Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking
Did you know that people are more afraid of public speaking than anything else? A recent study polled people's fears:
1. Public speaking or stage fright - Glossophobia
2. Death
3. Spiders
4. Darkness
5. Heights
6. People or social situations
7. Flying in airplanes
8. Open spaces
9. Natural thunder and lightning
10. Confined spaces or small rooms
Some people are natural born speakers, but many are not. Remember that it is a skill that can be learned. In order to overcome your fear of public speaking, try thinking about a few of these tips. First, remember that practice makes perfect. The more your practice, the more your confidence increases. Write out bullet points about your speech to help you create an outline. This will ease your mind because you know in advance what you will be talking about.
Second, employ some tactics in your personal repertoire to help you relax. Meditation is a wonderful technique that creates a feeling of calm. Breathing deeply will help to reduce your heart rate and decrease your stress. Visualization is a tool that many athletes use to visualize themselves winning a match. If you visualize yourself giving a successful speech and keep this vision in your mind, the power of positive thinking will help lead you to success. Turn off the negative messages such as, "I'm so nervous" or "I'm a horrible speaker" and turn on the positive messages, "I'm so excited to share my presentation with the audience".
Try these techniques before you give your next presentation. Remember that you are not alone in your nerves, but you alone can conquer them and become a better speaker.
1. Public speaking or stage fright - Glossophobia
2. Death
3. Spiders
4. Darkness
5. Heights
6. People or social situations
7. Flying in airplanes
8. Open spaces
9. Natural thunder and lightning
10. Confined spaces or small rooms
Some people are natural born speakers, but many are not. Remember that it is a skill that can be learned. In order to overcome your fear of public speaking, try thinking about a few of these tips. First, remember that practice makes perfect. The more your practice, the more your confidence increases. Write out bullet points about your speech to help you create an outline. This will ease your mind because you know in advance what you will be talking about.
Second, employ some tactics in your personal repertoire to help you relax. Meditation is a wonderful technique that creates a feeling of calm. Breathing deeply will help to reduce your heart rate and decrease your stress. Visualization is a tool that many athletes use to visualize themselves winning a match. If you visualize yourself giving a successful speech and keep this vision in your mind, the power of positive thinking will help lead you to success. Turn off the negative messages such as, "I'm so nervous" or "I'm a horrible speaker" and turn on the positive messages, "I'm so excited to share my presentation with the audience".
Try these techniques before you give your next presentation. Remember that you are not alone in your nerves, but you alone can conquer them and become a better speaker.
Best Colors for a Business Wardrobe
Choosing the right colors for your business wardrobe is a critical success factor. Color psychology plays a role in everything you touch including your logo, marketing materials, website and clothing choices. For many years people wore dark suits, white shirts without much variety. Today, fashion plays a larger role in business and knowing which colors work best for you can help increase your confidence.
The color blue denotes trust, loyalty, calm and authority. Think about the navy blue color of a police officer’s uniform, which denotes power. Lighter shades of blue offer tranquility and trustworthiness. Red signifies fire and passion. This color could work well in your favor but may also give off the feel of aggression and warning. Think of fire engines and stop signs that are red. If the overall color of red is too much for your wardrobe, think of adding a splash of red to accessories such as a tie or scarf.
Black is a basic that works well in everyone’s wardrobe because it represents power and authority. It is also a very elegant color that provides a slimming effect. Black also connotes seriousness. Pair a black suit with a splash of color such as blue or green to showcase your business acumen. Gray symbolizes neutrality, but it also conveys a lack of energy. Mixing brighter colors with grey can help offs-set this feeling and convey a sense of sophistication.
Browns and beige are earth tone colors that represent dependability, stability and integrity. It is perceived as passive and encourages dialogue because of it’s comforting feelings.Green has different meanings depending upon the shade. It can represent health as is noted in the green in the Whole Foods logo. Evergreen may work well on some people, but most greens are very difficult to wear and should be used sporadically in your wardrobe.
Yellow is another color that is extremely difficult for most people to wear. It can convey happiness as well as improve their concentration – think legal pads. However, it also represents illness. Depending upon the shade of yellow, it may give you vibrancy or make you look ill. White shirts are a staple in many business people’s wardrobe. White represents purity and cleanliness. Doctors wear white coats, which conveys a sterile environment. Purple is a sign of royalty and luxury. However, it can also be seen as fake. Use accessories such as a purple purse, tie, scarf or jewelry to add a bit of panache to any outfit.
Every person can wear almost any color, but the shade and intensity of the color make a difference. Think about the psychology of color before your next meeting, interview or presentation. The right clothing choices will help represent your expertise and make you look radiant.
The color blue denotes trust, loyalty, calm and authority. Think about the navy blue color of a police officer’s uniform, which denotes power. Lighter shades of blue offer tranquility and trustworthiness. Red signifies fire and passion. This color could work well in your favor but may also give off the feel of aggression and warning. Think of fire engines and stop signs that are red. If the overall color of red is too much for your wardrobe, think of adding a splash of red to accessories such as a tie or scarf.
Black is a basic that works well in everyone’s wardrobe because it represents power and authority. It is also a very elegant color that provides a slimming effect. Black also connotes seriousness. Pair a black suit with a splash of color such as blue or green to showcase your business acumen. Gray symbolizes neutrality, but it also conveys a lack of energy. Mixing brighter colors with grey can help offs-set this feeling and convey a sense of sophistication.
Browns and beige are earth tone colors that represent dependability, stability and integrity. It is perceived as passive and encourages dialogue because of it’s comforting feelings.Green has different meanings depending upon the shade. It can represent health as is noted in the green in the Whole Foods logo. Evergreen may work well on some people, but most greens are very difficult to wear and should be used sporadically in your wardrobe.
Yellow is another color that is extremely difficult for most people to wear. It can convey happiness as well as improve their concentration – think legal pads. However, it also represents illness. Depending upon the shade of yellow, it may give you vibrancy or make you look ill. White shirts are a staple in many business people’s wardrobe. White represents purity and cleanliness. Doctors wear white coats, which conveys a sterile environment. Purple is a sign of royalty and luxury. However, it can also be seen as fake. Use accessories such as a purple purse, tie, scarf or jewelry to add a bit of panache to any outfit.
Every person can wear almost any color, but the shade and intensity of the color make a difference. Think about the psychology of color before your next meeting, interview or presentation. The right clothing choices will help represent your expertise and make you look radiant.
How do you stand out in a crowd?
When you are at a networking event or business meeting, how do you make a first impression? What do you do, say or wear that is memorable to help you stand out in a crowd? It starts with a firm handshake. Ensure you are making eye contact, giving a warm smile and standing tall when meeting new people. Confidence in your ability to meet new people all starts with positive body language and feeling your best. You can create a game that at each networking event your goal is to meet 10 new people and follow-up with each one. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your elevator speech where you are able to share what you do and who you are in just under a minute. It is important that your short speech is interesting and memorable.
Next, ensure that all touch points of your brand are memorable and synergistic. The logo of your brand, images on your website, business cards and social media should be consistent across all media. The name of your business should be the name of your website and social media pages. Your logo and business name should be prominent on your business card, website and social media platforms. The banner images that you use on Facebook should match Twitter, Instagram, your website and marketing materials. Consistency is key.
After short introductions, business cards are exchanged. Yours should be memorable and help you stand out in a crowd. This can be done with color, paper stock, a unique font, embossed lettering, etc. Stay consistent with your brand colors, slogans, fonts and logo choices. Make use of both sides of the card, but remember not to overcrowd your business card with too much information or images. Less is more. The quality and design of your business card can help you become memorable.
Finally, do you wear clothing that is reflective of the image that you want to convey? If you are in a creative field, do you dress creatively? If you are in a very conservative profession when it comes to style, do you follow the rules? What can you do to your wardrobe to help you make a positive impression? If you are an entrepreneur, perhaps is possible to wear your brand colors to create a consistent image. However, this may not always work. Another option is to wear a signature accessory such as a scarf, tie or handbag that reflects your brand image. Creating your signature style will help you convey a positive brand impression when your clients meet you in person for the first time. Remember that dressing well should be tasteful and memorable. The wrong clothing choices can help clients remember you in the wrong way.
Synchronizing your brand image both online and offline will help you create a positive and memorable brand image.
Next, ensure that all touch points of your brand are memorable and synergistic. The logo of your brand, images on your website, business cards and social media should be consistent across all media. The name of your business should be the name of your website and social media pages. Your logo and business name should be prominent on your business card, website and social media platforms. The banner images that you use on Facebook should match Twitter, Instagram, your website and marketing materials. Consistency is key.
After short introductions, business cards are exchanged. Yours should be memorable and help you stand out in a crowd. This can be done with color, paper stock, a unique font, embossed lettering, etc. Stay consistent with your brand colors, slogans, fonts and logo choices. Make use of both sides of the card, but remember not to overcrowd your business card with too much information or images. Less is more. The quality and design of your business card can help you become memorable.
Finally, do you wear clothing that is reflective of the image that you want to convey? If you are in a creative field, do you dress creatively? If you are in a very conservative profession when it comes to style, do you follow the rules? What can you do to your wardrobe to help you make a positive impression? If you are an entrepreneur, perhaps is possible to wear your brand colors to create a consistent image. However, this may not always work. Another option is to wear a signature accessory such as a scarf, tie or handbag that reflects your brand image. Creating your signature style will help you convey a positive brand impression when your clients meet you in person for the first time. Remember that dressing well should be tasteful and memorable. The wrong clothing choices can help clients remember you in the wrong way.
Synchronizing your brand image both online and offline will help you create a positive and memorable brand image.
Which Colors Look Good on You?
Color is a fascinating addition to any wardrobe. Some people shy away from it and others dive right into clothing with vibrant colors. The psychology behind color is fascinating. Black represents a chic yet solemn presentation. White represents purity. Purple shines though with a royalty feeling. Depending upon the shade of green, it could represent nature, sustainability or money. Blue is a calming color but could also make one depressed. Often used in business, blue shirts and suits represent a sense of formality. Red is a power color, but can also be infused with energy, vitality or anger. Orange shows a warning or construction face and yellow enlivens a room with the sun and energy.
Anyone can wear any color; it just depends upon the shade and intensity of the color. Of course your hair, skin tone and eye color all factor into your clothing color palette. There are several ways to ascertain your best colors. One of the best ways to do this is to go into a store and hold several different colors of t-shirts, sweaters, etc, up to your face and decide if the color makes you look bright and happy or sad and ill. Also, think about the times when people have complimented you on your looks. What color garments were you wearing? There is a lot to learn about color and which shades look best on you. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a lot of color, try to use color in your accessories, which will brighten and update any outfit in your wardrobe.
Anyone can wear any color; it just depends upon the shade and intensity of the color. Of course your hair, skin tone and eye color all factor into your clothing color palette. There are several ways to ascertain your best colors. One of the best ways to do this is to go into a store and hold several different colors of t-shirts, sweaters, etc, up to your face and decide if the color makes you look bright and happy or sad and ill. Also, think about the times when people have complimented you on your looks. What color garments were you wearing? There is a lot to learn about color and which shades look best on you. If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a lot of color, try to use color in your accessories, which will brighten and update any outfit in your wardrobe.