| |
Speak more effectively.
Any time. Any where. In any circumstance.
Terrified of speaking? Just really uncomfortable with it all? Or a good speaker wanting to be even better? Think on this...
Only 7% of the impact of your message comes from what you are saying. A whopping 93% comes from WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE and WHAT YOU SOUND LIKE when you're saying it.
"My clients know their subjects. That in itself can be a problem - what to put in, what to leave out? From sales meetings, to conferences, to networking events and every day life, first we sort the content (the 7%), then we nail the rest."
That's the promise of professional speaker and speaking coach, Jacqui Jones. 
"At the National Awards the Band-It girls did very well with their presentation
- it was easily up with the best in style and content, and they were relaxed and confident. So many thanks for your input - it made all the difference."
Ani Tylee, Young Enterprise Scheme Coordinator 2006, Hawke's Bay Region
Click here for an extensive testimonial list
|
|
| |
Interview with Jacqui Jones
As a professional speaker, you do something that most of us would run a mile from. Do you remember what it was like in the early days?
Absolutely! I have had two great fears: Speaking and heights. A fear of heights wasn't going to be career limiting, but there came a point in 1986 when I was so overwhelmed in most business and social situations, I had to deal with it or see all my hopes for a brilliant career dashed. So yes, I know exactly what it's like.
What's the main reason for people contacting you?
The same reason as mine. There comes a time when there's just too much at stake. They may be seeking promotion and need to do well at an interview, or they may have achieved promotion and want to excel as a leader, or they may have just set up a new business and want to promote it confidently. Sometimes there's a wider marketing purpose - clients feel too close to their subject and have trouble with being concise and knowing what to say in different situations. Often I work with people who have excelled in their industry and are being offered speaking opportunities.
So everyone's reason could be different?
Yes, that's why individual coaching works so well.
You'd say great speakers are made not born?
Yes, absolutely. A top golfer once said, 'the more I practice, the luckier I get'. It's the same with speaking. People often say that I'm lucky that speaking comes so naturally to me. If only they knew how I've worked at it since 1986! With belief, desire and practice anything is possible.
Some people say they've never had a fear of speaking.
No-one is born with a fear of speaking. Fear comes from conditioning. Over time, we experience speaking as something that causes pleasure or pain. It doesn't even have to be our own experience. Children can pick up on vibes from their parents, siblings or friends. It may be that it's not a fear of speaking, but a fear of being looked at. For some children the most attention they get is when they've done something wrong. The negative association can carry through to adulthood - it's no longer relevant, just unchallenged.
What was your first big speaking test?
At an American Chamber of Commerce event. I was one of 3 people presenting our respective organisations to audiences of 300-400 execs. It went really well, but I did things that day that I'd avoid doing now - my fingers and toes were crossed that the technology I was using wouldn't let me down.
Is that why you recommend speaking without props or technology?
Yes, I call this Naked Speaking. No props. No technology. Just you and your message. We've all seen people spend the first minutes of their speaking time with their back to the audience as they try to get their show to show.
Without technology there's no risk of computer or projector malfunction. There are other benefits too. Imagine the value to your business if no matter where you go, you're ready to speak. If a speaker doesn't turn up - you can save the day and promote your business to a receptive audience. You might even get a 'thank you' bottle of wine for your trouble!
Use technology for impact, but be OK to simply stand and deliver?
Yes, then you can make the most of impromptu opportunities and be more effective as a speaker any time, any where, no matter what happens.
Can anyone be an effective speaker?
In my experience, yes, when there's motivation and determination. It's about making a decision AND taking action.
And sticking with it?
Exactly. That's where I come in.
You coach the content and the delivery?
Yes. I also have a production aspect to the business so that handouts, support material and slide shows - if they are going to be used - are effective too.
What's the coaching process?
There's no set process - it depends on the results that need to be achieved and the urgency. The starting point is always an obligation-free/cost-free chat - usually around 20 minutes long. By the end of that we will know if we gel as coach and client and will have an initial plan. A quick email starts the ball rolling.
So you dealt with speaking, but what about your fear of heights?
In 1997 I finally faced up to my fear of heights with the 102m Pipeline bungy jump. It was totally the wrong thing to do. I survived - that's the best I can say! Small challenges are the key. Works with heights. Works with speaking.
|
|
JacquiJones.biz Ltd
PO Box 982, Napier 4140,
New Zealand
www.JacquiJones.biz
To email Jacqui click here
Jacqui is a qualified and experienced programmer and designer with a tertiary qualification in marketing and
an internationally recognised coaching accreditation.
Following 14 years in project management and new technology implementation, since 1996 Jacqui has developed diverse ventures that continue to provide service today:
Design and marketing
studio, Art That Works;
Compounding-only pharmacy,
Optimus Healthcare; 24/7
security firm, InfoRed
Security; speaking and
coaching practice
JacquiJones.biz and
E2theMax which was
launched on 1 March 2007.
Jacqui relocated to Napier
early in 2004 on a business contract and is committed to Hawke's Bay. A 2nd term Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce Councillor and active in the wider community, Jacqui's primary business goal is to use her experience and outlook to make a positive difference.
|
|