Public Speaking Archives | VoiceAmerica Press Blog

Handling Communications During a Crisis w/ Sheena Thomson

Posted by

Alex Fullick on December 10, 2022

Handling Communications During a Crisis w/ Sheena Thomson

Join me Thursday, April 13/23 at 1pm EST on the VoiceAmerica Business Channel!

Handling communications during a crisis can be a challenge for most organizations. I’m joined by internationally recognized risk and crisis communications professional, Sheena Thomson.

During our talk we touch on:

1. Identifying and defining a stakeholder,

2. Stakeholder management,

3. Preparing communications,

4. Using legal in communication,

5. Winning (or loosing) the social media war,

6. The spokesperson,

7. Do’s and don’ts of communications,

8. Messaging (and staying on that message), and

9. Crisis communication tips.

Sheena provides some great insights on how to develop, implement, and manage a successful crisis communications strategy – prior to a crisis and during a crisis. Don’t miss what Sheena has to share. Enjoy!

How to Liberate Your Authentic Voice and Why I’m Still Working on it.

Posted by

Editor on June 18, 2018

Empowerment

How to Liberate Your Authentic Voice and Why I’m Still Working on it.

Definition of authenticity: To be true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character. Sincere and authentic with no pretensions

Back in the day of when I was first building my business I really struggled with authenticity.

I struggled to understand what it meant and I also struggled with being authentic.

If you know my story you’ll know that I was raised in a family that on the outside seemed loving and kind and authentic but behind closed doors was another story.

Don’t get me wrong…my parents had the best intentions for me and they were certainly never cruel but I was never allowed to express my authentic self. My spirit was tamed…I could have fun but only to a certain point.

I didn’t have a voice

Every time I had an opinion and tried to put my point across I was shot down in flames with a murderous look from my mother or father.

It’s something that stays with me to this day…regardless of how much personal development work I’ve done on myself….except that now I know how to overcome it.

The other thing about my family that affected it’s authenticity is that my father was living a lie. On the outside he was a loving family man who adored his wife and was a shining example to his children.

This was not the case. My father had horrific experiences on a regular basis when he was a small boy, that had impacted his life greatly but instead of talking about it, he had kept it a secret all his life.

Looking back you could positively see the steam coming out of his ears…years of anger and despair trying to escape his body….the frightened little boy trying to get out and run away.

As kids, we weren’t stupid. We knew something was going on….it didn’t seem right.

Maybe as a child I picked this up unconsciously. Maybe I learnt that being authentic is bad. Hiding your true self is good.

It keeps you safe.

I left home when I was 16. I set myself free.

I travelled the world. I mixed with a different crowd. I started to find my true identity but

I wasn’t really being myself..

I was a party girl…wild. Out every night drinking shots, getting on the mic and leading drinking games. A stereo typical 90’s ladette but

I wasn’t being myself

I came back to the UK and started to work in corporate. I turned in to what they wanted me to be. What was expected. What would get me respected and promoted. I didn’t stand for weakness or failure it was all about getting the job done. People were a commodity. Can’t get the job done? Ok we’ll replace you with someone who can..but

I wasn’t being myself

I left corporate and re-trained to be a personal stylist. It was all about the looks. All about the fashion. I straightened my hair, only wore designer and never went out without makeup. Yes you guessed it….

I wasn’t being myself.

It was only when I started to do some deep personal development work that I realised that nobody had forced me to be those other people. Nobody else was at fault here.

It was all me.

I was just trying to fit it…to be accepted.

I’m still working on myself. It will take time but I feel more at peace with myself than I ever had.

I feel authentic, the real me and in turn I’m able to help others do the same.

So if you feel like this too, here are 3 things that will help:

Write a lot of all the things that are amazing about you. What makes you unique and different to anybody else. Write down what you stand for, what you believe in. How you can make a difference in the world.
Don’t hang around with people that put you down and let you be yourself. Surround yourself with people who will raise you up and empower you to be your true self.
Keep doing the work….whatever it takes. mediation, positive affirmations, reading books….soak it all up like a sponge.

A few weeks ago I was delighted to interview Dr Andrea Pennington for my Radio Show.

Andrea is an integrative physician, acupuncturist, meditation teacher and conscious communication specialist.

As Co-founder of the #RealSelfLove Movement Andrea speaks globally to reduce the stigma of mental illness and to support people on their journey to authentic living.

You can listen to my interview with Dr Andrea HERE:

Ready to Become a Fabulous Speaker?

Becoming an authentic, fabulous and fearless speaker will get you noticed as an expert and influencer.

I’ve created a 3 part video to help you discover your unique presentation style to create prosperity, wealth and abundance immediately. Get The Videos Here

About Abigail

Abigail Rebecca helps entrepreneurs earn 6+ figures by transforming them into fabulous presenters.

As a Presentation Coach she helps them tap in to their power and break through their creative blocks to discover their unique presentation style and transform into fearless, authentic, fabulous presenters.

She believes that every single one of us has the power to speak from our soul and has a fearless presenter inside, just waiting to come out and shine.

She hosts her international live radio show every Tuesday at 8am PST on voiceamericaempowerment.com and often go back to her roots to present on stage as a motivational speaker.

Her vision is to create a million voices. A million women standing up, owning their authentic voice and speaking their truth. Find out more at abigailrebecca.com

She lives in Brighton, UK with her partner Kev and their 1973 VW Campervan called Flossy.

How to get over your fear, get visible and just go for it!

Posted by

Editor on May 30, 2018

Empowerment

How to get over your fear, get visible and just go for it!

The quickest way to achieve self confidence is to do exactly what you’re afraid to do.

When I was a little girl I used to dream of two things.

My first dream was to be a radio show presenter.

I used to record all the music and then record the voice overs. I would also put on a funny accent (normally a really terrible impression of someone from Hollywood) and pretend to interview myself.

My second dream was to travel the world. I sat in my room and stared at my wall which had a big world map and planned all the places I would go and experiences I would have.

I had no idea how I was going to do all of this. I lived in a little village in the Derbyshire countryside in England where most girls got married to one of the boys in the village, raised a family and never left.

We weren’t poor and we weren’t rich. We didn’t have any connections that would make this happen for me.

Now fast forward 35 years later and I look back on my life and all the amazing experiences I’ve had. I’ve travelled to the most fantastic places AND I have a Radio Show!

The power of visualisation and manifestation never ceases to amaze me.

But learning how to present my power, finding my authentic voice and speaking on stage and video has enabled me to do this.

This is my dream. My dream is to impact millions and that’s what I’m doing right now.

None of that would have happened if I’d had just thought to myself…..”You know what, I don’t think I’d be good enough to host a radio show or I won’t have enough money to travel the world.”

If I’d have done that I’d have given in to my fear.

My life mantra has always been, I won’t let fear hold me back.

So I jumped at the chance to interview Jo Hausman who is a fellow Voice America Radio Show Host with a show called ‘Go for It!’

Jo is also an entrepreneur, business coach, successful author and motivational speaker.

Her book is called ‘Go For It, A Woman’s Guide to Perseverance’ and Jo certainly walks her talk.

Having lost her father at an early age, being raised single handedly by her mother and then losing her husband to a terminal illness, her experiences have shaped her life and in our interview she shared the importance of getting over the hurdles to get on to the next phase of life.

It has also shaped her business. In fact, the overarching story in her book is achieving greatness after grief.

Get Visible And Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Jo is a business and life coach and one of the things she teaches is how to get visible on social media.

Jo says, “So many people are afraid to promote themselves on social media…It’s about overcoming that fear. If you want your life and business to grow then get out of your comfort zone!”

She goes one to explain that a good practice for social media is the 80/20 rule. “20% is business, 80% is personal….talking about your family or yourself. Asking a question, getting a reaction and engagement.”

“Always think WIIFT, what’s in it for them. What can I do to help them.”

Fear is the biggest obstacle

Jo believes that fear is the biggest obstacle in the way of growing your business and creating the life of your dreams.

Fear of failure, fear of people talking badly about you and criticising you when you fail.

“I always teach my clients, the people who criticise you are not going to pay your bills. Focus on the people who you can help.”

“And just keep creating content. The more people watch and listen to you the more they’re going to get comfortable with you and will talk about you in a positive way AND recommend you to others”

Keep producing the content and you will help people!

So what are the daily practices that Jo recommends to keep fear at bay, overcome your limiting beliefs so you can get visible and grow your business?

1) Journaling – Write down whatever pops in to your head, whether it’s negative or positive. You’re cleansing your body and mind. Writing down your feelings will help you get rid of all the negative thoughts that are keeping you small and ‘safe’.

2) Exercising your mind and body – Meditate to quieten your mind and then go outside and get some fresh air because it will let your stress and anxiety out.

3) Be grateful – When you’re happy and grateful life is better. When there’s peace on the inside there’s happiness on the outside.

Her final thought?

To hear more from Jo on how to how to get over your fear, get visible and just go for it, listen to her full interview HERE

Jo can be found at johausman.com

Ready to Become an Awesome Speaker?

Becoming an authentic, fabulous and fearless speaker will get you noticed as an expert and influencer.

I’ve created a 3 part video to help you discover your unique presentation style to create prosperity, wealth and abundance immediately. Get The Videos Here

Can Yoga be as Lucrative as Banking?

Posted by

Editor on May 23, 2018

Empowerment

Sally Griffyn AKA Millionaire Yogi is a Spiritual Business Coach who coaches entrepreneurs, “Yotrepreneurs”, in the Wellbeing and Yoga sector to find their Super Niche and create financially abundant businesses.

Sally believes that you can be a deeply spiritual being and attract and manifest at the level of a banker.

As an online show host Sally interviews successful Yotrepreneurs across the globe inspiring people to get up of their couch or their butts to do something they really love.

Sally has both a corporate and spiritual background. She worked as a property developer in London and created a £7 million business so she knows what success looks like.

But her passion is firmly based in the yoga and alternative world which in itself is very lucrative.

The yoga industry is worth £27 billion in US alone, 80% are women and there’s been a 87% increase spent on yoga products in the last 5 years.

Why yoga?

Sally was in Rajasthan, India, working in the film business.

One day she walked up a mountain and came upon a Brahmin shrine where she received a transmission, a message that said:

Until that time I didn’t believe it. I thought some people were happy some people were unhappy. I didn’t realise it was a choice.

The next message was ‘and you’ll never be happy doing a 9-5 job!’

When Sally got back to London, her job had been given away so the universe manifested what she needed. From then on, she followed her bliss and created the life she really wanted.

Yoga is good for business

Sally knows that yoga is great for business. “Yoga has a spiritual conduct…how to treat people well, honour the planet, be sustainable. You don’t have to step all over someone to get where you want to be.”

Many people in wellbeing and yoga believe that as a do good healing path they will never make as much money as bankers or people in the “normal” work force.

“I am here to show you how to rock out an incredible business in the wellbeing sector. The myth of the healing path as one of poverty is as ancient as monks and nuns “the Poor Clairs” who did good deeds but were not allowed to attain earthly goods. This myth pervades the alternative sector. It means that people cave into cash injections and sponsorship that they are not aligned with for fear of losing money.”

Sally teaches that you can be a deeply spiritual being and attract and manifest at the level of a banker.

How?

Sally says “Money is an energy and a vibration. You can only work with happiness as a base and then use core values and passion as a fuel and this is what is the basis of a Super Niche. I am here to help people leave their corporate jobs and to send them on a path of freedom”

Yoga is good for the soul

“I feel incredible..I feel better than I did in my 20s and I’m in my 50s.”

This is not what we’re conventionally taught about age!

Sally is such a great role model for anyone who wants to present their power and find their true authentic voice because she has this strong message that yoga and the alternative field can be as successful as banking. Its a radical thought and it divides opinion.

When Sally created Millionaire Yogi she knew it was powerful.

She knew the message would hit the spot.

As soon as people started to contact her, upset and angry about mentioning money and yoga in the same breath, she knew she was on the right track.

She wanted to be controversial to attract the right people. She works with people who believe that money is energy.

Do less make more is one of the key concepts Sally teaches.

She works with people who want to create a business in the alternative sector, not just yoga but also sustainable fashion, music, poets…the list goes on.

“I like working with this subsection because they do great deeds.”

She encourages lots of meditation, breath work and creating projects from a place of happiness to create a super niche.

“The world is abundant when you find your super niche.”

She encourages creating space and time to create, to come from a place of calm and happiness and stay away from the ‘energy of busy.’

Using Yoga to Present Your Power

Sally hosts her own online show where she interviews successful business owners in the yoga and alternative field.

So how can yoga make you a better presenter?

“I made choice that I wanted to be really authentic speaker and interviewer…….to be myself.”

“One form of yoga is Nāda. It teaches you to listen; listen to instructions, listen to music, listen to your breath.

When I interview, speak and present it’s not about me.

“The feeling is that there’s an authentic space, you’re listening to them, you’re just the vehicle.”

Sally advises that breath work is also so important when you’re presenting. Breath exercises to calm and change the energy so you’re no longer frazzled and you’re super present.

To hear more from Sally on how to turn your passion into a successful business AND how to present your power while you’re doing it, listen to her full interview HERE.

Sally can be found at yogaconnects.co.uk

Ready to Become an Awesome Speaker?

Becoming an authentic, fabulous and fearless speaker will get you noticed as an expert and influencer.

I’ve created a 3 part video to help you discover your unique presentation style to create prosperity, wealth and abundance immediately. Get The Videos Here

What does it really take to be a successful entrepreneur? (AND an amazing presenter)

Posted by

Editor on May 18, 2018

Empowerment

What does it really take to be a successful entrepreneur? (AND an amazing presenter)

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Dennis G Shaver for a weekly radio show I host on Voice America Empowerment Channel called Present Your Power.

Dennis G Shaver is a best selling international author, entrepreneurial leadership and mindset expert.

Dennis is also a great speaker. I first saw him on stage at a big event in San Diego, California where he spoke about his journey as an entrepreneur and how he helps others achieve their dreams.

Stories connect

Even though I’d known Dennis for some time, this was the first time I’d seen him speak on stage and what struck me was what a great story teller he is.

I especially love how he takes stories from his upbringing on a dairy farm and uses them to demonstrate how to apply mindset, strategy and action to business.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that I often talk about the power of stories, as stories connect (and connection is currency) and Dennis demonstrates this beautifully.

Start with a plan

Dennis grew up on a dairy farm, raised by a German father and Polish mother. He describes his upbringing as “entrepreneurial”. Dairy farming of course is a thriving business and with all businesses, it starts with a plan.

His biggest lesson from growing up on a farm? “If it is to be then it really starts with me”.

First you have a plan, then you plant the seed, then you cultivate but make sure you take out the weeds.

Just like business; you seed an idea, you cultivate the idea without letting the weeds (negative thoughts) grow.

All of this ensures you have a comfortable harvest!

Have the right mindset

Dennis is a big believer in having the right mindset. He built a 7 figure business from scratch, lost it all and has now built another one. His advice;

“Everything starts with mindset. I looked at what was possible, instead of what I was stuck in. Knowing I’m more than deserving of having that. As soon as I started thinking of that, that’s when things started to shift and change”.

The Entrepreneurial Success Formula

Dennis has an entrepreneurial success formula with 3 steps to succeed:

Ready – Start with a growth mindset and an open mind by preparing.
Aim – Obtaining the right skillset and setting yourself up to succeed.
Action – Act on all the resources.

Dennis knew he was destined to speak on big stages.

A dream to serve the masses

It all started with having a dream. Having a dream to serve the masses.

Just recently he was asked to speak on a big stage at an event in Singapore, called Think, Act, Prosper.

In our interview Dennis shares a wealth of knowledge that will help you when speaking on stage. Here are three:

Move around, get that energy going and the nerves out of your body. Walk around the crowd, make eye contact.
Speak to solve your audiences challenges, speak to serve others. Cause a transformation for those people, create aha moments.
Don’t worry about making mistakes, it’s better to be authentic than perfect

To hear more from Dennis about his go-to strategies for growing a 7 figure business and speaking on stage AND how nurturing the crop, 3 ears of corn and salting the horse can be applied to business, you can catch the full interview HERE.

Dennis can be found at dennisgshaver.com

Ready to Become an Awesome Speaker?

Becoming an authentic, fabulous and fearless speaker will get you noticed as an expert and influencer.

I’ve created a 3 part video to help you discover your unique presentation style to create prosperity, wealth and abundance immediately. Get The Videos Here

About Abigail

Abigail Rebecca helps female entrepreneurs get over their fear of public speaking.

As a Presentation Coach she helps them tap in to their power and break through their creative blocks to discover their unique presentation style and transform into fearless, authentic, fabulous presenters.

She believes that every single one of us has the power to speak from our soul and has a fearless presenter inside, just waiting to come out and shine. She hosts her international live radio show every Tuesday at 8am PST on voiceamericaempowerment.com and often go back to her roots to present on stage as a motivational speaker.

Her vision is to create a million voices. A million women standing up, owning their authentic voice and speaking their truth. Find out more at abigailrebecca.com

She lives in Brighton, UK with her partner Kev and their 1973 VW Campervan called Flossy.

3 Ways to Get Out of Your Own Way and Create Big Ambitious Goals!

Posted by

Editor on May 15, 2018

Empowerment

3 Ways to Get Out of Your Own Way and Create Big Ambitious Goals!

I feel very fortunate to travel the world with my job (passion!) as a Presentation Coach and a Keynote speaker.

Not only do I coach other entrepreneurs to be fearless speakers I also do it myself and I LOVE to speak on stage.

I come alive when I’m on stage so it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to help you on your speaking journey and introduce you to wonderful experts who will inspire you to Present Your Power!

One person who certainly presents her power is Missy Strasner.

Missy is an Entrepreneur, International Life & Business Coach, Mentor & Influencer.

She helps driven Entrepreneurs gain clarity, create a plan and generate more sales so they can create greater impact in the world and she also hosts a weekly online show called Living a Badass Life.

I interviewed Missy for my latest radio show on the Voice America Empowerment channel and what I love about Missy is that she walks her talk.

She’s fearless, she takes herself out of her comfort zone and she stretches and grows as a result of that.

If Missy tells you to get out your own way and invest in personal training that will stretch you both mentally and financially, you can bet your bottom dollar that she’s doing exactly the same.

She’s faced adversity and overcome many struggles in her life and now stands for people to be happy, successful and play big…to be the best they can be and have no regrets.

In our interview Missy shared the importance of exercising your mindset, listening to influencers, watching videos, reading books, developing your mind so you’re ready to show up for other people and that in turn will lead to more money and success.

How does she does this for herself? She comes from the place of “I’ve got this. I’ve done the work for myself and I’m now focusing outwards and helping other people by getting out of my own way.”

Missy was raised in a musical family and is a big advocate of using music to shift your mindset.

“Music sets you free, shifts your vibe and your energy…you’re connecting with something bigger when you’re listening to music.”

I agree. That’s why I teach my clients to listen to music before they present…to get in the zone, feel powerful and knock that presentation out of the park.

Missy loves empowering women, helping them get out of their own way but what does it take to be elite in business?

“Being on the top of my game, setting up a morning routine, getting the right team in place, not doing it own my own.”

“I have mentors, coaches, I attend masterminds. I’m constantly learning and investing in myself and business.”

Missy’s morning routine is simple:

Meditate

Journal

Circle top 3 on to do list

Having people around you who influence your mind in a positive way is top on her priority list which is why she invests in high level coaching.

“A coach is a level 10 in terms of taking yourself and business to the next level.”

“I remember when I bit the bullet, when I decided I didn’t want to do it on my own and I saw so many successful people around me, and they all had coaches.”

“As big as the fear was to make the investment of more money than I had, (I didn’t even know how I was going to figure it out) I did figure it out because I was committed to being, doing and having more.”

Showing up more powerfully.

“I got 3 clients in a week.”

“I was committed to the work, committed to myself and committed to my clients.”

“I can’t show up for other people if I’m not doing the work myself.”

As entrepreneurs, we’re so often in the energy of being busy but it’s important to step back and give ourselves the space to create.

Missy thinks BIG and helps her clients think BIG.

“What did you want to do as a child? What have you always wanted to do in your life?”

“We have one chance in our life…..get out of your own way and create big ambitious goals”

How do we do this?

Here are 3 powerful questions you can ask yourself.

Why am I stuck?

How can I take responsibility for being stuck?

What am I going to do about it?

Missy continues to engage, inspire and motivate on her weekly online show…Living the badass life.

Her tips for being a powerful presenter?

“I get nervous but I don’t make it about me, I make it about the audience and the difference I’m making.”

“Saying yes to speaking opportunities is just like saying yes to financially investing in myself.”

“Say yes, learn from the experience and it gets easier!”

To hear more from Missy about how to get out of your own way and create big ambitious goals you can listen to her full interview HERE.

Missy can be found at missystrasner.com

Ready to Become an Awesome Speaker?

Becoming an authentic, fabulous and fearless speaker will get you noticed as an expert and influencer.

I’ve created a 3 part video to help you discover your unique presentation style to create prosperity, wealth and abundance immediately. Get The Videos Here

About Me
I help purpose driven entrepreneurs create prosperity, wealth and abundance by empowering them to own their authentic voice, speak their truth and present their power.

As a Presentation Coach I help them tap in to their power and break through their creative blocks to discover their unique presentation style and transform in to fearless, authentic, fabulous presenters.

I believe that every single one of us has the power to speak from our soul and has a fearless presenter inside, just waiting to come out and shine.

I live in Brighton, UK with my partner Kev and our 1973 VW Campervan called Flossy. I host a radio show on the Voice America Empowerment Channel called Present Your Power and often go back to my roots to present on stage as a keynote speaker.

My vision is to create a million voices. A million women standing up, owning their authentic voice and speaking their truth.

Looking Foolish by Ariel & Shya Kane

Posted by

Editor on May 9, 2017

How to boost your business with public speaking, writing & social media, with Joan Detz and Luis Vicente Garcia

Posted by

Editor on July 14, 2016

Business

A critical factor for success as we all know is your ability to master public speaking and to create a strong personal brand. Every skill you can acquire in order to improve and do it better will prove beneficial to you, your career and your company. You will create, sell, manage and lead in different positions and by having a strong personal brand while developing your speaking skills will allow you to position your message in much better ways.

Public speaking is an art in itself, and I am truly honored to invite back Ms. Joan Detz (@joandetz) as my guest for the second time in our show. Joan is an amazing speaker and an expert coach, trainer and author who has already shared with us some tips to boots your career. Now she will share with us five newer tools to improve your public speaking, self-marketing and branding.

Join us to learn from Speaking Coach Joan Detz new tools that will allow your Public Speaking to have a positive impact in your personal life and in your and profession.

About Joan Detz:

Joan Detz is an international speaker, a world renowned public speaking coach and the author of four successful books on public speaking, including âHow to Write & Give a Speechâ, which the Washington Post praised as âa how-to classicâ. âHow to Write & Give a Speechâ is now in its 30th anniversary edition and in 2015 was published in Spanish by Alba Editorial of Barcelona, Spain entitled âCÃ³mo Escribir y Pronunciar un Discursoâ.

Since 1984, Joan has run her own speaker services where she prepares executives for speeches and media interviews, and consulting with business leaders around the world. Joan has worked from Finland to Montenegro and throughout the United States. She coaches speakers via skype for top corporations around the world.

Joan is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), and an All-Star Speaker for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The National Association of Government Communicators honored Joan with its Presidentâs Award.

JOAN DETZ
@joandetz
http://www.joandetz.com/
http://www.joandetz.com/blog/

How to boost your business with public speaking, writing & social media, with Joan Detz and Luis Vicente Garcia

Posted by

Editor on May 12, 2016

Business

A critical factor for success as we all know is your ability to master public speaking and to create a strong personal brand. Every skill you can acquire in order to improve and do it better will prove beneficial to you, your career and your company. You will create, sell, manage and lead in different positons and by having a strong personal brand while developing your speaking skills will allow you to position your message in much better ways.

Join us to learn from Speaking Coach Joan Detz new tools that will allow your Public Speaking to have a positive impact in your personal life and in your and profession.

About Joan:
Joan Detz is an international speaker, a world renowned public speaking coach and the author of four successful books on public speaking, including âHow to Write & Give a Speechâ, which the Washington Post praised as âa how-to classicâ. âHow to Write & Give a Speechâ is now in its 30th anniversary edition and in 2015 was published in Spanish by Alba Editorial of Barcelona, Spain entitled âCÃ³mo Escribir y Pronunciar un Discursoâ.