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MEDIA MOTIVATORS Issues 51 - 55
ISSUE No. 51
IN THIS ISSUE
1. 8M's Quotable Quote
2. The Insiders Guide to the Media - Tips & Advice
3. Media NTK's (Need to Knows) - A Glossary of Terms
Quotable Quote
"Great public speakers communicate enthusiasm at some level to their
audiences. To put it simply, if you're having a good time, the audience
will, too."
Nick Morgan, author 'Working the Room: How to Move People to Action
Through Audience-centred Speaking', Harvard Business School Press 2003.
TIP: To deliver a powerful presentation develop great content, have a
structure, rehearse and be passionate about your topic.
THE TOP 4 WAYS TO GET AUDIENCE INVOLVEMENT IN A PRESENTATION
It never ceases to amaze me how many highly intelligent people, who are
experts in their field, end up being poor presenters.
They usually have a pattern to their speech. A nervous start with an
apology, followed by hiding behind the podium, then a new world record
for the number of PowerPoint slides they can get through in the allocated
time and then a mad rush in the last 5 minutes as they realise they are only
half way through their speech!
Sound familiar?
Maybe you've been in this situation many times before as a member of the
audience?
Or worse still, been a presenter with this approach?
In the thousands of speeches I've heard very few presenters truly engage and
involve the audience.
Remember, even the most disciplined and attentive of audiences will switch
off after 20 minutes.
So how can you involve the audience in new and innovative ways? Here are my
Top 4 Ways to Get Audience Involvement in a Presentation.
1. ASK A QUESTION.
It is so painfully obvious yet many presentations fail to incorporate this
tried and true technique. You can even use this if you are the MC for an
event.
A simple question can be a great icebreaker. When planning a speech, work
out when and what to ask members of your audience to truly engage
and involve them. A good technique is to get the audience to interact with
yourself or others by checking their understanding or interpretation of what
they've heard so far.
2. PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TELL THEIR STORY.
Ask audience members to tell their own stories that highlight the point you
are trying to make. This not only customises your message, but makes it more
relevant to the audience. Case studies work especially well in this format.
3. HAVE FUN.
Audiences love fun and entertainment. Break your presentation up with some
fun and games where people are encouraged to loosen up and play. I find that
my audience interaction technique of involving the audience in some simple
and not too challenging hammer throw warm up exercises works well even for
the most cynical and shy of audiences.
The best response I ever had was a series of keynote presentations in the
Philippines on branding where audience members had to get in teams .. and
write, script, produce and then .....perform on stage a 30 second TV
commercial for their latest product.
It always amazes me how creative people can be when given permission to
compete, have fun and play.
A big tip though. The activity must make the point of the talk real.
4. PLAN THE NEXT STEP.
One of the most successful ways to engage an audience is to get them to
apply new concepts or ideas to their own situation. You can do this by
getting them to set some goals or set a simple action plan based on the
information you present in your speech.
There are no rules except whatever you do must reinforce the 'essence' of
the main message in your speech.
This way you can cater for all the kinaesthetic, visual and auditory needs
of your audience.
Want to know more about how to plan for audience involvement in your
next speech?
Confused about where to start, how to begin and what to put in?
Learn how to write better speeches with more impact in half the time.
"Powerful and Persuasive Speech Writing" - is a Half-Day Seminar that
builds
speechwriting confidence and skills.
Book here http://www.8mmedia.com/Speechwriting%20Seminar.htm
Media NTK's (Need to Knows)
Mediation: The word media is derived from Latin meaning 'middle'.
Mediation
is the process that occurs between an event happening and the reporting or
broadcasting of it to an audience. It is a process of interpretation. The
shaping, selecting, editing, emphasising and de-emphasizing is influenced by
both the perceptions, expectations and previous experience of those involved
in the reporting of the event and the requirements and characteristics of
the individual media reporting the event. For example, between a news event
happening, such as a war and the reporting of that event, a whole series of
inter-mediary actions take place. The event is translated into words or
pictures and is processed according to the demands of the medium. For TV
news, good 'vision' or pictures are required and for newspapers,
eye-catching headlines and clear writing are essential. All this is done
under the pressures of time, space and competing messages.
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ISSUE No. 52
IN THIS ISSUE
1. 8M's Quotable Quote
2. The Insiders Guide to the Media - Tips & Advice
3. Media NTK's (Need to Knows) - A Glossary of Terms
Quotable Quote
"There is always room in your life for thinking bigger, pushing limits and
imagining the impossible."
Anthony Robbins, US author and speaker.
TIP: Long term success in life is a journey of constant self-improvement.
THE TOP 10 SECRETS OF SUCCESS FROM ANTHONY ROBBINS - Part 1
For more than 25 years US-based motivational speaker and success coach
Anthony Robbins has been passionately pursuing the answers to questions such
as 'What shapes human behaviour? And how can we create lasting change within
ourselves and others?'.
He has spoken in front of more than 3 million people around the world and
sold around 35 million books and audio coaching products.
After attending his 4-day 'Unleash The Power Within' seminar recently in
Kuala Lumpur I learnt many strategies to perform at your best.
I even took part in his famous barefoot walk over hot coals. This powerful
physical metaphor shows how anyone can overcome their deepest and greatest
fears with focus, passion and desire.
Part rock concert, part learning experience, part aerobic workout, the
seminar was attended by more than 4,000 people in a giant indoor sporting
stadium that was built for the Commonwealth Games.
Standing 6'7", weighing 265 lbs and with a shoe size of 16, Robbins was
impressive on stage as he harnessed the energy of the crowd.
In fact, security guards have to line the stage as he is regularly swamped
by over eager fans.
At 43 years old, he has been enormously successful and worked with people
like President Clinton and Nelson Mandela.
What was it like?
Hot, humid, high energy and simple take home messages packaged with a
high-tech light, sound and video show.
I was impressed, motivated and got some great ideas from it.
Here is my gift to you. The Top 10 Secrets of Success I learnt from spending
4 days with Tony Robbins - Part 1.
1. YOUR POTENTIAL IS DETERMINED (OR LIMITED) BY YOUR SELF-BELIEF.
As the promotional material says the event was 'about creating
breakthroughs, moving beyond fears and limiting beliefs, accomplishing goals
and realizing true desires, turning dreams into reality, creating fulfilling
relationships, and modelling the strategies of peak performers to produce a
quantum difference in your life.'
If you cut out the hype, the simple message is if you believe in yourself
enough you can achieve anything.
A memorable one-liner was "the only thing that's keeping you from getting
what you want is the story you keep telling yourself".
2. MOST PEOPLE HAVE SELF-DOUBT AROUND UNIVERSAL THEMES.
Ask anyone and most people will admit they lack confidence in some areas of
their life. The interesting thing I learnt from this seminar is that this
self-doubt is around universal themes. These themes cross age, gender,
religious, cultural and language barriers.
Common doubts include 'I am not good enough', 'I am lazy' and 'No-one loves
me'.
3. YOU CAN LEARN MECHANISMS TO ELIMINATE SELF-DOUBT.
Robbins calls it 'immersion' where you break old patterns and build new ones
by repetition. He uses a lot of Neuro-Linguistic Programming techniques to
achieve this with his audiences.
He says "progress is not automatic".
A memorable moment in the seminar was when we had to visualise ourselves
inside a bubble and inside that bubble was a series of videotapes neatly
arranged in a time-line that represented all our memories in our lives so
far. We had to pull out the negative videotapes and destroy them. This was
followed by time spent visualising the future and how your life will look 10
and 20 years from now.
4. BELIEF IMPACTS ON MANY LEVELS.
The Robbins message was that our self-belief is shaped by 3 things. He calls
them the Triad. These are our patterns of physiology, focus and language or
meaning.
He highlighted this with the quote: "where focus goes energy flows".
5. OUR ACTIONS ARE SHAPED BY OUR VALUES AND BELIEFS.
Robbins believes you can "vanquish whatever is holding you back from taking
action".
Walking barefoot across a bed of glowing coals is the physical metaphor he
uses in his seminars to prove this point to the sceptics.
Eliminate negative self-belief and take massive action are his keys to
success.
In our next edition - Part 2 of the Anthony Robbins message.
Media NTK's (Need to Knows)
Semiotics: From the Greek word 'semeion' meaning sign. It is the science
of
sign systems and their role in the construction and reconstruction of
meaning. In communication there is practically nothing which is a sign
capable of meaning. It may a symbol, the words we use, how we dress, what
car we drive or our body language. Understand the power of semiotics and you
can be a better communicator.
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ISSUE No. 53
IN THIS ISSUE
1. 8M's Quotable Quote
2. The Insiders Guide to the Media - Tips & Advice
3. Media NTK's (Need to Knows) - A Glossary of Terms
Quotable Quote
"I think about keeping control and channelling energy down into the
explosive power I need in my legs and the precise contact on my foot. I know
that if I focus on the details my body goes into the right position to
kick."
23-year-old Jonny Wilkinson, the English rugby player described as the 'best
player of our time', speaking to the media on the eve of the World Cup to be
played in Australia.
TIP: Focus, physiology and routine builds success.
THE TOP 10 SECRETS OF SUCCESS FROM ANTHONY ROBBINS - Part 2
What is success and how can you achieve it?
You may remember in our last edition I shared my experiences after attending
an 'Unleash The Power Within' seminar recently in Kuala Lumpur with US
Success Coach Anthony Robbins.
Here are The Top 10 Secrets of Success I learnt from spending
4.5 days with Tony Robbins - Part 2.
6. TO CREATE POSITIVE OUTCOMES YOU MUST TAKE MASSIVE ACTION.
"Where focus goes energy flows" is a quote used by Robbins in his
presentation to highlight why you need to know your outcome and why
achieving this is a must.
But many people fail to take the next step. They delay, put off and find
many reasons or excuses not to act.
Robbins believes "progress is not automatic" and "action is
power". Take
action, even if it is the wrong action. He says it is "never a failure if
you learn
something".
7. MATCHING & MIRRORING CREATES CONNECTION, TRUST & EMPATHY.
Robbins spent a fair amount of time in the seminar talking about and
demonstrating interpersonal communication skills.
He used people from the audience to show how the process of "matching and
mirroring" the non-verbal communication and body language of others can be
a
very powerful way to connect with people.
In essence, you create rapport by adopting the body language of the person
you are communicating with.
He believes "rapport is power" and "total responsiveness is
created by a
feeling of commonality".
If you have learnt these techniques before and haven't used them for a
while, I suggest it is time to dust them off and put them into action next
time you are communicating with someone on a one-to-one basis.
8. ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU FOCUS ON PASSION AND PURPOSE.
Robbins believes that "to have an extraordinary quality of life you need
two
skills: the science of achievement (the ability to take anything you
envision and make it real) and the art of fulfilment (this allows you to
enjoy every moment of it)."
He says "success without fulfilment is failure".
Find your passion and purpose in life. My purpose is to make a difference in
people's lives and use my gift as a speaker.
9. MODEL YOURSELF ON OTHER ACHIEVERS.
To gain improvements quickly and step up to a new level of achievement,
Robbins believes learning from others who are the best in their field is the
fastest way to achieve success.
He told the story of how he wanted to improve his tennis game and so
employed Andre Agassi, the then number one ranked player to help him
achieve this.
Who could you model yourself on?
"People's lives are a direct reflection of the expectations of their peer
group," according to Robbins.
10. SUCCESS IS BUILT ON A HEALTHY, HIGH ENERGY BODY, HEART AND MIND
If you are not healthy - all of the above points are a waste of time.
Your health is determined and influenced by your lifestyle.
One major change I've made since the seminar is to eat a healthier diet and
exercise more regularly.
As a speaker, my whole business depends on my ability to perform at a peak
state. Like any professional athlete, the success of business is directly
linked to my diet and health.
I was fortunate to learn this from my father, a medical Professor who always
encouraged sport as well as learning. You can read about his philosophies in
edition #29 'A Recipe for Living' http://www.8mmedia.com/mm(26-30).htm
Media NTK's (Need to Knows)
Audience: Defined as the receivers of messages. This may
be information,
knowledge, education, motivation or entertainment. They could be television
viewers, radio listeners, delegates at a seminar or readers of this E-Zine.
Communicators need to shape their messages to fit the perceived needs of
their audience. Different audiences take in messages in 5 different ways -
visual (see), auditory (hear), kinaesthetic (touch), olfactory (smell) and
gustatory (taste).
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ISSUE No. 54
IN THIS ISSUE
1. 8M's Quotable Quote
2. The Insiders Guide to the Media - Tips & Advice
3. Media NTK's (Need to Knows) - A Glossary of Terms
4. 8M's Coming Events
Quotable Quote
"I cannot do everything, but I still can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do." Helen Keller
TIP: Focus on your strengths and take massive action to
make a difference in your life or someone else's.
HOW TO HANDLE TOUGH QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS
The media calls after your organisation has put out a news release on the latest groundbreaking achievements.
You've done the hard work in preparing your media message, spending time honing the features, benefits, evidence and proof that will build your case to overcome even the most cynical journalist. After hours on brainstorming, you've come up with a great quotable quote that even the most seasoned PR pro would be proud of.
You've practised and warmed up your voice. You've spent time to quietly relax, using your favourite visualisation technique to anchor your feeling of confidence as the moment of truth comes quicker than you realise. You've never been more prepared for this media interview in your life. The opening questions go well and you grow in confidence. Your body language and eye contact show you're in control and on message.
And, then it comes. Like an unannounced steam train, a question out of the blue. A tough 'red herring' completely throws you off balance as their ambush technique works with devastating effect. Crushed, your media interview stumbles from bad to worse. You miss several opportunities to stay on message and make the most of the media opportunity. Afterwards you feel deflated, humiliated and let down.
How can you avoid this situation and prepare for the tough questions that often come from seasoned, cynical and 'so what - who cares' journalists? Here are 5 ways to handle tough questions in a media interview.
1. COMPLIMENT THE JOURNALIST
Many journalists are attracted to the media because they want to see their face on TV, hear their voice on radio and read their name in the paper. I call them 'ego-driven' journalists. Work to their egos and stroke them. Compliment them on a great question. For example, use "that's a great question and I'm glad you asked it, ....."
2. GET BACK ON MESSAGE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
Once you've paid the compliment, get back on message as quickly as possible to show you are in control and not the reporter. For example, after the compliment use "...but what I want to say is this ..." 3. FOCUS. Good reporters will always look for an angle to make the story more newsworthy and will try a range of techniques to get conflict into the story. Keep your focus, be disciplined and avoid going down a line of questioning that is not relevant to the story or your message. Be firm, but polite. For example, "I really think we're getting off track here, the main point I want to make is ...."
4. KEEP YOUR COOL.
Under no circumstances should you lose your temper, shout or get angry. This only inflames the situation and comments said in the heat of the moment when emotions are running high can often get you in trouble. Remember they make great copy and sensational 'news grabs'. Remain calm. Remember you are the one in control with the information that the media wants. You have every right to call a halt to an interview if the journalist become overly aggressive or offensive.
5. PREPARE and PRACTICE.
I've lost count of the number of times a novice interviewee has taken the whole bait and been taken down the garden path and completely off message by an irrelevant question during a media training exercise. Most people are quick learners and when they see it happening to others quickly learn not to do this once they've seen how easy it is to stay on track. Prepare for tough questions prior to the interview in a formal media training course or with a colleague. Road test your messages prior to talking to the media and you are more likely to stay out of trouble.
Want an opportunity to be asked the tough questions in front of a radio microphone or TV News camera so you are better prepared for real life media interviews? Our "Winning the Media Game" - Full-Day media skills seminars are held regularly as 'in house' programs or public workshops. Places are strictly limited. Book here now http://www.8mmedia.com/Winning%20Media%20Game%20Seminar.htm
Media NTK's (Need to Knows)
Red Herring: A question designed and asked by a journalist to try and get an
interviewee to give an answer they had not prepared for. Often used to make the
interview more revealing, controversial and newsworthy.
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ISSUE No. 55
IN THIS ISSUE
1. 8M's Quotable Quote
2. The Insiders Guide to the Media - Tips & Advice
3. Media NTK's (Need to Knows) - A Glossary of Terms
4. 8M's Coming Events
Quotable Quote
"The future depends on what we do in the present." Mahatma Ghandi
TIP: You can make a difference to your life if you want to.
HOW TO CREATE THE LIFE YOU REALLY WANT
Australians are loosing their laidback, carefree reputation, as we continue to work longer hours, exercise less and neglect our leisure and family time. Recent research indicates that 67 per cent of Australian professionals spend at least 20 hours a week thinking about their job when they should be relaxing, and less than half take their entitled annual leave. Why is juggling work and life priorities an increasingly difficult challenge for many people? Could it be we are trying to pack more and more into our busy lives?
Well, most people are aware of their tendency to overload on work or information but simply don't know what to do to get their life back to a healthy balance. Being successful isn't only about your career and your possessions, it's about waking up every day and feeling good about the person you are and the life that you have created.
Many people are searching for ways to achieve positive and lasting change both in and out of work. So what are the secrets to a healthy work life balance in a busy and demanding world? Here are the Top 5 ways you can get the life you deserve.
1. WORK AT BEING AN OPTIMIST AND TAKE ACTION.
Take a positive attitude to life, get out and do things. Make things happen and take action.
2. HAVE A STRONG SELF BELIEF.
Believe in your potential to create the life you really want for you and your family.
3. EXERCISE REGULARLY AND EAT WELL.
Your physiology directly influences the quality of your life.
4. VISUALISE HAPPY ENDINGS, SCHEDULE FUN AND KEEP LIFE SIMPLE.
Make time to enjoy life. To laugh. To take time out.
5. FIND PERSPECTIVE.
Take the helicopter view to see the big picture and delegate if you can't do it all yourself.
Media NTK's (Need to Knows)
Resonance: A condition experienced by receivers of a
message (TV viewers, radio listeners or members of an audience at a seminar)
when what they see or hear matches their expectations. If what they see or hear
confirms their views or beliefs of the world then these messages resonate. It is
a very powerful speechwriting or communication technique, especially if a
person's experience or perception of reality are in alignment. This can create
strong rapport between the sender of the message and the receiver.