Carolyn Stein - Delivering Powerful Speeches

Interact with your audience
Involve your audience

Answering difficult questions
Keeping cool, credible and in control

Special thanks and deep appreciation to:

Jim and Grace Barber, The Barber Shop, for creative editing, mentoring, friendship and endless encouragement.

Chris Hetzer, Its About Time Productions, for designing the book and the terrific cover.

My publisher, Don Lessne, for having faith in my ability.

Roberta Ruggiero, President and founder of the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.For sharing, caring and always being there.

Adele Sandberg, for excellent advice, the precise words and for dear friendship.

Donna Horkey, MS, PHR, The Missing Link, for always being brilliant and being a fellow Circumnavigator.

Tim Harrises, for artistic talent and creative ideas.

Candance Hoffmann, for guidance, professionalism and good taste

My Gratitude to all those that gave me such kind testimonials.

To the participants in my workshops who taught me to be Audience Centered.

My associates and role models in The National Speakers Association And Toastmasters International.

To my hero, Jerry Stein, with love

And to the very special people that enrich my life everyday.

Linda Stein, Janet Stein, Clifford Stein
Ariel Fraynd, Daniel Fraynd, Alex Fraynd
Jason Kerner Stein, Kyle Stein

Suzanne Shifman who makes me believe I can do anything!
Judy Stein, Beverly Bedol, for sharing laughter and tears

Let me confess. I was not always a polished, confident speaker. In fact, there was a time when I actually had to rehearse my name before I could introduce myself.

Im not kidding. It was many years ago, but I still remember it clearly. I entered a meeting room to attend a networking function. I didnt see one familiar face, so I took a seat toward the back of the room.

A woman at the lectern announced that the meeting would begin with self-introductions. She requested that each of us briefly state our names and professions. As the people in the first row gave their introductions, I listened attentively. After all, this was a good way to know everyone in the room and determine the people who I might want to meet during the break.

Some of the introductions were interesting, some humorous. Several people quickly uttered their names and sat down, other names were hardly audible. Many people remained seated so as not to draw too much attention to themselves. I wondered what I should say and whether I would stumble over my own name.

As my turn to introduce myself approached, I became aware of my heart beating loudly, it seemed. I no longer listened to the introductions. I was too busy practicing my name! I was actually nervous. Why? There was no reason. Fear doesnt always require a reason. Nonetheless, there it was STAGE FRIGHT.

What is the secret to confidence when you dont have it? The question in my mind was, Do I want to be effective, confident, maybe even powerful when I speak in front of a group of people? YES, without question! Confidence and power feels so much better than fear and self-doubt.

How did I do this? First I began to emulate the people that projected the most energy and enthusiasm. I began to see that fear could be converted to energy, and anxiety could be replaced by enthusiasm. A pounding heart and a tight throat can be recognized as anticipation rather than stage fright.

It took some practice, but I did arrive at the point where I could stand, smile, look around the room and project my name with a clear, controlled voice, with authority and at times even with humor.

The basic steps that I formulated became the foundation for my speaking skills workshop. I have presented these workshops around the world to thousands of people. During the years, I have seen dramatic changes and positive results occur with the participants. Ive seen people who were plagued with fear, trepidation, and an overwhelming lack of confidence, who after just a few sessions could stand and deliver with power and poise.

That is why I know these techniques work. I have put all the best information from my workshops into this book. It is my gift to all those people who have avoided speaking opportunities, to all those people who have felt unable to express their ideas, sell their products, or be effective in front of an audience in short, to all those people who want to speak, but dont.

The jourrney begins here.

It can happen to you when you least expect it!

You have been asked to prepare a speech and present it in front of an audience. They want to hear your ideas, your opinions, and your experience. Perhaps you have been asked to demonstrate a new product or explain the results of a newly-developed program. Your employer has requested that you address a committee, manage a project, train other employees or prepare an important sales presentation. Your neighbors have requested that you present some issues to the town council. A friend would like you to offer a toast at his wedding.

You are less than thrilled and you dont feel prepared for the challenge. You certainly dont choose to be in the limelight. But refusing to step up to the plate could negatively impact your professional life. Or it could affect your personal growth and keep you from attaining recognition in your industry or in your community.

After reading this book you will no longer need to invent excuses, refuse an opportunity, or dodge a commitment. Together we will travel through the basic steps that will allow you to stand and deliver a presentation to any audience whether its an audience of two or two thousand anytime, anywhere, on any occasion, and do it with poise, personality and power. Not only that, you will enjoy a feeling of confidence, control and credibility.

Heres what youll discover in