Episodes
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Coffee & Chat - Marg Hobby @ Alidinga, quilting and people.
Monday Jan 17, 2022
Monday Jan 17, 2022
We talk with Marg Hobby about living at Aldinga in South Australia and what she does with her time during Covid.
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Coffee & Chat - Gary Hennessy
Friday Jan 14, 2022
Friday Jan 14, 2022
David talks with local community minded businessman, Gary Hennessy about his past, present and future views.
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Public Speaking Tip # 33 Run To Time
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
Wednesday Dec 08, 2021
If you're asked to speak at an event ask how long they want you to talk. Then make sure you stick to that time. TRANSCRIPT: I recently emceed a big three-day conference with a feast of speakers from celebrities, to motivational speakers, human interest story tellers and medical specialists. Some were old campaigners on the speaking circuit, others had limited public speaking experience but with an interesting story to tell. In any event be it large or small everything needs too run to time There’s always been an old adage when engaging a politician to speak. Tell him/her they have 10 minutes. All the while budgeting for a 20 minute address. Politicians, given a captive audience will always go over time. It’s become increasingly apparent that many speakers have inherited pollies disease and don’t know when to shut up. Organisers spend countless hours organising every aspect of an event, timing segments down to the minute so they can get all the elements into an attractive package that doesn’t test the audiences’ will or stamina. It’s called planning for success. Then along comes a speaker who thinks what they have to say is far more important than anything else that is happening and runs off at the mouth on their chosen subject. Now, I‘m not coming down on a speaker who is so enthusiastic they’ve just lost sense of time – that I can forgive. I’m talking about the speaker who has been told before they start that they’ll be given a countdown – 10 minutes, five, two…times up, but blatantly disregards it. I remember this happening at one event I emceed where the guilty speaker ran over by almost 15 minutes. They were to be followed by the star attraction. A speaker with an international reputation who commands huge fees for his outstanding work. He was Waiting back stage and as the emcee I had to make him aware of the over run and the problems it was creating. However, like a true professional he said, “Don’t worry. I can trim back my talk and help you make up the time.” He could have been indignant and upset about having to wait to perform and then lose time, but no. The consummate pro, he was a team player. So a word of advice to all speakers, be a team player, run to time, tailor your talk to fit the time available, be flexible, don’t fall in love with the sound of your own voice. And remember the old axiom. No one ever complained because a speech was too short. And another one, always leave your audience wanting more. Public speaking can be a wonderful thing and those who have conquered their fears live for that rush of adrenaline as your name is called out and the audience applauds. Drink in the moment and go for it! But whatever you do, run to time.
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
A-Z for Podcasters - Microphone Technique
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
Tuesday Dec 07, 2021
This time it's microphone technique. There are may ways to speak and position microphones to achieve optimum results. You can find out more and see our photo gallery at https://greeneyedmonster.com.au/a-z-for-podcasters/ Get early access on PATREON: Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/greeneyedmonster
Friday Dec 03, 2021
Public Speaking tip #32 Words and Phrases to Avoid
Friday Dec 03, 2021
Friday Dec 03, 2021
Words and Phrases to avoid. Don't bring your presentation down by using words and phrases that reduce your impact. Transcript: Words are very powerful used the, well and your speech will rise to dizzying heights - use them poorly and your impact will suffer dramatically. Great, well researched content will fail if you have laced your talk with weak unempowering words and phrases. Words like just …I just want to talk about… hopefully …hopefully we’ll see improvement . Phrases like I’m going to start with a story…just launch into it don’t introduce the introduction . here’s a funny joke …dangerous territory - you’ve told them it’s funny you’re going to have egg on your face if no-one laughs - tell the joke by all means but don’t flag it. Sorry if I seem a little nervous - you’ve tipped them off now they’ll look for signs - most people would have no idea or in fact care if your nervous, just press on. I’m not very good at public speaking - hello? well get off the stage and leave it to someone who is. I didn't have enough time . . .to prepare …to research to practice - an alarming confession, it’s your problem don’t try to make it theirs. forget Buzzwords - it might make you think your pretty smart but unless your audience know as much or more about the subject leave out the buzz words - they’re over used and lazy - you know the ones - touching base, 24/7, leverage, pick your brain, deep dive, low hanging fruit - don’t be lazy don’t fall for buzzwords. Forget filler phrases - at this moment in time - now I personally think - I think, at 4AM in the morning either AM or morning not both….due to the fact that - because. When giving an opinion don’t start with “I may be wrong but…. that devalues your position, making you sound unsure and less confident. While your speech might be thoroughly researched and prepared a Q AND A session has the potential to bring you undone with a question from left field. A reply of I don’t know might well be honest and forthright but it can weaken your position - after all the audience has come to hear you speak as an expert. So how should you answer? When asked something that you don’t know “I’m, not the best person to answer that but I’ll find out for you .” That is a question outside my area of expertise, my focus today is on and give a brief summation of your talk or on a humorous note “I’d like to ask the same question.” Choosing your words and phrases carefully will make you a far more compelling speaker - so watch out for the words and phrases that undermine your presentation. Keep it conversational and on a level everyone can comprehend.
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
A-Z for Podcasters - Zoomchatting your podcast
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
Thursday Dec 02, 2021
This episode we talk about integrating Zoom Chat with your podcast. You can find out more and see our photo gallery at https://greeneyedmonster.com.au/a-z-for-podcasters/ Get early access on PATREON: Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/greeneyedmonster
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
A-Z for Podcasters - Jaynie Morris interview
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
Tuesday Nov 23, 2021
This episode we speak with prolific podcaster Jaynie Morris
Tuesday Nov 16, 2021
A-Z for Podcasters - Video Podcasting
Tuesday Nov 16, 2021
Tuesday Nov 16, 2021
This time we talk about adding a video component to your podcast. The issues and the benefits or the downside.
Tuesday Nov 16, 2021
Public Speaking Tip #31 The Show Must Go On
Tuesday Nov 16, 2021
Tuesday Nov 16, 2021
You've all heard the old Show Business axiom - The Show Must Go On - well it's no different when it comes to public speaking. TRANSCRIPT; There’s an old saying in show business - ‘The Show must go on.’ In essence it means, no matter what has befallen a production whatever has happened, the performance goes ahead. Anyone who has worked on radio or television will tell you the same thing. You might be feeling wretched with a headache or had a major argument with your partner, but you carry on with your ‘performance’ as if nothing is wrong. The theory is the audience have paid their money, or switched you on in the case of radio and TV, and they deserve your best - no excuses accepted. The same goes if you’ve agreed to a public speaking engagement. A fight with the boss or crashing your car makes no difference. As long as you’re physically able ‘The Show must go on.’ Whatever you do though don’t share your problems with your audience. A. They didn’t turn up to hear your woes. B.They won’t care anyway and why should they? You are there to perform, educate and entertain and if you really want to make it as a public speaker - Just Do It! Now if you really know your subject and have practiced many, many, many times you should be able to deliver a compelling speech, and for the time you are on stage put your problems on hold. Adopting that mindset you can compartmentalise your private life from your public life. In fact it might just give you a much needed break from your pressing issues. The end result might not be your best performance but don’t beat yourself up over it. You had a reason to be slightly off your game. It’s just it’s not something to be shared with an audience. I remember a former AFL coach saying a really good player is not one who plays a handful of exceptional games each season and mediocre ones for the rest. A really good player is one who narrows the margin between his worst games and his best games. Same goes for public speaking - a great performance followed by a string of meh!! performances won’t see you climb the public speaking ladder. Make sure your worst performance is not much below your best. You can’t control every aspect of your life, the unexpected will happen and usually at the worst possible time. But when it comes to public speaking your regular preparation, rehearsal and practice will ensure that even in the worst circumstances you will be able to give a presentation you can be proud of. Remember - The Show must go on!
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
Public Speaking tip # 30 The Dreaded Q and A
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
Tuesday Nov 09, 2021
Many speakers put hours of preparation into their talk and barely give a moments thought to the Q and A. A big mistake. TRANSCRIPT: A brilliantly crafted and presented public speech can be brought undone by the Q and A session at the end. While it is vital to focus on the body of your speech - under prepare for the Q and A at your peril. It’s also often the most feared part of a speech but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right amount of preparation and practice the Q and A can be the icing on the cake but there are a number of things you need to do to make sure your session runs seamlessly. Firstly, prepare and rehearse the types of questions you’re likely to get - get a friend to listen to your speech and then ask you questions about it. Be warm - many speakers who’’d earlier engaged with the audience during the presentation, cool noticeably fearing the worst from the Q and A. The goodwill you built up is lost immediately. So begin the Q and A with a warm smile, show you are looking forward to answering their questions. Have some questions ready if the audience is slow to get involved - “I’m often asked….. Listen closely to each question and before answering repeat the question so all your audience know what it is - repeating the Q also gives you time to formulate your answer. Be interested and receptive even if the question may seem out of place - show your questioners respect and never be dismissive. Admit it when you don’t know the answer - don’t wing it -you’ll always be found out - say I’m sorry that question is outside the parameters of my research/knowledge but I will find out for you Keep your sense of humour - If a question comes out of left field that throws you but draws a laugh from the audience join in. Being the butt of a light hearted comment will endear you to the crowd. Time - Always be aware of the time remaining. It’s very poor form to run over time as there maybe other speakers or sessions that will run late. Leave a minute at the end to wrap up the session with two or three sentences that encapsulate your talk and perhaps a Call to action. “So remember we can all make a difference when we go out to vote on Saturday.” or Make sure you do you bit for the environment Remember the Q and A session comes at the end of a presentation, how you perform during that time will have a lasting impact on the listeners. So you must work to end on a high note and make a final, positive impression on the audience. With enough practice the Q and A could be one of the highlights of your presentation.