Ultimate Communicator

6 Essentials to Unlock Your Ultimate Wedding Day

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

“I’m getting married! We’re having a boutique wedding.I only want beloveds… people I can trust who will support and help create our special day…. I’d love you to be our Emcee.”

Nadine’s chocolate brown eyes danced brightly, her voice excited, as we sat sipping long black coffees on her white leather lounge.

“With running my business and family home, I don’t have the time and energy to organize a wedding as well. I want you to take care of the details. It’s most important that our family and friends feel loved and have all their needs taken care of…”

I listened intently as Nadine earnestly listed the things that would make their day the most memorable fairy tale wedding.

Nadine was my business mentor and coach. We had built a strong, supportive, trusting relationship over a relatively short time. In Nadine’s eyes, I had earned my stripes. I felt privileged to be asked to emcee her wedding.

Do you ever feel stretched, stressed or struggle to find time like Nadine?
Can you relate to wanting supportive, caring people around you as you plan your wedding?

As you prepare for your big day, it’s normal to feel stressed and worried that there’s not enough time to do everything.

After all, it’s your day and you want it to be perfect, don’t you?

Did you know it takes a bride an average of 250 hours to plan a wedding?

Having assisted couples to plan their special day and emceed many weddings and functions, I appreciate there’s a lot to do.

Here are Six Essentials so that you feel more Confident, Calm and Certain.

1. Magnificent You: Even though You may feel stretched, give Yourself a relaxed space to appreciate who You are and what You most need.

2. Magical Moments: Create fun time with Your partner. It’s easy to forget to re-energize and reconnect. Have “no screens” dates – meaning no phones, no TV and no computers.

3. Minimize Your Load: Things can go off track. Reduce this by asking trusted family or friends to support You. People love to be part of something special.

4. Manage and Organize: It’s important You feel organized. List everything You feel You will need on a tangible, emotional, mental and spiritual level.

5. Maximize Your Well-being: When you feel stressed, the first thing affected is your breath. Stress causes us to breathe shallowly. Your whole physiology then tightens and your stress compounds. Can you relate to this? Remember to deep breathe, eat well and sleep well.

6. Making Your Time Count: Engaging a professional, such as an Emcee or Wedding Planner, can ultimately save you time, energy and money because they have the expertise and contacts to effectively co-ordinate your day.

Have you ever considered getting someone to help you organize your Wedding, such as, a professional Emcee?Nadine Love at Secrets on the Lake, Montville, with Ultimate Emcee Kim Taylor

Remember, whether you choose a professional or a close friend, it’s important that they listen and understand what will create the perfect day for you.

Your special day deserves to be taken care of by someone you can trust to look after all the details. A professional to free you up so that you’re relaxed and at your very best to relish every moment

Imagine knowing everything is taken care of so You can be…You with the one You love

Did you love this? Would you like to know more?

Connect with Kim at www.ultimatespeaker.com.au/connect-with-kim-emcee for your FREE 60-minute Ultimate Emcee Wedding Plan Conversation and receive $100 Gift Certificate toward any Ultimate Emcee package (value $397).

Ultimate Communicator

Courage! What does it really take?

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

While watching a National Geographic program recently about a young fourteen year old girl, Amita, it raised some questions about how we deal with life’s challenges. Every one to two years another sibling arrives on their doorstep because her mum has had another unwanted baby. There is barely enough food to feed the family. Another child adds to the burden and struggle to survive. Amita does most of the work taking care of their home, the cooking, her grandmother and all eight children, ranging from a baby to 11 years old.

Amita told the reporter, through an interpreter, “It’s hard. I’m always tired. But what choice do I have?” She continued that she doesn’t have time to play.

Can You imagine what this would be like?

Even though there appeared to be sadness about her, I also appreciated Amita’s inner strength and courage to keep going.

As Robert Frost once said “The best way out is always through.”

The Encarta Dictionary says courage is “The ability to be brave. The ability to do something that you know is right or good, even though it is dangerous, frightening, or very difficult”

For many people, the fear of public speaking is something that is feared more than death. It takes courage, determination and inner-resilience to face those fears head on and move through any barriers holding you back. However, once you do, you move from fearful to fabulous and become the natural authentic speaker that perhaps you only dreamed about.

Do You sometimes feel afraid about taking the next step?
Do You feel uncertain, at times, about what the next step is?
Do You embrace the next step anyway even if You feel unsure?
And when You do take the next step, how does that feel? Do You feel alive and happy that You did it anyway?

“Trust the still, small voice that says, this might work and I’ll try it.” Diane Mariechild

Here’s to embracing Your courage, speaking from Your heart and sharing Your message!

Ultimate Communicator

Communication Skills to Speak Naturally, Authentically and Lead Effectively

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

“Communication has power, but like any powerful tool it needs to be used effectively or it can cause self-inflicted harm. Harnessing the power of communication is a fundamental leadership discipline.” – Helio Fred Garcia, President of the crisis management firm Logos Consulting Group and adjunct Professor of Management at New York University’s Stern School of Business

One of the reasons why some leaders aren’t consciously aware that their communication and speaking skills could improve is because they think they’re already good at it. When you consider, we’ve been communicating from the time we were born, this makes sense. However, if frustration, fear and challenges are showing up and we are not getting the results we desire, it can be because our communication skills need improving.

“The communicator never begins by telling the other part what he or she wants. Rather, he or she always begins by focusing on ways to trigger the desired reaction.” – Helio Fred Garcia, Author of “The Power of Communication”

Do you recall times when you’ve felt misunderstood or someone has been totally unaware of their lack of communication competency?
Can you remember times when your fears prevented you communicating and speaking naturally, authentically and effectively?

If you can relate to this, read on to hear what happened for Gemma…

“Wait!… You don’t need to speak to the Manager. I can get you better discounts.”, cried Kathy, frantically wanting to keep Gemma on the phone.

Was that desperation?

A three-minute phone call with the intention of finalizing Gemma’s insurance quote, was turning out to be a ten-minute obstacle course to get to talk with Sales Manager, Susan.

Gemma was exasperated:“What a contrast from speaking with Susan yesterday. She understood what I needed. We clicked!”

Susan’s expertise and her ability to communicate authentically and confidently had reassured Gemma.

“Talk to me! I can get you a better deal!” shattered Gemma’s reflection.

Kathy’s anxious tone cut to something deeper.

Feelings of annoyance and frustration rose within Gemma. Self-doubt ran through her head as she struggled to find an appropriate level of response. She wanted to clearly communicate her position.

Just when she needed it most, Gemma froze and her voice vanished. Her mind raced; her mouth went dry; her throat tightened and the terrifying old memories returned…

What if I get tongue tied

People don’t listen to me

People don’t find me convincing

I never have anything interesting to say

I’m going to look foolish if I speak up now

I’m obviously not clearly articulating what I mean

Why won’t people listen to me? I haven’t got anything interesting to say.

Her signature cell phone rang;“I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way…”

“Mmmmm…I have a choice. I can continue to doubt myself and get angry or I can take command. I could choose to speak from my heart and clearly articulate what I want to say.”

Can you relate to Gemma and her situation?
What have you done in those circumstances?

Whether your intention for communication and speaking is for professional or personal reasons, there are three top fears that can stop you from effectively leading, speaking from your heart and sharing your message. They are:

Fear of not belonging: This could be when you hear yourself saying things, such as, “I don’t feel I belong here” or “I don’t think I blend in”
Fear of not being loved: This could be your fear of being judged, looking foolish or being constantly concerned with what others may be thinking
Fear of not being good enough: This is when you say to yourself “I can’t do that”, “I could never speak up like that” or “that’s too hard”

Dr Dan Baker, Medical Psychologist explains “we all have a neurological fear system embedded deep in our brains. A neural network that once helped us survive as a species but now limits our lives. This fear system is our repository for past trauma, current tribulation, fear of the future and archaic instinctual terrors”

Fear can be an inevitable part of our communication and speaking. Courageand confidence are achieved, not with the absence of fear, but with the willingness to take action in spite of feeling fear.

What stops you taking command and speaking authentically so that you can share what you want to say in your own speaking style?

Here are three essential steps to move from fearful to fabulous, which you can do anywhere, anytime, with anyone. Once you integrate these steps you’re well on you way to discovering the effective leader in you:

Recognize: Give yourself time to gather yourself. It’s normal to feel stressed into thinking you need to say something straight away. As you observe any feelings, allow yourself to pause and reflect
Re-energize:Breathe deeply so that you take in essential oxygen. When you do this, blood flows to the front of your brain so that you’ll find the best words to share
Reconnect: As you breathe, slow down your pace of speaking and lower your tone. Remember you’re in command. You’re now ready to speak from your heart and share your message

Gemma collected her thoughts. Once she breathed deeply she engaged with what she most wanted to say:

“Thanks Kathy. Put me through to Susan, please.”

The firm yet gentle authority in Gemma’s tone was new. It got her the intended result and meant so much more.

May you speak naturally, authentically and lead effectively as you share your message!

Ultimate Communicator

Essential Steps to Networking Successfully!

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

Recently, after reading an article by Australia Zoo about their Tracking Turtles Rehabilitation Program, it started me thinking how baby sea turtles and networking success have a lot in common.

Baby sea turtles, when they hatch, have an instinctive sense that they need to head for the sea as soon as they can so that they can feel safe and can thrive. However, before they reach the sea, they may go the wrong way and do many circles before they work out the best direction to reach the water.

In traditional cultures, turtles are recognized for their peaceful determination and steady, persistent approach to life. These qualities and their amazing survival strategies, such as, their method of sensing vibrations in the water through their skin and shell has meant they have survived a long time.

Tyler Lyson, study researcher for Yale University says, “Turtles are very tough animals. If times get tough they can go into a state of animation.”

So how do the qualities of turtles relate to successful networking? When it comes to your networking, it’s important to remember to:

Be clear on your purpose and outcomes
Keep going and change course if you need to
Approach your networking in a steady, confident manner

Five Action Steps to Support You and Your Networking Success:

1. Presence and Listening
When you’re networking, being present and actively listening is important to your success and how others perceive you.

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” Bryant H. McGill

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Stephen R. Covey

2. Prioritize and Prepare
In order to maximize your time and your conversations, consider the following prior to your event.
Why are you going to this Event?
Why is your target market going?
Where does your target market network?
Who do you want to meet at this Event?

3. Positivity and Proactiveness
When you’re at your events, here are some tips to make networking easier.
Take plenty of business cards
Smile! People generally love to be around happy people
Look for people who are new and help them to feel comfortable
Get there early and meet one person at a time. This helps if you feel shy
When standing in a group, open up the circle and invite others to join you

4. Passionate Detachment
Stay passionate and focused on your direction. Also remember to remain detached from your outcome and not take an outcome that hasn’t turned out the way you wanted it to personally. There are many reasons why people don’t buy or commit at the time.
I learned this very early on from my wise mentor, Nadine Love.

5. Practice Follow up
Did you know 95% of people do not follow up after an event?
Follow up is key to your networking success because it takes time to build quality relationships.

Would you like to know more about how to improve your networking skills so that you’re clear, confident and at ease every time? Visit http://ultimatespeaker.com.au/events for more information or connect with Kim on 0408 714 088

“Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.” James Bryant Conant (1893 – 1978)

Here’s to Your Networking Success as You Speak from Your Heart and Share Your Message!

Ultimate Communicator

Live Your Truth; Key to Creating a Better World

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

“Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try.” – Mary Kay Ash

I wonder, how do you relate this quote?
How do you reflect on these words in relation to your own life?
Do you think it is important to search, find and live your truth?

Speaking of living your truth, the following is a snippet from an interview I had with Gail Forrer, Noosa News (Sunshine Coast). The questions Gail asked me, you could also ask yourself. When you can go from feeling stuck to getting clear on your direction and developing your passion and strengths, you won’t be “dying with your music still unplayed”.

To live your truth is key to creating a better world

This is how Ultimate Speaker and the 9-Steps to Ultimate Speaker training system, with the help of my mentor, evolved.

Curious to know more? Read on….

Community Conversations with Gail Forrer, Noosa News

After searching, finding and living by her own truth, Kim Taylor is walking the talk with her own business- public speaking.

Firstly Kim can you describe your work for us ?

There are a lot of people who struggle with a fear of public speaking in their professional and/or personal life. I’ve developed a comprehensive 9 Steps to Ultimate Speaker training system, which helps people overcome their fears and communication skills so that they feel confident, calm and successful wherever they need to speak. Clients can work with me either one on one or through one of my group trainings, such as, Ultimate Speaker Circle.

What are the main reasons that people come to you to improve their speaking?

Clients come for different reasons. Some come to build their confidence for networking, speaking engagements and presentations. At the other end of the scale, Clients come to me to help them create their workshops and keynote talks. My system caters for all of this.

The fear of public speaking is recognized as being greater than the fear of death. What are the top speaking fears that people experience?

There are some very real fears of public speaking. The top ones include:

fear of looking foolish
fear of not knowing what to say
fear standing up in front of a group
fear of not having anything interesting to say
fear of what others are thinking and being judged
fear of not knowing how to articulate what they want to say
fear of not being engaging or interesting enough for their audience

Whether you want to stand up and speak at a network meeting or improve speaking skills for work, if fear gets in the way of you achieving that, then this is going to stop you reaching your dreams and goals.

At what point did you decide to try something different with your life?

The turning point came when my husband, Chris, overcame his brush with cancer. He had a high-grade aggressive form of Non-Hodgkinson lymphoma in his abdomen. Our entire life felt like it had been turned upside down because his condition was so serious. After his radical treatment, which took place over an intensive 6-month period, I felt it was time to reassess our future. We all have a lot of things happening in our lives. It’s in the times that life throws challenges at us, that we need to prioritize and choose what is important.

What was the motivating factor?

I knew I was meant to do something more. I remember flicking through a Wellbeing magazine and I saw an advertisement from The Coaching Institute in Melbourne. I thought to myself “that’s what I want to do!” That was the day I discovered Neuro Linguistic Programming and coaching. I identified where my priorities lay so that I could help others find what is important to them. This is how my coaching journey began.

How did you go about achieving your own change?

I did a lot of self-development to overcome my fears and move forward. I believe it’s about taking action and continuing to learn, grow and develop. This approach took me to a certain level. Then I realized I needed someone to help me get to the next level.

Why did you decide to engage a personal coach and mentor?

A skilled coach and mentor sees your potential and helps you recognize this within you. My mentor’s belief in me, her skill and the fact that she had walked a similar road made it so much easier to move forward. She helped me become clear on my message, find my voice and communicate this into the world. The difference working with a coach is she cared for my needs on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level. With my new awareness, I realized I wanted to help people find their voice, speak from their heart and share their message.

Do you have a mantra you live by? If so, can you share it with us?

My personal favourite is –

Remember to Speak from Your Heart and Share Your Message

Based on your own personal experience and your experience working with professionals to help them speak from their hearts and share their messages, what matters most to you?

It matters to me how we contribute to the world ecologically and for the greater good so that we can create a more giving world. My dream is for a world that is abundant, authentic and full of integrity.

We can’t create this if we are living in a place of fear within ourselves and feeling too fearful to be our true selves. It’s about helping people overcome those fears, find their voice and discover their special gifts so that they can speak from their heart and share their message

Sharon Pearson (The Coaching Institute, Melbourne) shared similar words of wisdom from a quote she found.
“Those who work with the elderly report that at the end of life, the most common regret is not over what we did, but what we failed to do: the chance not taken, the business not started, the invention not patented, the dream not followed, the talent not nourished, the novel not written, the product not tested, the trip not taken, the apology not offered – so much music that died, bottled up inside us, because we were too timid to let it out!”

“Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.” – Mary Kay Ash

Ultimate Communicator

Conscious Collaboration the Essential Ingredient for Effective Networking

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

“When you are a person people can trust, they will call on upon you, love to be around you and work with you. A leader’s skills take him to people, but his character brings people to him.” – Israelmore Avivor, Leaders’s Ladder

At a recent networking event, I stood with a group of well-dressed professionals doing a fun activity, which included getting to know each other and our businesses. As the conversation moved around the circle, I noticed how the person next to me began to fidget, fear clearly etched on her face as her turn to share came closer. As I turned to her and gave her a reassuring smile, she quietly whispered to me “I have no idea what I’m going to say. I’d rather clean toilets than talk about what I do. I always ramble and go way off track.”

She wasn’t the only one who felt this way. I was sad at the number of people who shared with me they either felt uncomfortable talking about their businesses, they didn’t like making small talk or they didn’t know how to say what it is they do so that they came across clear and articulate.

If you feel this way, can I ask you a question? Who is this about?

That’s right….you’re making your networking experience about You and not Others!

The simple truth is Networking is about Collaboration and Connection.

Real networking is about working together and helping each other.

Connecting with other amazing people just like you!
Building Referral Partners. This can mean you refer business to others and they refer business to you. Referral partners help spread the word for you and you help spread the word for them.

The best part about this is everyone benefits. As a result, your business grows and you become known as someone with integrity who genuinelywants to help others.

Stepping outside your comfort zone can feel uncomfortable. However, when you go to a network event with an open heart, an open mind and a “how can I help you?” approach you will notice the difference and your confidence and ability to communicate clearly will improve because…

People do business with people they like and are like! Conscious Collaboration is the Essential Ingredient for Effective Networking

Let ‘the Cause’ become the ‘Because’ – the reason for people to do business with and to refer business to you” Timothy M. Houston, Leads To Referrals

Interested in learning more? Visit http://ultimatespeaker.com.au/events/ for the next Ultimate Speaker training event.

Here’s to your Conscious Collaboration as You Speak from Your Heart and Share Your Message!

Ultimate Communicator

Successfully Stepping Into Your BRILLIANCE!

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

Life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint you can on it!” – Danny Kaye

February is almost upon us and I’m curious…are you successfully stepping into your Brilliance?

Have you chosen your focus word for 2019?
What heart-stirring outcomes have you set for yourself?

If you haven’t ….it’s not too late!

This year, my focus word is BRILLIANCE. Looking at all areas of my life, I can see new and different ways to lean and step into this brilliance.

The Macquarie dictionary’s says, “The quality of being exceptionally radiant (giving off light), having great intelligence, showing extraordinary mental ability and being magnificent.”

Thinking of public speaking (one of my favourite interests), there is something about the rhythm and the flow, that’s very similar to stepping into Brilliance in one’s own life.

Say you decide you want to become good at communicating and speaking in public. Vividly, I remember the day deciding this was exactly what I wanted to do as a niche business. Studying great speakers, such as, Amanda Gore and Craig Valentine, I would secretly crave knowing how they stepped into their brilliance and spoke with such rich self-confidence and flow. Taking the plunge, I found a talented coach and mentor, Nadine Love, who could lead, guide and help me create a successful business.

I chose Brilliance and the “9 Steps to Ultimate Speaker” was born.

Successfully stepping into your Brilliance is about giving you and others space to play, create and improvise. Like talented speakers, inventiveness is essential to any great success or performance. Great speakers and communicators understand the importance of discovering your own voice and creating the breathing space for others to do the same.

“What got you to here won’t get you to there.” – Craig Valentine

This year, after reviewing 2018, once again I chose to step into my Brilliance and engaged another talented coach and mentor, Genine Howard from Iconic Empires.

Her words caused a light bulb moment, “You are playing small. What are the possibilities for you and your business? What would feel amazing and incredible?”

Whether you want to improve your communication, professional speaking skills or you have other outcomes you wish to achieve, would it help to have some easy steps so that you can make 2019 your best year yet?

Before you start the questions below, I suggest you take yourself and your favourite journal to a quiet spot that feels right for you. Take a few deep breaths, which is also an excellent exercise before public speaking. As you visualize the possibilities for your future, answer the three questions below.

About you…

Who were you at the beginning of 2018? Who are you now?
Who would you like to become more of in 2019?
What do you choose to let go of in 2019?

As you review 2018, consider the following on a personal and professional level…

What have you loved?
What could be improved?
What do you want more of?
What haven’t you achieved yet?
What have been your accomplishments?

What Brilliance could you bring into your business for you and for others?

As you look forward into 2019 and beyond, what does it look and feel like for you? Consider the following your relationships, financial, communication, health, skills, training, travel, assets, speaking skills, contribution, products, services, balance, teams, mentors, programs, interests, aspirations and your dreams.
Who and what type of businesses do you want to be working with?
How many group trainings, keynotes, workshops and presentations will you do? How many one on one clients do you intend to work with?
Now, imagine it is today’s date this time next year, what has happened? How do you feel? What are you telling yourself as you look back over the year?
What are the essentials needed to help you move forward and achieve these goals? Who do you need beside you?

Do you want to be able to speak from your heart and share your message even more?

Would it be valuable to have a quality conversation so that you are clear on what you would like to achieve for 2019?

If so, love to gift you a complimentary 35-minute Ultimate Speaker Clarity Conversation. Go to http://ultimatespeaker.com.au/connect-with-kim/ or email kim@ultimatespeaker.com.au and we can arrange a time to talk.

Let’s make 2019 your best year yet! Love to hear from you…

Here’s to your BRILLIANCE and all that you create for Yourself, Others and Your Business?

Ultimate Communicator

Mindset is the Essential Key to Attracting Success

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

Have you ever started your day in a grumpy mood and then the rest of your day was negatively impacted?

Did you know the mindset you choose to start your day not only influences the rest of your day but the goals you want to reach in life?

This is why only 8% of people actually reach their goals.

If you’re curious to know more, then read on…

Do you believe there is a connection between what you feel and how your life evolves?
Do you wake up each day trusting you have the power to influence whether or not your dreams become a reality?

Dr Joe Dispenza, Neuroscientist shares; “I wake up in the morning and I consciously create my day the way I want it to happen…The more I do that, the more I build a neural net in my brain that I accept that that’s possible. This gives me the power and the incentive to do it the next day.“

It is said when you have SMART goals you will reach your outcomes (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely)

If so, why do only 8% of the population achieve them? What else needs to happen?

Imagine you want to create a garden. You’ve chosen the plants, the layout, watered, and fertilized it. However, if it’s positioned on the beach where the tide comes in, it’s not going to grow. Even though you followed the plan, the environment is not right.

What is 92% of the population not doing?… Managing their MINDSET!

It’s easier for our brain to remember past memories and revert into old familiar strategies. Without awareness, we fall into unresourceful past patterns formed through our experiences, thoughts and beliefs.

In Dr Joe Dispenza’s book ‘Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself”, “when the mind and body are in opposition, change will never happen”.

Deepak Chopra shares, “Self-judgment is the voice inside that says: “You can’t handle it. Remember the last time you fell apart?”

Neuroscience has proven you can create your results by the mindset, thoughts and beliefs you choose. It’s possible to create each day and your life the way you want it.

So what are the essential SEEDs to access and attract your success?

Serve – What is your big why for achieving your goals? How do you want to support others and make a difference?
Evolve – Choose who you want to be. Is it confident, calm, peaceful or motivated? The more you feel this the more it becomes second nature.
Embrace – Live in each moment. Align your brain, mind and heart so that they’re working together. Now you know how you want to feel, it’s time to create this feeling over and over again so that it becomes the new normal.
Direct communication – How do you speak to yourself? Are your thoughts resourceful or unresourceful?

In the words of Dr Seuss;

“You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any way you choose!”

Here’s to Speaking from Your Heart and Sharing Your Message!

Ultimate Communicator

Your Freedom to Self-Expression – a Journey of Self-Discovery

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

As I worked with Judy, my client, this week it was an absolute pleasure to see how she gave herself the wonderful gift of transformation and insight.

Together, we worked on her talk in preparation for a network event she had been asked to speak at. As she stood, I could see she was preparing herself using the Ultimate BRAVE Speaker techniques I had taught her.

Her prepared talk was flawless in structure and content. Her voice was clear with good pitch and variety. Judy was doing so well, however, we both knew, that it needed something more.

As we explored this together, it was one of those Aha moments for her. It was too perfect! Her talk was so well structured and learned, it had lost its playfulness. So intent on getting it right, she had forgotten to feel into her story and allow it and herself to breathe.

Anne Lamott, renowned author and National bestseller, explains how perfectionism will block your inventiveness, playfulness and life force thereby cramping your writing and speaking creations. “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die.

Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up. But clutter and mess show us that life is being lived. Clutter is wonderfully fertile ground – you can still discover new treasures under all those piles, clean things up, edit things out, fix things, get a grip. Tidiness suggests something is as good as it’s going to get. Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation, while writing needs to breathe and move.”

With new revelation, Judy told her story again. This time without her notes and spoke directly from her heart. It struck me, as I listened to her, how much more depth her story had as she shared her message. As she spoke, her eyes watered slightly, her skin tone changed and she glowed. Her words flowed with deep meaning and passion.

Judy told me later that after she had shared her story at the network event, many people hugged her and told her that she had given them the gift of insight, encouragement and courage.

What may be stopping You sharing Your special stories and experiences?

What stories and experience are in Your heart that are begging to be heard?

What is one step You could make right now that would allow You to step into Your heart and share Your story?

“A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.”
John Henry Newman

When is the right time to give and share Your unique piece of magic?

Here’s to Your freedom of expression as You speak from Your heart and share Your message!

Ultimate Communicator

Power of the Pause

Mar 30, 2021 0 Comment

When I was at an event recently watching a very well known speaker on the circuit, who I love and respect, I noticed something was missing. Her story felt stale and she didn’t seem to speak from her heart. Her story and message is amazing. Even though her story was phenomenal there was something missing. I went away and thought about it and I realised there was one very important ingredient missing that would have given her story real connection and zest. It would have really engaged me.

One of the important ways to do that is to “pause”. When pauses don’t happen there is no space for us, as the listeners, to take on the enormity of what someone is saying. On this occasion, it would have allowed me to get my head around what the experience she was sharing would have been like. Also, because she shared her story so rapidly, there was no time for her to consider what she was sharing and the enormity of her story. Whilst she knew her story, as her listeners, we had only heard it for the first time. We needed that time to be able to absorb it.

The power of the pause also allows the speaker to connect with their story on a deep emotive level. We need to have this depth of connection to our story so that the listener feels it’s authenticity. Otherwise we can sound rehearsed and disconnected.

When you’re sharing your story it’s not about you not knowing what you’re doing. It’s about courtesy and relief that we can actually think about what it is you’re sharing. Pauses allow us, as the listener, to do that. It gives us an opportunity to reflect and appreciate the depth of what is being shared. We absolutely need that to be able to connect with your story.

Now how do You feel about the pauses?

“The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.”
Mark Twain

Here’s to speaking from Your heart and sharing Your message!