Post from Transformation Tom- Work on Your “Um, Ya Know” Filler Words—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide”

June 22, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/34Chapter-48.mp3]”From Fear to Success” Audiobook= Work on Your “Um, Ya Know” Filler Words

As much as I might want to say I have never said “um,” “ah,” “ya
know,” and “to be honest with you,” I would be lying. Yes, “to be honest
with you” is another potentially distracting filler phrase that I have
used. We all unnecessarily fill silence and voids with non-descript
words that have little to no meaning. Even the word “awesome” has lost
its true meaning with its overuse. My recent favorite is with the habit
of many people ending their sentences with, “Right?” The painful, but
effective, solution to filler words is to become conscious of your saying
them. Whether you have some trusted listeners around you who will
count them or throw a hand up when you say them, or you become
conscious of your own usage, you will find that simply paying attention
to them and making a concerted effort to improve is all you need to
break the habit. We have a comfort level with the use of some of these
so-called words and phrases and have built a habit that has to be broken.
Just as you would do kicking any bad habit, exercise a strong will,
find a solid support system, and you will improve.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

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Post from Transformation Tom- Be an Attentive Audience Yourself—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide”

June 15, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/33Chapter-47.mp3]”From Fear to Success” Audiobook= Be an Attentive Audience Yourself

When you are an audience member, be a critical observer of the speaker. Watch the speaker’s body movement, gestures, and stage presence, and listen for voice inflections (changes in pitch and tone). What is the speaker doing right that is keeping your attention and engaging you? Even harder, what can be improved if he or she is losing your attention? Is there something distracting about the mannerisms, use of language, or lack of passion? Are you beginning to count the number of distracting filler words, such as “um,” “ah,” “you know,” and “like,” and is the speaker ending every sentence with “really?” and “right?!” Is the message obvious and carried through the presentation? Are there supporting stories? Is it believable? Has the speaker gained your trust and respect, and come across as genuine? You can focus on your own opportunities and target your observations of the speaker. For example, if you have trouble being concise put your critical-listening skills into play and see if the speaker is using an economy of words. You should also take notes for reference later. As a consummate observer, you will always be in learning mode, therefore in a constant state of improvement.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

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Post from Transformation Tom- Know What They Want—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide”

June 8, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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“They” in this case is the organizer and the people who will be attending the function. Do you know if what you plan to say matches the theme of the overall program, convention, or event, or have you made assumptions? You should ask these questions ahead of time, to prepare yourself for the event: How long do I have? What time do I go on? Who is introducing me? Is the audience expecting humor? Is it a keynote address, or is it supposed to be educational? Is it a lecture, and how interactive is the audience expecting it to be?

When speaking with the meeting organizer, you need to get a preview of what to expect. If the answer from the organizer is, “I don’t know,” then some homework has to be done by one or both of you. Do you know what the expected attendance is? Have you asked if other speakers will be there, since this could influence order and flow? As the speaker, have you done your own research on the organization? Is it possible to integrate some key pieces of information, like the organization’s history, into your presentation in order to establish an instant connection? Once you figure out what “they” want, then adjust your presentation accordingly.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

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Post from Transformation Tom- Have an Individual Conversation with the Whole Audience—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide”

June 6, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/36Chapter-50.mp3]”From Fear to Success” Audiobook= Have an Individual Conversation with the Whole Audience

When you’re giving a presentation, it should come across as naturally
as a dinner conversation with a loved one. The topics may be
slightly different, but the tone should not be. The audience should feel
as though they are in your living room with you having a nice chat, so
that you come across as genuine, thus providing sincerity and credibility.
If the audience feels as though you are acting, or you are speaking
through them (instead of with them), you will lose them. Your true
personality will begin to shine only when you adopt a conversational
approach. This doesn’t mean you can’t use tools like voice inflection
and stage presence, but having the audience perceive your presentation
as a personal conversation will strengthen their bond with you.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

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Post from Transformation Tom- Appreciate the Audience’s Diversity and Differences—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide”

June 1, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/31Chapter-45.mp3]”From Fear to Success” Audiobook=Appreciate the Audience’s Diversity and Differences

As previously stated, your whole presentation should be geared towards an audience’s interests and needs. Have you asked yourself and the organizer the right questions to ensure that you respect and value the full makeup of the audience? Diversity can relate to some of the more common topics such as race, gender, ethnicity, and age, as well as socio-economic status, educational levels, differing opinions, and different levels of knowledge on certain subjects. All of these differences have to be accounted for within a presentation. Speakers are often told to stay away from controversial and contentious topics (unless it is a targeted audience and topic), including religion and politics. For the most part, this is sound advice. However, in addition to political and religious views, you need to clearly recognize the differences among your audience members. By doing this, you will instantly add credibility and value to what you are trying to accomplish. For example, simply asking an audience to speed you up if they are familiar with a subject or to slow you down if they need more time to absorb shows your flexibility and inclusivity. When you create an environment where everyone feels welcome, you increase your ability to relate, thus increasing the chances that the audience will appreciate the intended message. As a spectator, even if I don’t agree with the message, I will at least respect it and understand that it is the opinion of the speaker.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

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Post from Transformation Tom- Make the Speech about Them, Not You—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide”

May 25, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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When we start as inexperienced speakers, our first thoughts naturally turn inward towards ourselves. We worry if we will look good, if we will say the right things, and if we will meet our own goals. The self-centered view is a perfectly normal first step in the public-speaking continuum. We want to look good and not embarrass ourselves. First thoughts are always self-centered.

[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/30Chapter-44.mp3]”From Fear to Success” Audiobook=Make the Speech about Them, Not You

It is acceptable to start this way as you work on your comfort zone; however, your biggest breakthrough will be the moment you start speaking for the people in front of you. Your every move and every thought should be geared toward earning respect and trust, and establishing a relationship with the people in the seats. When your preparation and actions start revolving around those listening to you, you find a greater connection. You, personally, will see a difference in how you present yourself with respect to your passion and energy. You should ask, rhetorically, “What can I do for you?” The different answers from an audience-centered view may surprise you.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

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Post from Transformation Tom- Appeal to Audience Interests—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” from the section “Make Your Message Count”

May 18, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/29Chapter-43.mp3][“From Fear to Success” Audiobook=Appeal the Audience Interests]

Audiences are, and should be, selfish. We often hear the phrase, “What’s in it for me?” Forcing what you believe on an audience does not help you relate to their wants and needs. Even if you are attempting to persuade them to take your point of view, you still need points and counterpoints that will appeal to them. Depending on the setting, if provided the opportunity, ask the meeting organizer or potential attendees about their interests prior to the event. If you can share an anecdote or story about someone in the audience who is well known to other audience members, or cover a topic that many of the audience members have experienced, you will broaden your appeal. In the business of public speaking, many speakers employ a pre-meeting questionnaire to be filled out on audience demographics, likes, dislikes, and taboo topics. Any information you can gather ahead of time will add value to the intent of the presentation because the audience will see what’s in it for them.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

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Post from Transformation Tom- Project Your Voice—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” from the section “Make Your Message Count”

May 11, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/28Chapter-421.mp3][“From Fear to Success” Audiobook selection: Project Your Voice]

You have worked too hard writing, rehearsing, and preparing to let any words be wasted. Your voice is an obvious tool in any public-speaking event. As important as it is to use voice fluctuation to improve audience engagement, it is just as important to enunciate words and project your voice for the world to hear. I am not talking about yelling or always maintaining high volume, but the vocals should come from deep in the gut so your audience can hear everything you have to say. When practicing, have people sit in different parts of the room to ensure that your voice is projected appropriately. Try turning your head in different directions and testing your projection to ensure you are still heard everywhere in the room. As a reminder, voice projection comes in addition to the varying volumes you want to use during your presentation in order to keep the audience’s attention. The key point is that the voice should not be sustained at a soft tone or whisper throughout the presentation. Don’t make your audience strain to hear you.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

MP3 Downloads of “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” are available at Apple iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, Nokia, Xbox Music, Spotify, Omnifone, Google Music Store, Rdio, Muve Music, Bloom.fm, Slacker Radio, MediaNet, 7digital, 24-7, Rumblefish, and Shazam “From Fear to Success” MP3 on CD Baby

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Post from Transformation Tom- Look Each Audience Member in the Eye—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” from the section “Make Your Message Count”

May 4, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/27Chapter-41.mp3][“From Fear to Success” Audiobook Selection: Look Each Audience Member in the Eye]

We often look over the audience and through the audience. I have been known to dart my eyes quickly between audience members or even look down at the floor. Audiences want a connection with the speaker. In addition to a message they can relate to, they want to feel as though you are talking directly to them. Take the time to make recognizable eye contact with each person in the audience. This includes people in the front and all the way in the back. Even if you, the speaker, are in a spotlight on stage, make the effort to reach out with your eyes to the last person in the last row. Even if you don’t actually connect visually with the person in the last row, the feeling of intimate connection will be there.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

advice, anxiety, author, book, breathe, business, business development, Business Training, change, choose your words, choose your words carefully, Coach, coaching, communication, Communications, Confidence, control, development, Dowd, fear, gestures, growth, Inspiration, intentions, introduction, leadership, Management, Marketing, mental, Motivation, Networking, Personal, personal growth, physical, practice, preparation, prepare, professional advice, Professional Development, public-speaking, reiterate, relax, repeat, Résumé, Résumé Writing, speaker, speaking, speech, strength, success, tense, tension, Thomas, Thomas Dowd, tom, Tom Dowd, training, transformation, transformation tom, transformationtom, visualize success

Post from Transformation Tom- Tell the Audience What You Want to Tell Them—Chapter “From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide” from the section “Make Your Message Count”

April 27, 2020 / tomdowd / News

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The old adage of telling them what you are going to tell them, telling them, and then telling them what you just told them stands the test of time and is critical in delivering a memorable speech. Telling the audience something that goes over their head or won’t be remembered can be a waste of time and energy for everyone involved. Make sure that the intended key points stick with the audience so that they spring into action or retain your message far after the presentation. When structuring the speech, repeat the message throughout the work, including in the introduction, body, and conclusion.

However, repeating messages is not the only tool. You can use creative means, such as props, to keep the audience’s attention; ask open-ended questions of the audience to repeat back key messages; or have the group write it down. However, in all of these examples we are assuming that the message stuck. Another adage never assume also stands strong. Reiterate points you want them to walk away with in a clearly laid-out manner to ensure that the audience gets exactly what you want them to get. Audiences interpret what was told to them in many ways. When you restate the key points in an organized and summarized manner, you have a better chance that they will sink in at a deeper level.

Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com

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