove unwanted speech habits,

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Course correct on the fly, and

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Command the room.

This is all now within your reach. So, is today the day? 

There’s only one way to find out.

Speech Coaching Services

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Media Trainer

Knowing your message is not the same as showing your message. Learn the subtle nuances of delivery that raise authenticity and illicit positive responses. Your voice, your appearance, and your presence should all match your brand.

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Presentation Consultant

Most presentations are heavy on the content but lack a strong sense of direction. Paul will teach you how to “find the gold” by filtering the information through your perspective to bring it into razor-sharp focus.

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Speech Writing

Sometimes your ideas need a solid structure to put them on full display. Paul will take the time to fill in the blanks; this serves as the glue that holds everything together.

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Speaking Coach

You need eyes and ears on the outside to show you the action steps that will lead to improvement. Stop repeating the same speaking mistakes! Master your nerves and master your consistent delivery. Whether it’s on-site, in the studio, or online, Paul’s customized approach gets results.

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Accent Reduction

Understanding the rhythm of American English is the key to reducing any accent. There are definitely shortcuts and exercises that will guide you to increased confidence in your delivery.

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Voice Enhancement

Enhancing your voice means getting more of your body involved. When speaking the same old way doesn’t cut it anymore, approaching your speech technique as a full-body expression gives you greater access to your true, natural voice.

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Voiceovers

Changing rhythm and pitch can alter the entire meaning of a sentence or paragraph. Exploring voiceover techniques with Paul’s guidance is an adventure in creativity and authenticity.

Gestures and Movement to Engage Your Audience

Embrace the Power of Movement

You’ve practiced your speech, slides are ready, and you feel confident about the content. But have you considered how you’ll use movement and gestures? Body language is a crucial part of executive presence. In fact, studies show that over 50% of your message in conveyed through body language. Purposeful gestures and movement can transform a dull presentation into an engaging experience.

Use Gestures for Emphasis

Emphasizing key points with gestures helps to drive home critical ideas. For example, use an open palm to signal important facts or punch the air for impactful statements. Make sure you anticipate the delivery of every gesture so that they don’t seem rushed or out of sync. Small motions near your face draw the audience’s gaze. Just avoid fidgeting or playing with objects.

Find Your Natural Rhythm

Don’t force gestures that feel unnatural. Instead, allow them to flow organically as you speak. Holding one gesture until the impulse for the next gesture comes is a great technique for developing strong unspoken continuity. Always move around the stage or presentation area with purpose – this adds energy and variety. Just be sure not to pace excessively or make movements that distract from your message.

Command the Room

As a leader, you want to own the space and captivate your audience. Don’t hide behind a podium or desk. Move with confidence and make eye contact to connect with people in all areas of the room. This dynamic presence exudes authority.

Overcoming Public Speaking Fear and Nerves

Reframe Your Mindset

Rather than viewing public speaking as a daunting task, try to reframe it as an opportunity. You get to share your knowledge and insights with others who want to learn from you. Embrace the chance to educate, inspire and connect.

Prepare Thoroughly

Feeling underprepared breeds anxiety. Do your homework – research the topic deeply, organize your thoughts into an outline, and practice delivering your speech out loud. The more prepared you feel, the more confident you’ll be.

Conquer Public Speaking

Visualize Success

Elite athletes use visualization to boost performance. You can too! Vividly imagine yourself speaking clearly, making eye contact, and engaging the audience. Visualize receiving warm applause as you conclude. This mental rehearsal calms nerves.

Start Strong

The open is crucial. Having a solid opening prepared allows you to ease into your speech after the first few lines. Use a startling statistic, rhetorical question or personal anecdote to grab attention from the start.

Tips For Reducing Filler Words

Record Yourself

Grab your phone and hit record the next time you practice your speech or presentation. Listening back makes it glaringly obvious where you tend to insert filler words. Once you’re aware of your verbal crutches, it’s easier to cut them out.

Replace Fillers

If you have a hard time going cold turkey on filler words, try replacing them with more intentional ones first. “So,” “well,” and “now” can serve as placeholders while you break the “um” habit.

Use Pauses Strategically

Instead of filling dead air with mindless filler, get comfortable with brief, purposeful pauses. They add emphasis, allow you to gather your thoughts, and sound far more polished than peppering your speech with “ums.” Over time, you’ll get more comfortable with silence. Let your thoughts fully form before speaking. Slow down just a bit. You’ll come across as more composed and in-command. And people will take you more seriously. Give it a try – you have nothing to lose and a lot of gravitas to gain.

Impromptu Speaking Tips for Executives

Get in the Right Mindset

Don’t let the fear of impromptu speaking psych you out. Reframe it as an opportunity to showcase your expertise and leadership. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re the subject matter expert here. Have confidence in your knowledge and ability to think on your feet.

Structure Your Response

When put on the spot, it’s easy to ramble aimlessly. Instead, quickly organize your thoughts into a logical structure:

  1. Start with a concise opening line summarizing your main point.
  2. Follow with 2-3 key supporting details or examples.
  3. Conclude by reiterating your main idea with a closing statement.

This simple structure keeps you focused and prevents mindless meandering.

Bridge with Transitions

Smooth transitions between points make you sound polished and in control. Use verbal cues like “Additionally…”, “Furthermore…”, “On the other hand…” to guide listeners through your response. This buys you valuable thinking time while appearing articulate.

Engage With Stories and Analogies

Spice up impromptu responses with vivid examples or creative analogies that resonate with your audience. Personal stories and relevant case studies enliven dry facts/figures. This keeps listeners hooked and reinforces your key messages through memorable visuals.

Public Speaking Tips for Running Effective Meetings

Prepare like a pro

You’re the leader – so lead. Walk into that meeting room prepared, organized and confident. Review the agenda. Anticipate questions or concerns. Have data and visuals ready to drive your points home. A little prep work goes a long way.

Project authority

Body language is huge. Stand tall with your shoulders back. Speak clearly and make eye contact. Use hand gestures for emphasis, but don’t overdo it. Convey confidence and composure, even if you’re nervous inside. Fake it till you make it.

Keep it engaging

Nobody wants to sit through a droning monologue. Ask rhetorical questions. Use stories and examples to illustrate key points. Encourage discussion and differing viewpoints. Vary your pacing, pitch and volume. A lively, interactive meeting is an effective meeting.

Stay on track

Have an agenda and stick to it. Don’t get derailed by tangents or let things drag on. Keep revisiting your main objectives. If a topic needs more time, park it for a later discussion. Be willing to cut things short and summarize when needed. Respect everyone’s time.

Read the room

Pay attention to body language and energy levels. If folks look zoned out or restless, switch gears. Take a break, crack a joke, or open the floor to comments. Adjust your approach based on the vibe you’re getting. An engaged audience is a receptive audience.

Presentation Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills

1 – Don’t Fear the Stage

Feeling some nerves before a presentation is normal. But don’t let the fear of public speaking hold you back. Visualize giving a confident, compelling talk and the audience being engaged. Proper preparation helps minimize anxiety.

2 – Connect with Your Audience

Make eye contact and speak directly to individuals rather than the entire room. Use relatable stories and examples to build rapport. Ask rhetorical questions to keep people involved. The more you connect, the more impactful and memorable your message will be.

3 – Focus on Body Language

Your physical presence and delivery style are just as important as your words. Stand tall with your shoulders back. Use purposeful hand gestures and facial expressions. Move around the stage strategically. Powerful body language conveys executive presence.

4 – Leverage Visuals Effectively

Simple, clean visuals reinforce your key points without being distracting. Use high-quality photos, charts, graphs and very little text on slides. Consider using a remote clicker or pointer to move freely. Effective visuals amplify your message.

5 – Embrace the Pause

Don’t be afraid of brief, intentional silences. Pausing allows your words to sink in and creates anticipation. It’s better than filler words like “um” or “uh.” Pivotal pauses make you sound more confident and compelling as a speaker.

Building Executive Presence: How to Come Across as a Trusted Advisor

Cultivate Confidence

Projecting confidence is key to being viewed as a trusted advisor. Walk into meetings with your head held high, make eye contact, and speak clearly and authoritatively. Avoid fidgeting or slouching – these undermine your credibility. Remember, you’re the expert they’ve hired.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Don’t just regurgitate information – engage clients by asking insightful questions that demonstrate you understand their business and challenges. Active listening builds trust and rapport. Rephrase key points to show you’re absorbing what they say.

Offer Strategic Recommendations

As a trusted advisor, provide perspective that transcends just delivering services. Share your expertise by recommending strategic initiatives, process improvements or new technologies that could benefit the client’s business. Frame suggestions as opportunities, not criticisms.

Use Straightforward Language

Avoid jargon or complex terminology that could confuse clients. Use plain language to explain concepts clearly and concisely. If you need to reference technical terms, define them upfront. Clear communication enhances your credibility and authority.

Public Speaking Tips to Set the Tone and Take Charge

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Commanding Attention

You may have brilliant ideas, but they’ll fall flat if you can’t capture and hold people’s attention. The moment you enter the room, your executive presence should radiate confidence and authority. Maintain a tall, upright posture with your shoulders back – you’ll automatically look and feel more self-assured. Slow your breathing and make eye contact with attendees as you stride purposefully to the front.

Dressing for Success

Dress for the leadership role you want, not the one you have. Well-tailored, quality business attire in colors that align with your industry conveys professionalism and status. Pay attention to details like polished shoes and simple, understated accessories. When you look polished and put-together, you signal that your presentation will be equally well-prepared.

Silence Speaks Volumes

Rather than immediately launching into your spiel, pause for a few seconds while surveying the room. This confident silence builds anticipation and makes people lean in to listen. Use this brief interlude to make eye contact with key attendees. You’ve established a sense of gravitas before uttering a word.

Vocal Power

Your voice is a powerful instrument when delivering presentations. Modulate your vocal tone, pace, and volume to keep people engaged. Use pauses strategically to emphasize important points. Project your voice from your diaphragm with energy and enthusiasm. If you tend to speak rapidly when nervous, consciously slow down. With vocal mastery, you’ll command respect.

Vary your vocal pitch, pace and volume to emphasize key points. Pause frequently to allow ideas to land. Most importantly, speak with conviction – choose precise words and straightforward language. You want to project clarity and decisiveness.

The way you carry yourself and use your voice has a huge impact. Practice strong posture, making eye contact, and speaking slowly and clearly. But also be yourself – authenticity is crucial. Breathe deeply to stay calm and in control.

How to Command the Room in Board Meetings

You’re the Expert Here

When fielding questions, keep in mind that you are the subject matter expert. Stakeholders look to you for guidance and clarity. Avoid getting flustered – take a deep breath if needed. Speak slowly and confidently, maintaining eye contact.

You’ve got this! The preparation you’ve done leading up to the meeting makes you an authority on the topic.

Ask for Clarification

If a question isn’t 100% clear, there’s no shame in asking for clarification. Repeat the question back if needed. This buys you time to formulate the best response. Asking for details also shows you are truly listening.

Defer When Appropriate

You don’t have to know everything off the top of your head. If a question veers too far into another department’s territory, say so respectfully. Offer to follow up with the appropriate person and get back to the stakeholder.

Bridge to Your Key Points

Look for opportunities to steer questions back toward reinforcing your main objectives. Use transition phrases like “The core issue here is…” or “What’s most important is…” Bridging helps keep you on message.

Boost Your Vocal Power: Tips to Ditch Up Speak and Speak with Confidence

What is Up Speak and Why You Should Avoid It

Ever noticed how some people’s voices seem to rise at the end of every sentence? That’s up speak, and it’s probably doing more harm to your professional image than you realize. Let’s dive into what it is and why you should kick this habit to the curb.

The Up Speak Lowdown

Up speak, also known as uptalk or high-rising terminal, is when you end your statements with a rising intonation, making them sound like questions. It’s like saying, “I’m Ron Burgundy?” instead of “I’m Ron Burgundy.” While it might seem harmless, this vocal quirk can seriously undermine your authority and credibility.

The Confidence Killer

Here’s the deal: when you use up speak, you’re unconsciously telling your audience that you’re unsure about what you’re saying. It’s like you’re asking for permission or validation with every sentence. In high-stakes conversations, this can be a real confidence killer. Your brilliant ideas might get lost in translation if your voice suggests you’re not fully committed to them.

Embrace the Power of the Pause

Pauses aren’t just for dramatic effect (though they’re great for that too). They give your audience time to digest what you’ve said and signal that you’re in control. Plus, they help you avoid filler words like “um” and “uh” that can make you sound unsure.

Remember, confidence isn’t just about what you say, it’s how you say it. Practice these techniques, and you’ll be commanding the room in no time. Your voice is a powerful tool – use it wisely!

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